Washington § 49.37.050 - Collective bargaining — Occasion for election of representative.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 49.37.050 — Collective bargaining — Occasion for election of representative., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 49.37.050. Collective bargaining — Occasion for election of representative.

(1)(a) Upon request of a prospective bargaining representative showing written proof of at least 30 percent representation of the employees within the unit, the commission shall hold an election by ballot to determine the issue.
(b) The ballot must contain the name of the prospective bargaining representative and of any other bargaining representative showing written proof of at least 10 percent representation of the employees within the unit, together with a choice for any employee to designate that they do not desire to be represented by any bargaining representative.
(c) Where more than one organization is on the ballot and neither of the three or more choices receives a majority vote of valid ballots cast, a runoff election must be held. The runoff ballot must contain the two choices which received the largest and second largest number of votes.
(2)(a) Upon request of a prospective bargaining representative showing written proof of at least 50 percent representation of the employees within a bargaining unit for which there is no incumbent exclusive bargaining representative, the commission shall hold an election through a cross-check process to determine the issue.
(b) The commission must compare the employee organization's membership records or bargaining authorization cards against the employment records of the employer.
[ 2025 c 106 s 5.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 49.37.050

What does Revised Code of Washington § 49.37.050 cover?

Section 49.37.050 ("Collective bargaining — Occasion for election of representative.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 49.37.050?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 49.37.050" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 49.37.050 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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