BILL REQ. #:  Z-1172.1 

Read first time 01/24/2006.   Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.

     AN ACT Relating to collective bargaining by state ferry employees; amending RCW 47.64.011, 47.64.120, 47.64.130, 47.64.140, 47.64.170, 47.64.200, 47.64.210, 47.64.220, 47.64.220, 47.64.230, 47.64.270, and 47.64.280; adding new sections to chapter 47.64 RCW; creating a new section; repealing RCW 47.64.180, 47.64.190, and 47.64.240; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 47.64.011 and 1983 c 15 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions in this section shall apply.
     (1) (("Arbitration" means the procedure whereby the parties involved in an impasse submit their differences to a third party for a final and binding decision or as provided in this chapter.
     (2) "Arbitrator" means either a single arbitrator or a panel of three arbitrators as provided in RCW 47.64.240.
     (3))) "Collective bargaining representative" means the persons designated by the ((secretary of transportation)) governor and employee organizations to be the exclusive representatives during collective bargaining negotiations.
     (((4))) (2) "Commission" means the marine employees' commission created in RCW 47.64.280.
     (3) "Department of transportation" means the department as defined in RCW 47.01.021.
     (4) "Employer" means the state of Washington.
     (5) "Ferry employee" means any employee of the marine transportation division of the department of transportation who is a member of a collective bargaining unit represented by a ferry employee organization and does not include an exempt employee pursuant to RCW 41.06.079.
     (6) "Ferry employee organization" means any labor organization recognized to represent a collective bargaining unit of ferry employees.
     (7) (("Ferry system management" means those management personnel of the marine transportation division of the department of transportation who have been vested with the day-to-day management responsibilities of the Washington state ferry system by the transportation commission and who are not members of a collective bargaining unit represented by a ferry employee organization.
     (8))) "Lockout" means the refusal of ((ferry system management)) the employer to furnish work to ferry employees in an effort to get ferry employee organizations to make concessions during collective bargaining, grievance, or other labor relation negotiations. Curtailment of employment of ferry employees due to lack of work resulting from a strike or work stoppage((, as defined in subsection (11) of this section,)) shall not be considered a lockout.
     (((9) "Marine employees' commission" means the commission created in RCW 47.64.280.
     (10))) (8) "Office of financial management" means the office as created in RCW 43.41.050.
     (((11))) (9) "Strike or work stoppage" means a ferry employee's refusal, in concerted action with others, to report to duty, or his or her willful absence from his or her position, or his or her stoppage or slowdown of work, or his or her abstinence in whole or in part from the full, faithful, and proper performance of the duties of employment, for the purpose of inducing, influencing, or coercing a change in conditions, compensation, rights, privileges, or obligations of his, her, or any other ferry employee's employment. A refusal, in good faith, to work under conditions which pose an endangerment to the health and safety of ferry employees or the public, as determined by the master of the vessel, shall not be considered a strike for the purposes of this chapter.
     (((12) "Transportation commission" means the commission as defined in RCW 47.01.021.))

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 47.64 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) For the purpose of negotiating collective bargaining agreements under this chapter, the employer shall be represented by the governor or governor's designee.
     (2) Two or more ferry employee organizations may, upon agreement of the parties, negotiate, as a coalition with the employer representative as designated in subsection (1) of this section, a multiunion collective bargaining agreement on behalf of all the employees in ferry employee organization bargaining units that the exclusive bargaining representatives represent. The coalition shall bargain for a multiunion collective bargaining agreement covering all of the employees represented by the coalition. The governor's designee and the exclusive bargaining representative or representatives are authorized to enter into supplemental bargaining of bargaining unit-specific issues for inclusion in or as an addendum to the multiunion collective bargaining agreement, subject to the parties' agreement regarding the issues and procedures for supplemental bargaining. Nothing in this section impairs the right of each ferry employee organization to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement exclusive to the bargaining unit it represents.

Sec. 3   RCW 47.64.120 and 1997 c 436 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) ((Ferry system management)) The employer and ferry system employee organizations, through their collective bargaining representatives, shall meet at reasonable times, to negotiate in good faith with respect to wages, hours, working conditions, insurance, and health care benefits as limited by RCW 47.64.270, and other matters mutually agreed upon. Employer funded retirement benefits shall be provided under the public employees retirement system under chapter 41.40 RCW and shall not be included in the scope of collective bargaining.
     (2) Upon ratification of bargaining agreements, ferry employees are entitled to an amount equivalent to the interest earned on retroactive compensation increases. For purposes of this section, the interest earned on retroactive compensation increases is the same monthly rate of interest that was earned on the amount of the compensation increases while held in the state treasury. The interest will be computed for each employee until the date the retroactive compensation is paid, and must be allocated in accordance with appropriation authority. The interest earned on retroactive compensation is not considered part of the ongoing compensation obligation of the state and is not compensation earnable for the purposes of chapter 41.40 RCW. Negotiations shall also include grievance procedures for resolving any questions arising under the agreement, which shall be embodied in a written agreement and signed by the parties.
     (3) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, if a conflict exists between an executive order, administrative rule, or agency policy relating to wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment and a collective bargaining agreement negotiated under this chapter, the collective bargaining agreement shall prevail. A provision of a collective bargaining agreement that conflicts with the terms of a statute is invalid and unenforceable.

Sec. 4   RCW 47.64.130 and 1983 c 15 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) It is an unfair labor practice for ((ferry system management)) the employer or its representatives:
     (a) To interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed by this chapter;
     (b) To dominate or interfere with the formation or administration of any employee organization or contribute financial or other support to it((: PROVIDED, That)). However, subject to rules made by the commission pursuant to RCW 47.64.280, an employer shall not be prohibited from permitting employees to confer with it or its representatives or agents during working hours without loss of time or pay;
     (c) To encourage or discourage membership in any employee organization by discrimination in regard to hiring, tenure of employment, or any term or condition of employment, but nothing contained in this subsection prevents an employer from requiring, as a condition of continued employment, payment of periodic dues and fees uniformly required to an exclusive bargaining representative pursuant to RCW 47.64.160((: PROVIDED, That)). However, nothing prohibits ((ferry system management)) the employer from agreeing to obtain employees by referral from a lawful hiring hall operated by or participated in by a labor organization;
     (d) To discharge or otherwise discriminate against an employee because he has filed charges or given testimony under this chapter;
     (e) To refuse to bargain collectively with the representatives of its employees.
     (2) It is an unfair labor practice for an employee organization:
     (a) To restrain or coerce (i) employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed by this chapter((: PROVIDED, That this paragraph)). However, this subsection does not impair the right of an employee organization to prescribe its own rules with respect to the acquisition or retention of membership therein, or (ii) an employer in the selection of his representatives for the purposes of collective bargaining or the adjustment of grievances;
     (b) To cause or attempt to cause an employer to discriminate against an employee in violation of subsection (1)(c) of this section;
     (c) To refuse to bargain collectively with an employer((, when it is the representative of its employees subject to RCW 47.64.170)).
     (3) The expression of any view, argument, or opinion, or the dissemination thereof to the public, whether in written, printed, graphic, or visual form, shall not constitute or be evidence of an unfair labor practice under any of the provisions of this chapter, if the expression contains no threat of reprisal or force or promise of benefit.

Sec. 5   RCW 47.64.140 and 1989 c 373 s 25 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) It is unlawful for any ferry system employee or any employee organization, directly or indirectly, to induce, instigate, encourage, authorize, ratify, or participate in a strike or work stoppage against the ferry system.
     (2) It is unlawful for ((ferry system management)) the employer to authorize, consent to, or condone a strike or work stoppage; or to conduct a lockout; or to pay or agree to pay any ferry system employee for any day in which the employee participates in a strike or work stoppage; or to pay or agree to pay any increase in compensation or benefits to any ferry system employee in response to or as a result of any strike or work stoppage or any act that violates subsection (1) of this section. It is unlawful for any official, director, or representative of the ferry system to authorize, ratify, or participate in any violation of this subsection. Nothing in this subsection prevents new or renewed bargaining and agreement within the scope of negotiations as defined by this chapter, at any time. No collective bargaining agreement provision regarding suspension or modification of any court-ordered penalty provided in this section is binding on the courts.
     (3) In the event of any violation or imminently threatened violation of subsection (1) or (2) of this section, any citizen domiciled within the jurisdictional boundaries of the state may petition the superior court for Thurston county for an injunction restraining the violation or imminently threatened violation. Rules of civil procedure regarding injunctions apply to the action. However, the court shall grant a temporary injunction if it appears to the court that a violation has occurred or is imminently threatened; the plaintiff need not show that the violation or threatened violation would greatly or irreparably injure him or her; and no bond may be required of the plaintiff unless the court determines that a bond is necessary in the public interest. Failure to comply with any temporary or permanent injunction granted under this section is a contempt of court as provided in chapter 7.21 RCW. The court may impose a penalty of up to ten thousand dollars for an employee organization or the ferry system, for each day during which the failure to comply continues. The sanctions for a ferry employee found to be in contempt shall be as provided in chapter 7.21 RCW. An individual or an employee organization which makes an active good faith effort to comply fully with the injunction shall not be deemed to be in contempt.
     (4) The right of ferry system employees to engage in strike or work slowdown or stoppage is not granted and nothing in this chapter may be construed to grant such a right.
     (5) Each of the remedies and penalties provided by this section is separate and several, and is in addition to any other legal or equitable remedy or penalty.
     (6) In addition to the remedies and penalties provided by this section the successful litigant is entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in the litigation.
     (7) Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 88.04 RCW and chapter 88.08 RCW, the department of transportation shall ((promulgate)) adopt rules ((and regulations)) allowing vessels, as defined in RCW ((88.04.300)) 88.04.015, as well as other watercraft, to engage in emergency passenger service on the waters of Puget Sound in the event ferry employees engage in a work slowdown or stoppage. Such emergency rules ((and regulations)) shall allow emergency passenger service on the waters of Puget Sound within seventy-two hours following a work slowdown or stoppage. Such rules ((and regulations)) that are ((promulgated)) adopted shall give due consideration to the needs and the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the state of Washington.

Sec. 6   RCW 47.64.170 and 1983 c 15 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Any ferry employee organization certified as the bargaining representative shall be the exclusive representative of all ferry employees in the bargaining unit and shall represent all such employees fairly.
     (2) A ferry employee organization or organizations and the ((secretary of transportation)) governor may each designate any individual as its representative to engage in collective bargaining negotiations.
     (3) Negotiating sessions, including strategy meetings of ((ferry system management)) the employer or employee organizations, mediation, and the deliberative process of arbitrators are exempt from the provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW. Hearings conducted by arbitrators may be open to the public by mutual consent of the parties. ((Any meeting of the transportation commission, during which a collective bargaining agreement is subject to ratification, shall be open to the public.))
     (4) Terms of any collective bargaining agreement may be enforced by civil action in Thurston county superior court upon the initiative of either party.
     (5) Ferry system employees or any employee organization shall not negotiate or attempt to negotiate directly with ((a member of the transportation commission if the commission has)) anyone other than the person who has been appointed or authorized a bargaining representative for the purpose of bargaining with the ferry employees or their representative((, unless the member of the commission is the designated bargaining representative of the ferry system)).
     (6)(a) The negotiation of a proposed collective bargaining agreement by representatives of ((ferry system management)) the employer and a ferry employee organization shall commence ((in each odd-numbered year immediately following adoption by the legislature and approval by the governor of the biennial budget)) on or about September 1st of every odd-numbered year. However, negotiations for the 2007-2009 biennial agreements may commence at any time after the effective date of this section. Negotiations for agreements pertaining to the 2009-2011 biennium and all subsequent negotiations must conclude on or about April 1st of the year following the year in which the negotiations commence. After April 1st, the parties shall be deemed to be at impasse and shall proceed to mediation under RCW 47.64.230 and sections 12 through 14 of this act.
     (b) For negotiations covering the 2009-2011 biennium and subsequent biennia, the time periods specified in this section, and in RCW 47.64.210 and sections 12 through 14 of this act, must ensure conclusion of all agreements on or before September 1st of the even-numbered year next preceding the biennial budget period during which the agreement should take effect. These time periods may only be altered by mutual agreement of the parties in writing. Any such agreement and any impasse procedures agreed to by the parties under RCW 47.64.200 must include an agreement regarding the new time periods that will allow final resolution by negotiations or arbitration by September 1st of each even-numbered year.
     (7) Until a new collective bargaining agreement is ((negotiated, or until an award is made by the arbitrator)) in effect, the terms and conditions of the previous collective bargaining agreement shall remain in force. ((The wage and benefit provisions of any collective bargaining agreement, or arbitrator's award in lieu thereof, that is concluded after July 1st of an odd-numbered year shall be retroactive to July 1st.)) It is the intent of this section that the collective bargaining agreement or arbitrator's award shall commence on July 1st of each odd-numbered year and shall terminate on June 30th of the next odd-numbered year to coincide with the ensuing biennial budget year, as defined by RCW 43.88.020(7), to the extent practical. It is further the intent of this section that all collective bargaining agreements be concluded by September 1st of the even-numbered year before the commencement of the biennial budget during which the agreements are to be in effect.
     (8) ((Any ferry union contract terminating before July 1, 1983, shall, with the agreement of the parties, remain in effect until a contract can be concluded under RCW 47.64.006, 47.64.011, and 47.64.120 through 47.64.280. The contract may be retroactive to the expiration date of the prior contract, and the cost to the department of three months retroactive compensation and benefits for this 1983 contract negotiation only shall not be included in calculating the limitation imposed by RCW 47.64.180. If the parties cannot agree to contract extension, any increase agreed to for the three-month period shall be included in calculating the limit imposed by RCW 47.64.180.
     (9) Any ferry union contract which would terminate after July 1, 1983, may, by agreement of the parties, be terminated as of July 1, 1983, and a new contract concluded pursuant to RCW 47.64.006, 47.64.011, and 47.64.120 through 47.64.280. Any contract terminating after July 1, 1983, is subject to this chapter only upon its expiration and shall not be renewed for a period beyond July 1, 1985.)) (a) The governor shall submit a request either for funds necessary to implement the collective bargaining agreements including, but not limited to, the compensation and fringe benefit provisions or for legislation necessary to implement the agreement, or both. Requests for funds necessary to implement the collective bargaining agreements shall not be submitted to the legislature by the governor unless such requests:
     (i) Have been submitted to the director of the office of financial management by October 1st before the legislative session at which the requests are to be considered; and
     (ii) Have been certified by the director of the office of financial management as being feasible financially for the state.
     (b) The governor shall submit a request either for funds necessary to implement the arbitration awards or for legislation necessary to implement the arbitration awards, or both. Requests for funds necessary to implement the arbitration awards shall not be submitted to the legislature by the governor unless such requests have been submitted to the director of the office of financial management by October 1st before the legislative session at which the requests are to be considered.
     (c) The legislature shall approve or reject the submission of the request for funds necessary to implement the collective bargaining agreements or arbitration awards as a whole for each agreement or award. The legislature shall not consider a request for funds to implement a collective bargaining agreement or arbitration award unless the request is transmitted to the legislature as part of the governor's budget document submitted under RCW 43.88.030 and 43.88.060. If the legislature rejects or fails to act on the submission, either party may reopen all or part of the agreement and award or the exclusive bargaining representative may seek to implement the procedures provided for in RCW 47.64.210 and section 12 of this act.
     (9) If, after the compensation and fringe benefit provisions of an agreement are approved by the legislature, a significant revenue shortfall occurs resulting in reduced appropriations, as declared by proclamation of the governor or by resolution of the legislature, both parties shall immediately enter into collective bargaining for a mutually agreed upon modification of the agreement.

Sec. 7   RCW 47.64.200 and 1983 c 15 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:
     As the first step in the performance of their duty to bargain, ((ferry system management)) the employer and the employee organization shall endeavor to agree upon impasse procedures. ((The agreement shall provide for implementation of these impasse procedures not later than July 1st in each odd-numbered year following enactment of the biennial budget.)) Unless otherwise agreed to by the employee organization and the employer in their impasse procedures, the arbitrator or panel is limited to selecting the most reasonable offer, in its judgment, of the final offers on each impasse item submitted by the parties. The employee organization and the employer may mutually agree to the impasse procedure under which the arbitrator or panel may issue a decision it deems just and appropriate with respect to each impasse item. If the parties fail to agree upon impasse procedures under this section, the impasse procedures provided in RCW 47.64.210 ((through)) and 47.64.230 and sections 12 through 14 of this act apply. It is unlawful for either party to refuse to participate in the impasse procedures provided in RCW 47.64.210 ((through)) and 47.64.230 and sections 12 through 14 of this act.

Sec. 8   RCW 47.64.210 and 1983 c 15 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:
     In the absence of an impasse agreement between the parties or the failure of either party to utilize its procedures by ((August)) April 1st in ((each odd-numbered year, the marine employees' commission shall, upon the request of either party,)) the even-numbered year preceding the biennium, either party may request the commission appoint an impartial and disinterested person to act as mediator ((pursuant to RCW 47.64.280)). It is the function of the mediator to bring the parties together to effectuate a settlement of the dispute, but the mediator shall not compel the parties to agree.

Sec. 9   RCW 47.64.220 and 1999 c 256 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Prior to collective bargaining and for purposes of collective bargaining and arbitration, the ((marine employees')) commission shall conduct a salary survey. The results of the survey shall be published in a report which shall be a public document comparing wages, hours, employee benefits, and conditions of employment of involved ferry employees with those of public and private sector employees in states along the west coast of the United States, including Alaska, and in British Columbia doing directly comparable but not necessarily identical work, giving consideration to factors peculiar to the area and the classifications involved. Such survey report shall be for the purpose of disclosing generally prevailing levels of compensation, benefits, and conditions of employment. It shall be used to guide generally but not to define or limit collective bargaining between the parties. ((The commission shall make such other findings of fact as the parties may request during bargaining or impasse.))
     (2) ((Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section,)) Salary and employee benefit information collected from private employers that identifies a specific employer with the salary and employee benefit rates which that employer pays to its employees is not subject to public disclosure under chapter 42.17 RCW.
     (((3) A person or entity, having reason to believe that the salary survey results are inaccurate, may submit a petition to the state auditor requesting an audit of the data upon which the salary survey results are based. The state auditor shall review and analyze all data collected for the salary survey, including proprietary information, but is prohibited from disclosing the salary survey data to any other person or entity, except by court order.))

Sec. 10   RCW 47.64.220 and 2005 c 274 s 308 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Prior to collective bargaining and for purposes of collective bargaining and arbitration, the ((marine employees')) commission shall conduct a salary survey. The results of the survey shall be published in a report which shall be a public document comparing wages, hours, employee benefits, and conditions of employment of involved ferry employees with those of public and private sector employees in states along the west coast of the United States, including Alaska, and in British Columbia doing directly comparable but not necessarily identical work, giving consideration to factors peculiar to the area and the classifications involved. Such survey report shall be for the purpose of disclosing generally prevailing levels of compensation, benefits, and conditions of employment. It shall be used to guide generally but not to define or limit collective bargaining between the parties. ((The commission shall make such other findings of fact as the parties may request during bargaining or impasse.))
     (2) ((Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section,)) Salary and employee benefit information collected from private employers that identifies a specific employer with the salary and employee benefit rates which that employer pays to its employees is not subject to public disclosure under chapter 42.56 RCW.
     (((3) A person or entity, having reason to believe that the salary survey results are inaccurate, may submit a petition to the state auditor requesting an audit of the data upon which the salary survey results are based. The state auditor shall review and analyze all data collected for the salary survey, including proprietary information, but is prohibited from disclosing the salary survey data to any other person or entity, except by court order.))

Sec. 11   RCW 47.64.230 and 1983 c 15 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
     By mutual agreement, the parties may waive mediation ((and fact-finding, as provided for in RCW 47.64.210 and 47.64.220,)) and proceed with binding arbitration as provided for in ((RCW 47.64.240)) sections 12 through 14 of this act. The waiver shall be in writing and be signed by the representatives of the parties.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 12   A new section is added to chapter 47.64 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) If an agreement has not been reached following a reasonable period of negotiations and, when applicable, mediation, but in either event by April 15th, upon the recommendation of the assigned mediator that the parties remain at impasse, all impasse items shall be submitted to arbitration under this section. The issues for arbitration shall be limited to the issues certified by the commission.
     (2) The parties may agree to submit the dispute to a single arbitrator, whose authority and duties shall be the same as those of an arbitration panel. If the parties cannot agree on the arbitrator within five working days, the selection shall be made under subsection (3) of this section. The full costs of arbitration under this section shall be shared equally by the parties to the dispute.
     (3) Within seven days following the issuance of the determination of the commission, each party shall name one person to serve as its arbitrator on the arbitration panel. The two members so appointed shall meet within seven days following the appointment of the later appointed member to attempt to choose a third member to act as the neutral chair of the arbitration panel. Upon the failure of the arbitrators to select a neutral chair within seven days, either party may apply to the federal mediation and conciliation service, or the American arbitration association to provide a list of five qualified arbitrators from which the neutral chair shall be chosen. Each party shall pay the fees and expenses of its arbitrator, and the fees and expenses of the neutral chair shall be shared equally between the parties.
     (4) In consultation with the parties, the arbitrator or arbitration panel shall promptly establish a date, time, and place for a hearing and shall provide reasonable notice thereof to the parties to the dispute. The parties shall exchange final positions in writing, with copies to the arbitrator or arbitration panel, with respect to every issue to be arbitrated, on a date mutually agreed upon, but in no event later than ten working days before the date set for hearing. A hearing, which shall be informal, shall be held, and each party shall have the opportunity to present evidence and make argument. No member of the arbitration panel may present the case for a party to the proceedings. The rules of evidence prevailing in judicial proceedings may be considered, but are not binding, and any oral testimony or documentary evidence or other data deemed relevant by the chair of the arbitration panel may be received in evidence. A recording of the proceedings shall be taken. The arbitration panel has the power to administer oaths, require the attendance of witnesses, and require the production of such books, papers, contracts, agreements, and documents as may be deemed by the panel to be material to a just determination of the issues in dispute. If any person refuses to obey a subpoena issued by the arbitration panel, or refuses to be sworn or to make an affirmation to testify, or any witness, party, or attorney for a party is guilty of any contempt while in attendance at any hearing held hereunder, the arbitration panel may invoke the jurisdiction of the superior court in the county where the labor dispute exists, and the court has jurisdiction to issue an appropriate order. Any failure to obey the order may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof.
     (5) The neutral chair shall consult with the other members of the arbitration panel, if a panel has been created. Within thirty days following the conclusion of the hearing, the neutral chair shall make written findings of fact and a written determination of the issues in dispute, based on the evidence presented. A copy thereof shall be served on each of the other members of the arbitration panel, and on each of the parties to the dispute. That determination is final and binding upon both parties, subject to review by the superior court upon the application of either party solely upon the question of whether the decision of the panel was arbitrary or capricious.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 13   A new section is added to chapter 47.64 RCW to read as follows:
     An interest arbitration proceeding under section 12 of this act exercises a state function and is, for the purposes of this chapter, functioning as a state agency. Chapter 34.05 RCW does not apply to an interest arbitration proceeding under this chapter.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 14   A new section is added to chapter 47.64 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The mediator, arbitrator, or arbitration panel may consider only matters that are subject to bargaining under this act.
     (2) The decision of an arbitration panel is not binding on the legislature and, if the legislature does not approve the funds necessary to implement provisions pertaining to wages and wage-related matters of an arbitrated collective bargaining agreement, is not binding on the state, the department of transportation, or the ferry employee organization.
     (3) The employer may increase tolls by the amount of the Seattle consumer price index, or less, for the purpose of providing revenue to fund collective bargaining agreements and arbitration awards.
     (4) In making its determination, the arbitration panel shall be mindful of the legislative purpose under RCW 47.64.005 and 47.64.006 and, as additional standards or guidelines to aid it in reaching a decision, shall take into consideration the following factors:
     (a) Past collective bargaining contracts between the parties including the bargaining that led up to the contracts;
     (b) The constitutional and statutory authority of the employer;
     (c) Stipulations of the parties;
     (d) The results of the salary survey as required in RCW 47.64.220;
     (e) Comparison of wages, hours, employee benefits, and conditions of employment of the involved ferry employees with those of public and private sector employees in states along the west coast of the United States, including Alaska, and in British Columbia doing directly comparable but not necessarily identical work, giving consideration to factors peculiar to the area and the classifications involved;
     (f) Changes in any of the foregoing circumstances during the pendency of the proceedings;
     (g) The limitations on ferry toll increases and operating subsidies as may be imposed by the legislature; and
     (h) Other factors that are normally or traditionally taken into consideration in the determination of matters that are subject to bargaining under this chapter.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 15   A new section is added to chapter 47.64 RCW to read as follows:
     Collective bargaining under this chapter may not be for the purposes of making a collective bargaining agreement take effect before July 1, 2007. No party may engage in collective bargaining under this chapter to amend a collective bargaining agreement in effect on the effective date of this section. A collective bargaining agreement or amendment thereto entered into under this chapter shall not be effective before July 1, 2007, and may not have any retroactive effect.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 16   This act applies prospectively only and not retroactively. It applies to collective bargaining agreements, the negotiations of collective bargaining agreements, mediations, arbitrations, and other actions under this act that arise or are commenced on or after the effective date of this section. It does not apply to collective bargaining agreements, either in effect or for which the negotiations have begun, or mediations and arbitrations that arose or commenced before the effective date of this section.

Sec. 17   RCW 47.64.270 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 6 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     Absent a collective bargaining agreement to the contrary, the department of transportation shall provide contributions to insurance and health care plans for ferry system employees and dependents, as determined by the state health care authority, under chapter 41.05 RCW; and the ((ferry system management)) employer and employee organizations may collectively bargain for other insurance and health care plans, and employer contributions may exceed that of other state agencies as provided in RCW 41.05.050((, subject to RCW 47.64.180)). To the extent that ferry employees by bargaining unit have absorbed the required offset of wage increases by the amount that the employer's contribution for employees' and dependents' insurance and health care plans exceeds that of other state general government employees in the 1985-87 fiscal biennium, employees shall not be required to absorb a further offset except to the extent the differential between employer contributions for those employees and all other state general government employees increases during any subsequent fiscal biennium. If such differential increases in the 1987-89 fiscal biennium or the 1985-87 offset by bargaining unit is insufficient to meet the required deduction, the amount available for compensation shall be reduced by bargaining unit by the amount of such increase or the 1985-87 shortage in the required offset. Compensation shall include all wages and employee benefits.

Sec. 18   RCW 47.64.280 and 1984 c 287 s 95 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There is created the marine employees' commission. The governor shall appoint the commission with the consent of the senate. The commission shall consist of three members: One member to be appointed from labor, one member from industry, and one member from the public who has significant knowledge of maritime affairs. The public member shall be ((chairman)) chair of the commission. One of the original members shall be appointed for a term of three years, one for a term of four years, and one for a term of five years. Their successors shall be appointed for terms of five years each, except that any person chosen to fill a vacancy shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of the member whom he or she succeeds. Commission members are eligible for reappointment. Any member of the commission may be removed by the governor, upon notice and hearing, for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause. Commission members are not eligible for state retirement under chapter 41.40 RCW by virtue of their service on the commission. Members of the commission shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.250 and shall receive reimbursement for official travel and other expenses at the same rate and on the same terms as provided for the transportation commission by RCW 47.01.061. The payments shall be made from the Puget Sound ferry operations account.
     (2) The ((marine employees')) commission shall: (a) Adjust all complaints, grievances, and disputes between labor and management arising out of the operation of the ferry system as provided in RCW 47.64.150; (b) provide for impasse mediation as required in RCW 47.64.210; (c) conduct fact-finding and provide salary surveys as required in RCW 47.64.220; and (d) ((provide for the selection of an impartial arbitrator as)) perform those duties required in ((RCW 47.64.240(5))) section 12 of this act.
     (3) In adjudicating all complaints, grievances, and disputes, the party claiming labor disputes shall, in writing, notify the ((marine employees')) commission, which shall make careful inquiry into the cause thereof and issue an order advising the ferry employee, or the ferry employee organization representing him or her, and the department of transportation, as to the decision of the commission.
     The parties are entitled to offer evidence relating to disputes at all hearings conducted by the commission. The orders and awards of the commission are final and binding upon any ferry employee or employees or their representative affected thereby and upon the department.
     The commission shall adopt rules of procedure under chapter 34.05 RCW.
     The commission has the authority to subpoena any ferry employee or employees, or their representatives, and any member or representative of the department, and any witnesses. The commission may require attendance of witnesses and the production of all pertinent records at any hearings held by the commission. The subpoenas of the commission are enforceable by order of any superior court in the state of Washington for the county within which the proceeding may be pending. The commission may hire staff as necessary, appoint consultants, enter into contracts, and conduct studies as reasonably necessary to carry out this chapter.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 19   The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:
     (1) RCW 47.64.180 (Agreements and awards limited by appropriation) and 1983 c 15 s 9;
     (2) RCW 47.64.190 (Marine employees' commission review for compliance with fiscal limitations -- Effective date of agreements and arbitration orders) and 1983 c 15 s 10; and
     (3) RCW 47.64.240 (Binding arbitration) and 1989 c 327 s 3 & 1983 c 15 s 15.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 20   Section 9 of this act expires July 1, 2006.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 21   Except for section 10 of this act which takes effect July 1, 2006, 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.