Legislation to establish collective bargaining rights for marijuana workers is moving forward in the Washington State House of Representatives, with House Bill 1141 scheduled for a public hearing.
The hearing is set for January 15 at 8 a.m. in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards, a necessary step before the committee can vote on the measure.
Introduced by State Representatives Lillian Ortiz-Self and Mary Fossee on December 30, HB 1141 seeks to extend collective bargaining rights to workers involved in marijuana cultivation and processing. The bill outlines guidelines for organizing labor unions, resolving disputes, and safeguarding employees’ rights to collective bargaining.
Workers covered under the proposed legislation include those performing essential tasks such as growing, harvesting, drying, and trimming marijuana on licensed farms, while managers and supervisors with decision-making authority are excluded. The bill prohibits employers from interfering with employees’ efforts to form unions or select representatives.
The Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) is tasked with mediating disputes, including certifying exclusive bargaining representatives through elections. The legislation also requires employers to provide unions with relevant employee information, such as contact details and employment terms.
Unfair labor practices, such as retaliation against union activities or bad-faith negotiations, are explicitly prohibited. Similarly, labor organizations are restricted from engaging in coercive or discriminatory practices against employees. Binding arbitration is emphasized as a means of resolving unresolved labor disputes fairly, with provisions ensuring that existing agreements remain in effect until a new one is reached.
The public hearing on January 15 will offer an opportunity for lawmakers and stakeholders to discuss the bill’s potential impact as it advances through the legislative process.
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