Snohomish
County Labor Council, AFL/CIO
Minutes of the meeting of April 26, 2000
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by President Darr. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as typed and handed out.
CREDENTIALS
Credentials for the following locals were presented:
Firefighters 3254 for Larry Hadlund and Zach Reagle (not present)
Ironworkers 86 for Steve Pendergrass and TA “Red” Biggins (not
present)
Inland Boatmen’s Union for Stuart G. Downer and David D. McKenzie
M/S/C to seat the new delegates who were present. Stuart Downer and David D. McKenzie were present and obligated.
GUESTS
Aaron Reardon, State Rep. 38th District, thanked the Council for the recommendations to the State Labor Council and ultimate endorsement. He stated that he will run on his record in support of working families. He was particularly proud of his efforts on behalf of the Worker Retraining Act, Vendl Flagger Safety Act. Don Schwab was introduced as his campaign manager.
Liz Loomis, State Rep. Candidate 39th District, thanked the Council for its sole endorsement recommendation. Since the State Labor Council she has received a number of endorsements of local unions. Doorbellers are always welcome to her campaign.
Ed Taub, UFCW District Council 17 reported on the problems that Wal Mart presents when it comes into a community including: predatory pricing, undercutting good family wage jobs, and use of products from overseas made in unsafe, unsanitary and inhumane conditions. Many of the overseas manufacturers that are used by Wal-Mart ignore worker rights and child labor restrictions. Delegates are being asked to help educate members about Wal-Mart’s practices. Also discussed was the new Wal-Mart which which will go up on the west side of the freeway in north county. Past experience shows the negative impact it will have on small businesses in the Marysville and north Everett area. “Wal-Mart, In Sam We Trust“ by Bob Ortega was suggested reading by those that wanted to go into the issue in more depth.
Suzanne Mode, OPEIU 8 introduced local reps of Providence employees who gave a brief update on what is happening in negotiations with the hospital. She thanked folks for coming out for informational picketing earlier in the month. Closed shop and a wage scale system are the two big issues. There are people who have been there seven years without any recognition for longevity. Bargaining is tomorrow and Friday with a vote on Sunday. If voted down, a strike will commence at 7 AM May 3rd until 7 AM on May 4th. Delegates were encouraged to come out in the morning to show support.
Lynette Rowe and Bob Wold, Continental Bank, explained the use of AFL/CIO Investment Trust funds to help lower interest rates union members. Delegates were encouraged to take the information back to their locals.
Dr. Gary Toothacker, Supt. Mukilteo School District spoke on the previous levy which did not pass due to a lack of 35 voters. The bond measure also failed by 400 votes. He asked for support from delegates to help with passing the upcoming bond and levy issues. Otherwise, $8.5 million will have to be take out of an $84 million budget. This would cause major impacts on employees and program. His office had to prepare a reduced educational program that that includes: reduction of 60 certified staff, $351,000 worth of administrative staff, $1,000,000 of classified staff reductions, elimination of all extra curricular programs, reduction in intervention specialists and elementary music, $390,000 of reductions in materials, and transportation reductions. In addition, there is the need to construct a new elementary and expansion Mariner to rid them of the portable village behind the high school. The Citizens Campaign can use the help on getting people out to vote.
COMMUNICATIONS
From Washington State Labor Council: 3/24/00 Rick Bender, Pres re: Women’s Health Care and Benefits 2000 Seminar at Everett Labor Temple, April 29th
From AFL/CIO: 4/10/00 Karen Nussbaum, Dir, Working Women’s Dept. re Working Women Vote and May 11th Equal Pay Day; 4/4/00 Denise Mitchell, Spec. Asst. to Pres and Marilyn Sneidermann, Dir of Field Mobilization re national TV spot on Human Rights Abuses in China; 3/30/00 John J. Sweeney, Pres. announcing appointment of Ron Judd as Western Regional Director; 3/27/00 John J. Sweeney noting changes is AFL/CIO Constitution which allows constituency groups to affiliate; 3/23/00 John J. Sweeney, Pres, update information on China Trade deal;
From Unions and Union Councils: 4/21/00, King County Labor Council Executive Board announcing Executive Secretary Position Vacancy; 4/17/00, David Schmitz, Exec VP, UFCW 1001 requesting strike sanction at Providence; 4/11/00 Maureen Bo, OPEIU 8 request for strike at Providence; 4/7/00, David Herrera, Organizer and Frank Prochaska, Area Rep. AWPPW thanking Council for support during the Everett Pad & Paper Organizing Campaign; King County Labor Council annual Catholic Seafarer’s Center Labor-Management Luncheon, invitation to Thursday, April 27th, 11:30 AM event; UFCW 1105 invitation to Roger Yockey retirement at Embassy Suites, Rainier Ballroom, 20610-44th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA
From organizations and officials: 3/25/00, David Molina, Farm Worker Solidarity Committee of Skagit County re: 12th Annual Farm Worker Solidarity March; 4/4/00 Frank Anderson, Everett City Council re noting agreement with Council’s position on PNTR; 4/17/00 Bob Craves, COSTCO re: the formation of a Washington State Education Foundation; 4/17/00 Karl Kirn, Tournament Dir., Deborah Knutson, Pres., & Bonnie Richter, Marketing/Event Planning seeking support for SnoCoEDC 21st Annual Gold Tournament; 4/19/00 Ray Crerand, CEO, Providence/Health System response to SCLC invitation to appear before Board regarding strike sanctions request Everett Community College Foundation invitation to 2000 dinner auction; Invitation to United Way’s Second Annual Women Leading the Way Breakfast sponsored by Boeing on Sat., May 6th; PAC Northwest invitation to May 10th reception, common faire and benefit auction abord The Skansonia Ferryboat for the Leukemia Society of America; Children’s Museum, Men’s Breakfast of Champions invitation on Thursday, May 4th, 7:15 AM to 8:30 AM; United Way of Snohomish County invitation to June 8th Spirit of Snohomish County Award Event sponsored by Agilent Technologies; Committee to Re-Elect Mike Cooper invitation to fundraiser on May 4th at the Edmonds Floral Center, 201 – 4th Ave N.
From
individuals: 3/20/00 Kerry J. Watkins, Candidate for State Rep., Pos.1,
Dist. 44 announcing he is running; 3/26/00 Christine Gregoire, Candidate for
Re-election as Atty Gen., requesting support for labor endorsement of her
re-election campaign; 4/9/00 Mike Cooper,Candidate for Re-election in 21st
District State House seat with campaign update; 4/9/00 Bobbe Bridge, Candidate
for Supreme Court thanking Council for interview; Karen Madsen and Terry Feller,
Chairs Everett Citizens for Everett Schools re “Thank You” for help with
Everett school levy;
EXEC BD REPORT
Sec. Treas.Sells reported on Board actions from April 19th. Minutes of the Board meeting included a report on the Women's Committee Conference being held at the Labor Temple in Everett on April 29th on Women’s Health Care issues. The Board recommended granting strike sanction to UFCW 1001 and OPEIU 8 against Providence Health Care Systems in Everett. M/S/C to grant strike sanction.
The Executive Board also discussed staffing and future capital needs. It was determined there was a critical need for clerical staff in the office and a copier and extra printer is needed for staff-support. The cost of such staffing would include a 15¢ per capita increase thereby raising the per capita to 46¢. The per capita increase was raised for discussion. A recommendation will be brought before the Labor Council during the May meeting, with action to follow in the June meeting.
United Way Labor Liaison Borders reported that the Community Services banquet is a full house. The food drive sponsored by the Letter Carriers is May 13th. More than a million pounds of food have been brought in since the drive started in this area. B. Borders mentioned the Worker Memorial editorial in the Herald, and his appreciation for the editorial board in showing their support.
COPE
Legislative session report: Pres. Darr reported that the budget should be up by Friday, and should pass at this point.
COMMITTEES
Community Services-No futher report
Education-No further report
Workers Memorial- Chuck Jewell, IBT 38, stated that pictures had been posted on the snolabor web site showing progress on the permanent memorial which will go up at the Courthouse. $15,000 has been raised thus far in the goal of $50,000. For those going to the Workers Memorial, we will be meeting here on Friday, April 28th shortly after 5:00 PM to walk up to the courthouse. The event will be at the SW Corner of County Courthouse. The program will include speakers and the reading of the names of those killed in job related accidents in 1999.
Women’s Committee-Jackie Boschok, IAM 751F, reminded delegates about the Women’s Committee hosting of a seminar on Health Care Benefits. She also discussed the Elsie Schrader Award’s criteria, and encouraged locals to participate
Organizers Forum: Laura Wentworth, IBT 38, reported on the trust level building that is going on in the forum. They will be looking at potential target areas, and how to develop the needed research to support organizing activity.
REPORTS
FROM COMMUNITY/LABOR COMMITTEE REPS
Workforce Investment Board-Don Shove, IAM 751A, reported that certification for work force sites has been accomplished. They were able to make sure labor was well represented in the processes. They have signed on off on workforce programs at Everett and Edmonds CC with Frank Cox and Dr. Jerrilee Mosier)
WISHA Monitoring: Tom Plummer, IAM 751A, mentioned that the ergonomics rule has now passed. He mentioned it was not Lt. Gov. Owens, as he had mentioned last time, but Senator Syd Snyder who had introduced a bill that would have blocked the passage of the rule.
Safety rules are being rewritten to make them clear and simple. People from business and labor are working together to give advice on the rewrites.
School/Work- Ed Triezenberg, UBC 562, reported that School to Work is now under the umbrella of Workforce Investment Board. School districts are still active.
He continues to speak in two or three high schools a week. Help would be appreciated in this area. It is a great venue for labor. He has also been working with community colleges in work force training, and a lot of employers are trying to access training funds. Mukilteo School District is the fiscal agent is Sno Isle Skills Center. The bond that needs passing in Mukilteo will impact that Skills center.
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS-None
REPORTS
OF UNIONS
Organizing reports- IBT 38, Laura Wentworth, Monday May 1st “Shop-in” at the JCenney in Marysville. She noted that the company has been having the usual captive audience meetings, isolating supporters. May 4th they will be voting from 4 to 4:45 PM. She also reported on the AWPPW election loss at Everett Pad & Paper. Captive audience meetings were held 24 hours before vote. Workers from Everett Pad and Paper and JC Penney have been invited to the Community Services banquet.
Contract negotiations & maintenance reports- IAFF 3482, Danny Evanger reported they have been without a contract for 18 months. A deal was finally made, the union ratified it and the city pulled it off the table. It will go to arbitration.
Other local activity reports- Ted Hudlow, UBC 562 reported on the Carpenter’s 100th year anniversary article in the Herald on April 26th. There is a list of charter members on right side of the article and they are looking for relatives of those charter members. As a result of the paper article, a number have called. Their centennial celebration will be May 6th. The Everett Public Library reader board has noted the centennial, also.
NEW
BUSINESS
GOOD OF THE COUNCIL
Mary Tran-Thien encouraged delegates to come out on 7 AM on May 3rd at Providence to show their support. She also spoke about how strong councils are important.
Winner of the community services drawing was Darrell Chapman,IBEW 191
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Sells, Sec. Treas.
AFSCME 109:
AFSCME 109E: Mike Huston , Jerry Adamson
AFSCME 109S:
AFSCME 113:
AFSCME 881:
AFSCME 948: Anna Belle Collins, Ronda Riggle,
AFSCME 1020:
AFSCME 1355:
AFSCME 1811:
AFSCME 1811C:
AFSCME 1811CA: Debi Cole
AFSCME 1811JPD:
AFSCME 1811PA: Dave Kurtz
AFSCME 1811S: Kent Hanson
AFSCME 2753:
AFSCME 2964:
AFT 772: Mike Sells
AFT 1873:
AFT 4254: Mary Hale
APWU 484:
ATU 883:
ATU 1576:
AWPPW 183:
AWPPW 644:
CWA 7800:
CWA 37082:Stanley Schultz
GCIU 767M: Vicky Spalding
IAFF 46: Don Schwab
IAFF 1984:
IAFF 2694:
IAFF 3219:
IAFF 3482: Danny Evanger
IAFF 3524
IAM 130: Dave Volkmann
IAM 751A: Bob Neumann, Don Shore, Andrew Haugen, Tom Plummer, Bruce Spalding
IAM 751C: Hank Getchman
IAM 751E:
IAM 751F: Jackie Boschok
IATSE 15:
IATSE 154:
IBEW 77:
IBEW 89:
IBEW 191: Darrell Chapman, Jeffre Seibert, Craig Boag
IBT 38: Bill Trautman, Rod Mendenhall, Chuck Jewell, Laura Wentworth, Janine Dibble
IBT 174:
IBU/ ILWU 22: Stuart Downer, David McKenzie
IFPTE 17:
ILWU 32: Harold Pyatte
IUOE 286:
IUOE 302: Allan Darr
IW 86:
IW 506:
LADS 1144:
LIUNA 292: Jim Smith
MM&P:
NALC 791: Ken Titus, Robert James
OPEIU 8: Suzanne Mode, Jeff Soth
OPEIU 277:
SEIU 120: Bill Borders
SEIU 1199NW:
SMIU 66:
UA 265:
UBC 562: Ed Triezenberg, Ted Hudlow
UBC 2659:
UFCW 44:
UFCW 141, USNU:
UFCW 1001:
UFCW 1105: Paul Quaintance
Guests:
Jon Anderson, IAM 751A
Barbara Barmore, OPEIU 8
Peter Brown, Rick Larsen Campaign
Allyn Carson, SCLC staff
Mark Correira, IAFF 1997
Anne Driscoll, USNU/UFCW 141
Bernie Engler, UFCW 1001
Albert Fink, IAM 751A
Christine Fitch, OPEIU 8
Chris Glenn, SPEEA/IFPTE 2001
Hazel Goehring, LIUNA 292
Kim Leufroy, IAM 751F
Dave Nealen, OPEIU 8
Tony Perry, IAM 751A
Paul Queen, UFCW 1105
Marleah Robinson, LIUNA 292
Lynette Rowe, Continental Bank
Megan Skjei, UFCW 44
John Tanaka, IAFF 46
Ed Taub, UFCW DIST 17
Gary Toothaker, Supt. Mulkiteo Schools
Sue Trautman, IBT 38
Xuan-Trang “Mary” Tran-Thien, SUN, AFL/CIO
Don Whitley, IAM 751A
Bob Wold, Continental Bank
Jenny Wye, OPEIU 8