Bill > SB5503

This bill addresses several aspects of public employee collective bargaining processes in Washington state. It requires the Public Employment Relations Commission to implement new procedures for handling organizing petitions, including requiring employers and employee organizations to submit proof of challenged employees and providing guidance on how to handle petitions for new bargaining units. The bill also grants the commission or presiding officer more flexibility in conducting hearings, such as setting hearing dates without consent and drawing adverse inferences from non-compliance with subpoenas, while protecting union privileges. Additionally, the bill allows for easier consolidation of bargaining units represented by the same employee organization, modifies interest arbitration procedures for state corrections employees and ferry system employees, and prohibits public employers from requiring workers to waive statutory rights as a condition of settling grievances. These changes aim to streamline collective bargaining processes, provide more clarity in labor negotiations, and protect worker rights in public sector employment settings.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5503&Year=2025&Initiative=false