Aug. 2010 - COLA Policy Committee Meeting Notes
Aug. 16 - 2010 - COLA BARGAINING for 2011 - RUMOR CONTROL
Local 17 has just learned that AFSCME - one of the Labor Unions that was going to participate in the COLA Coalition bargaining - has reached an agreement with King County that provides no COLA increase for 2011. This agreement affects nine bargaining units covering 500 employees and has not yet been approved by AFSCME members. It is our understanding that the vote will take place over the next few weeks.
This is not an agreement reached by the Coalition of Unions. AFSCME has informed us that they have changed their position and are not going to participate in Coalition COLA negotiations which are scheduled to begin in late September, 2010.
The Coalition was not consulted regarding any aspect of AFSCME's tentative agreement thus we are not in a position to answer any questions about that agreement. What we do know is that there is a "me too" clause in their agreement. Meaning, if the Coalition does negotiate a COLA for 2011 higher than zero, then AFSCME members will also benefit from what the Coalition negotiated.
Regardless of AFSCME's actions in this matter, the Coalition intends to move forward with COLA bargaining as we had planned and remains firm on achieving a resolution that is equitable and just, as well as one that keeps King County employees competitive with market wages..
We will continue to keep you informed as information develops regarding COLA bargaining.
Aug. 2010 - COLA Policy Committee Meeting Notes
July 2010 - Budget Update
Over the past two years the media and politicians have unfairly and continuously used County employees as a scapegoat for the County's financial difficulties. While it is clear that the County is facing severe deficits for the foreseeable future, it is also clear that structural revenue issues are the real culprit, rather than employee wages and benefits. Read more.
The Unions' Response to Recent Seattle Times Editorials
IFPTE Local 17's Research Director, Elliot Levin, recently had his letter published in Seattle Time's Letters to the Editor section.
(a letter by Virginia M. Paulsen, Seattle Times Editorials/Opinions)
Joni Balter calls for King County Executive Dow Constantine to accomplish his stated task of reforming King County’s government. [“Crunch time for King County,” Opinion, June 17]. It has been a mere six months since Constantine assumed his role as executive, but Americans want things done immediately if not sooner.