Bill > HB1511

This bill clarifies and updates the legal provisions regarding Washington state ferries captains, specifically focusing on their roles, responsibilities, and bargaining unit status. The bill redefines the captain's responsibilities to include ensuring vessel and passenger safety, following international, federal, and state laws, directing crew performance, overseeing vessel operations, meeting department performance expectations, and coordinating vessel movements. The legislation modifies language around the captain's authority, replacing terms like "manager" and "supervising" with more precise terminology like "directing" and "coordinating". Additionally, the bill provides a pathway for captains to potentially rejoin the masters, mates, and pilots bargaining unit by allowing a vote by August 31, 2025, with the potential to create a combined bargaining unit effective July 1, 2026. If the captains choose to remain in a separate bargaining unit, future collective bargaining agreements will need to be negotiated accordingly. The changes aim to provide clarity and flexibility in the organizational structure and roles of Washington state ferries captains.

Labor and Employment, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1511&Year=2025&Initiative=false