SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8009

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Sponsors: Senators Baumgartner, Brown, Honeyford, Angel, Benton, Schoesler, Parlette, Miloscia, Becker, Ericksen, Bailey, Warnick, Braun, Padden, Hewitt and Dammeier.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; King and Warnick.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senators Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway and Keiser.

Background: The principal business of the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) is to negotiate and administer maritime labor agreements with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). This includes a coast-wide contract covering workers at 29 ports along the west coast, from southern California to the Pacific Northwest and includes the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.

The ILWU is a labor union which primarily represents dock workers on the west coast of the United States, including workers at the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.

The PMA and the ILWU have been engaged in contract negotiations since May 2014.

Summary of Bill: The Senate Joint Memorial recognizes the importance of trade to Washington, and the importance of ports in the state economy. The Joint Memorial further acknowledges that the ports have become congested, partially as a result of stalled contract negotiations between the PMA and the ILWU, and this congestion has impacted the state's agriculture and manufacturing industry, as well as put exporters at risk of losing overseas customers.

The Joint Memorial asks the President, executive branch agencies, and Congress to take all steps necessary to assist the PMA and the ILWU to reach a fair and equitable resolution of their negotiations and adopt a contract that promotes the competitiveness of Washington State ports.