This bill establishes a new chapter in Title 49 RCW that places agricultural workers involved in the cultivation, growing, harvesting, or production of cannabis under the jurisdiction of the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) for collective bargaining purposes. It defines key terms such as "employee," "employer," "collective bargaining," and "labor dispute," and outlines the rights of employees to organize and select their bargaining representatives. The bill prohibits employers from interfering with employees' rights to organize and mandates that the commission intervene in disputes regarding the selection of bargaining representatives.
Additionally, the bill details the procedures for certifying exclusive bargaining representatives, conducting elections, and the obligations of employers regarding dues deductions and information sharing with representatives. It establishes unfair labor practices for both employers and bargaining representatives, and outlines the commission's authority to prevent such practices and issue remedial orders. The bill also includes provisions for binding arbitration of labor disputes and ensures that terms of collective bargaining agreements remain in effect until a new agreement is reached. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance labor rights and protections for cannabis agricultural workers in Washington State.