The bill amends existing laws regarding collective bargaining in Washington State, specifically addressing the negotiation of contributions for supplemental retirement benefits for certain employees. It modifies RCW 41.80.020 to clarify that while employers are generally not required to bargain over retirement systems or benefits, they must negotiate contributions for supplemental retirement benefits for Department of Corrections employees. This is a significant change as it establishes these contributions as a mandatory subject of bargaining, while also excluding them from interest arbitration procedures.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 41.80.040 to delineate management rights and specify that retirement plans and benefits are typically not subject to bargaining, with the exception of the aforementioned supplemental retirement benefits for Department of Corrections employees. The new language emphasizes that contributions for these benefits, including medical plans, are to be negotiated between the employer and the employee organization representing these workers, thereby enhancing the bargaining power of this specific group.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.80.040
Bill as passed Legislature: 41.80.020, 41.06.142
Session law: 41.80.020, 41.06.142