A year ago, thousands of workers went on strike across California, and what became known as “hot labor summer” was reflected in mandatory wage increases and other state policy wins remarkable even for a Democratic-controlled Legislature sympathetic to union concerns.
But as the latest legislative session came to an end Saturday, labor unions that have long had formidable influence in Sacramento felt a chill in the state Capitol compared with last year.
A bill seeking to give striking workers unemployment benefits fizzled before it ever made it to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. Legislation supported by journalist unions to require Google to pay news outlets for content was shelved in lieu of a watered-down deal . Labor-backed proposals to support grocery jobs over self-check-out machines , expand protections for workers who join picket lines and limit government agencies’ use of temporary contracts to replace union jobs also failed.
Meanwhile, legislation that delays a deadline for hospitals to meet earthquake safety standards passed both houses despite strong opposition from a list of unions including Service Employees International Union California, which said they were “deeply disappointed” with lawmakers and urged Newsom to veto it.