SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5515
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Commerce & Labor, February 18, 2015
Title: An act relating to excluding retirement as a subject of collective bargaining for individual providers under chapter 74.39A RCW
Brief Description: Excluding retirement as a subject of collective bargaining for individual providers under chapter 74.39A RCW.
Sponsors: Senators Braun and Baumgartner.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 2/18/15 [DP-WM, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; King and Warnick.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senators Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway and Keiser.
Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)
Background: Home care individual providers are individuals who have contracted with the Department of Social and Health Services to provide personal care or respite care services to functionally disabled persons or to provide respite care or residential services and support to persons with developmental disabilities. Individual providers are also considered public employees solely for collective bargaining purposes and can bargain wages, hours, and working conditions with the Governor.
Summary of Bill: Retirement benefits for individual providers are not subject to collective bargaining.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 17, 2015.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: CON: Caregivers do not have any retirement other than social security, which caregivers cannot live on. Caregivers work well into their 80s until they break down and need services themselves. Caregivers save taxpayers millions per year and should have the hope of retirement. Workers are the backbone of the long-term care systems and should be reasonably compensated with a modest retirement program. Helping people prepare for retirement benefits the state in the long run.
Persons Testifying: CON: Diana Stadden, The Arc of WA State; Peter Nazzal, Catholic Community Services; Jerry Reilly, Eldercare Alliance; Sharon Kitchel, Service Employees International Union-775.