The bill aims to improve the salary competitiveness for ferry system collective bargaining units in Washington State by amending existing laws related to salary surveys and collective bargaining processes. It mandates the Office of Financial Management to conduct comprehensive salary and fringe benefit surveys for ferry employees, ensuring their compensation aligns with both public and private sector employees in comparable roles. The surveys must be conducted by a nationally recognized firm and will compare wages, hours, and benefits across various employee classifications, including deck, terminal, and engine room employees.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the collective bargaining timeline and procedures, establishing specific deadlines for selecting arbitrators and finalizing agreements, with an emphasis on concluding these agreements by October 1st of the even-numbered year preceding the biennial budget period. It clarifies that arbitrator decisions are not binding on the legislature unless funds are approved for implementation, ensuring financial feasibility is considered. The bill also revises the comparison criteria for wages and benefits, shifting from a broader West Coast and British Columbia comparison to a more localized focus on appropriate public and private sector employees in specified geographical areas. Additionally, it outlines factors to be considered during mediation or arbitration, including changes in circumstances and the overall compensation received by ferry employees.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 47.64.006, 47.64.170, 43.88.030
Substitute Bill: 47.64.006, 47.64.170, 43.88.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 47.64.006, 47.64.170, 43.88.030
Session Law: 47.64.006, 47.64.170, 43.88.030