Unions - Washington

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Washington has several labor relations laws, however they provide similar protections to the National Labor Relations Act or Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act for private sector employment.

Right to work

The state has no right to work law.

Public employees

Washington has specific labor relations and collective bargaining laws for public sector employees, including specific laws for municipal utility workers, marine employees, and educational employees.

Captive audience law

Employers cannot require employees to attend meetings or listen to communications about religious or political topics. They cannot take or threaten to take adverse action against employees for refusing to attend employer-sponsored meetings, or refusing to listen to communications, where the primary purpose is to share employer opinions about religious or political matters.

State

Contact

National Labor Relations Board (Region 19)

Regulations

Labor unions, general

Revised Code of Washington, Title 49, Chapter 49.36, Sections 49.36.010 through 49.36.030

Unfair employment practices

Revised Code of Washington, Title 49, Chapter 49.44, Sections 49.44.020, .030, .080, .100, .110, .160, .170

Public employment

State civil service law, 41.06.150 et seq.

Higher education, 28B.04

Marine employees, public employment relations, 47.64 RCW

Port districts, employment relations, 53.18.010 et seq.

Collective bargaining with employees of city owned utilities: RCW 35.22.350 et seq.

Federal

ContactNational Labor Relations Board

Regulations29 U.S.C. §§ 151-16929 U.S.C. §401 et seq.