The bill amends RCW 41.80.200 to extend interest arbitration rights to certain employees of the Washington Department of Corrections, specifically removing the exclusion of management service employees from this process. The legislation aims to ensure dedicated services in the supervision of criminal offenders by providing a structured method for resolving disputes through interest arbitration. The bill outlines the procedures for negotiations, mediation, and arbitration, including timelines for initiating negotiations and the appointment of mediators and arbitrators.

Key changes include the deletion of the exclusion of management service employees from the arbitration process, allowing them to participate in negotiations and dispute resolution. The bill also specifies the factors that arbitrators must consider when making decisions, such as the financial ability of the department to pay, comparisons with similar state employers, and the overall compensation of employees. Additionally, it establishes that the arbitrator's decision is final and binding, although it is not binding on the legislature unless funds are approved for implementation.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.80.200
Bill as Passed Legislature: 41.80.200
Session Law: 41.80.200