HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1338

BYRepresentatives Walk, H. Sommers, Hankins, Schmidt, Fisher, Schoon, J. Williams, S. Wilson, Zellinsky and Brough

Providing for a sunset review of the marine employees' commission.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives H. Sommers, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; Baugher, Chandler, Hankins, O'Brien, Peery, Taylor and Walk.

House Staff:Pam Madson (786-7310)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT JANUARY 26, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Marine Employees Commission was established in 1983. Members include one labor representative, one industry representative, and one member from the general public with significant knowledge of maritime affairs who serves as chair of the Commission.  Members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate and serve for five year staggered terms.

The Commission is charged with reviewing complaints, grievances and disputes between ferry system labor and management.  The Commission also conducts an annual salary survey prior to wage negotiations.

The Commission is not scheduled for sunset review.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  The Marine Employees Commission is scheduled for sunset review during 1990 with a possibility of termination by June 30, 1991.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  Sunset review will begin during 1990 with a possibility of termination by June 30, 1991.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative George Walk, prime sponsor.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Steve Ross, Masters, Mates and Pilots, and Marine Engineers Beneficial Association; Dave Boyle, Masters, Mates and Pilots; Mario White, Marine Engineers Beneficial Association; Lou Stewart, Marine Employees Commission; and Maureen Bo, Office and Professional Employees Union.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Statutory changes impacting ferry system employees since the Marine Employees Commission was established in 1983 make a review of the Commission's role and functioning appropriate.  The sunset process allows for a program audit and performance audit, and scheduling the Marine Employees Commission for sunset review is an appropriate way to review the Commission's functioning.  The Commission is not currently scheduled for sunset review.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      The Marine Employees Commission is an integral part of the labor and management negotiation process and should not be terminated.  The state has made a commitment to collective bargaining.  That process works well for ferry system employees.