July 22, 2009 - Update
Labor Asked for Help in Managing Growing Budget Deficit
King County Union Stewards to Meet with County Officials on July 28

Yesterday, King County Executive Kurt Triplett presented the Coalition of Unions with grim news regarding the County budget. After last year's $93 million shortfall which led to slashing $46 million from the budget and exhausting the County's reserves, the County is now faced with a $50 million deficit in 2010 and a projected $60 million shortfall in 2011. According to Triplett, all County revenue streams are in jeopardy, including the general fund, transit, wastewater, etc. For an overview from the County on the impact of the budget crisis on individual funds, click here (coming soon).

In confronting the crisis, the County Executive reported that he is considering significant cuts to County services including the elimination of some County programs. He has also requested that labor help identify ways to cut an additional $10 million from the 2010 budget. Leaders of the Coalition responded by stating there should be no further discussions without rank-and-file involvement in the bargaining process. The Coalition has also established a set of principles to guide its involvement in the budget discussions.

True to its first principle, which emphasizes the need for member participation in the process, on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 9 am (location downtown but specifics undetermined) the Coalition of Unions - representatives along with a team of Union Stewards - will meet with County officials from the Executive's office and Labor Relations. The County will restate their budget issues and will present Labor with proposals on how to balance the 2010 budget. Yesterday the Coalition put in a number of information requests for specific budget numbers separated by fund, the costing out of each proposal, as well as other items. We will request additional information as necessary.

The upcoming meeting is information-sharing by the County and once that is complete, Labor will caucus to determine how best to proceed with bargaining. Discussions will center on whether to pursue Coalition-based bargaining versus individual bargaining unit bargaining. Local 17 is taking the position that, for as long as possible, it is in our best interest to bargain as a Coalition. When interests diverge or vary depending on bargaining unit needs, then we will assess the possibility of breaking off into a smaller coalition or bargain individually, if necessary.

Over the next few days, your Union Representative will be assembling volunteers from from every bargaining unit at King County to participate in the July 28 meeting and in the ongoing 2010-2011 budget discussions. Please stay tuned to the Local 17 website at www.ifpte17.org for an update after next week’s meeting and for ongoing reports on how the budget challenges facing King County may impact members of IFPTE Local 17.