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Bill

H 2078

An Act uplifting families and securing the right to strike for certain public employees

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 12 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill would grant strike rights to certain public employees currently prohibited from striking, balancing worker protections against potential service disruption risks.

Accompanied a study order, see H5370 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2078

Legislative bill overview

H 2078 proposes to extend the right to strike to certain categories of public employees in Massachusetts who are currently prohibited from striking under state law. The bill aims to allow these workers to engage in collective labor actions while establishing frameworks to maintain essential services during work stoppages.

Why is this important

Public employee strikes have significant real-world consequences—they can disrupt essential services like education, public safety, and sanitation while affecting thousands of families. This bill directly addresses labor rights for public sector workers, a perennial tension between worker protections and public service continuity. The outcome could reshape labor relations in Massachusetts and potentially influence similar debates nationally.

Potential points of contention

  • Service disruption concerns: Opponents worry strikes by teachers, firefighters, or other essential workers could harm public safety and vulnerable populations who depend on continuous services
  • Cost implications: Extended negotiations and potential wage increases following strike authorization may increase public sector labor costs, affecting municipal budgets and taxpayers
  • Definition and scope: Significant debate likely exists over which public employees qualify for strike rights and what limitations or cooling-off periods should apply to prevent abuse
  • Existing labor stability: Some argue current prohibitions exist specifically to ensure reliable public services and that removing them destabilizes essential functions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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