3.62.080 Functions.
A. Research: Preparation of an annual report about the conditions and demographics of labor in Berkeley.
B. Labor bill of rights: Preparation and submission of a policy document for endorsement by the City Council. This document would summarize a person’s right to have a job and their on-the-job rights. This commission would urge observance of the Labor Bill of Rights. (Note: this document would be similar to the United Nations Bill of Rights for Workers.)
C. Education: Preparation of public information about the conditions and rights of labor in Berkeley; creation of a pro-labor image in the public opinion; recommendation of materials and representative speakers on labor to the school board and other government and community agencies and institutions; and encouragement of training, re-training, skill up-grading and apprenticeship programs through cooperation with unions and the labor commission.
D. Labor reports: Preparation of reports of the impact on the work force and the community of new and current businesses as a means of informing the public, the City Council, and City boards and commissions, with special attention to urging such businesses to observe the Labor Bill of Rights.
E. Labor disputes: Observing and reviewing picketing, strikes, and any role of the City of Berkeley in these disputes and reporting back to City Council; and encouraging support for officially sanctioned boycotts. Municipal employees’ labor disputes and contract provisions are not within the purview of the Labor Commission.
F. Information service:
1. Develop information and referral services for Berkeley workers, residents, and employers with regard to appropriate state, federal, and private agencies and labor organizations.
2. Promotion of harmonious work environment: To provide a variety of information leading to a range of solutions to improved work place relationships including referrals to mediation; increased worker input; profit sharing; worker ownership (cooperatives); worker self management; and unionization.
G. Equal rights: Promote affirmative action, comparable worth, a living wage, and the right to a job. This includes promoting policies which would improve job opportunities for minorities, women, students, gays and lesbians, and the disabled. Develop information and referral services on job listings, training and apprentice programs. (Ord. 5699-NS § 1 (part), 1986)