Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, Decision 13610 (PECB, 2023)

STATE OF WASHINGTON

BEFORE THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

Alex J. Skalbania, Attorney at Law, Skalbania & Vinnedge, PSC, for the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1747.

Matt Morris, Fire Chief, for the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.

Findings of Fact

1.                  The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1747 filed a representation petition concerning the Social Workers at the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority. 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 existing bargaining unit, last certified in Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, Decision 12796 (PECB, 2017), represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1747 is described as follows:

All full-time and regular part-time non-emergent medical providers (resident nurses and ARNPs) employed by Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, excluding supervisors, confidential employees, and all other employees.

3.                  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. No meritorious election objections were filed.

4.                  The existing bargaining unit represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1747 shall be modified to include the Social Workers for a bargaining unit described as follows:

All full-time and regular part-time non-emergent medical providers (Resident Nurses and ARNPs) and Social Workers employed by Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, excluding supervisors, confidential employees, and all other employees.

Conclusions of Law

1.                  The unit described in finding of fact 4 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

Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Social Workers employees in the bargaining unit described in finding of fact 4 have chosen

International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1747

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

ISSUED at Olympia, Washington, this  4th  day of January, 2023.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

Michael P. Sellars, Executive Director