On February 11, 1988, International Association of Firefighters, Local 726 (complainant) filed a complaint charging unfair labor practices against the City of Puyallup (respondent), alleging that the respondent had committed unfair labor practices within the meaning of RCW 41.56.140 (1). The complainant alleged that the respondent illegally required bargaining unit employees to remove political campaign signs from personal vehicles parked on the employer's premises.

The matter was initially reviewed by the Executive Director pursuant to WAC 391-45-110 and, on April 11, 1988, the complainant was informed that the complaint, as filed, did not state a cause of action that presented a controversy before the Commission. The complainant was given fourteen (14) days to amend the complaint, or face dismissal as failing to state a cause of action. To date, the complainant has not filed any further amendment, nor has the complainant requested any continuance for the filing of such documents.

The Commission's jurisdiction is limited to matters arising from the collective bargaining relationship. The instant complaint dealt only with the display of political materials, and the complaint did not indicate any connection between the political activity and union activity protected by Chapter 41.56 RCW. The situation described in the complaint was, and is, distinguished from the wearing of union insignia or the display of union literature, which would certainly be within the Commission's jurisdiction.

ORDER

The complaint charging unfair labor practices filed in the above-captioned matter is hereby DISMISSED.

DATED at Olympia, Washington, this 23rd day of June, 1988.

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.