Status of SEIU 775NW v. Gregoire
Petitioners in SEIU Healthcare 775NW v. Gregoire, No. 82551-3, sought a writ of mandamus from the Supreme Court ordering Governor Gregoire to resubmit a budget to the legislature that included the union's pay increases, which were the result of an arbitrated award. The governor had declined to request funding for the increases ($100 million) in the December 2008 budget proposal.
SEIU 775NW was granted an expedited hearing on March 10, and requested an expedited order, with an opinion to follow. The union hoped to win an order in time for the legislature to entertain the funding proposal.
It seems the union has run out of racetrack -- at least for the current session. The Washington Legislature adjurned on April 26. There are, however, two scenarios where the union could still get its award inserted into the 2009-11 budget, assuming the court rules in SEIU's favor. The court could order the governor to advance the contracts to the 2010 legislature when a supplemental budget is adopted. There is also talk of the legislature going into special session, and the court could order consideration of the union's arbitration award during the special session.
