WA Senate advances ‘trigger’ bill shifting private labor disputes from feds to state

(The Center Square) – Senate Democrats advanced a bill Friday that would create a trigger allowing the state to step in on private-sector labor disputes if the federal agency responsible loses jurisdiction, or if the National Labor Relations Act stops preempting state regulation of parties previously covered.

The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee advanced House Bill 2471 to the next step in the legislative process, following the state House passing it with a 58-35 floor vote last week. The Senate committee didn’t hold a public hearing before taking action on Friday, fast-tracking it for a potential floor vote.

“House Bill 2471 builds on Washington’s labor past.” Rep. Shaun Scott, D-Seattle, said during a hearing on his bill in the House Labor & Workforce Standards Committee last month. “It responds to the ongoing dismantlement of...