By Guy Page

Two proposed amendments to the Vermont Constitution that many Vermonters know little about on Tuesday, July 28 were formally approved to appear on the November general election ballot.

Governor Phil Scott this week formally proclaimed, as required to do by the state constitution, that Proposals 3 and 4, proposed amendments to the Vermont Constitution passed by the General Assembly, will appear on the general election ballot.  

Proposal 3 proposes to codify in the Vermont Constitution employees’ right to collectively bargain with their employer. Unions lobbied hard for the amendment, which was passed handily by the Democrat-led Vermont Legislature. Opponents say it would unfairly require workers to pay union dues, even when they don’t want to be part of a union. Proposal 3 reads:

That Article 23 of Chapter I of the Vermont Constitution is added to read: Article 23. [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.

An analysis of Proposal 3 by Clara Morrison, executive director of Right for Vermont, is published in the July 23 Vermont Daily Chronicle. 

Proposal 4 would add an amendment to the Vermont Constitution guaranteeing people equal protection under the law. Supporters say it broadens civil rights. Opponents say (among other objections) that it confers citizen’s constitutionally-protected civil rights on non-citizens. It reads:

That Article 23 of Chapter I of the Vermont Constitution is added to read: Article 23. [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.

An analysis of Proposal 4 by Renee McGuinness is published in the July 6 Vermont Daily Chronicle.

“Voting is one of the most important responsibilities we have as Americans,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I encourage voters to do their homework before making their voices heard on these issues in November.”

The full proclamations can be viewed by clicking the links below:

• Proposal 3
• Proposal 4

To amend Vermont’s Constitution, the state Senate must vote by a two-thirds majority to advance a proposal to the state House of Representatives. If the House concurs, by a simple majority, the proposal advances to the next biennial session of the General Assembly, where the House and Senate must both concur with the proposed amendment by simple majority. If passed, the proposal is brought before Vermonters by referendum. A majority of voters must approve of the measure for the constitution to be amended.