| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Commerce & Labor Committee | |
HB 3002
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: Applying arbitration to bargaining by the state and the Washington state patrol.
Sponsors: Representatives Williams, Sells, Ericks, Simpson, Hurst, Loomis, Conway, Liias, VanDeWege, Kenney, Linville and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/29/08
Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).
Background:
Employees of cities, counties, and other political subdivisions bargain their wages and working
conditions under the Public Employees' Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA). Washington State
Patrol officers also bargain under the PECBA.
Washington State Patrol officers and certain other law enforcement officers and fire fighters are
considered "uniformed personnel." To resolve bargaining disputes involving these uniformed
personnel, the PECBA requires binding interest arbitration if negotiations for a contract reach
impasse and cannot be resolved through mediation.
Although the PECBA provides a procedure for selection of an arbitration panel after negotiations
reach impasse, it does not provide such a procedure before the parties begin bargaining.
Summary of Bill:
A procedure is provided for selection of an interest arbitrator before the representatives of the
state and Washington State Patrol officers begin bargaining. If the parties cannot agree on an
arbitrator within 10 days after the first Monday in September of odd-numbered years, either party
may request a list of seven arbitrators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Within 30 days of receiving the list, the parties must select an interest arbitrator using the coin
toss/alternate strike method. The parties must then reserve dates for potential arbitration and
prepare a schedule of at least five negotiation dates. The parties must execute a written
agreement setting forth the arbitrator's name and the negotiation dates.
Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers 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.