Washington state lawmakers have passed legislation designed to protect private-sector collective bargaining rights in the event that federal labor protections are weakened, according to a March 31 announcement. The new law, signed in March 2026, establishes a contingency system that would allow the Washington Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) to oversee union elections and handle unfair labor practice claims for private-sector workers if the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) becomes unable to function.
The measure is intended as a safeguard for workers amid uncertainty over federal labor rights. By ensuring continued protection at the state level, supporters say it will help maintain workers’ ability to organize and bargain collectively even if federal preemption is removed or ruled unconstitutional.
The passage of House Bill 2471 follows a year-long grassroots campaign led by IAM Local 289 member Matt Hanson. “I have been pushing this idea of state-level protection of our federal labor rights for a year,” said Hanson. “I didn’t know how to turn an idea into law, but others in our IAM Union and at the Washington State Labor Council gave me the pieces when I needed them. Ultimately, we got the bill drafted, sponsored and passed—and it only took a year in a short session. Truly teamwork from the labor movement.”
Hanson credited delegates from the Washington Machinists Council and several IAM District leaders for their advocacy efforts during legislative meetings in Olympia. “A big thanks to the delegates of the Washington Machinists Council for lobbying for our bill,” said Hanson. “And a huge thanks to IAM District 751 Legislative and Political Director Donny Donovan for his invaluable guidance, District 160 Assistant and Directing Business Representative Luke Ackerson for his critical input on the details of the bill drafts, and District 160 Organizer Emery Wood for his crucial testimony in the house and senate labor committees.”
Supporters say this precautionary step ensures that working families will not be left unprotected due to changes at the federal level. “I hope more states follow suit and enact legislation to protect workers in the event that the NLRB is unable to do its job,” said IAM District 751 Legislative and Political Director Donny Donovan.
IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez also highlighted union members’ involvement: “IAM members across Washington state played a vital role in advancing this legislation,” he said. “When working people stand together, they can turn ideas into action and deliver meaningful change. This is a proactive layer of protection and a powerful example of what union activism can achieve.”
