SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1520

BYRepresentatives Walk, Schmidt, S. Wilson, Sayan, R. Fisher, Betrozoff, R. King, Vekich, Haugen, H. Sommers, R. Meyers and Pruitt; by request of Marine Employees' Commission

Changing provisions relating to salary surveys for ferry system employees.

House Committe on State Government

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 29, 1989; March 31, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; McDonald, McMullen, Matson, Murray, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, Williams.

Senate Staff:Steve Boruchowitz (786-7429)

                  March 31, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, MARCH 31, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Marine Employees Commission was established in 1983 and is charged with reviewing complaints, grievances, and disputes between ferry system labor and management.  The commission also conducts a salary survey for ferry employees prior to collective bargaining.

The salary survey must compare wages, hours, employee benefits, and conditions of employment of state ferry employees with those of other state employees and workers in the state's private sector who are doing directly comparable work.  Consideration is given to local factors and the classifications involved.

SUMMARY:

The salary survey conducted by the Marine Employees Commission must compare ferry system employees with public and private sector employees in West and East Coast states (including Alaska) and in British Columbia.  Positions surveyed are to remain directly comparable, but need not be identical to ferry system positions.  Public policy with regard to the survey is to promote just and fair compensation, rather than equality in compensation, between state ferry employees and others surveyed.

The survey is to disclose generally prevailing levels of compensation, benefits, and conditions of employment and shall be used to guide, but not to define or limit collective bargaining.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

East Coast states are removed from the salary survey.

Senate Committee - Testified: William Carpine, Seattle Metal Trades (pro); David Haworth, Marine Employees Commission (pro); Steve Ross, Marine Engineers Association (pro)