State Labor Council, AFL-CIO 321 16th Ave. South , WA 98144

LEGISLATIVE REPORT 2020 Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO From the 2020 session of the Washington State Legislature MITIGATING COVID-19 HARM IS OUR FOCUS By LARRY BROWN and APRIL SIMS are emboldened to exploit this crisis, the WSLC is The WSLC is pushing to ensure that working peo- committed to ensuring the voice of working people is ple are made whole during this crisis, working with The COVID-19 outbreak poses a serious threat heard in Washington’s economic response. government and community partners to address the to working people, and mitigating the harm this crisis Before the end of the 2020 session on March 12, needs of frontline workers, folks losing employment, is causing in Washington state will be a central focus legislators appropriated $200 million, primarily from and workers in unsafe workplaces. We’ve helped guide of the 2021 session, or any special session later this state reserves, in emergency funding to support Wash- changes to the state unemployment system and safety year. While the extent of the impact on our healthcare ington’s COVID-19 outbreak response and frontline net to cover as many Washingtonians as possible, and facilities, as well as the damage to our economy, is workers. An additional $25 million went to bolster the we’ve secured funding from community partners to not yet known, it is already clear that working people Employment Security Department as unemployment provide stipends to workers in need during this crisis are shouldering the brunt of the harm. Facing unprec- insurance filings have skyrocketed amid mass layoffs via the Foundation for Working Families. edented unemployment and some corporations that and furloughs associated with the coronavirus. Continued on Page 2 WSLC proudly backs Labor scores some wins racial equity bills, Rail, airport, building trades opportunities for all workers all gain protections; When I campaigned for the honor of serving as President of the Washington but opportunities also missed State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, I empha- sized the importance of maintaining and By JOE KENDO advancing the WSLC’s groundbreaking The 2020 legislative session ended racial equity work. As we continue to ed- with a level of uncertainty not experi- ucate our state’s union leaders and rank- enced by most in their working – if not and-file members living – memory. Unlike previous years’ about the inextricable sine die, there were was little celebra- link between race tion when the session ended March 12. and labor struggles, At the time, there were we are making our fewer than 500 known SESSION movement stronger. COVID-19 infections OVERVIEW In addition to and 31 deaths. Gov. Jay Inslee had just these educational ef- prohibited large gatherings. Despite the forts, it’s important pall that fell over our state in the wan- for organized labor to PRESIDENT’S ing weeks of the session, Washington’s support public policy COLUMN labor community accomplished quite a changes that promote Larry Brown bit, though much was left on the table. racial equity. That’s why the WSLC was proud to support Safe staffing for trains the following important bills all cham- pioned by women of color in the State Our rail labor workers represented Legislature. All of the following bills by SMART/UTU and the Brotherhood were approved in 2020 and signed into of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen law by Gov. Jay Inslee: (IBT) secured the passage of HB 1841 to n Rep. (D-SeaTac) require two-person crews on most freight sponsored HB 1783 to establish the and passenger trains, and authorizing the new Washington State Office of Equity. Utilities and Transportation Commission WSLC Secretary Treasurer April Sims addresses the Rally for Safety & Privacy on It will promote access to equitable op- to regulate safety standards for these the State Capitol steps on Feb. 6 amid the WSLC Legislative Lobbying Conference. portunities and resources that reduce lines. This effort led by Rep. Marcus disparities and improve outcomes state- Riccelli (D-Spokane) and Sen. Patty Ku- wide across all sectors of government. derer (D-Bellevue) capped a seven-year Unfortunately, the funding for HB struggle by these workers to secure safe Public employees demand and win 1783 was among the COVID-19 casual- staffing levels for an industry where em- ties when Gov. Jay Inslee vetoed almost ployee fatigue and minor human error can HB 1888 to protect privacy, safety all new spending in the budget. The lead to catastrophic derailments. While WSLC will fight to restore this funding weren’t specifically exempted and were surely a win for the men and women who One of labor’s biggest legislative when state revenues recover from the therefore subject to disclosure. As any work on and around trains, this is also an victories of the 2020 session was a high- coronavirus costs and the resulting eco- online security expert will tell you, hav- important milestone for public safety in profile battle to protect the privacy and nomic slowdown. ing a name and birth date makes it easy communities through which thousands safety of public employees. n Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) to find a home address and poses a sig- of miles of rail run, from Spokane to Ev- The state Public Records Act explic- sponsored SB 5165 to prohibit discrimi- nificant threat to privacy and safety. erett, and Vancouver to Bellingham. itly exempts certain personal informa- nation based on immigration or citizen- HB 1888, sponsored by Rep. Zack tion about public employees from disclo- ship status in our state. It does not does Hudgins (D-Tukwila), set out to update Airport labor standards sure, such as home addresses and phone not supersede federal law, but allows the the Public Records Act to exempt public numbers and Social Security numbers. state to maximize protections against Airport workers represented by employees’ birth dates from disclosure. But that privacy was put at risk by a nar- discrimination. UNITE HERE Local 8 achieved a big row (5-4) State Supreme Court ruling in Its passage was a priority for the WSLC. Continued on Page 8 2019 that public employees’ birth dates Continued on Page 3 Continued on Page 2 INSIDE The WSLC’s 2020 House and Senate Voting Records, April Sims’ column, and much more! Progress on labor-climate EQUITY Continued from Page 1

policies, but more needed n HB 2567, sponsored by Rep. My- Linh Thai (D-Bellevue), will ensure By VLAD GUTMAN-BRITTEN for leak repair, considering health and open courts for everyone by protect- environmental impacts, and improve the ing all people from warrantless civil In the wake of a 2019 session where standards for maintaining our gas distri- Entenman Gregerson environmental and labor stakeholders immigration arrests at courthouses. bution and transmission system. By in- It prohibits court staff and prosecu- came together to advance the most am- creasing the number of pipelines upgrad- bitious climate agenda in state history, tors from using state and local jus- ed and repaired, the policy will increase tice resources to report people for the 2020 session was a decidedly more employment opportunities for the many staid affair. In partnership, however, we federal immigration enforcement, union workers that support, maintain, and requires courts to collect data on achieved some notable wins, with much and improve our extensive gas system. work remaining for future sessions: immigration agents’ surveillance of n Climate Pollution Limits — In courthouses in Washington. These n ZEV Mandate — Sponsored by 2008, our state adopted its first green- measures will build community trust Sen. (D-West Seattle), SB house gas emission limits. These were Morgan Saldaña 5811 requires automakers to sell a cer- in local courts, prohibit immigration out-of-date almost as soon as that ses- and 57-39 in the tain share of their fleet as electric or other agents from interfering in local court sion ended. So this year Rep. Vandana House (Vote #12). Zero Emission Vehicles. The result will functioning, and preserve access to Slatter (D-Bellevue) introduced new All Democratic be that automakers will provide more our courts for all. targets based on the most current avail- n legislators voted models for sale in Washington and must Rep. (D-Kent) able science. The new limits set an in- “yes” and all Re- price them competitively. Washington is sponsored HB 2441 to improve access tention for Washington to cut its green- publican legisla- the 11th state to adopt the program, with to Temporary Assistance for Needy house gas pollution by 95% from 1990 tors voted “no.” several more considering joining as well. Families. It directs the Department of levels by 2050, while achieving net-zero It’s disturbing An expanded electric vehicle fleet will Social and Health Services to conduct emissions at the same time through natu- to me that this Thai mean less spending on transportation, outreach to families whose TANF ral climate solutions so richly available noble effort to create more equity and since electricity is much more affordable benefits have terminated due to time in the Pacific Northwest. HB 2311 also opportunity for all Washingtonians than gasoline, improved air quality, and limits and, if they appear to meet the sets a firm intention that when we begin should be a partisan issue. a greater investment in charging infra- expanded time-limit extension criteria, adopting policies to realize these goals, The WSLC Constitution states, structure in every corner of the state. to help them to reapply for assistance. we must also incorporate the needs and n HB 2602, sponsored by Rep. Mel- “We shall combat resolutely the forc- n Pipeline Leakage — While gas priorities of workers—incentivizing es that seek to undermine the demo- utilities are required to repair hazardous anie Morgan (D-Parkland), bans race- not just jobs, but good jobs; supporting cratic institutions of our nation and to pipeline defects that pose a public danger, based hair discrimination. It defines workers caught in the transition; and pro- enslave the human soul.” there have been some glaring omissions race, which is a protected class, to tecting manufacturers through the clean Institutional racism and systemic over the years, and smaller leaks can be include traits such as hair texture and energy transition. policies that disadvantage people of left unattended. Customers must pay for “protective hairstyles” like including color are such forces. I pledge to you this lost energy even though they never But more work remains. Adopting braids, locks, and twists. that we will continue to combat them, receive it, and the leaks are in the form of ambitious limits means additional legis- HB 1783 creating the State Of- both inside and outside the labor methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Worse lation is needed to make them real. fice of Equity is included in our 2020 movement – including in Washington still, gas utilities aren’t required to report n The Clean Fuel Standard has ex- Voting Record. It passed on party-line state government. how much gas they’ve lost and from isted for years in California, Oregon and votes: 28-21 in the Senate (Vote #8) what sources, and don’t have to consider British Columbia, and will be adopted by health and environmental impacts in de- all of Canada in the next several years, It electric vehicles. Other affiliates ex- cluded postponing implementation of the ciding what they need to repair. requires a gradual reduction in the car- pressed concern about the potential risk clean fuel standard until after the passage Rep. ’s (D-Bell- bon intensity of transportation fuels— the policy could pose to a future trans- of such a transportation package. ingham) HB 2518 will address all these increasing access to petroleum alterna- portation revenue and investment pack- While that policy and others didn’t shortcomings. Utilities will now annu- tives like biofuels and electricity that we age, which the state desperately needed make it across the finish line this year, ally disclose their total lost gas and the largely don’t have right now. even before last year’s passage of I-976. Olympia’s climate conversation will Utilities and Transportation Commission The policy earned the support of a Gratitude to Rep. (D- continue in future sessions. will calculate how much is lost as a re- number of WSLC affiliated unions who West Seattle), the prime sponsor and a sult of their intentional choices to vent see value in climate mitigation and job long-time labor and climate champion, Vlad Gutman-Britten is the WSLC’s gas. The law will require a broader test creation opportunities in biofuels and for working for a compromise that in- Infrastructure and Climate Advisor.

The WSLC Legislative Report is an annual publication of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO COVID-19 321 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 — 206-281-8901 Continued from Page 1 906 Columbia St SW, Olympia, WA 98501 — 360-943-0608

President: Larry Brown In tandem with this work on the ground, the WSLC Secretary Treasurer: April Sims is in conversation with affiliates, identifying policies to

Vice Presidents: Daniel Peters, IFPTE bring to Olympia in 2021 in support of our members Anne Tan Piazza, WSNA Kevin Allen, CBTU and all working people in Washington. Gabriel Prawl, APRI Mike Andrew, PAW While our state is in the enviable position of being Mark Riker, SMWIA Jackie Boschok, ARA Rigo Rivas, LIUNA able to tap millions in reserves for emergency funding, Ted Cummings, USW José Rosado, LCLAA Ligaya Domingo, APALA more resources will be needed to mitigate the worst Patty Rose, IBEW Debbie Gath, IBT John Scearcy, IBT impacts of this crisis. Hospitals and healthcare workers Nicole Grant, IBEW Steven Segall, AFSCME Bob Guenther, IBEW will need more support, and we’ll need serious invest- Michele Stelovich, WFSE Faye Guenther, UFCW ments in job assistance, apprenticeship programs, and Karen Strickland, AFT Jon Holden, IAM Eric Thrift, LIUNA child care. We need stronger protections for workers on Vance Lelli, AFM Jim Tieken, AFSCME Marcos Martinez, the job, including more avenues for holding unscrupu- Shannon Walker, IAM Worker Centers of whom have attended the WSLC’s Path to Power can- Janie White, WEA lous and dangerous employers responsible. Chuck Moe, LIUNA Shaunie Wheeler James, didate training program. Tina Morrison, AFM Our state’s backwards, regressive tax system exac- WA YELL Paul Parmley, IBT erbates the issues we face in our response. State revenue This crisis is reshaping many aspects of our daily (CLUW position vacant) lives, and will continue to do so. What we learn as we Administrative Staff: is drawn heavily from sales tax, an unreliable source in Ilyas Abukar ...... 2020 Legislative Intern a state where residents are urged to stay in their homes, respond will form the contours of our work in Olympia Cherika Carter .... Political & Strategic Campaigns Director and a decline in sales transactions seems certain. Reli- in 2021. The labor movement was made for moments Ingrid Chapman ...... Organizer Carlos de la Torre ...... Accounting Manager ance on sales tax revenue, already tenuous and drawn of crisis like this, built by working people to defend Emmanuel Flores ...... Workforce Development Director disproportionately from working people, is a significant against many of the same problems so clearly illumi- D. Nolan Groves ...... Communications Director Dulce Gutiérrez .. Union, Community & Naturalization Organizer stumbling block. This crisis lays bare the urgency of nated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll continue to Vlad Gutman-Britten ...... Infrastructure & Climate Advisor reforming our tax code. use that strength to fight for policies that put working Sybill Hyppolite ...... Legislative Director Joe Kendo ...... Government Affairs Director We will need to fight for bold policy ideas that pro- people before corporate profit, reshaping our economy Viona Latschaw ...... Project HELP Director vide concrete relief to working people, not shying away in response to the changes already occurring in working Rachel McAloon ...... Workforce Development Director Bill Messenger ...... Workforce Development Director from systemic changes; and we need allies to succeed. people’s lives. Kairie Pierce ...... Workforce Development Director This makes electing strong labor champions to the To read more about the WSLC’s response to the Support Staff: Jessica Gallardo Kathy Petruzzelli State Legislature even more important. We need fierce COVID-19 outbreak, visit wslc.org/covid19. Richard Cox Willa Kamakahi Sarah Tucker advocates to have our backs in Olympia, advocates who Robert New Karen White know the struggles of working people from personal Larry Brown is President and April Sims is Secretary www.wslc.org — www.thestand.org experience. Luckily, we have no shortage of union Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, PAGE members running for office in November 2020, many AFL-CIO. 2 WSLC 2020 LEGISLATIVE REPORT Transparency needed to address health costs

By SYBILL HYPPOLITE the accompanying report for details.) If you didn’t appreciate the critical In the wake of the COVID-19 out- importance of affordable health care be- Death of SHB 2036 was far from transparent break, hospitals will surely need help to fore, you should now. recover. They faced many unanticipated SHB 2036, the House-approved must sign the boards after the meeting Long before COVID-19, working expenses and costs to fight the pandemic, health system transparency bill, passed to make those voice votes official. families have struggled to pay exorbi- and they lost revenue associated with the the Senate Health and Long Term Care Two Democratic senators, Mark tant healthcare costs. Many wait too long suspension of elective surgeries and non- Committee and was referred to the Mullet of Issaquah and Kevin Van De to seek medical treatment—or forgo it emergency care. But the underlying prob- Senate Ways & Means Committee. Wege of Sequim, joined all commit- entirely—because they can’t afford it. lem will not magically go away. In fact, On March 2, the deadline for fiscal tee Republicans in signing in as “no” The consequences can be fatal. But in the need to understand hospital costs and committee action, a routine voice vote votes on SHB 2036, and committee a global pandemic, such decisions can revenues is even more important now for was taken on SHB 2036 in Ways & chair, Sen. (D-Bain- put families, co-workers, neighbors, and policymakers and the public. Means, and the bill appeared to pass. bridge Island), did not vote. So SHB even entire communities at risk. To ensure patient access while ad- But as always, that passage is “subject 2036 failed to advance from Ways & The problem: how do you address dressing costs in the healthcare system, to signatures.” Committee members Means and died for the session. rising healthcare costs if you lack data we need to understand cost drivers in and information about healthcare spend- the areas of largest healthcare spend- ing? It is growing faster than purchasers ency to provide oversight and account- with debt-collection agencies. ing: healthcare delivery. That’s why the can sustain while policymakers and pa- ability for investments in health care. It SHB 2036, an amended version of WSLC will continue to support updating tients face a delivery system that is in- would require hospitals in Washington to the bill, passed the House 56-42 (see Washington’s oversight and transparency creasingly complex and consolidated. report annually on certain costs, expendi- Vote #3). It retained strong support from policies to create a sustainable healthcare HB 2036, sponsored by Rep. Nicole tures and revenues, similar to the require- the WSLC and other unions, but was op- system that works for us all. Macri (D-Seattle) and strongly supported ments of several other states. Hospitals posed by the Washington State Hospi- by the Washington State Labor Council, also would have to disclose whether they tal Association. Ultimately, SHB 2036 Sybill Hyppolite is the WSLC’s AFL-CIO, would create more transpar- have a revenue-generating relationship failed to advance from the Senate. (See Legislative Director.

Building trades WSLC Legislative Lobbying Conference win priority bills Several significant bills supported by Washington’s building and construction trades were passed into law in 2020. They include: BID LISTING—Some public works contractors alter their lists of subcontractors after winning bids so they can pay lower wages and boost profits at the expense of taxpayers — and project quality. That’s why passage of ESSB 5457, sponsored by Sen. (D-Des Moines), was a priority for the WSLC, the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, and Ironworkers Local 86. It will reduce “bid shopping” by having more subcontractors listed in bids for major public works projects. Keiser Under current law, on projects costing more than $1 million, the prime contractor must list the subcontractors that will perform HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. ESSB 5457 extends this requirement to subcontractors who do structural steel and rebar work. This is a common-sense policy that assures winning bidders provide decent jobs and maintain good quality on major public works projects. Hundreds of delegates representing unions across the state gathered in Olympia on Feb. 6 for the ESSB 5457 passed the Senate 31-16 (see Vote #1), Washington State Labor Council’s 2020 Legislative Lobbying Conference. They learned about the status of passed the House 97-0, and was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee. priority legislation affecting working families, rallied on the State Capitol steps in support HB 1888, and PLUMBING CODE OVERHAUL—For years, then fanned out across the campus to meet with their legislators. Here, delegates from the 30th Legislative the Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) union has worked District meet with Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn) and share information on the pro-labor bills. with legislators to revise and update Washington state’s plumbing code. This year, the UA made a concerted effort to include industry stakeholders in the process increases risk of identity theft and doxxing (where per- and come up with ways to protect consumers and sonal identifying data is maliciously posted online), and honest contractors from unlicensed and unprofessional PRIVACY puts families’ safety at risk. plumbers, while also bringing more young workers Continued from Page 1 “Other states have acknowledged their duty to pro- into the industry that desperately needs them. tect public employees’ birth dates,” said WSLC Secre- SB 6170, also sponsored by Sen. Keiser, is a At the start of the session, HB 1888 faced stiff tary Treasurer April Sims at a Feb. 6 rally on the Capi- comprehensive overhaul of this code supported by both opposition from newspapers and others. Recent con- tol steps. “Oregon and California, for example, exempt labor and business. It establishes clear requirements troversial efforts to exempt legislators from certain as- birth dates from disclosure. It’s time for Washington to for a plumbing contractor license, creates a residential pects of public disclosure law had enraged advocates protect its public employees’ safety service plumbing certificate, modifies supervisory for open government. HB 1888 was and privacy as well, by passing HB ratios of plumber trainees to certified plumbers, and portrayed as yet another attack. 1888.” expands the Advisory Board of Plumbers to regularly The Washington Federation The pressure to fix the law was review these standards and make sure they work as of State Employees/AFSCME 28, enormous and forced the bill’s op- intended. It passed both houses unanimously. Washington Education Associa- ponents to the table to negotiate a APPRENTICESHIP COMPLIANCE—SB tion, SEIU 925, the State Council compromise. Led by Hudgins and 6239, sponsored by Sen. Steve Conway (D-Tacoma), of Firefighters, WPEA/UFCW 365 Sen. (D-Bellevue), a strengthens apprenticeship utilization requirements on and other public employees unions compromise was reached to exempt Kuderer public works projects. If a bidding contractor has a led an aggressive campaign to edu- Hudgins birth dates but allow newspaper re- history of penalties for not meeting these requirements, cate and mobilize their members on porters legitimate access when investigating govern- or is habitual in using the “good faith exemption,” it the issue. In the end, legislators were bombarded by ment wrongdoing. The amended bill easily passed on must submit a plan to the state explaining how it will thousands of emails and phone calls, and hundreds of bipartisan votes: 91-7 in the House (see Vote public employees came to Olympia in support of HB correct these shortcomings. SB 6239 passed the Senate #2) and 36-10 in the Senate (Vote #5). Gov. P 37-10 (Vote #3) and the House 60-37 (Vote #8), and 1888. They told lawmakers that disclosure of birth dates Jay Inslee then signed it into law. A G was signed by Inslee. endangers victims of domestic abuse or violent crime, E WSLC 2020 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 3 The good, bad Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO — 2020 LEGISLATIVE VOTING RECORD and ugly bill SENATE SB 6261 (McCoy)—Farm labor HB 1783 (Gregerson)—Creating a sponsorships 4 contract system reforms. Right vote: 8 Washington State Office of Equity to ESB 5457 (Keiser)—Bid Listing— YES (Passed 32-16 on Feb. 18.) promote access to equitable opportunities. Lots of bills that would have serious 1 Extending prime contractors’ require- Right vote: YES (Passed 28-21 on Mar. 5.) benefits or consequences for Washing- ment to list subcontractors of public works HB 1888 (Hudgins)—Protecting public employee safety and privacy HB 2308 (Slatter)—Requiring ton’s working families never get a full project bids to include structural steel and 5 job ti- rebar work. Right vote: YES (Passed 31- regarding birthdates. Right vote: YES tle reporting to help track educational House or Senate vote. But you can tell 9 16 on Jan. 24.) (Passed 36-10 on Mar. 4.) and certification workforce placements. who supports the good, bad and ugly Right vote: YES (Passed 34-14 on Mar. 5.) bills by checking the list of sponsors SB 6217 (Keiser)—Airport labor HB 2017 (Frame)—Administrative and committee votes: 2 standards—Closing a loophole de- 6 law judge collective bargaining. HB 1590 (Doglio)—Allowing lo- nying certain airport employees, includ- Right vote: YES (Passed 29-18 Mar. 4.) 10 cal sales and use tax for affordable ing airline catering workers, access to housing. Right vote: YES (Passed 27-21 TheThe SeaTac’s minimum wage standard. Right HB 1521 (Dolan)—Government on Mar. 6.) vote: YES (Passed 33-15 on Feb. 17.) 7 contracting accountability and GOODGOOD transparency—Requiring cost-benefit SB 6534 (Cleveland)—Creating an ESB 6239 (Conway)—Public works analyses before contracting out the 11ambulance transport quality as- apprenticeship compliance. Right work of state employees. Right vote: surance fee. Right vote: YES (Passed 44-4 n 3 HB 1965 — WORKER PROTEC- vote: YES (Passed 37-10 on Feb. 18.) YES (Passed 31-18 Mar. 5.) on Mar. 12.) TION ACT — This WSLC priority leg- islation failed to get a vote in the House. It would provide an avenue for whistle- blowers to enforce labor laws on behalf of the state and hold employers account- able when state agencies cannot compre- hensively address wage, discrimination, equal pay, and health and safety laws. SPONSOR: Rep. (D- Bainbridge Island) C O - S P O N S O R S : Reps. , Pat Sullivan, , Debra Le- kanoff, , Hansen , , , Joe Fitzgibbon, Lillian Ortiz-Self, n SB 6393 and HB 2361 — CANNA- BIS WORKERS’ RIGHTS — With the rapid expansion of Washington’s canna- bis industry, the WSLC led by UFCW 21 supported this legislation to require that cannabis companies commit to safety, equity, and workers’ rights on the job.

Conway Peterson other workers from sexual harassment n SB 6372 — WORKERS’ COMP CO-SPONSORS: Reps. Stokesbary, and discrimination and retaliation. It COMPROMISE AND RELEASE — Springer, Steele, Walen, Harris, Sullivan, SPONSORS: Sen. Steve Conway (D- passed the House 59-39 but did not get a This bill would have expanded so-called Rude, Dolan, Lekanoff Tacoma) and Rep. (D- vote in the Senate. “structured settlements,” also known as Edmonds) SPONSORS: Rep. compromise and release, in the workers’ CO-SPONSORS: Sens. Rebecca Saldaña, Monica Stonier (D- compensation system. Injured workers, TheThe Karen Keiser, , Kevin Van Vancouver) who are often in desperate financial cir- De Wege, Claire Wilson, Joe Nguyen; and cumstances, would be offered lump-sum Rep. Appleton C O - S P O N S O R S : UGLYUGLY Reps. , buyouts that are less than they would n SB 6253 — COMPREHENSIVE Mia Gregerson, Timm otherwise receive to close their claims. n HB 2025 — WORKERS’ COMP EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Ormsby, Mike Chap- SPONSOR: Sen. (R-Yakima) — This bill would establish compre- PRIVATIZATION — Creating a task man, , CO-SPONSORS: Sens. Braun, Schoesler hensive reforms to Washington’s early Stonier , Steve force to study privatization of our state- childhood education system to ensured Bergquist, Lauren Davis, Beth Doglio, n SB 5556 and SB 5934 — LOWER run workers’ compensation system, an that early learners get the assistance and , , Gerry Pollet, Ni- PREVAILING WAGES — Both bills idea that Washington voters have over- support they need to avoid falling behind cole Macri, , Marcus Ric- would have exempted certain public con- whelming rejected as harmful to the in- their peers as they begin kindergarten. celli, struction projects from prevailing wage terests of injured workers. standards. SPONSORS: Sen. SPONSORS: Rep. Chris Corry (R-Yaki- Claire Wilson (D- SPONSORS: Sen. (R- ma) Auburn) The Bellingham) CO-SPONSORS: Reps. Orcutt, Klippert, C O - S P O N S O R S : CO-SPONSORS: None Vick, Gildon, Dent, Griffey, McCaslin, Sens. , n HB 2788 — FUNDING PRIVATE Graham, Eslick, Chambers, Smith, Jenkin, BAD Van Werven, Goehner , Patty CHARTER SCHOOLS — This bill Kuderer, Emily Ran- would have diverted taxpayer funding n HB 1845 — JANUS II: DUES n HB 2404 — dall, , LOWER WAGES for public schools into private charter REAUTHORIZATION — Creating Wilson — This bill Steve Conway, Mona IN RURAL COUNTIES schools, which lack public accountabil- major new hurdles for union member- would have “adjusted downward” wage Das, Joe Nguyen, , Sam ity and other basic safeguards. Charter ship among public employees, including standards, including the minimum wage, Hunt schools are exempt from open meetings requiring that these workers reauthorize in every county outside of King County. n HB 2511 — DOMESTIC WORK- and public records laws, certain labor and their membership every two years. ERS BILL OF RIGHTS — This would SPONSORS: Rep. Jeremie Dufault (R- health-and-safety laws, and staff qualifi- SPONSORS: Rep. (R- have protected nannies, house- Selah) cation requirements at public schools. Auburn) keepers, cooks, gardeners and CO-SPONSORS: Reps. Hoff, Van Werven, PAGE SPONSORS: Rep. (D- CO-SPONSORS: None Corry Seattle) 4 WSLC 2020 LEGISLATIVE REPORT Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO — 2020 LEGISLATIVE VOTING RECORD The most

HOUSE HB 2409 (Kilduff)—Workers’ com- SeaTac’s minimum wage standard. Right 5 pensation third-party administrator vote: YES (Passed 58-39, Mar. 4.) important reform. Right vote: YES (Passed 52-44, HB 2017 (Frame)—Administrative Feb. 18.) ESB 5457 (Keiser)—Bid List- law judge collective bargaining. 1 ing —Extending the requirement Right vote: YES (Passed 57-40, Feb. 13.) 10 HB 1590 (Doglio)—Allowing local that prime contractors list subcontractors election... sales and use tax for affordable hous- of public works project bids to include HB 1888 (Hudgins)—Protecting 6 ing. Right vote: YES (Passed 52-46, Feb. structural steel and rebar work. Right vote: By CHERIKA CARTER public employee safety and privacy 2 19.) YES (Passed 97-0, Mar. 5.) regarding birthdates. Right vote: YES It seems like every two years some- (Passed 91-7, Feb. 14.) body’s trying to tell us, “This is the most SB 6261 (McCoy)— HB 1521 (Dolan)—Government Farm labor con- important election of our lives.” Well... tract system reforms. Right vote: YES contracting accountability and HB 2036 (Macri)—Promoting health 7 11 (Passed 57-39, Mar. 3.) transparency—Requiring cost-benefit THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT system transparency and account- 3 analyses before contracting out the ELECTION OF OUR LIVES! ability through better hospital revenue and ESB 6239 (Conway)—Public works Many of us are focused in 2020 on expenditure reporting. Right vote: YES work of state employees. Right vote: apprenticeship compliance. Right the dire consequences for working fami- (Passed 56-42, Feb. 17.) 8 YES (Passed 67-29, Mar. 9.) vote: YES (Passed 60-37, Mar. 4.) lies if Donald Trump is re-elected. But HB 1783 (Gregerson)—Creating one big lesson from the COVID-19 pan- HB 2308 (Slatter)—Requiring job ti- SB 6217 (Keiser)—Airport labor the Washington State Office of tle reporting to help track educational 12 demic is that who runs state government 4 standards—Closing a loophole de- Equity to promote access to equitable op- and certification workforce placements. 9 can have a far more direct impact on your nying certain airport employees, includ- portunities for all Washingtonians. Right Right vote: YES (Passed 60-38, Feb. 17.) job, your family, and your life. It’s not an ing airline catering workers, access to vote: YES (Passed 57-39, Mar. 9.) exaggeration to say that, given another crisis like this, the difference between having Jay Inslee as your governor ver- sus... the alternative... could literally be the difference between life and death. As we face the economic and public health challenges that COVID-19 leaves in its wake, who we elect to statewide offices and to the Legislature will be of critical importance. We need to make sure that the people making decisions about addressing state revenue shortfalls and maintaining critical public services will not place the burden on working people. And that’s why we need to work harder than ever to ensure that champi- ons of working families get elected. We are fortunate in Washington state to have many champions who are incumbents. They need our support. We are also fortunate to have a slate of union members—many of whom participated in the WSLC’s Path to Power candidate training—who are running for the Legis- lature, because they share our values.

Labor Neighbor, the WSLC’s grass- roots member-to-member political edu- cation program, is a national model for how to engage rank-and-file union mem- bers about the importance of supporting pro-worker candidates. Once again, we will be leafletting, calling and mailing union families across the state. We will be in their neighbor- hoods, reaching out to have the one-on- one conversations that are most effective way to convey this information. There’s a good chance we’ll be wearing masks when we do Labor Neighbor walks. But that’s OK because we will be the super- heroes of the 2020 elections. So when you get that call from me to get involved in Labor Neighbor—and you will—I hope you’ll remember that this is about far more than sacrificing a few evenings on the phones or a few Saturdays on neighborhood walks. This is about protecting our jobs, our families, and our quality of life in this state. I’ll talk to you soon. Visit the Legislative Advocacy page on our website for printable, Cherika Carter is the WSLC’s Political and Strategic PAGE wslc.org shareable copies of these Voting Records, plus those from previous years. Campaigns Director. WSLC 2020 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 5 LEGISLATIVE BRIEFS Administrative Law Judges win right to join together If you disagree with a government action, you have the right to appeal that decision with the state’s Office of Ad- ministrative Hearings. Most of these ap- peals relate to unemployment benefits, child support decisions and Medicaid coverage, but the OAH hears appeals for most state agencies and even some local governments. Those appeals are heard by more than 110 Administrative Law Judges, who specialize in certain areas of ex- pertise. These folks have big caseloads, Rep. Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane) complained that, since becoming a state legislator in 2003, his photo has NEVER appeared hear more than 50,000 cases each year, in the WSLC Legislative Report. So here he is (the guy with the tie) meeting with constituents from the 3rd Legislative District and do the same work as administrative who attended the WSLC Legislative and Lobbying Conference. And below is the contingent from the 27th Legislative District. adjudicators within other agencies. The difference is that they have no collective passed the Senate 27-21 (Vote #10), and bargaining rights, and the lack of wage was signed by Inslee. predictability and security has led to Improving education, training recruitment and re- tention challenges. HB 2308, sponsored by Rep. Van- HB 2017, spon- dana Slatter (D- sored by Rep. Noel Kirkland), adds the Frame (D-Seattle), reporting of occu- would resolve this pational classifica- inequity and grant Frame tions or job titles to ALJs collective bargaining rights. Unfor- employers’ quarter- tunately these days, allowing any work- ly Employment Se- ers to come together to form a union is a curity reports. This Slatter partisan issue. But thanks to strong ad- information will vocacy from the Washington Federation be kept confidential, but will help track of State Employees/AFSCME Council educational and certification workforce 28 and Democratic control of the Legis- placements and provide better informa- lature, HB 2017 passed the House 57-40 tion to workers and students making de- (Vote #1), the Senate 29-18 (Vote #6), cisions about education and training. and was signed by Gov. Jay Inslee. Banning use of private prisons Promoting affordable housing SB 6442, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca often require those workers to take jobs bulance transports by private providers. Housing affordability is a statewide Saldaña (D-Seattle), prohibits the state that do not allow them to provide care. Supported by the Teamsters union, AMR crisis for workers in urban and rural from sending people to for-profit prisons SB 5473, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Emergency Medical Technicians, and the communities, and for first-time buyers outside the state. It Saldaña (D-Seattle), set out to update Washington Ambulance Association, this and renters alike. The WSLC supports includes some excep- these standards so workers are not forced will help promote quality services and strategies to increase housing stock, to tions for involuntary to choose between an uncommon shift boost wages at those ambulance compa- adopt smart land- placement in mental and caring for their family. SB 5473 was nies. It passed the House 87-10 and the use standards to health, substance use amended to study the economic impacts Senate 44-4 (Vote #11). promote housing rehab, and similar of granting unemployment benefits to options, and to sup- services. Supported caregivers for certain voluntary quits 3% increase for PERS 1, TRS 1 port tenants bur- by the WSLC and and passed the Senate 40-6. It passed the Saldaña dened by extreme multiple community House 57-40. HB 1390, sponsored by Rep. Mari rental costs. groups, it passed the House 64-33, the Leavitt (D-University Place), grants a HB 1590, spon- Senate 29-20, and was signed by Inslee. Quality ambulance services one-time 3 percent increase to the retire- sored by Rep. Beth Doglio ment benefits of PERS 1 and TRS 1 retir- Doglio (D-Olympia), allows a local sales Benefits for caregivers SB 6534, sponsored by Sen. An- ees. This one-time cost-of-living increase and use tax for affordable housing to be nette Cleveland (D-Vancouver), creates is desperately needed and helps offset the established by a councilmanic author- Job search requirements for unem- an ambulance transport quality assurance rising costs of retiree health benefits. It ity. It passed the House 52-46 (Vote #6), ployed workers who care for loved ones fee for Medicaid-funded emergency am- passed both houses unanimously. Progress for H-2A farmworkers, but much more is needed Much of Washington’s essential agricultural work- have sought to update these contracting laws to prevent tors classified as nonprofit organizations. Importantly, force is recruited using international labor contracting such exploitation. But agriculture industry opposition it also prohibited retaliation against H-2A workers who systems and the federal H-2A temporary visa program. has stifled those efforts. file complaints, testify in such proceedings, or consult But when our state’s laws governing farm labor con- As originally written, SB with farmworkers advocates regarding their rights. tracting were written in the 1950s, and last revised in 6261 sponsored by Sen. John Mc- But once again, it faced aggressive opposition from 1985, the H-2A program did not even exist. Coy (D-Tulalip), proposed a num- agricultural interests and was scaled back to remove Since that time, Washington has experienced many ber of reforms that would protect the licensing, joint liability and retaliation language. As instances of abuse and exploitation of H-2A work- these workers. It established farm amended, it simply closed the non-profit loophole. ers brought to the U.S. under false pretenses and then labor contractor licenses requiring Even that small but important change required threatened with deportation if they complained. Under surety bond and insurance cov- strong support from Familias Unidas por la Justicia and current law, it’s too easy for H-2A workers who speak erage, created joint liability for McCoy Columbia Legal Services to get passed. In the end, SB up about unpaid wages or unsafe working conditions to unlicensed contractors and farm- 6261 passed the Senate 32-16 (Vote #4) and the House be disciplined, fired, or blacklisted. P ers who knowingly hire them, and ended a loophole 57-39 (Vote #7). So progress was achieved, but much A For several years, farmworker advocates whereby existing regulations do not apply to contrac- more remains to be done. G 6E WSLC 2020 LEGISLATIVE REPORT Transportation system needs cash infusion

By VLAD GUTMAN-BRITTEN economy. Our state’s transportation system is a month, a 38 percent shortfall from Any proposal that moves forward in serious need of investment. The rea- From bad to worse... anticipated revenue levels. will include a state gas tax increase. Sen. sons are many, but to highlight a few: Due to the necessary restrictions State Transportation Secretary Hobbs’ Forward Washington proposal n WSDOT estimates that it receives in place to “flatten the curve” of the Roger Millar warned in late April includes an increase of 6 cents per gal- lon. But this year, for a substantial share less than half of $1.24 billion it needs to deadly COVID-19 pandemic, Wash- that this will affect construction and of their new revenue, Senate proposals maintain the roads, ferries and other re- ington’s transportation programs are maintenance of highways, rail, traffic sources under its jurisdiction. relied on different forms of carbon pric- facing losses of up to $100 million control and other projects. n The U.S. Supreme Court’s culvert ing, imposing a new charge based on the decision gives the state 10 years to invest carbon content of fossil fuels when they approximately $3 billion in fish passage transportation costs are a larger share chair, and Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma), his are used. Under consideration are carbon improvements to honor treaties with trib- of low-income households’ spending, it House counterpart, have indicated that taxes, where a fixed rate is assigned for al nations to restore historic fish runs. disproportionately hurts those among us they will spend interim working with emitted carbon; a cap-and-trade system, n We are years behind on several ma- least able to bear the costs. It costs on av- stakeholders and others to begin devel- where regulated parties like oil refiners jor road projects, including the I-5 bridge erage nearly $10,000 to own and operate oping new funding frameworks to fill the and fuel importers acquire pollution al- over the Columbia River. The oldest part a car every year. Helping folks who want state’s needs. Others, including that com- lowances at auction; and an air quality of the bridge dates to 1917 and must be to opt out of these costs and choose low- mittee’s vice chair Sen. Rebecca Saldana surcharge, a one-time charge on the pur- replaced for safety reasons, and the new er-cost transit is a profound economic (D-Seattle), have also begun sharing chase of a new car based on its projected bridge should include expanded transit justice issue. early thinking for how a progressive and lifetime greenhouse gas emissions. capacity. Other major projects abound, The Legislature finished the session equitable package can be structured. At Transportation packages don’t hap- including replacing the US-2 trestle. without making substantial cuts to tran- the same time, the Joint Transportation pen often. If we construct them correctly n Our state has woefully underfunded sit or highway construction projects, but Committee is tasked with identifying a they will support thousands of construc- transit investments, a situation exacerbat- legislators warned this would only be range of potential revenue sources for tion jobs, expand mobility and access for ed by last year’s passage of I-976, which possible once. Without a new revenue consideration by legislators. All told, everyone (not just drivers), connect our will cut $2 billion over six years from a package next year, we will experience legislators are considering spending at economy to the world, and support the number of transportation accounts, espe- deep cuts in existing programs and in- least $15 billion over the next decade healthy environment we want for our- cially the multimodal account. Our un- vestments that are already underfunded. or more revitalizing and expanding our selves and our children. It’s a significant derinvestment increases congestion and Sen. Steve Hobbs (D-Lake Stevens), transportation system to meet the needs undertaking, but Washington needs the greenhouse gas pollution, and because the Senate’s Transportation Committee of a growing population and a dynamic Legislature to complete it next session. Strengthening the safety net for injured workers, families The original grand compromise of the workers’ compensation system was that injured workers would give up their Still trying to ignore ability to sue their employers in exchange for “sure and certain relief” via this safe- voters and privatize ty net program. It was never intended to become the adversarial system it has be- Ten years ago, the Building In- come. Too often, employers have created dustry Association of Washington— cumbersome administrative hurdles for then led by Tom McCabe, the cur- injured workers to get their benefits. rent boss of the anti-union Freedom Two bills passed in 2020 to ensure Foundation—bankrolled Initiative the intent of that original grand compro- WSLC President Larry Brown testifies about tax break accountability. 1082, an attempt to privatize Wash- mise is honored. ington’s state-run workers’ com- n In our workers’ compensation sys- pensation system. Despite spending tem, Third Party Administrators provide millions on misleading ads in sup- administrative services and case man- port of I-1082, Washington voters No tax break ‘snapbacks’ agement expertise to employers large overwhelmingly rejected it by an enough to be self-insured and to Retro- 18-point margin. It failed in every spective Rating program participants. county in the state — east and west without accountability Well, that’s what they’re supposed to do. of the mountains. Unfortunately, TPAs are also often This year, first-term Rep. Chris This year, a big corporation came create jobs in South Carolina and other used to suppress Corry (R-Yakima) resurrected this to Olympia and asked legislators to countries while reducing its work- workers’ compen- bad idea by introducing HB 2025. take away a major tax break that saves force in Washington, despite receiving sation claims and This bill would have created a new it millions of dollars each year. the extraordinary tax breaks from our undermine the abil- task force to study privatization of No, really. This happened. state, indicate the need for strong and ity of injured work- our workers’ compensation system. Boeing asked legislators to end the specific accountability language to any ers to get the wage The bill didn’t even get a hearing state’s aerospace manufacturers’ tax snapback provision for the tax breaks. replacement and and rightfully so. But a shocking incentive in order to resolve a World “While we still believe in tax in- the medical benefits 15 Republican state representatives Trade Organization dispute and avoid centives to grow and maintain good they are due. Kilduff thought it was a good idea to co- harmful retaliatory trade tariffs. jobs, we believe the history tells us that HB 2409, spon- sponsor Corry’s bill. Organized labor supported this the aerospace industry will act in its sored by Rep. (D-Uni- See the list of co-sponsors on idea, but took issue with a key compo- own self-interest and the state should versity Place), will increase penalties for the Page 4 feature, “The Good, The nent of HB 2945 / SB 6690. The legis- consider doing the same,” Brown told employer misconduct in workers’ com- Bad and The Ugly.” That’s where lation included a “snapback” provision the House Finance Committee. pensation and specify their responsibility we list the co-sponsors of legisla- that would allow the state, without the Legislators ended up passing a of fair conduct. It passed the House 52- tion that didn’t get a vote. HB 2025 Legislature’s authorization, to auto- version of SB 6690 that makes any fu- 44 (Vote #5), the Senate 39-9, and was ranked among the “ugly.” matically reinstate the tax preferences ture snapback to the lower preferential signed by Gov. Jay Inslee. if the WTO dispute is resolved and al- tax rates conditional on Boeing and its n Employers and the state Department lows the incentives to remain in place. suppliers meeting new apprenticeship of Labor and Industries often require SB 6440, sponsored by Sen. Derek Larry Brown, President of the requirements. Although labor leaders unnecessary and invasive Independent Stanford (D-Bothell), would limit how Washington State Labor Council, had sought to make the tax breaks’ rein- Medical Exams for injured workers try- often IMEs can be requested when other AFL-CIO, joined IAM District 751 statement conditional on Boeing build- ing to heal and return to work. Legisla- sufficient medical information is - avail President Jon Holden and SPEEA Leg- ing its next new aircraft in-state, this tors have heard testimony about workers able. It was amended to create a work islative Director Brandon Anderson in new commitment to training the next who, having already met with multiple group to make recommendations for re- testifying against such a snapback with generation of the industry’s workers is doctors to diagnose and recommend forming the IME system. That amended no strings attached. The union leaders a positive development for Washing- treatment for a work-related injury, are version passed the Senate 45-2, and it then forced again and again to return for said Boeing’s decisions in recent years ton state and its world-class aerospace passed the House 97-0. PAGE to expand manufacturing facilities and workforce. IMEs, postponing the claim’s allowance and delaying medical treatment. WSLC 2020 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 7 WSLC’s agenda in Olympia is all about worker solidarity The labor movement in Washington pay, respect on the job, access to legal Serving the needs of all working a freedom many of us take for granted. state is strong and growing in numbers. remedies when our rights are denied, people also requires us to fight for We have more work to do in 2021 With the third highest union density in quality schooling for our kids, and af- policies that disproportionately impact to build on these gains for working the United States, working people are fordable housing for our families. Our some of us. We know that discrimina- people. SB 6253 by Sen. Claire Wilson organized all over Washing- legislative agenda was built tion and mistreatment is often meted (D-Auburn) to create comprehensive ton, across economic sector, from these shared needs. out to vulnerable workers first to test early childhood education fell short this region, ethnicity, and po- SB 6217, sponsored by Sen. how far standards can be pushed for all year. Likewise, the Domestic Work- litical affiliation. Advanc- Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines), working people, continuing to maintain ers Bill of Rights – HB 2511 by Rep. ing policies that benefit all addressed a fundamental labor the harmful systemic inequities that Monica Stonier (D-Vancouver) – would workers in Washington, the priority: providing wage-par- hold back all workers. have established necessary protections, WSLC’s legislative agenda ity for employees previously We were proud to support several legal remedies, and workplace rights represents the diversity of exempted from minimum- key pieces of legislation addressing for domestic workers. And the Worker the labor movement in the Secretary wage ordinances. gaps in legal protection for working Protection Act, HB 1965 by Rep. Drew priorities we set. Treasurer’s Column HB 1841 by Rep. Marcus people. Rep. My-Linh Thai (D-Belle- Hansen (D-Bainbridge Is.), would have There can be a tendency April Sims Riccelli (D-Spokane) estab- vue) sponsored HB 2567 to promote established avenues for whistleblowers to narrow our focus to the lished minimum railroad crew open courts, ensure citizenship status to hold employers accountable. We’ll differences among the 550,000 working sizes, legislation that labor has pushed is not a deterrent for exercising legal continue to fight for these essential pol- people we represent at the WSLC, fa- for several sessions. With more than rights, and establish court processes icies during the longer 2021 session. miliar dichotomies for many of us: east 1 million pounds of oil transported by for folks whose legal rights are vio- At the heart of our work as a labor vs. west; rural vs. urban; blue collar vs. rail each week across Washington, and lated due to their status. HB 2602 from organization is the ethos of solidar- white collar. And while our differences longer and more unwieldy trains carry- Rep. Melanie Morgan (D-Parkland) ity; the struggle of one of our union can be important – our environments ing it, establishing minimum safe crew bans hair discrimination, ensuring all siblings is our collective struggle as a shape us in many ways – there is far sizes is essential for protecting the Washingtonians can go about their movement. As our movement contin- more that unites us than divides us. All wellbeing of working people, our com- lives without restrictions on the natural ues to grow in strength and diversity, of us deserve safe workplaces, decent munities, and our natural resources. way their hair grows out of their head, that ideal remains our guide.

a much more progressive way by impos- ing a modest excise tax on large employ- OVERVIEW ers’ payroll in King County. By raising Continued from Page 1 millions of dollars per year for invest- ment in housing, behavioral health, and win with the passage of SB 6217, spon- homelessness diversion programs, the sored by Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Legislature would have equipped King Moines). This closes a loophole deny- County with a powerful tool to address ing certain airport employees, including homelessness and housing. Unfortunate- airline catering workers, access to City ly, a deal didn’t come together in the con- of SeaTac’s historic Prop 1 minimum fines of the 60-day session. wage standard. Passed in the first ses- sion it was introduced – a rarity in Olym- pia – thousands of lower wage workers Coronavirus response who support our bustling airport secure While sine die was a muted affair, the promise of more livable wages. Rep. the Legislature did end on something of a Mia Gregerson (D-SeaTac) sponsored positive note by passing HB 2965, spon- the House version off this bill. sored by Rep. Eileen Cody (D-Seattle) State contracting accountability unanimously from both houses. This ear- ly response to the coronavirus outbreak An eight year effort to promote appropriated $200 million, mostly from transparency and accountability in gov- the Budget Stabilization Account, to ernment contracting concluded when equip the state with resources to respond HB 1521, sponsored by Rep. Laurie to the pandemic. An additional $25 mil- Dolan (D-Olympia), received a concur- lion buoyed the Unemployment Account rence vote by the House on March 11. to help stabilize costs borne by employ- By requiring a comprehensive cost- ers. Further, it authorized the State Board benefit analysis before contracting out of Education to issue graduation require- state-employee work and holding private ment waivers to school districts whose contractors accountable for their perfor- high school seniors might not be able to mance, Washington’s residents and tax- finish their requirements in time. payers will get a higher value for their dollar while protecting good public-sec- 2021 session will be rough tor union jobs. Organizing work by the There is no other way to put it. The Washington Federation of State Employ- 2021 session is going to be rough. Due to ees/AFSCME Council 28 and the Wash- the COVID-19 pandemic, our healthcare ington Public Employees Association/ UNITE HERE Local 8 members led the charge to pass SB 6217, allowing the Port systems are deeply stressed and will re- UFCW 365, plus a boost from the Wash- of Seattle to raise wages for airline catering workers at Sea-Tac Airport, so they are quire a significant injection of resources. ington State Building and Construction covered by the City of SeaTac’s $16.34 minimum wage standard. Our workforce will be reeling from mass Trades Council, lead to passage of this layoffs. All the while, our upside-down landmark piece of legislation. for this work. A proven concept for elec- discrimination, equal pay, and health and trical, plumbing, and HVAC work, the safety laws. and backward system of revenue, that re- Big wins for building trades extension of this practice will protect With the rapid expansion of Wash- lies heavily on taxing the poorest among high-road subcontractors from unscrupu- ington’s cannabis industry, UFCW 21 us through consumer spending, will not Speaking of the building trades, it lous primes seeking to pad their profits at supported several concepts meant to pro- equip us with the tools to respond. We do was a good year to be represented by the public’s – and workers’ – expense. mote safety, wage stability, health care, not yet know what the total impact of this unions in construction. Two years of dili- and professionalization of the workplace will be on our economy, but we do know gent work by the Plumbers and Pipefit- Some missed opportunities in the form of HB 2361 (Rep. Strom Pe- that we must dig deep, and show up, and ters (UA) lead to the passage of a major terson) and SB 6393 (Sen. Steve Con- demand that our leaders respond not by Unfortunately, there were several axing budgets and cutting programs like overhaul of our plumbing code with Sen. way). Unfortunately, only the Senate bill missed opportunities during the session they did during the Great Recession. Keiser’s SB 6170. And not to be outdone advanced from policy committee, and it that will require more legislative atten- Rather, we must examine the sys- by herself, Keiser’s bid-listing bill, SB failed to receive a vote in the Ways and 5457, a major priority for Ironworkers tion and aggressive organizing in 2021. tems that create economic suffering, that Means Committee. Local 86, also made it to the governor’s WSLC priority legislation dubbed the plunge sick people in to medical debt, While the Legislature did vote to desk for signature. This legislation will Worker Protection Act, HB 1965 spon- and that keep job-seekers unemployed. pass Rep. Beth Doglio’s HB 1590 to au- extend the requirement for prime contrac- sored by Rep. Drew Hansen (D-Bain- Investments in public health and health thorize local sales taxes for affordable tors to list their subcontractors of public bridge Is.) failed to move out of the care, infrastructure and child care, and housing investments, it failed to move works project bids to structur- House. This would provide an avenue for direct support to working families to whistleblowers to enforce labor laws on on an odd-fellows effort by Reps. Nicole drive demand for goods and services are P al steel and rebar work, ending A the practice of bid-shopping behalf of the state when agencies are un- Macri and , HBs 2907 and the strategies that will pull us all up. G E able to comprehensively address wage, 2948, that would have raised revenue in 8 WSLC 2020 LEGISLATIVE REPORT opeiu8/afl-cio