SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5397

As of February 7, 2001

Title:  An act relating to restrictions on public passenger transportation system agreements for services by private entities.

Brief Description:  Requiring that employee benefits for contract transportation employees be not less than those provided to public transportation employees.

Sponsors:  Senators Prentice, Thibaudeau, Haugen, Kastama, Fairley, Constantine, Fraser, Costa, Spanel, McAuliffe, Regala, Gardner, Franklin and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions:  2/8/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786‑7428)

Background:  The Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) was created in 1975.  PERC adjudicates collective bargaining and other disputes between public employers and their employees.  If the commission determines that a person has engaged in an unfair labor practice, it issues a cease and desist order and may require payment of damages and reinstatement of employees.  Public transit agencies, subject to PERC jurisdiction, have been privatizing bus routes in response to fiscal pressures.

Summary of Bill:  Public employers may not contract out for transportation services typically or historically provided by public transportation system employees if the wages and benefits provided by the contracting firm are less than those provided to public transportation system employees.  Public employers must notify affected labor organization prior to contracting out.

There is an emergency clause.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 1, 2001.

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