This bill introduces a new section to chapter 41.56 RCW, extending collective bargaining rights to nonacademic student employees enrolled in academic or certificate programs at Western Washington University. The bill specifies that these employees include various classifications such as advertising assistants, community service center coordinators, and resident advisors, among others. It clarifies that employees are considered enrolled during academic breaks if they are employed during that time and were enrolled in the preceding or subsequent quarter or semester. However, it excludes employees already eligible for collective bargaining under existing laws and those specifically excluded from collective bargaining.

The bill outlines the scope of bargaining, which does not include the ability to terminate employment based on academic performance, the setting of tuition or fees (though tuition remission and waivers are negotiable), the academic calendar, or class admission numbers. Additionally, it stipulates that compensation provisions in collective bargaining agreements cannot exceed amounts set by the legislature in the appropriations act, although the university may offer additional compensation. The act is declared necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and it takes effect immediately.