Washington state lawmakers have passed a new law in March that will help protect private-sector collective bargaining rights if federal labor protections are weakened. The legislation, known as HB 2471, was signed into law after being approved by the Washington State Senate.
The measure is seen as important because it provides a safety net for workers’ rights at the state level in case national protections fail. The new law establishes a contingency system that would allow the Washington Public Employment Relations Commission to oversee union elections and handle unfair labor practice claims for private-sector employees if the National Labor Relations Board becomes unable to function and federal preemption ends.
Matt Hanson, a member of IAM Local 289 who helped lead efforts to pass the bill, 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 also thanked members of several IAM districts and other union allies who provided guidance on drafting and advocating for the bill: “A big thanks to the delegates of the Washington Machinists Council for lobbying for our bill,” he 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.”
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.”
Steve Miller said passing HB 2471 was 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…workers depend on…to stay safe…have a voice…This is a huge win…because our labor rights will not be at mercy of federal politics.” Robert “Bobby” Martinez added: “IAM members across Washington state played a vital role in advancing this legislation…When working people stand together…they can turn ideas into action…This is…a powerful example of what union activism can achieve.”
