Key mission is to save jobs

SO FAR , SO GOOD. But the crisis is far from over.

That is the general feeling among Council 2 staff representatives as the economic downturn begins to take its toll on the budgets of city and county governments in Washington State.

Some are hurting. But for the most part few jobs have been lost and the benefits in most contracts remain in place.

Of course, anything can happen in coming months, depending on the severity of the downturn.

Adjustments in contracts are possible and layoffs could result in spite of everyone’s best efforts.

But Council 2 will strive to see that members’ best interests are put first.

“Our primary mission is to try to save jobs,” says Council 2 Research Director Bill Dennis. “That is key as we face these economic problems. That is why we will come up with creative ways to try to deal with the crisis whenever we can in order to avoid layoffs.

“Ultimately, that increase in wages does not mean a thing unless you have a job.”

• Read reports that outline the situation in a number of areas around the state:

Contracts with City of Seattle extended to 2011

King County workers choose furloughs

All Spokane contracts are settled until next year