Collective Bargaining Fails To Progress In Olympia

One of the proposals the Washington farming community was watching very closely this legislative session did not move forward, meaning the idea is dead for the time being.

Senator Rebecca Saldana proposed legislation making it easier for farm workers to unionize, and idea that did not sit well with the state’s farming community.  Senator Ron Muzzall said thankfully his caucus said Senate Bill 6045 was a line in the sand they could not cross.

“Agriculture in Washington state is at a state of unprofitability that if we saw this come across both the Senate and the House, and if it was signed by the governor, we were going to see crops disappear in the state of Washington.” 

What Happens If Workers Strike During Harvest?

The western Washington Republican added farmers could not operate their business with the threat of a potential strike during harvest season constantly looming over them.  He did pointed out that just because this proposal did not advance this legislative session, does not mean the idea of collective bargaining wont return in future sessions.

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