Bill > SB5059

This bill modifies the legal framework for Washington state ferry captains, clarifying their responsibilities and potentially changing their bargaining unit status. The bill redefines the captain's role as the ultimate authority on a vessel, explicitly stating their responsibilities include ensuring safe navigation, following international, federal, and state laws, directing crew performance, overseeing vessel operations, meeting departmental performance expectations, and coordinating vessel movements. The bill also provides a mechanism for captains to potentially rejoin the masters, mates, and pilots bargaining unit through a vote by August 31, 2025, with the potential implementation of a combined bargaining unit effective July 1, 2026. If the vote occurs, subsequent collective bargaining negotiations for the 2027-2029 biennium would involve a unified masters, mates, and pilots bargaining unit; if not, negotiations would continue with a separate captains-only bargaining unit. The changes aim to provide more clarity and flexibility in the organizational structure and collective bargaining processes for Washington state ferry captains.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5059&Year=2025&Initiative=false