The bill amends existing laws related to public employee collective bargaining processes in Washington State, specifically RCW 41.56.050 and introduces new sections to chapters 41.58 and 49.36 RCW. It establishes procedures for organizing petitions to form new bargaining units for unrepresented workers, requiring the public employment relations commission to mandate employers and employee organizations to submit proof regarding challenged employees. Additionally, if a petition for representation is deemed inappropriate, the commission must assess whether the bargaining unit represented by another organization is appropriate and take necessary actions based on that determination.

Furthermore, the bill allows the commission or presiding officer to set hearing dates without consent from involved parties and to draw adverse inferences from non-compliance with subpoenas, with specific exceptions for unions invoking privilege. It also clarifies that a public employer cannot require workers to waive statutory rights as a condition for settling grievances under collective bargaining agreements. Notably, the bill includes provisions for consolidating bargaining units under a single employee organization if deemed appropriate by the commission.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.56.050
Substitute Bill: 41.56.050