Worker Privacy Act RIP?

March 24, 9:00 AMSnohomish County Progressive ExaminerChad Shue

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In the latest twist in the sad tale of the Worker Privacy Act, Gov. Gregoire now says that she would have vetoed the bill had it reached her desk if it did not exempt Boeing from its coverage. As readers here are painfully aware Gregoire, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, and House Speaker Frank Chopp pulled the bill (which would have prohibited businesses from requiring employees to attend meetings that advocated for or against religious activity, charitable giving, or union activity) after they were shown an email that was intended for internal Labor distribution. The email was turned over to the Washington State Patrol who quickly determined that there was no wrong doing on the part of the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC). The WSLC has issued a call to have the bill brought up for a vote in light of the WSP finding. However, according to an Associated Press story published last night, Gregoire has now told reporters,

"I made it clear, before this took place, that if the bill applied to Boeing it would not get past my desk."

Gov. Gregoire - Would veto bill to protect Boeing

Apparently the governor did not make herself clear to the author and prime sponsor of the bill, Rep. Mike Sells (D-Everett). According to Sells,

"She's always expressed concern about its impact on jobs," Sells said. "But she's never specifically said that to me or to anybody that I know of."

Rep. Mike Sells - Surprised by veto threat

With Gregoire's threat of a veto now out in the open, it would appear that the Worker Privacy Act can finally be laid to rest. What may take longer to put to rest will be hard feelings on the part of many Labor activists who have been expressing real disappointment and even anger over what they see as betrayal on the part of the governor and Democratic leaders in Olympia.

Peace,
Chad Shue