CA AB96: Public employment: local public transit agencies: autonomous transit vehicle technology. Verified

Assembly Bill No. 96 establishes requirements for public transit employers in California concerning the acquisition and deployment of autonomous transit vehicle technology. Specifically, it mandates that at least 10 months prior to initiating a procurement process that could eliminate job functions, employers must provide written notice to the exclusive employee representative of the affected workforce. This notification is intended to facilitate early discussions about the impact of such technology on employment and to prepare affected workers for new roles that may arise from the technology's implementation. Upon receiving the notification, the exclusive employee representative can request collective bargaining, which must commence within 30 days of the request or within 10 days of the employer receiving the request, whichever is later. The subjects of negotiation are limited to the development and implementation of the technology, transition plans for affected workers, and training for new positions created by the technology. This structured approach aims to ensure that employees are not left behind as public transit agencies adopt new technologies. The bill also grants the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) jurisdiction to handle unfair practice charges related to these provisions, ensuring that disputes can be resolved effectively. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not diminish existing labor protections and that all provisions are severable, meaning that if one part is invalidated, the rest remains in effect. This legislation reflects a growing trend to balance technological advancement with labor rights, particularly in sectors heavily impacted by automation.