Workers’ Comp Negotiations Moving Ahead - You Need to Participate
The Business/Labor Workers’ Comp Group met Thursday and agreed on the issues to be negotiated. The Employer Caucus then met on Friday to constitute work groups. We are in the process of finalizing those work groups to address those issues. To participate in the Employers’ Caucus, please contact Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org. If you are not on the e-mail and contact list, please let us know. “So far the discussions are promising---but lots of work remains,” AWB President Don Brunell said. Brunell is on the coordinating team with six other employer representatives.

Don’t Sign Referendum to Repeal Charter Schools - Ignore Referendum 55
AWB is asking voters not to sign Referendum 55—the measure seeking to repeal Washington’s new charter schools law. A coalition led by the Washington Education Association (WEA) is sponsoring Referendum 55. According to WEA, the coalition includes school employees, parents, school leaders and others who want to protect existing public schools. That coalition needs to collect 98,867 valid signatures from registered Washington voters by June 9. Give charter schools a chance!

West Coast Governors Broaden Climate Change Initiatives- Find out how it will Impact Your Business
The three West Coast governors are expanding their Climate Change policy efforts to include restrictions at marine ports and truck stops, increased emphasis on renewable energy, appliance efficiencies, fleet vehicles and measurement protocols. AWB is holding a meeting on May 24 from 9:30 AM to noon to discuss these and other climate change issues. For more information, contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

Chandler Participating in Columbia River Water Policy Forum
Interested in the allocation of Columbia River water for irrigation, navigation and power generation? AWB Vice President Gary Chandler, the lead house member on water policy issues when he was a state legislator, is a member of the Columbia River Water Policy Forum. This is an important group because it will be responsible for setting water allocation policy. For more information, contact Gary at (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org.

Class Action Lawsuit Reform Back for Senate Action - Contact Senators Murray and Cantwell
Last October, federal class action lawsuit reform legislation failed when Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell joined fellow Democrats to oppose cloture (rule ending a filibuster). Since then, Senators Christopher Dodd (D-Connecticut), Charles Schumer (D-New York) and Mary Landrieu (D-Louisana) reached a compromise on the legislation. That compromise is supported by employers and looks like it will come before the Senate for a vote this month. Please contact Murray at senator_murray@murray.senate.gov and Cantwell at maria_cantwell@cantwell.senate.gov today. They can also be reached via fax (Sen. Cantwell - (202) 228-0514 and Sen. Murray - (202) 224-0238). Ask them to support Class Action Lawsuit Reform. Please copy Don Brunell (DonB@awb.org) at AWB with your e-mails and the Senators’ responses. Thank you.

AWB Disappointed that Murray and Cantwell Supported Harkins Amendment Gutting Fair Labor Standards Act Reforms
AWB is disappointed that Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell supported the Harkins Amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which effectively gutted the bill. The FLSA modernization would have cut down on litigation over job titles and overtime. “Our goal is to put more money in the workers pocket and take it from the trial lawyers,” AWB President Don Brunell said. The central issue is FLSA part 541, which governs what has been known as the “white-collar exemption.” AWB, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, wanted Murray and Cantwell to oppose amendments by Senators Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Tom Daschle (D-SD). They did not. For more information, contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

AWB Files Supreme Court Brief in Employment Law Case
Today, AWB filed an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief in Zuver v. Airtouch Communications, a case in which the Washington Supreme Court is being asked to strike down arbitration agreements between employers and employees to resolve employment disputes. AWB supports Washington’s long-standing practice of allowing these quick and economical methods of resolving disputes and is asking the court to reject the invitation to make these agreements illegal across the board. For more information, contact General Counsel Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@AWB.org.

Judicial Election Season Already Underway
This year, AWB inaugurates its endorsement program for candidates for the Washington Supreme Court. These important, but sometimes overshadowed elections, have important stakes for Washington employers, as the court hears numerous significant cases every year pertaining to the business community. Already, several candidates have announced their intent to seek one of the three seats up this year. AWB is developing a judicial scorecard in areas where we have public policy principles, and our Legal Affairs Committee will interview all Supreme Court candidates this summer and make recommendations. Stay tuned for more information on these races. To learn more, contact General Counsel Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@AWB.org.

AWB Outsourcing Work Group Meets
Last week, AWB’s Outsourcing Work Group met to discuss and develop policy recommendations with respect to this issue. Participants are from many interested sectors – among them, health care, insurance, technology, customer service/retail, financial services, and small business. The group will study the issue during the interim and develop an association position for next year’s legislative session. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@AWB.org.

WashACE Presentation of REMI Model on May 18 in Spokane
Wonder how taxes and fees impact the economy, jobs and economic growth? Attend the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE) presentation of the REMI model on May 18 in Spokane at 4 p.m. at the Ridpath Hotel. The presentation is part of the AWB Spring Board meeting. For more information, contact Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

Gubernatorial Candidates Will Be Interviewed by AWB Board Members on May 19
Attorney General Christine Gregoire and King County Executive Ron Sims continue their battle for the Democratic nomination and the right to challenge presumptive GOP nominee Dino Rossi in November. Come to the Spring Board Meeting in Spokane, May 18-19, to participate in AWB’s interviews of Gregoire, Rossi and Sims. Register for the Spring Board Meeting online today at http://www.awb.org/events/MayBoard.asp.

AWB Ergonomics Workshop Coming to Spokane – Register Today!
Get answers to your ergonomics questions on Tuesday, May 18 in Spokane. Take advantage of expert consulting services for a fraction of the normal cost. Bring your ergonomics problem (photos, video, drawings or actual tool/workstation) and present it to workshop leaders. Cost is $350/person (includes continental breakfast & lunch). Space is very limited. To register, contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

“No Child Left Behind” Advisor to Speak at AWB Spring Meeting
Sandy Kress is scheduled to be the dinner speaker at AWB’s May 18 Annual Spring Meeting. Kress served as senior education advisor to President George W. Bush helping establish the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Kress is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the State Bar District of Columbia and is involved with many civic organizations. He serves on the board of directors of the Texas Business & Education Coalition and the Austin Area Research Organization. For more information, contact AWB President Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.