Bill > HB1141

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for collective bargaining rights specifically for agricultural cannabis workers in Washington state. The legislation creates new legal protections that allow cannabis farm workers who are involved in cultivating, growing, harvesting, or producing cannabis to form labor unions and negotiate with their employers. The bill defines key terms like "employee" (limited to workers directly involved in cannabis production tasks), "employer" (cannabis producers and processors licensed in the state), and "bargaining representative" (any lawful organization representing workers). It outlines a process for workers to form unions, including requirements for holding elections through the public employment relations commission, with provisions for determining appropriate bargaining units and representing worker interests. The bill also establishes unfair labor practices for both employers and labor organizations, creates mechanisms for resolving disputes, and mandates that employers provide certain employee information to union representatives. Importantly, the bill specifies that these collective bargaining rights apply only to workers directly engaged in cannabis production on farms, and not to other types of employees in the cannabis industry. The legislation aims to provide agricultural cannabis workers with formal rights to organize, negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions, while establishing clear guidelines for how these negotiations should occur.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1141&Year=2025&Initiative=false