The complaint charging unfair labor practices was filed in the above-entitled matter on February 6, 1986. The allegations involve refusal of the employer to bargain with the exclusive bargaining representative of district court employees concerning matters other than wages and wage-related benefits. The matter was reviewed by the Executive Director pursuant to WAC 391-45-110 and an examiner was assigned. Subsequently, the matter was held in abeyance while the Public Employment Relations Commission considered its jurisdiction over district court employees in another case.

In Grant County, Decision 2233-A (PECB, 1986), the Commission determined that district courts were part of the state judicial system and excluded from the coverage of Chapter 41.56 RCW under the precedent of Zylstra v. Piva, 85 Wn.2d 743 (1975), so that district court employees had collective bargaining rights under Chapter 41.56 RCW only as to wages and wage-related benefits controlled by the county. Accordingly, the Commission dismissed unfair labor practice charges filed against the county for refusal to bargain matters subject to control by the court.

The captioned matter is again before the Executive Director for a preliminary ruling pursuant to WAC 391-45-110. It is apparent that the Grant County decision is controlling.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is

ORDERED

The complaint charging unfair labor practices filed in the above-captioned matter is dismissed for failure to state a cause of action.

DATED at Olympia, Washington, this 30th day of October, 1986.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

[SIGNED]

MARVIN L. SCHURKE, Executive Director

This Order may be appealed by filing a petition for review with the Commission pursuant to WAC 391-45-350.