Newsom signs bill to boost labor board oversight

Responding to the Trump — administration's hampering of federal regulators, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday signed a bill greatly expanding — California’s power over workplace disputes and union elections.

- By Sunauna Hussain AND MELODY GUTIERREZ

GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM, shown in 2023, signed a bill Tuesday that gives California the authority to oversee disputes between private employers and workers if the National Labor Relations Board fails to respond.

(RINGO CHIU Associated Press)

The legislation, Assembly Bill 288, gives the state authority to step in and oversee union elections, charges of workplace retaliation and other disputes between private employers and workers in the event the National Labor Relations Board fails to respond.

As Newsom signed the worker rights bill, his office drew a sharp contrast with the gridlock in Washington, D.C., where a government shutdown looms.

“With the federal government not only asleep at the wheel, but driving into incoming traffic, it is more important than ever that states stand up to protect workers,” Newsom said in a statement. “California is a proud labor state — and we willcontinue standing up for the workers that keep our state running and our economy booming.”