Today’s winner: King County Executive Dow Constantine.
King County Exec Constantine came in to office promising to reform the county’s labor policies, which have historically included annual cost-of-living pay increases (even in years when inflation, which correlates directly to the cost of living, has been zero) and so-called “Cadillac” health benefits (low copays; no premiums). That didn’t endear Constantine to the county’s many unions, which have traditionally resisted making concessions even in lean years.
That may be changing. Today, the Washington State Council of City and County Employees voted overwhelmingly to forgo a planned two-percent cost-of-living increase next year in lieu of likely job cuts. (The county is facing an estimated $60 million budget shortfall next year). The concession is a big win for Constantine, and could presage concessions by other county unions.
Which brings us to today’s loser, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587.
The ATU, Metro’s union, is by far the biggest county union, and in many ways the most powerful. The union and county are in the middle of contract negotiations, which will either wrap up or lead to arbitration sometime in October. The ATU has been reluctant to accept concessions like a wage freeze or taking on additional health-care costs.
Today’s agreement between the WSCCE and the county puts pressure on other county unions, including the ATU, to rethink their position.
