Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 1693

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.

Brief Description: Modifying time periods for collective bargaining by state ferry employees.

Sponsors: Representatives Appleton, Flannigan and Rodne; by request of Department of Transportation.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Changes time frame for ferry collective bargaining:
             September of odd-numbered years - September of even-numbered years (current)       February of even-numbered years - October of even-numbered years (bill)
  • Makes other date changes in the ferry collective bargaining process.

Hearing Date: 2/13/07

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

In 2006, the Legislature made a number of changes to the collective bargaining law that applies to ferry workers. The employer, for purposes of bargaining with the collective bargaining representative of the ferry workers, is the state of Washington. The employer is represented by the Governor or Governor's designee.

Specific time frames are set for the steps in the negotiations. Negotiations commence about September 1 of each odd-numbered year and conclude by September 1 of the even-numbered years. If negotiations are not concluded by April 1, the parties are considered at impasse and may request the Marine Employees' Commission to appoint a mediator. If an agreement has not been reached by April 15th, all impasse items must be submitted to arbitration.

Summary of Bill:

Time periods for collective bargaining by state ferry employees are changed.

The date to begin negotiations is changed from September in odd-numbered years to any time after February 1 in even-numbered years. It is the intent that all agreements be concluded by October 1 of even-numbered years. Intermediate dates within these time frames are also changed. The April 1 date for request of a mediator is changed to August 1. The April 15th date by which impasse items must be submitted to arbitration is removed.

Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making authority of an agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.