This bill establishes collective bargaining rights for agricultural employees in Washington State by placing them under the jurisdiction of the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). It guarantees agricultural employees the freedom to associate, self-organize, and choose their representatives for negotiating employment terms without employer interference. The legislation recognizes the unique challenges faced by agricultural workers, such as seasonal employment and language barriers, and mandates that collective bargaining procedures be culturally and linguistically appropriate. It also defines agricultural employees and employers, outlines the roles of farmworker labor organizations, and specifies unfair labor practices for both parties.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions related to arbitration in labor disputes, allowing parties to request the commission to appoint a qualified arbitrator to assist in resolving disputes from collective bargaining agreements, with the commission prohibited from charging fees for these services. It clarifies that the right to strike remains intact and establishes that commission actions are subject to judicial review. The bill also amends existing laws regarding the confidentiality of communications among various parties, expands the definition of "union" to include farmworker labor organizations, and emphasizes that new provisions do not supersede existing rights or causes of action, thereby reinforcing legal protections for individuals involved in labor relations.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 49.32.020, 5.60.060
Substitute bill: 49.32.020, 5.60.060
Second substitute: 5.60.060