To modify state ferry system management provisions by: strengthening performance incentives; increasing accountability and transparency; improving service to ferry riders; and realizing cost savings in the ferry system. The bill requires the department of transportation to meet or exceed target performance levels and prohibits certain managers and their employees from belonging to the same collective bargaining unit. (Companion: SB 5406).   Official Text and Analysis.

Changes the definition of management to a Washington Management Services employee or exempt employee at the WSF and changes the performance criteria and measurements. The WSF Accountability Board is replaced with an ad hoc committee with members from and designated by, the Office of the Governor. The ad hoc committee is to establish and present performance targets to the legislative Transportation committees and the Joint Transportation Committee by July 1, 2011. The bill outlines a timeline and process for the WSDOT to meet performance criteria by June 30, 2013, and requires the WSDOT to competitively contract out ferry management services if they do not meet or exceed 75 percent of the target performance level, instead of 50 percent. The substitute bill allows the private management firm to rehire WSF management staff. The contract timeline and re-bid process is changed to a two year contract renewable every two years for a maximum of 10 years, requires the WSDOT to re-bid after 10 years, and adds an emergency clause.

To require the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division to meet or exceed performance levels for a variety of performance criteria. Contracts out to a private management services firm the management functions of the Ferries Division if the WSDOT does not meet or exceed 75 percent of the performance criteria .

To define issues that may be bargained by WSF unions as hours, wages, benefits, shift bidding, scheduling leave time, and grievance procedures. The rights of management are defined and cannot be bargained.

To calrify that the dates that captains, chief engineers, and terminal supervisors are made part of management are moved out by one year. The dates that the JLARC audit and JTC management study are due are extended by three months.

House refuses to concur with the Senate amendments and asks the Senate to recede from its amendments.

Senate receded from amendments, but added a new amendment to provide that management rights are defined, and collective bargaining agreements may not include provisions that direct promotions, staffing levels, or the use of part-time shifts and that ferry captains are made part of management and may form their own union. The amendment also clarifies that WSF management is required to meet with line union employees twice a year to encourage an open and direct exchange of ideas and concerns, among many other things.