FINAL BILL REPORT

E2SHB 1560

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.

Background:

The Personnel System Reform Act of 2002 (Act) provides for collective bargaining with representatives of civil service employees in general government and institutions of higher education.

For purposes of negotiations, state agencies are represented by the Governor. Institutions of higher education may be represented by either their governing boards or by the Governor. The Act provides for multi-employer bargaining involving state agencies and coalition bargaining involving state agencies and institutions of higher education represented by the Governor. Representatives of more than one bargaining unit must negotiate one master collective bargaining agreement covering all of the represented employees. Representatives of fewer than 500 employees must bargain in one coalition. The coalition must bargain for a master collective bargaining agreement covering all represented employees.

The Governor must submit requests for funds necessary to implement collective bargaining agreements to the Legislature. The requests must not be submitted to the Legislature unless two conditions are met. First, the requests must be submitted to the Director of the Office of Financial Management (Director) by October 1 prior to the legislative session at which the requests are to be considered. Second, the requests must be certified by the Director as being financially feasible for the state.

Summary:

Changes are made to permit multi-employer bargaining involving certain universities and colleges, and to provide for legislative action on initial agreements between institutions of higher education and certain new bargaining units.

The procedures for universities and colleges that elect to have their negotiations conducted by the Governor are modified. If the parties mutually agree, the Governor and a bargaining representative must negotiate one master collective bargaining agreement for all of the bargaining units that the representative represents at multiple universities or colleges.

The requirement that requests for funds be submitted by October 1 is modified for institutions of higher education and certain new bargaining units. If a bargaining representative is certified during or after a legislative session and the compensation and fringe benefit provisions of the bargaining unit's initial agreement with an institution of higher education are submitted before final legislative action on the budget, the Legislature may act upon the provisions.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	64	33
Senate	33	15