U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, raised concerns on Apr. 8 about a new Washington state law that expands the authority of the state’s Public Employment Relations Commission over labor disputes. Cassidy said this move could create confusion for workers and undermine existing federal protections.
The issue matters because it addresses which government body has final authority over workplace rights and dispute resolution—a topic affecting many American workers. The National Labor Relations Board is designated by federal law as the primary arbiter of labor disputes under the National Labor Relations Act.
Cassidy wrote to Governor Bob Ferguson after he signed HB 2471 into law. “Workers in Washington, and across the United States, should be able to assert their rights without confusion or undue difficulty,” Cassidy said in his letter. He added that allowing state authorities to take jurisdiction when the NLRB declines it “undermines processes long-enshrined in federal law that protect workers and falsely suggests to workers that PERC decisions can provide a legal resolution.” Cassidy cited several Supreme Court decisions affirming exclusive NLRB jurisdiction in such cases.
He also questioned whether HB 2471 would result in additional costs for workers who might have to refile claims with federal authorities if they first file with PERC. The senator asked whether Washington plans to reimburse these costs or seek any form of federal reimbursement related to implementing or defending the new law.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee works on public health, education policy, workforce issues and retirement programs with an aim toward protecting health and supporting worker rights according to its official website. In the current Congress, Cassidy serves as chair of this committee according to its official website. The committee influences regulations affecting health and education nationwide according to its official website, provides oversight for laws relating to health and labor according to its official website, and oversees agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) according to its official website.
Cassidy concluded his letter by requesting detailed answers from Governor Ferguson regarding how HB 2471 will be implemented without conflicting with established federal rules.
