This bill establishes a new section in chapter 41.56 RCW that extends collective bargaining rights to nonacademic student employees enrolled in academic or certificate programs at Western Washington University. It specifically includes various classifications of nonacademic student employees, such as advertising assistants, community service center coordinators, and resident advisors, among others. The bill clarifies that these 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.

Additionally, the bill outlines the scope of bargaining for these employees, which does not include termination based on academic performance, tuition or fee amounts, the academic calendar, or class admission numbers. While collective bargaining agreements related to compensation must adhere to limits set by the legislature in the appropriations act, Western Washington University retains the ability to offer additional compensation beyond those limits. The bill is declared necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.