SB 5972 expands binding interest arbitration for collective bargaining agreements to all uniformed correctional officers employed by cities. The bill removes existing statutory language that currently only applies interest arbitration for uniformed correctional workers employed by counties with a population of over 70,000. The removal of this language will broaden the scope to apply to any city that employs uniformed personnel in a jail (any holding, detention, special detention, or correctional facility as defined by RCW 70.48.020). This small edit to the existing RCW will impact all city-run jails. Binding interest arbitration generally increases the cost and lengthens the time for negotiating collective bargaining agreements. In addition, when the parties are unable to reach an agreement, an arbitrator determines the final outcome regardless of the fiscal implications on the city.

AWC reached out directly to impacted cities for swift action ahead of the House Appropriations Committee public hearing on February 26. The bill will need to pass out of the House fiscal committee by the March 2 cutoff to continue. Should the bill pass the committee, it will go to the Rules Committee and await being called to the floor for a vote.