Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5621

Introduced
1/30/23  
Refer
1/30/23  
Report Pass
2/13/23  
Engrossed
3/6/23  

Caption

Protecting workers displaced due to finfish aquaculture facility closure.

Impact

If enacted, SB5621 would significantly influence local labor laws by introducing specific safeguards for workers in the aquaculture sector. The provisions in the bill are expected to promote economic stability within communities that rely heavily on aquaculture as a means of livelihood. The legislation could serve as a model for similar protections across other industries facing job displacement due to industry changes or closures. Supporters argue that the measures will not only protect affected workers but also ensure workforce development in the region.

Summary

SB5621, titled 'Protecting workers displaced due to finfish aquaculture facility closure', is a legislative proposal aimed at providing support and protections for workers who lose their jobs as a result of the closure of finfish aquaculture facilities. The bill recognizes the economic challenges that arise from such closures and seeks to mitigate their impact on affected employees. It proposes measures to ensure that displaced workers receive necessary assistance, likely focusing on retraining and job placement services, to help them transition into new employment opportunities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB5621 appears to be largely positive among supporters, including labor representatives and social advocates, who view the bill as a necessary step toward safeguarding employment for vulnerable workers in the aquaculture industry. They commend the government's proactive approach to addressing potential fallout from economic changes. However, there may be dissent from opposition groups who question the extent of government intervention and its implications for the aquaculture sector's operational freedoms.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB5621 include the debate over the specific forms of assistance provided to displaced workers and whether these measures could inadvertently lead to increased regulatory burdens on aquaculture facilities. Critics may express concerns about balancing worker protections with business viability, raising questions about how the bill might affect the operational flexibility of aquaculture enterprises. The economic implications for the industry itself, alongside worker welfare, will likely be a significant focal point among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

WA HB1712

Crossfiled Protecting workers displaced due to finfish aquaculture facility closure.

Previously Filed As

WA HB1712

Protecting workers displaced due to finfish aquaculture facility closure.

WA HB2407

Increasing protections for child welfare workers.

WA HB1193

Increasing protections for child welfare workers.

WA HB1875

Increasing protections for child welfare workers.

WA SB5023

Providing labor market protections for domestic workers.

WA HB1561

Providing labor market protections for domestic workers.

WA SB5529

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

WA HB1548

Safeguarding the public safety by protecting railroad workers.

WA SB5267

Safeguarding the public safety by protecting railroad workers.

WA HB2487

Providing education and assistance for displaced farmworkers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.