SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5986
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. |
As of February 23, 2009
Title: An act relating to permitting certain higher education employees to engage in collective bargaining.
Brief Description: Permitting certain higher education employees to engage in collective bargaining.
Sponsors: Senators Kauffman, Kohl-Welles, Hargrove and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 2/23/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: Certain exempt employees of institutions of higher education have the ability to collectively bargain under the Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA). In 2008 certain University of Washington extension lecturers sought recognition as a bargaining unit stating that the lecturers were exempt employees and could organize under the terms of the statute granting collective bargaining rights to certain exempt employees of higher education. The Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) held that it did not have jurisdiction and that extension lecturers were not covered for purposes of collective bargaining. In its order of dismissal, PERC stated that there was no evidence that the extension lecturers were exempt employees and PERC could not apply collective bargaining rights absent a clear grant of such rights under Chapter 41.56 RCW.
Summary of Bill: The PECBA is made applicable to full-time and part-time University of Washington extension lecturers in English language programs holding annual and quarterly contracts.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.