Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Commerce & Labor Committee |
HB 1822
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: Authorizing interest arbitration for certain general authority Washington peace officers.
Sponsors: Representatives Conway, Wood and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/10/09
Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134)
Background:
Counties, cities, and other political subdivisions and their employees bargain wages and working conditions under the Public Employees' Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA). For uniformed personnel, the PECBA recognizes the public policy against strikes as a means of settling labor disputes. To resolve impasses over contract negotiations involving uniformed personnel, the PECBA requires binding arbitration.
Uniformed personnel include law enforcement officers in larger cities and counties, and general authority peace officers employed by certain port districts. Other employees listed as uniformed personnel include: fire fighters in all cities and counties, fire fighters employed by certain port districts, correctional employees in counties with a population of 70,000 or more, security forces at a nuclear power plant, and publicly employed advanced life support technicians.
Counties, cities, and port districts are authorized to own and operate airports. Two or more municipalities, acting jointly, also may own and operate airports. There are currently six joint operating authority airports in Washington: Chehalis-Centralia Airport (City of Chehalis and Lewis County), Chelan Municipal Airport (City of Chelan and Port of Chelan), Pangborn Memorial Airport (Port of Chelan and Port of Douglas County), Spokane International Airport and Felts Field (City of Spokane and Spokane County), and Yakima Air Terminal Airport (City of Yakima and Yakima County).
Summary of Bill:
The binding interest arbitration provisions of the Public Employees' Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA) are extended to general authority peace officers employed by joint operating authority airports.
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 the session in which the bill is passed.