Contract is benchmark for others

AS NEGOTIATIONS start on a 3-year master contract that covers about 1,700 Snohomish County employees, the Local representatives believe they are well prepared for what lies ahead.

The reason: They have been meeting for two months to prepare for them.

“We have been developing our proposals, based on input from the Locals,” explains James Trefry, Council 2 Staff Representative who has been organizing the meetings. They have met several times over the past six weeks to discuss the issues and the tactics they will use in bargaining.

As negotiations begin, the Local leaders will continue to meet on their own from time to time to discuss the progress they are making and how to deal with new situations that might arise.

The major issues are improved cost-of-living and medical settlements than those in the existing contract, which expires at the end of this year, Trefry says. The Locals involved are 109, 109-E, 1811-C and 1811-CA.

The contract is important not only because it covers the Snohomish County employees, but also because, as a master contract, it will be used as a benchmark for other contracts.

The negotiations take place at a time when Snohomish County is facing a tight budget and is considering eliminating positions across the countyT

The difficulties are compounded because taxpayers have voted against two efforts to fund the costs of operating a new jail in Everett BBut the state has provided some relief by agreeing to lease at least two floors of the new facilityT

The contract covers employees in most general fund departments and elected offices as well as planning and development services, and public works.

Trefry thanked those who have worked hard on preparing for the negotiations.

Among them are Scott White, Gerri Delisle and Loydean Wood of Local 109-E; Roger Moller, Pete Dykstra of Local 109; Tom Blum of Local 1811-C; Jay Crockett and Jay Fraser of Local 1811-CA; and Brian O’Neill, president of 1811-JPD who has participated at times in the preparations even though his Local is not directly involved.