The bill aims to improve 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 is competitive with both public and private sector employees in similar 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. The bill also modifies the timeline and procedures for collective bargaining negotiations, establishing specific deadlines for selecting arbitrators and completing agreements, while ensuring that salary survey information from private employers remains confidential.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing legislation regarding wage and benefit comparisons for ferry employees by replacing previous language that specified comparisons with public and private sector employees in West Coast states and British Columbia. Instead, it directs comparisons to be made with appropriate public and private sector employees in specified geographical areas. The legislation also outlines factors to be considered during mediation or arbitration, such as changes in circumstances, limitations on ferry toll increases, and the state's ability to retain ferry employees. Overall, the bill seeks to promote fair compensation and improve working conditions for ferry system employees while maintaining the operational integrity of the ferry system.

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