The bill amends RCW 41.80.010 to exempt exclusive bargaining representatives for Department of Corrections employees from certain provisions related to coalition bargaining. Specifically, it establishes that for Department of Corrections employees, the governor or the governor's designee and an exclusive bargaining representative shall negotiate one master collective bargaining agreement. This change is significant as it allows for a more streamlined negotiation process for these employees, distinguishing them from other bargaining units that may require coalition negotiations.

Additionally, the bill modifies the threshold for exclusive bargaining representatives to negotiate as a coalition, changing the previous limit of "five hundred" employees to a specific number of "500." It also clarifies that exclusive bargaining representatives representing employees with interest arbitration rights under RCW 41.80.200 are not subject to the coalition bargaining provisions, further delineating the negotiation framework for different employee groups within the state. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the bargaining process for specific employee groups while maintaining the integrity of collective bargaining agreements across the state.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.80.010
Substitute Bill: 41.80.010
Bill as Passed Legislature: 41.80.010
Session Law: 41.80.010