Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Ways & Means Committee

HB 2267

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 Summary of Bill

Provides that limits on salary and wage increases do not apply to increases granted through certain collective bargaining agreements.

Background:

Generally, state employment positions are either exempt, general service, or Washington Management Service. General service employees and some categories of exempt employees are eligible to collectively bargain if they so elect. In higher education, employee positions typically are either exempt or general services; some categories of exempt employees as well as general service employees may collectively bargain if they so elect. For example, higher education faculty and graduate students are exempt employees but may collectively bargain. For employees who collectively bargain, salary and wage increases are determined as provided in the existing contract.

Under Chapter 5, Laws of 2009 (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5460), state agencies are prohibited from granting salary or wage increases to any exempt employees (higher education and other state agencies) and Washington Management Service employees until February 2010.

Summary of Bill:

Provisions prohibiting state agencies from granting salary or wage increases are modified to allow an increase granted in collective bargaining agreements for higher education exempt employees and faculty.