BILL REQ. #:  S-3020.1 

READ FIRST TIME 04/11/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to technical changes to passenger-only ferry service statutes; amending RCW 47.64.090; adding a new section to chapter 41.56 RCW; providing a contingent effective date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 47.64.090 and 2003 c . . . (ESHB 1853) s 205 are each amended to read as follows:
     USE OF STATE FERRY FACILITIES. (1) Except as provided in section 203 ((of this act)), chapter . . . (ESHB 1853), Laws of 2003 and subsection (2) of this section, or as provided in section 303 ((of this act)), chapter . . . (ESHB 1853), Laws of 2003 and subsection (3) of this section, if any party assumes the operation and maintenance of any ferry or ferry system by rent, lease, or charter from the department of transportation, such party shall assume and be bound by all the provisions herein and any agreement or contract for such operation of any ferry or ferry system entered into by the department shall provide that the wages to be paid, hours of employment, working conditions, and seniority rights of employees will be established by the marine employees' commission in accordance with the terms and provisions of this chapter and it shall further provide that all labor disputes shall be adjudicated in accordance with chapter 47.64 RCW.
     (2) If a public transportation benefit area meeting the requirements of section 201 ((of this act)), chapter . . . (ESHB 1853), Laws of 2003 has voter approval to operate passenger-only ferry service, it may enter into an agreement with Washington State Ferries to rent, lease, or purchase passenger-only vessels, related equipment, or terminal space for purposes of loading and unloading the passenger-only ferry. Charges for the vessels, equipment, and space must be fair market value taking into account the public benefit derived from the ferry service. A benefit area or subcontractor of that benefit area that qualifies under this subsection is not subject to the restrictions of subsection (1) of this section, but is subject to:
     (a) The terms of those collective bargaining agreements that it or its subcontractors negotiate with the exclusive bargaining representatives of its or its subcontractors' employees under chapter 41.56 RCW or the National Labor Relations Act, as applicable;
     (b) Unless otherwise prohibited by federal or state law, a requirement that the benefit area and any contract with its subcontractors, give preferential hiring to former employees of the department of transportation who separated from employment with the department because of termination of the ferry service by the state of Washington; and
     (c) Unless otherwise prohibited by federal or state law, a requirement that the benefit area and any contract with its subcontractors, on any questions concerning representation of employees for collective bargaining purposes, may be determined by conducting a cross-check comparing an employee organization's membership records or bargaining authorization cards against the employment records of the employer.
     (3) If a ferry district is formed under section 301 ((of this act)), chapter . . . (ESHB 1853), Laws of 2003 to operate passenger-only ferry service, it may enter into an agreement with Washington State Ferries to rent, lease, or purchase vessels, related equipment, or terminal space for purposes of loading and unloading the ferry. Charges for the vessels, equipment, and space must be fair market value taking into account the public benefit derived from the ferry service. A ferry district or subcontractor of that district that qualifies under this subsection is not subject to the restrictions of subsection (1) of this section, but is subject to:
     (a) ((Subject to)) The terms of those collective bargaining agreements that it or its subcontractors negotiate with the exclusive bargaining representatives of its or its subcontractors' employees under chapter 41.56 RCW or the National Labor Relations Act, as applicable;
     (b) ((Subject to)) Unless otherwise prohibited by federal or state law, a requirement((, to be included by)) that the ferry district ((in)) and any contract with ((the district's)) its subcontractors, ((to)) give preferential hiring to former employees of the department of transportation who separated from employment with the department because of termination of the ferry service by the state of Washington; and
     (c) ((Subject to)) Unless otherwise prohibited by federal or state law, a requirement((, to be included by)) that the ferry district ((in)) and any contract with ((the district's)) its subcontractors, ((that)) on any questions concerning representation of employees for collective bargaining purposes, may be determined by conducting a cross-check comparing an employee organization's membership records or bargaining authorization cards against the employment records of the employer.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 41.56 RCW to read as follows:
     In addition to the entities listed in RCW 41.56.020, this chapter does apply to:
     (1) Public employees of public transportation benefit areas providing passenger-only ferry service as provided in RCW 47.64.090; and
     (2) Public employees of ferry districts providing passenger-only ferry service as provided in RCW 47.64.090.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately, but only if Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1853 has become law. If Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1853 has not become law by June 30, 2003, this act is null and void.