Prohibits a salary or wage increase, from the effective date of the act until June 30, 2011, for certain positions in chapter 41.06 RCW (state civil service law) and for certain directors of the several departments and certain members of the several boards and commissions.

Requires recognition awards, from the effective date of the act until June 30, 2011, be limited to noncash items.

Authorizes institutions of higher education to grant a wage or salary increase to critical academic personnel as needed for retention purposes, for retention of critical personnel positions that are not funded from state funds or tuition, or for additional academic responsibilities during the summer quarter.