Garfield County, Decision 13452 (PECB, 2021)

STATE OF WASHINGTON

BEFORE THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

Morgan Maddess, for Garfield County Deputies Association.

Garfield County Commissioners, for Garfield County.

Findings of Fact

1.                  The Garfield County Deputies Association filed a representation petition concerning employees of Garfield County. The Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) determined the petition was timely filed and accompanied by a sufficient showing of interest. No other organization claimed to represent the employees involved.

2.                  The bargaining unit is described as follows:

All full-time commissioned uniformed officers/deputies employed at Garfield County’s Sheriff’s Office, excluding supervisors, confidential employees, and all other employees.

3.                  PERC conducted an investigation conference where the parties disagreed about the eligibility of certain employees to be included in the bargaining unit. PERC determined that the eligibility issues would be resolved following the card check.

4.                  Because the more than 50 percent showing of interest threshold was met, PERC conducted card check proceedings. The employees were given a free choice in the proceedings. The tally of results was provided to the parties and the eligibility issues do not affect the outcome of the card check. No meritorious election objections were filed.

Conclusions of Law

1.                  The unit described in finding of fact 2 is an appropriate unit within the meaning of RCW 41.56.060.

2.                  Representation proceedings were conducted in accordance with RCW 41.56.095 and chapter 391‑25 WAC.

certification

1.                  Garfield County employees in the bargaining unit described in finding of fact 2 have chosen

Garfield County Deputies Association

as their representative for the purpose of collective bargaining with their employer.

2.                  This case is remanded for further proceedings on the eligibility issues described in finding of fact 3.

ISSUED at Olympia, Washington, this  21st  day of December, 2021.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

Michael P. Sellars, Executive Director