Union workers across New Hampshire expressed outrage after the House Finance Committee approved an amendment to a state budget bill that opponents say would eliminate collective bargaining rights for public employees. 

Introduced by Rep. Neal Kurk (R-Weare), the amendment was adopted during a hearing on March 22, and the Committee approved the amended two-year budget bill two days later. The provision would turn all state workers into at-will employees after their contracts expire, meaning their employers would have the sole right to determine their salaries, benefits and terms of employment. 

The bill would affect an estimated 70,000 public employees, including teachers, firefighters, police, municipal workers and others.

Gov. John Lynch and several union leaders have criticized the provision. Hundreds of demonstrators picketed at the State House on March 24. 

State Employees’ Association president Diana Lacey called the vote “dirty and underhanded,” noting that it occurred with no advance notice or public hearing. She said in a statement that the bill would encourage public employers to stall negotiations until contracts expire, and then public workers will have to fend for themselves to secure fair wages, benefits, working conditions and pensions.

“This is an unprecedented attack on the middle class in the state of New Hampshire,” Lacey said. “Instead of focusing on creating jobs, Neal Kurk and the House of Representatives are attacking working families and the entire middle class here in New Hampshire.” 

Lacey said the SEA will fight back by reaching out to other legislators and encouraging them to reject the amendment. But Republican leaders have vowed to move forward with the legislation and ignore the “harassment and fear tactics” of Democrats.

“I am pleased to see the House Finance Committee fighting for the taxpayers,” said Jack Kimball, chair of the N.H. Republican Party. “This, in spite of bullying and intimidation tactics perpetrated by the Democrats. These Representatives have stood firmly on the principle that public and private workers should be treated fairly and equally.”

The amendment still requires approval from the House at large, as well as the state Senate and Gov. Lynch.