Snohomish County Labor Council, AFL/CIO
Minutes of the Meeting of June 27, 2001
The meeting was called to order by President Chapman at 7 PM. The Flag salute followed. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as typed and handed out
Teamsters 763 for Julee Raymond, Robert Lovely, Kelley Bloomquist
IAFF 46 for Tom Decker, Robert Downey, Tom Cobb, Russell Jack
ATU 1576 for Gary Krause and Kenneth Hudson
UFCW 1105 for Paul Quaintance
OPEIU 8 for Marjorie Lewis and Dale Nehler
M/S/C to seat the delegates who were present. The following new delegates were sworn in:
IAFF 46: Tom Decker, Robert Downey, Tom Cobb, Russell Jack
UFCW 1105 for Paul Quaintance
Piper McGregor, Northwest Washington Representative for Senator Maria Cantwell was introduced. The Senator hopes to have an office here in Everett in the next 6 or 7 weeks.
Don Gough, Candidate for Lynnwood Mayor spoke about his candidacy. He is currently a member of the Lynnwood City Council. He has served in that position since 1996. He has also been President of the Council. He is looking for endorsement of his candidacy. He hopes to bring a more open leadership style to the city, and a collaborative working relationship with the employee organizations. He felt that has been missing up to this point.
Carmen Brown, Ablemark Industries, requested to speak to the delegates on the use of their union label services. She brought pamphlets outlining their services.
Rachelle Hein, Northwest Washington Representative for Senator Murray was introduced. She is currently working in Senator Murray’s Everett office, in the Wall Street Building. She has been a Snohomish County resident her entire life, and is looking forward to continue working in this area.
Dan Warnock, Everett City Councilman, Position 3 was introduced, and greeted the Council.
Margaret Medina, IAM 751 spoke about the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day event to be held on Aug 10-12. It is a 60 mile walk and sponsors are sought to help in the fundraising. You can sponsor on line at www.breastcancer3day.org
Ed Triezenberg, Carpenters 562 thanked those that supported the Drywall strike. Those that supported it lost a week’s worth of pay. None of the trades crossed the line, and it was resolved within a week. They did get a good contract. He announce the retirement of Ted Hudlow. A party is being held on Friday from 4 to 8 PM at the Labor Temple.
COMMUNICATIONS
From Washington State Labor Council: 6/18/01 Rick Bender, President on nominations of labor representatives to the Puget Sound Regional Council advisory boards; 6/6/01 Robby Stern, Special Assistant to the President and Roger Boatwright, Exec Sec of the Washington State Building and Construction Trades re: Information needed about Workers Comp Independent Medical exams; 6/4/01 Rick Bender, President, on Women’s Committee Auction at Convention; 6/12/01 Rick Bender, President on President’s Club luncheon at Convention; 6/12/01, Rick Bender, President re: Workforce Development Conference for Labor representatives, Wed. Aug. 22nd 3 PM at the West Coast Wenatchee; 6/12/01, Bob Abbott, Chair of Political Action Committee meeting notice for Aug. 22nd 3:30 to 5:30 at the West Coast Wenatchee and August 23rd political action workshop at 1:30 PM in Wenatchee; 6/18/01 letter from President Rick Bender to House Speaker Frank Chopp re: commitments on ergonomics, prevailing wage, and contracting out; 5/30/01 Rick Bender, President on Washington State Labor Council endorsement of I-775 Quality Homecare
From AFL/CIO: 6/21/01 John J. Sweeney, President, New Alliance Update packet 6/20/01 John J. Sweeney, President re: Mt. Olive Pickle boycott; 5/30/01 John J. Sweeny, President on Worksite Mobilization on Medicare Prescription drugs; 5/29/01, John J. Sweeney, President on support for United Way campaigns; 5/23/01 John J. Sweeney, President on support for Union Community Funds
From Local Unions & Councils: 5/30/01 Steve Williamson, King County Labor Council Executive Secretary on support for Graduate Employee Action Coalition at the University of Washington; Teamsters Local 117 on strike at Northwest/Compass Vending; undated from Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild job announcement for Administrative Officer
From Agencies & Organizations: 6/14/01 Bob Drewel and Tim Nowlis, Co Chairs United Way campaign on the 2001 Day of Caring on September 14, 2001.undated letter from Fairness Lobby on campaign to add Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender to the Washington State Law against discrimination and seeking funding; undated Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration information for July 4th event. Undated, Snohomish County Committee for Improved Transportation, Thursday, June 28, 7 AM breakfast at Embassy Suites in Lynnwood featuring newly appointed Washington State Secretary of Transportation, Doug MacDonald; undated Second Annual Golf Classic and Family Fun Raiser for 39th District Democrats, July 28, 8 AM; undated Alert on No on I-747
From Individuals: 6/11/01 Piper McGregor, Senator Cantwell’s Northwest Washington Director on recent visit; 6/14/01 Frank McCord, Cascade bank re: candidacy of Arlan Hatloe for Everett City Council; 6/5/01, Roy Sykes, Candidate for Everett City Council, Pos. 3 on his grass roots campaign;
The Executive Board also recommended the passage of a resolution on the Steel Revitalization Act of 2001, HR 808, M/S/C to pass the resolution (text below.)
Resolution 04-2001
In Support of the Steel Revitalization Act of 2001, HR 808
Whereas, the steel industry is in jeopardy of being eliminated from the United States of America through imported and illegal dumping of steel in our country; and
Whereas, foreign countries which sell government subsidized steel at a cheaper rate than steel produced in the United States help their own economies improve by dumping below market priced steel while putting American steelworkers out of work; and
Whereas, existing laws regarding steel dumping are not enforced nor strict enough in this country; and thus have forced eighteen (18) U.S. steel makers to file for bankruptcy protection and resulting in the loss of thousands of steelworker jobs; and
Whereas, the American Steel Industry plays a role in the national defense of our country; and
Whereas, the total collapse of the American Steel Industry could have a devastating effect on manufacturers, businesses and communities that depend on steel,
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Snohomish County Labor Council, AFL/CIO, fully support Bill H.R. 808, the Steel Revitalization Act of 2001, our brothers and sisters in the United Steelworkers of America and the emergency measures that need to be taken to save the American Steel Industry, and
Be It Further Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to all members of the United States Congress representing the citizens of the State of Washington.
Secretrary Treasurer Sells gave out a written report on meetings regarding Wal Mart organizing, the Organizers’ Forum, Pride At Work convention, Everett Housing Authority, CWU, a downtown Everett update, meetings with staff from the offices of officials, Everett Shoreline management, COPE Screening, as well as work on the web site.
United Way Labor Liaison Bill Borders noted that the United Way Day of Caring is September 14, and the Labor Council will be having a team to help with a Community Services project. We will be asking for volunteers. He thanked all those came to the Community Services banquet on May 31st. There were 171 people. Jim Smith, LIUNA 292;, Bob James, NALC 791; and Bob Monize, LIUNA 292 were among those recognized at the banquet. United Way had a Spirit of Snohomish County breakfast on June 2nd. This year’s Spirit of Labor Aware was given there. It was given to Laura Wentworth.
Mobilization—Chris Glenn, SPEEA, no report
Organizers’ Forum—Paul Quaintance, UFCW 1105, reported on the internal organizing discussion at the June meeting. They will be organizing some Common Sense Economics training for October. He also spoke to the need for more organizing.
Community Services—Laura Wentworth, AFSCME 1811CA, stated they had met at 6 PM this evening, and are always looking to expand membership. They had a more expanded presentation on the Edmonds Community College, Center for Families campaign. They recommended a $500.00 donation to the project. It was M/S/C to concur.
Education—Darrell Chapman, IBEW 191, gave an update on the WorkSource Center in Lynnwood. Services for those seeking employment are now in one spot. He encouraged unions to learn how the new system operates. Don Shove, IAM 751A stated there was a site in Everett, also. There is another opening on the Workforce Development Board for a labor representative. Toni Bohan, SEIU 120, will be sent to the Board as a nomination to fill the spot.
Women’s Committee—Jackie Boschok informed delegates about the Womens’ Committee auction at the Washington State Labor Council convention in August. They are soliciting donations. She also spoke about the Elsie Schrader Award. Will be doing a shortened version on workplace violence.
To recommend the endorsement of Jean Berkey, 38th District, House of Representatives, Position 2, to the Washington State Labor Council. M/S/C to concur
To endorse Paul Roberts for the Everett School Board, Position 1 M/S/C to concur
To endorse Liz Loomis for Snohomish City Council, At Large Position 6 M/S/C to concur
To recommend support for the Community Transit 3/10’s of percent sales tax increase levy. M/S/C to concur.
The chair, Laura Wentworth reported on the other interviews. They included: Jeff Sax, Candidate for County Council, Pos. 5, Republican; Don Gough, Candidate for May of Lynnwood; Arlan Hatloe, Candidate for Everett City Council, Pos. 3 and Mark Olson, Candidate for Everett City Council, Position 2 The President and Secretary-Treasurer responded to the reason for delaying the June 16th voter registration campaign. This was due to concerns with budget items being proposed in the State Legislature.
The
committee reported: Chuck Jewell reported that there was: 1 abstention,
1 who wrote in the word Me, 18 for Tara Heinecke, 19 for Peg Chrisman
Darrell Chapman, IBEW 191, organizing in the Puget Sound region is going crazy. He spoke about the number of people coming in to the union.
Contract negotiations and maintenance: Laura Wentworth, AFSCME Council 2, reported they are currently negotiating their master contract and addendums. They are almost half way there with their master contract.
Mary Hale, AFT 4254, reported that they are trying interest based bargaining at Edmonds Community College. They are in recess for now and will go back in September.
Poppy Hanson, AFSCME 948 reported that State Employees had officially ended strike on Tuesday when Governor signed budget. It has been a long process. They started out with legislative committees not interested in hearing what they have a say. As a result, they had a rolling strike and a one big day strike for everyone. They got the pay raise and maintained health care. They will be organizing internally for those that do not currently hold membership in the WFSE. She thanked the people who came to support them.
Sylvia
Hanson, IBEW 77 reported on the outsourcing membership work at Puget Sound
Energy. A suit in Federal Court did stop it. There is a PUD commission
position which will be up for election in 2002. It represents the area
of Everett and north county. They feel that the current commissioner has
stood in the way of improving the pay of clerical folks that do not make
a living wage. Meanwhile, the CEO has received a $30,000 a year increase.
They have to had to also sue the PUD to force arbitration on the use of
medical benefits money. The trust fund has a surplus, and the PUD decided
it wanted some of the money in the fund back. They refused to arbitrate
the issue. A Superior Court ruling has called for binding arbitration of
the issue. She felt it was similar to the LEOFF pension issue, where the
State Legislature was trying to siphon off the surplus into other areas.
Other Local Activity: Toni Bohan, SEIU 120 commented that issues involving Initiative 732 and the State budget are not over. The legislature did not fund all employees as the initiative intended for a cost of living raise. A parent has started a lawsuit, as a result. SEIU and WEA will be joining that law suit. She reported on the reorganization of SEIU locals that represent public sector employees into one large local numbered 925. It will be a 10,000 member local, and will cover from the Canadian border to Tacoma, as well as over on the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas. The local will maintain offices in Everett and Bellingham.
Bob James, NALC 791, presented a plaque recognizing the Labor Council’s contribution to the Letter Carrier Food Drive.
M/S/C to extend meeting beyond 8:30 PM
NEW BUSINESS
The delegates were presented with copies of the Union Cities survey and asked for input. The Union Cities survey comes from the AFL/CIO.
The Snohomish County Labor Council is allowed 3 delegates to the Washington State Labor Council Convention in Wenatchee in August 23-25. The Executive Board recommended sending the President, Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President, and as a result nominated:
Darrell Chapman, IBEW 191
Mike Sells, AFT 772
Laura Wentworth, AFSCME 1811CA
Further nominations were accepted, and no further nominations were made. It was M/S/C to cast a unanimous ballot.
GOOD OF THE COUNCIL
Jim Smith, LIUNA 292 encouraged listening to and support for the Labor Radio Journal program on KSER FM. The June program had interviews with State Employees during their recent strike. They are always interested in developing more programs. Anyone interested in helping can contact him or the Secretary-Treasurer.
Mary Hale, AFT 4254 thanked members for the contribution to the Center for Families. She invited delegates to a fundraiser for Rick Larsen, 22nd of July at her residence.
Annabelle Collings stated that Mary Francis Jones, a former officer
and delegate to the Council will be retiring. They are holding 2 to 4PM
party at the Smokey Point office where she works.
Community Services drawing winner was Darrell Chapman, IBEW 191
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Sells, Secretary-Treasurer
Delegate attendance
AFSCME 109: Pete Dykstra, Ken Lechner, Nat Kelley
AFSCME 109E: Mike Huston
Guests
Carmen Brown, Ablemark & GCIU 767M member