On October 27, 1980, "King County Park Employees Association" filed a petition with the Public Employment Relations Commission seeking investigation of a question concerning representation of employees of King County in a unit described generally as "King County Parks Operations". On November 18, 1980, a number of authorization cards were filed indicating support by bargaining unit employees for Teamsters Local Union No. 882. However, on December 1, 1980, Teamsters Local Union No. 882 filed a letter stating that it did not desire to intervene in the proceeding.

RCW 41.56.070 requires that a representation petition be supported by a showing of interest indicating that the petitioner has the support of at least 30% of the employees in the bargaining unit. The showing of interest which was filed in this case was couched in terms which would support a petition to decertify the incumbent representative, SEIU Local 6; but does not indicate support for "King County Park Employees Association".

Where there is a collective bargaining agreement in effect, both the petition and the showing of interest must be filed within the period not more than 90 days nor less than 60 days prior to the expiration date of the collective bargaining agreement. The petition indicates on its face, and it has been verified, that the current agreement covering the petitioned-for employees expires on December 31, 1980. It is therefore impossible to replace the petition which has been filed or to supplement the showing of interest at the present time.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is

ORDERED

The petition for investigation of a question concerning representation filed in the above entitled matter is dismissed for insufficiency of showing of interest.

DATED at Olympia, Washington this 3rd day of December, 1980.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

[SIGNED]

MARVIN L. SCHURKE, Executive Director