Committee advances bill to give AC Transit employees access to PERB

The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement passed SB 1166, a measure introduced for Senator Aragon that would authorize Alameda‑Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) employees to access the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) for adjudication of unfair labor practice charges. The committee voted to refer the bill to the Committee on Appropriations.

Sen. Aragon said many transit agencies already use PERB and that requiring AC Transit labor disputes to go through courts is slower and more costly. “Resolving labor disputes through the courts is often slower, more costly, and lacks the specialized expertise that PERB allows,” the author said.

Christie Williams, a transportation supervisor with AC Transit and member of AFSCME Local 3916, testified in support, saying the change would provide a fair, consistent process and align AC Transit employees’ rights with other transit and public‑sector workers. Several labor organizations — including the California State Association of Electrical Workers, IBEW locals and AFSCME Council 57 — registered support at the mic.

The committee recorded its motion to pass SB 1166 and refer it to Appropriations; the clerk noted sufficient votes with items placed on hold pending absent members returning. No formal opposition appeared in committee testimony for SB 1166.

Next steps: SB 1166 now moves to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations for further review.