Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5044

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

Caption

Allowing collective bargaining over contributions for certain supplemental retirement benefits.

Impact

The bill potentially impacts state laws related to employee benefits, particularly in the public sector. By supporting collective bargaining rights in this context, SB5044 may lead to more favorable retirement arrangements for public employees, especially those in sectors where retirement benefits play a crucial role in attracting and retaining talent. The implications could also ripple into the overall retirement landscape for public employees, prompting other entities to reconsider their retirement benefit strategies.

Summary

SB5044 focuses on allowing collective bargaining over contributions for certain supplemental retirement benefits. This legislation aims to enhance the retirement benefits available to employees by enabling discussions and agreements between employers and employees regarding contributions made towards these supplemental retirement plans. By allowing such bargaining, SB5044 is intended to empower employees and increase their participation in shaping their retirement options, thereby possibly leading to improved financial security in their retirement years.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB5044 may revolve around the balance of power between employers and employees. Critics might argue that extending collective bargaining rights could impose additional financial burdens on public entities, thus straining budgets. On the other hand, supporters may emphasize the importance of equitable retirement benefits for public employees, highlighting the need for fair negotiation processes to ensure that these benefits are both adequate and competitive.

Companion Bills

WA HB1069

Crossfiled Allowing collective bargaining over contributions for certain supplemental retirement benefits.

Previously Filed As

WA HB1842

Addressing salary comparisons for ferry system collective bargaining units.

WA SB6194

Concerning state legislative employee collective bargaining.

WA HB2325

Concerning state legislative employee collective bargaining.

WA HB2484

Exempting certain collective bargaining activities by legislative employees from state ethics restrictions.

WA SB5810

Clarifying the collective bargaining unit for interpreters providing language access services to certain state agencies.

WA HB1307

Concerning collective bargaining for resident and fellow physicians employed by certain institutions of higher education.

WA SB5895

Concerning collective bargaining for certain employees who are enrolled in academic programs at public institutions of higher education.

WA SB5238

Expanding collective bargaining for employees who are enrolled in academic programs at public institutions of higher education.

WA HB1291

Expanding collective bargaining for employees who are enrolled in academic programs at public institutions of higher education.

WA SB6088

Concerning minor league baseball players subject to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement regarding employment status.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.