The proposed bill seeks to establish collective bargaining rights for employees who are not currently covered by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) or the Railway Labor Act. It introduces a new chapter to Title 49 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which outlines the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in private sector labor-management relations. Key provisions include definitions of essential terms, the role of the Public Employment Relations Commission in certifying bargaining representatives and mediating disputes, and the enforcement of existing collective bargaining agreements even if federal law changes. The bill also provides a framework for resolving disputes through interest arbitration if agreements are not reached within specified timeframes.

Additionally, the bill includes new provisions that allow parties in a labor dispute to request an arbitrator from the commission, which cannot charge fees for these services. It clarifies that existing laws under chapter 49.08 RCW do not apply and maintains the right to strike, requiring a 10-day written notice for strikes at health care institutions. Employers in the building and construction industry are permitted to enter agreements with labor organizations without needing to establish majority status first. The commission is tasked with creating rules for these provisions, and actions taken by the commission are subject to judicial review, ensuring clarity in the rights of workers and unions, including protections for communications between union representatives and employees.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 49.32.020, 5.60.060