Washington state lawmakers have enacted legislation in March that aims to protect private-sector collective bargaining rights if federal labor protections are weakened. The new law, known as HB 2471, was passed by the Washington State Senate and signed into law this month.
The measure addresses concerns about the stability of federal labor rights and establishes a contingency system at the state level. If the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) becomes unable to function and federal preemption is no longer in place, the Washington Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) will be authorized to oversee union elections and adjudicate unfair labor practice claims for private-sector workers.
Matt Hanson, a member of IAM Local 289 who played a key role in advocating for 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 delegates from the Washington Machinists Council for their lobbying efforts as well as IAM District 751 Legislative and Political Director Donny Donovan; District 160 Assistant and Directing Business Representative Luke Ackerson; and District 160 Organizer Emery Wood for their contributions throughout drafting and testimony stages.
The legislation is designed as a precautionary measure so that workers can continue organizing, bargaining collectively, and holding employers accountable even if federal protections are removed or ruled unconstitutional. 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.”
IAM Union Washington State Council President Steve Miller said it was essential to pass this bill: “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 the laws that workers depend on to stay safe and have a voice in their workplace. This is a huge win for working families in Washington because our labor rights will not be at the mercy of federal politics.”
Robert “Bobby” Martinez, IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President 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 and deliver meaningful change. This is a proactive layer of protection and a powerful example of what union activism can achieve.”
