MEC History

In the 1950's, the State of Washington purchased the Black Ball ferry fleet. At that time, the state made a commitment to ferry employees that they would continue to enjoy the same collective bargaining relations as they had before with Black Ball. Labor peace was preserved with the help of a much less formal Marine Employees' Commission. In 1975, the original Marine Employees' Commission was disbanded and its functions placed under the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC).

A law was passed in May 1981 which removed ferry system employees' wages and certain benefits from the scope of collective bargaining. It resulted in a three-day wildcat strike by state ferry employees. This strike prompted then-Governor John Spellman to put together a Blue Ribbon Panel.

To avert future strikes and to assure efficient and uninterrupted ferry service, the Panel proposed a collective bargaining process to resolve disputes between ferry system management and employee organizations more quickly. The Panel recommended the reconstitution of the Marine Employees' Commission, to expeditiously adjust all complaints, grievances, and disputes between labor and management not covered by special provisions of the collective bargaining agreement; to provide impasse mediation upon request; to conduct fact-finding proceedings and a salary survey prior and during the negotiating process; and to provide nominees for the selection of an impartial arbitrator. Seven public policy goals were identified which now form the policy goals listed in Chapter 47.64 RCW, the MEC's enabling statute. The MEC was officially re-formed in 1983.

The Panel envisioned the MEC as a neutral voice within the collective bargaining process. The Commission would compare wages, hours, employee benefits and conditions of employment with private sector employees within the state of Washington in the form of a salary survey. If negotiations broke down, the MEC would appoint a mediator.

Today the MEC's part in the collective bargaining  process remains much the same as originally intended by the Panel. The Commission presents a biennial salary survey to the parties in March of each even-numbered year. With the aid of a mediator, and if necessary an arbitrator, ferry management and employee organizations sit at the bargaining table to negotiate the terms and conditions of employment. The Commission certifies any remaining unresolved mediation issues for arbitration.