Placing agricultural employees under the jurisdiction of the public employment relations commission for the purpose of collective bargaining.
HB 2409 extends collective bargaining rights to agricultural employees in Washington State, including farmworkers and those in food processing, packing, and distribution. It places these workers under the jurisdiction of the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC), allowing them to negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions through elected representatives. The bill defines key terms (like "agricultural employee" and "bargaining representative") and requires PERC to handle disputes while addressing barriers like language differences and seasonal work patterns. This policy change directly affects agricultural employers and workers, shifting their labor relations under state law rather than federal oversight.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Last action Jan 20, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jan 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards at 10:30 AM.
lower
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Sharlett Mena
DDemocratic
Co
Brandy Donaghy
DDemocratic
Co
Chipalo Street
DDemocratic
Co
Gerry Pollet
DDemocratic
Co
Julia Reed
DDemocratic
Co
Lisa Parshley
DDemocratic
Co
Liz Berry
DDemocratic
Co
Natasha Hill
DDemocratic
Co
Sharon Tomiko Santos
DDemocratic
Co
Shaun Scott
DDemocratic
Co
Tarra Simmons
DDemocratic
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