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Bill

HB 1570

Concerning collective bargaining for certain employees who are enrolled in academic programs at public institutions of higher education.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by April Berg and 23 co-sponsors

Washington bill expands collective bargaining rights to student employees at public universities, allowing wage and condition negotiations but raising institutional cost and autonomy concerns.

Delivered to Governor.
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Bill Summary · HB 1570

Legislative bill overview

HB 1570 extends collective bargaining rights to certain student employees enrolled in academic programs at Washington's public higher education institutions. The bill allows these students to organize and negotiate collectively with their employers regarding wages, hours, and working conditions. This represents an expansion of labor protections typically reserved for traditional employees.

Why is this important

Student employees—including teaching assistants, research assistants, and other campus workers—often earn below-market wages with limited employment protections despite performing essential institutional functions. Granting them bargaining rights could improve compensation and working conditions for tens of thousands of students across Washington universities and colleges. Conversely, this may increase operational costs for institutions already facing budget pressures and could affect hiring practices or student employment availability.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Uncertainty about which student roles qualify (TAs, RAs, work-study students, interns) and how "enrolled in academic programs" is defined could create implementation challenges
  • Institutional autonomy vs. worker rights: Universities argue student employment differs fundamentally from regular employment and that collective bargaining could compromise academic independence; labor advocates counter students deserve protection regardless of educational status
  • Cost implications: Institutions warn increased labor costs could reduce student employment positions, raise tuition, or strain budgets; labor supporters argue institutions can absorb costs through reallocation

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

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