California’s government unions have been accused of bankrolling political campaigns for politicians who, in turn, support union demands, regardless of how extreme they are. This has led to catastrophic results in areas such as education, fire safety, healthcare, infrastructure, housing, cost of living, taxes, and crime. Now, state lawmakers are planning to give even more power to government-union leaders with State Senator Tom Umberg’s Senate Constitutional Amendment 7. The amendment would create a constitutional right to “economic well-being” for government workers and prohibit California state and local officials from taking any action that interferes with, negates, or diminishes the right of employees to organize and bargain collectively. Lawyers representing public employees could argue that a decision to close a school, end a failed program for the homeless, or build a road with nonunion labor would interfere with their union’s constitutional protections. Critics warn that SCA 7 will have a significant negative impact on California’s housing, environmental, and economic goals. SCA 7 will give public-sector unions the most exhaustive power of any branch of government, according to Michael J. Lotito, an attorney at Littler Mendelson and an expert on California employment law. Despite criticism, backers of Tom Umberg’s bill signaled this week they have the votes they need to take their first steps in the legislature. If passed, SCA 7 would require the approval of two-thirds of the members in each chamber before it is placed on the statewide ballot, presumably in the March 2024 statewide primary election.
