2009 Legislative Priorities
Economic Stimulus/Unemployment Insurance
Address Washington state unemployment insurance conformity to U.S. Department of Labor regulations
HB 1906 To provide economic stimulus through the unemployment insurance program
Underground Economy in Construction
HB 1554/SB 5613 Stop Work Orders – provide Department of Labor and Industries flexibility and authority to issue penalties and stop work orders for repeat violators
HB 1555/SB 5614 Implementing the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Task Force on the Underground Economy in the Construction Industry
HB 1786 Include prevailing wage compliance under the test for an independent contractor as provided in law, Chapter 102 Laws of 2008 ~ a 2007 Underground Economy in Construction Task Force recommended definition clarification “blending bill” ESHB 3122.
Priority Public Works Legislation Supported by the Building Trades
HB 1836 Allow the Department of Labor and Industries to collect off-site prefabrication wage data from out of state construction contractors supplying non standard items for work on Washington public work projects
HB 1837 Aids enforcement of current contractor bid listing laws on public works projects
Worker Privacy Act Enacted this Session
SB 5446/HB 1528 Workers should not have to lose their First Amendment and Privacy Rights at work – current law allows employers to force workers to participate in communication, and mandatory meetings where the employer can press their own views on religion, politics and unions – workers should not be disciplined or fired for refusing to participate in such communications.
Public Stimulus Investments in Public Works Construction
H-Z1378/09 Transportation, green economy, housing, schools and all other public/private projects should comply with basic laws for safety and health, workers compensation, unemployment insurance, prevailing wage and apprenticeship utilization standards.
Education Funding for Apprenticeship and Green Economy Employment
HB/SBEnact Apprenticeship program reforms to strengthen and include all construction apprenticeship programs and to comply with existing laws
HB/SBRequire apprenticeship utilization on higher education construction projects; and promote sustainable energy initiatives for weatherization, auditors and renewable technology programs to be sure to utilize K-12 pre-apprenticeship and Running Start to the Trades programs with curriculum designed as entry pathways to Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees in the Building Trades across Washington.
