On the Ballot - Props 3 & 4

Now that we have received our ballots, I want to quickly review Propositions 3 & 4. These are amendments to the Vermont constitution you are being asked to vote on. Propositions to amend the constitution originate in the Senate and have to pass with 2/3rds majority. If the House also passes it, the Proposition then sits until after the next election cycle so a different General Assembly can vote on it. It then needs to pass the Senate and House with a simple majority to get on the ballot in the next election. That is where we are right now - an affirmative vote will amend the constitution.

Proposition 3 - would protect the rights to join a union and collectively bargain.

Here is the language:

[Right to collectively bargain]

That employees have a right to organize or join a labor organization for the

purpose of collectively bargaining with their employer through an exclusive

representative of their choosing for the purpose of negotiating wages, hours, and

working conditions and to protect their economic welfare and safety in the

workplace. Therefore, no law shall be adopted that interferes with, negates, or

diminishes the right of employees to collectively bargain with respect to wages,

hours, and other terms and conditions of employment and workplace safety, or

that prohibits the application or execution of an agreement between an employer

and a labor organization representing the employer’s employees that requires

membership in the labor organization as a condition of employment.

What does that mean?

Proposal 3 protects the right to organize (join a union) and collectively bargain (negotiate over wages, benefits, and working conditions). The language preserves the rights of workers to choose if they want to join a union or not. It does not force people to join anything. 

Proposition 4 - 

Here is the language:

[Equality of rights]

That the people are guaranteed equal protection under the law. The State shall

not deny equal treatment under the law on account of a person’s race,

ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender

expression, or national origin. Nothing in this Article shall be interpreted or

applied to prevent the adoption or implementation of measures intended to

provide equality of treatment and opportunity for members of groups that have

historically been subject to discrimination.

What does this mean?

As it says in the Purpose statement, "Providing for equality of rights as a fundamental principle in the Constitution would serve as a foundation for protecting the rights and dignity of historically marginalized populations and addressing existing inequalities. This amendment would reassert the broad principles of personal liberty and equality reflected in the Constitution of the State of Vermont with authoritative force, longevity, and symbolic importance.” 

Both of these Propositions basically enshrine existing rights in the Constitution rather than provide new rights. In an era when basic rights are under threat, this is a good idea. I voted to pass both of these Propositions. 

Please Vote! You should now have a ballot. You can fill it out and send it in (best done before mid October), bring it to the dropbox at your town hall until November 3rd, or vote in person on November 3rd.