WA
Washington Senate Bill SB5039

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5039

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/13/25  
Report Pass
1/31/25  

Caption

Removing the exclusion from interest arbitration of Washington management service employees at the department of corrections.

Impact

The bill can have significant implications for labor relations within the Department of Corrections. By enabling interest arbitration for management service employees, it encourages a more structured approach to conflict resolution that can lead to fair arbitration outcomes. This change could potentially align the rights of these employees with those of their counterparts in other sectors, thereby promoting equity in treatment among state employees.

Summary

SB5039 seeks to address the exclusion of management service employees at the Department of Corrections from interest arbitration. The intent behind this bill is to enhance the collective bargaining rights of these employees, allowing them more avenues for resolving disputes regarding wages and working conditions. By removing this exemption, the bill aims to create fairer negotiation conditions for management service employees and possibly improve workplace relations within the Department of Corrections.

Additional

While there was limited legislative discussion or voting history available specifically for SB5039, the relative absence of strong opposition may suggest a growing consensus on the importance of bolstering employee rights in the state workforce. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, further discussions and potential amendments could arise to address various stakeholders' concerns.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise surrounding the impact on departmental management flexibility and the cost implications associated with an expanded arbitration framework. Opponents potentially argue that introducing arbitration could complicate management's ability to make swift decisions regarding employee relations and could incur additional costs for the state. Proponents, conversely, emphasize that the benefits of ensuring fair treatment and improved working conditions will outweigh these concerns and foster a more motivated workforce.

Latest SB5039 Activity

Companion Bills

WA HB1068

Crossfiled Removing the exclusion from interest arbitration of Washington management service employees at the department of corrections.

Previously Filed As

WA HB1066

Making technical corrections and removing obsolete language from the Revised Code of Washington pursuant to RCW 1.08.025.

WA HB1122

Granting Washington management service employees the right to collectively bargain.

WA SB5141

Granting Washington management service employees the right to collectively bargain.

WA HB1429

Prohibiting strikes by employees covered by the educational employment relations act and authorizing interest arbitration.

WA SB5529

Removing the exclusion of certain domestic workers from certain worker protections.

WA SB5808

Granting interest arbitration to certain public safety telecommunicators.

WA SB5298

Transferring the office of corrections ombuds to the department of social and health services.

WA SB5087

Removing language from the Revised Code of Washington that has been identified by the justices of the supreme court or judges of the superior courts as defects and omissions in the laws pursuant to Article IV, section 25 of the Washington state Constitution.

WA HB1090

Removing language from the Revised Code of Washington that has been identified by the justices of the supreme court or judges of the superior courts as defects and omissions in the laws pursuant to Article IV, section 25 of the Washington state Constitution.

WA SB5419

Removing a Washington state institute of public policy outcome evaluation requirement.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.