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Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed   

October 6, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 288, authored by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, which strengthens labor protections in California by allowing workers to bring cases to the state's Public Employment Relations Board when the federal National Labor Relations Board fails to act. The new law establishes a PERB Enforcement Fund supported by civil penalties collected from employers who violate labor laws, ensuring resources for enforcement. Labor leaders have praised this legislation as the most significant labor law reform in nearly a century, with California Federation of Labor Unions President Lorena Gonzalez noting it frees workers from relying on what they consider a failing federal agency.

Who is affected

  • California workers, particularly those attempting to unionize or facing unfair labor practices
  • Employers who violate labor laws
  • The 2.3 million members of the 1,300 unions represented by the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO
  • The Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), which gains expanded jurisdiction
  • Workers previously dependent on the National Labor Relations Board for protection

What action is being taken

  • Governor Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 288 into law
  • The state is establishing a PERB Enforcement Fund supported by civil penalties
  • The Public Employment Relations Board is being given authority to address cases when the National Labor Relations Board doesn't act
  • California is implementing an alternative path for workers to defend their rights
  • Civil penalties are being collected from employers who violate labor laws

Why it matters

  • This legislation represents what supporters call "the most significant labor law reform in nearly a century," providing California workers with state-level protections when federal agencies fail to act on labor violations. The law addresses concerns about weakening worker protections at the federal level, particularly regarding unionization and collective bargaining rights. By establishing the PERB Enforcement Fund, the state ensures resources will be available to enforce labor protections and hold employers accountable. The measure strengthens California's position as what Governor Newsom called "a proud labor state" that stands up for workers who "keep our state running and our economy booming."

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint