Senate approves collective bargaining bill

Senate Democrats joined by Carson City Republican Mark Amodei Sunday gave final legislative approval to a bill granting state workers collective bargaining.

AB395 grants collective bargaining rights only for non-economic matters such as work conditions. But unions consider it a major step toward eventually getting state employees the same bargaining rights enjoyed by teachers and local government employees.

Amodei said after watching this year's budget cuts develop, he believes the bill is a question of fairness.

"If you're represented, fairness is with a capital F," he said. "If you're not, you get double digit cuts."

He has repeatedly complained that state workers were treated worse than teachers and others during this year's budget process.

"They've got to have the same tools other people have," said Amodei. "I support this as a fairness step."

Senate Minority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, said the bill is "a clear violation of right to work."

He and other Republicans, with the exception of Amodei, voted against it.

The bill goes to the governor, who has not said whether he will veto it.