Washington state lawmakers have enacted legislation designed to protect private-sector collective bargaining rights in the event that federal labor protections are weakened, according to a statement released on March 31.
The new law addresses concerns about potential instability at the federal level and ensures that workers in Washington will retain their right to organize and bargain collectively even if federal preemption is removed or ruled unconstitutional. The legislation, known as HB 2471, was passed by the Washington State Senate and signed into law in March.
HB 2471 establishes a contingency system authorizing the Washington Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) to oversee union elections and handle unfair labor practice claims for private-sector employees should the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) become unable to function. The measure was championed by IAM Local 289 member Matt Hanson, who said, “I have been pushing this idea of state-level protection of our federal labor rights for a year. I didn’t know how to turn an idea into law, but others in our IAM Union and at the Washington State Labor Council gave me the pieces when I needed them. Ultimately, we got the bill drafted, sponsored and passed—and it only took a year in a short session. Truly teamwork from the labor movement.”
Hanson credited coordinated advocacy efforts by labor allies and IAM members for advancing the bill through lobbying efforts at recent meetings with lawmakers in Olympia. He also thanked key contributors: “A big thanks to the delegates of the Washington Machinists Council for lobbying for our bill,” Hanson said. “And a huge thanks to IAM District 751 Legislative and Political Director Donny Donovan for his invaluable guidance, District 160 Assistant and Directing Business Representative Luke Ackerson for his critical input on the details of the bill drafts, and District 160 Organizer Emery Wood for his crucial testimony in the house and senate labor committees.”
IAM District 751 Legislative and Political Director Donny Donovan said, “I hope more states follow suit and enact legislation to protect workers in the event that the NLRB is unable to do its job. We’ve seen our labor rights tested at the federal level, and this is the most proactive thing we could advocate for, to protect our members and our rights as workers.”
IAM Union Washington State Council President Steve Miller described passage of HB 2471 as essential: “We can’t be sure that the labor laws in place at the federal level will always be enforced or even exist. This law safeguards…the laws that workers depend on…to stay safe…and have a voice…in their workplace. This is a huge win for working families in Washington because our labor rights will not be at mercy of federal politics.”
IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President Robert ‘Bobby’ Martinez concluded: “IAM members across Washington state played a vital role in advancing this legislation. When working people stand together, they can turn ideas into action and deliver meaningful change. This is a proactive layer of protection and a powerful example of what union activism can achieve.”
