DECISIONS 10476-7 (PSRA)

Western Washington University filed petitions for clarification of bargaining units represented by the Public School Employees of Washington. The petitions requested a ruling on whether part-time employees who work 350 hours in a twelve month period remain in the bargaining units regardless of whether the employees work less than 350 hours in the next twelve months. The Executive Director had recently issued orders clarifying the bargaining units, ruling that employees who work more than 350 hours in any twelve month period are regular part-time employees within the meaning of WAC 391-35-356 and are included in the bargaining units. Western Washington University, Decision 9989, 9990 (PSRA, 2008). In determining whether part-time employees are included in a bargaining unit, the agency looks at the twelve month period immediately preceding the filing date of a unit clarification petition to determine whether an employee is appropriately included in a bargaining unit based upon the number of hours worked. A Show Cause Directive was issued, asking both the union and employer to demonstrate why the Executive Director should consider the question presented in the petitions. Neither the employer nor the union responded. The petitions were dismissed.

For the full decision, click here.

By: David I. Gedrose, Unfair Labor Practice Manager
July 9, 2009

Eric T. Nordlof, for the union.
John Dryer, for the employer.

Cases 22500-C-09-1404 and 22501-C-09-1405

DIG