COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Rep. Phyllis Kenney, Democratic Co-Chair and
Rep. Don Carlson, Republican Co-Chair
BILL ANALYSIS
HB 2722
Brief Description: Excluding exempt positions from bargaining units of employees of institutions of higher education governed by chapter 41.56 RCW.
Background: Under the state civil service system, classified employees of higher education institutions have limited bargaining rights. This means bargaining units and institutions may only bargain over matters within an institution=s legal control. Certain higher education positions are exempt from the civil service law in RCW 41.06.070(2), including all presidents, vice-presidents, their confidential secretaries, administrative and personnel assistants, as well as deans, and directors.
In 1993, the Legislature granted higher education institutions and unions representing their employees the option to have full collective bargaining under the public employees collective bargaining law, Chapter 41.56 RCW. This means the bargaining units and institutions may bargain over wages, hours, and working conditions subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). The University of Washington and the Classified Staff Association, District 925 (CSA), have exercised that option for several bargaining units.
A dispute arose between the University and the CSA about whether the civil service exemptions applied to the bargaining units which transferred to the collective bargaining law. The Executive Director of PERC ruled that they did not apply.
Summary: The applicability of the civil service exemption is reinstated in RCW 41.06.070 for bargaining units which have been transferred to the public employees collective bargaining law, Chapter 41.56 RCW.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of the session in which the bill passed.
Prepared for the House Higher Education Committee
by Tracey Taylor,(786-7196)
Office of Program Research
February 1, 2000