HARRISBURG – Senator Ryan P. Aument (R-36) introduced legislation today that would add transparency to negotiations involving public sector collective bargaining agreements.
Aument’s bill would amend the Pennsylvania Sunshine Law to require public notice and access to any meeting where a public sector collective bargaining agreement is negotiated. The requirement would apply to collective bargaining agreement negotiations at the local and state level, including upcoming negotiations between Governor Wolf and public employee unions.
“Collective bargaining negotiations can have a significant impact on the size and expense of state and local government,” Aument said. “Since these costs are ultimately shouldered by taxpayers, the least we can do is give them the opportunity to be present when these deals are negotiated.”
Aument said the bill would not only make public officials more accountable to the citizens they represent, but also make union representatives more accountable to their members.
The introduction of Aument’s bill coincides with Sunshine Week, an annual nationwide celebration of open government and access to public information.
“Transparency is the cornerstone of good government,” Aument said. “Opening this process to the public will help prevent backroom deals that are not in the taxpayers’ best interests.”
Ten states already require full or limited access to collective bargaining sessions of public employees.
CONTACT: Stephanie Buchanan (717) 787-4420