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HB 1036

Adding labor trustees to college boards.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by April Berg and 11 co-sponsors

HB 1036 mandates Washington colleges add labor representatives to governing boards, giving organized workers direct influence over institutional labor and compensation decisions.

Referred to Rules 2 Review.
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Bill Summary · HB 1036

Legislative bill overview

HB 1036 would require Washington state colleges and universities to add labor union representatives or worker advocates to their governing boards. The bill aims to give workers a formal voice in institutional decisions that affect labor practices, wages, and working conditions at higher education institutions.

Why is this important

College and university boards make decisions affecting thousands of employees—from custodial staff to faculty—yet workers currently have no guaranteed seat at the table. This could reshape how institutions approach labor issues, collective bargaining, and worker compensation. The bill reflects broader debate about stakeholder representation in institutional governance and labor's role in higher education policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Governance concerns: Critics may argue that adding mandated seats compromises board independence and creates conflicts of interest, particularly if trustees represent unionized workers seeking favorable contract terms
  • Implementation questions: Unclear how trustees would be selected (appointed by unions, elected by workers, appointed by the governor), which could affect legitimacy and diversity of perspectives
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "labor trustees" and which institutions are covered remains undefined based on available information, creating uncertainty for implementation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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