Do state and local public employees, including teachers, have a legally protected right to strike?
2. What penalties or legal remedies are available against state and local employees who engage in a strike? 3. May the Legislature constitutionally establish penalties that would apply to state or local public employees who strike, and to unions and union officials who encourage strikes by such employees?BRIEF ANSWER In Washington, state and local public employees do not have a legally protected right to strike. No such right existed at common law, and none has been granted by statute. State [original page 2] statutes presently do not impose penalties on public employees for engaging in a strike. Under appropriate circumstances, a court may enjoin a public employee strike and may impose penalties for noncompliance. If it so chooses, the Legislature may establish penalties that would apply to employees who engage in unlawful strikes. Provided they are consistent with significant limitations based in free speech guarantees, the Legislature also may establish penalties applicable to emplo
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- Do state and local public employees, including teachers, have a legally protected right to strike?
