HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1699

BYRepresentatives Sayan, Lux, Cole, Fisher, Jones, Nelson and Unsoeld

Prohibiting the solicitation, recruitment, selection, supplying, or advertising for agricultural workers by the apple commission.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (7)

      Signed by Representatives Wang, Chair; Cole, Vice Chair; Fisher, Jones, R. King, O'Brien and Sayan.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (4)

      Signed by Representatives Patrick, Sanders, C. Smith, and Walker.

House Staff:Chris Cordes (786-7117)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR FEBRUARY 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

During the fall of 1987, the Washington State Apple Advertising Commission sponsored advertisements in several states for agricultural workers to come to Washington to work in the apple harvest.  Earlier in the year, labor shortages had been experienced and a bumper apple harvest was predicted.  However, an unusually warm fall delayed and extended the apple harvest.  Some workers who came to Washington for the apple harvest were unable to find employment.

SUMMARY:

The Washington State Apple Advertising Commission may not solicit, recruit, or advertise for the services of agricultural workers.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 19, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Jeff Johnson, Washington State Labor Council.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Frank DeLong, Washington State Apple Advertising Commission.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The Washington Apple Advertising Commission's advertisements contributed to the oversupply of labor during the apple harvest and the subsequent problems for the unemployed workers.  Advertising for workers should not be within the Commission's authority.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      The agricultural labor supply problems that occurred during the apple harvest were caused by many factors, including the weather and labor shortages earlier in the year.  The Commission needs the flexibility to be able to advertise for workers.