WITH COUNTIES AND CITIES across the state facing significant budget shortfalls for next year, Council 2’s main emphasis continues to be on saving jobs.

The strategy is largely proving successful.

Although some layoffs have taken place, the number would have been a lot worse had the union not entered into cost-saving agreements with management.

The situation differs from city to city and county to county.

In some cases, furloughs can be negotiated so that jobs are saved. In other cases, however, the number of furloughs would need to be so high that other means are sought to maintain jobs — for example, possibly postponing cost-of-living adjustments.

Reports in this issue of County and City Employee outline some of those dilemmas and record the steps being taken to solve them in the most favorable way possible for union members.

“In all cases Council 2 staff, working in conjunction with local presidents and negotiating committees, are placing the highest priority on people,” says Council 2 President/Executive Director Chris Dugovich. “We know what it is like to lose your job and we want to avoid it as far as possible.

“Our members are, of course, our number one priority and we will fight for them in every way we can.”

Spokane County saves 15 jobs — so far

20 jobs saved at City of Spokane

Grays Harbor workers to take voluntary furloughs