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), detailing the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in private sector labor-management relations. The bill underscores the significance of stable labor-management relations for economic and social development in the state and provides a framework for enforcing collective bargaining agreements. Key provisions include definitions of essential terms, processes for certification and representation of bargaining units, and the involvement of the Public Employment Relations Commission (the Commission) in resolving disputes regarding bargaining representatives.

Additionally, the bill allows parties in a labor dispute to request the Commission to appoint an arbitrator to assist in resolving issues related to collective bargaining agreements, with no fees charged 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 before striking at healthcare institutions. The bill also permits employers in the building and construction industry to enter agreements with labor organizations without needing to establish majority status first. Furthermore, it mandates the Commission to create rules for administering these provisions and ensures that its actions are subject to judicial review, while also amending existing laws to enhance protections for workers and unions, including communication rights and new definitions for support roles related to domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 49.32.020, 5.60.060