SENATE BILL REPORT
ESB 6230
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 Passed Senate, February 12, 2018
Title: An act relating to the collective bargaining rights of the professional personnel of port districts.
Brief Description: Concerning the collective bargaining rights of the professional personnel of port districts.
Sponsors: Senators Conway, Chase, Saldaña, Wellman, Hasegawa, Keiser and Hunt.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor & Commerce: 1/18/18, 1/22/18 [DP, DNP].
Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 2/12/18, 29-18.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Hasegawa, Vice Chair; Conway, Kuderer and Saldaña.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senators Braun, King and Wilson.
Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)
Background: The PECBA provides for collective bargaining of wages, hours, and working conditions with employees of cities, counties, and other political subdivisions. All port district employees may collectively bargain under PECBA except for managerial, professional, and administrative personnel, and their confidential secretaries.
Summary of Engrossed Bill: Professional employees of port districts are included in the types of employees who may collectively bargain under PECBA. Professional employees may not be included in the same bargaining unit as supervisory personnel.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill stems from efforts to organize professional port employees at the Port of Tacoma. They were unable to collectively bargain because the statute prevents them from doing so. Professional employees for the cities and counties can collectively bargain, so it is only fair that port employees can, too.
OTHER: The port slowdown last year cost money and market share and the committee should use due diligence in allowing more port employees to collectively bargain. Professional employees do a variety of tasks, which does not lend itself to forming bargaining units. Smaller ports are worried about professional employees organizing.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Steve Conway, Prime Sponsor; Brenda Wiest, Teamsters 117. OTHER: Mark Streuli, Washington Farm Bureau; Eric Johnson, Washington Public Ports Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.