Snohomish County Labor Council, AFL/CIO

Minutes of the Meeting of May 22, 2002

The meeting was called to order at 7 PM by Pres. Chapman followed by the Flag salute. Correction to minutes of previous meeting: Ron Bradley, IAM 751E noted that his name was left of the attendance for the previous meeting. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as corrected.

CREDENTIALS

AFSCME 948: Marleen Weigand

ATU 1576: Bonnie Williams

ATU 883: Yusuf Abdul, Pat Downes, Don Shagam

HERE 8: Bill Johnston

IAM 751F: Tina L. Wilson

IBEW 89: Amy Murray, Richard Murray

ILWU 32: Ron Medcalf

OPEIU 8: David C. Winders

SEIU 1199NW: Steve Moll, Matt Wood

M/S/C to seat the present delegates. The following new delegates were sworn in: Bonnie Williams, ATU 1576; Tina L. Wilson, IAM 751F; Amy Murray and Richard Murray, IBEW 89; Ron Medcalf, ILWU 32; Steve Moll, SEIU 1199NW.

EXEC BD & STAFF REPORTS

Secretary-Treasure Sells gave out a report of meeting activity that included: Group Health information picketing, SEIU annual membership meeting, Organizers Forum, Robeson Memorial, Brightwater, Everett Shoreline Public Access Committee, CWU, Sound Transit, COPE calendar development and screening, transportation referendum, and Initiative 797 meeting

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Community Services—Bill Borders, United Way Labor Liaison thanked the Labor Council for the continuing support of Operation Shortfall. The Spirit of Labor Award will be given on June 11th at the United Way Spirit of Snohomish County breakfast. Jo Marie and Al Schultz will receive that award. Currently, Operation Latchkey is building a sports court, and volunteers are needed to help. The project has labor support and is moving ahead quickly. Laura Wentworth is developing a quilt using union logos for the holiday raffle later this year. T-shirts with logs were solicited from members.

Organizers Forum—Paul Quaintance discussed plans for the next general SCLC meeting on June 20^th where we will invite community leaders to hear about what workers face in trying to organize a union in their workplace.

COPE

Rep. Aaron Reardon spoke to the Council announcing his intention to run for the State Senate from the 38th District. His run for Senate kickoff is June 5^th at the Monte Cristo Ballroom, 5:30 PM to 7 PM

The following COPE endorsement recommendations were made:

• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Jay Inslee for U.S. House of Representatives, District 1
• M/S /C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Rick Larsen for U.S. House of Representatives, District 2
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Michael Spearman for State Supreme Court, Position 3
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Charles Johnson for State Supreme Court, Position 4
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Bobbe Bridge for State Supreme Court, Position 7
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Al O'Brien for State House of Representatives, District 1, Position 1
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Jeanne Edwards for State House of Representatives, District 1, Position 2
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Eron Berg for State House of Representatives, District 10, Position 2
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Paull Shin for Senate, District 21
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Mike Cooper for State House of Representatives, District 21, Position 1
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Brian Sullivan for State House of Representatives, District 21, Position 2
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Aaron Reardon for State Senate, District 38
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of John McCoy for State House of Representatives, District 38, Position 1
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Jean Berkey for State House of Representatives, District 38, Position 2
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Carolyn Eslick for the primary for State House of Representatives, District 39, Position 1
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of John Lovick for either the State Senate or State House of Representatives, District 44 Position 2
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council the endorsement of Hans Dunshee for State House of Representatives, District 44, Position 1
• M/S/C to endorse Janice Ellis for Snohomish County Prosecutor
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council support for Referendum 51-the Transportation Package
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council opposition to Initiative 767-futher cuts in car tabs
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council support for Initiative 790-Firefighter Pension reform
• M/S/C to recommend to the Washington State Labor Council opposition to Initiative 791-reestablishes 601 using a more draconian calculation of spending limits

The Labor/Neighbor program was discussed. Locals and delegates were urged to sign up at the end of the meeting for days to go out meet fellow union members.

REPORTS OF UNIONS

Organizing: LIUNA 292, Bob Monize reported there were 200 to 300 out of state, non-union workers at Kimberly Clark. Ed Triezenberg, UBC 562 explained that they were putting in a new paper machine. He also noted that the AWPPW had made major concessions to the company in recent years to keep it profitable and the state has given a substantial tax break. In return, the company bid it out SWB, a subsidiary of an out of state, anti union firm based in Alabama and Arkansas. They have counted 62 out of state license plates in the parking area. Generally, these people will be earning $17.00 while a local union tradesman gets $35.00. With the unemployment rate so high, we have money going out of state. The local building trades will be putting together some rallies, and developing some strategies to deal with the issue.

SEIU 925, Tonia Maria Rosario reported that there are seven bargaining units at the University of Washington. They are currently organizing for an election in an eighth unit. However, the university is stalling since the new rules moving the unit to PERC jurisdiction are not in place. They are asking for support by joining with them tomorrow at 3 PM at President Richard McCormack’s office.

Contract negotiations and maintenance: IBEW 89, Matt Carroll reported that his local members had ratified a new Verizon contract by 3 to 1. It includes 12% over three years, medical for retirement, a pension survivor benefit, income security plan, and an early out, incentive process. There was also a 50% increase stand by pay, an increase in per diem, and hearing aid and vision added to the medical. They did not go backwards on anything.

IBT 763, Kelly Bloomquist reported that members in the City of Edmonds approved a new contract by a 5 to 1 ratio. It included pay raises of 2 to 10 percent above COLA; increase medical premiums paid by the city, and union leave language. They are waiting final approval by the city council.

IAM 751F, Jackie Boschok reported that the Boeing contract expires September 1st and they are currently in preparation for bargaining. The District is having membership fair at Monroe fairgrounds June 29^th.

SEIU 925, Tara Heinecke, reported that new contracts had been settled with the South Whidbey School, and the Edmonds School District maintenance and trades workers. They have had two mediation sessions with Edmonds School District over the contract covering custodians and warehouse employees.

In Marysville School District, the 12-month employee bargaining unit recently rejected a contract because the District would not agree to permit payroll deductions of voluntary COPE contributions. The District also wants to dock pay for time by employees in contract negotiations and labor management committees, which is a departure from the past. The tone at the bargaining table changed considerably after the District contracted bargaining out to the Perkins Coie law firm. The Marysville School District plans to cut 144 Educational Assistant hours per day due to legislative budget cuts. Another 25 will suffer a loss of hours and/or be transferred to other locations or programs. This follows a layoff of 42 Educational Assistants last August.

In Shoreline, there are efforts underway to contract out extracurricular bussing. Coaches, represented by a WEA local, argue that the team can't win the game when they are stressed out due to having to ride on an uncomfortable school bus. They also feel that riding on the busses negatively impacts their working conditions. SEIU 925 represents the bus drivers, and grievances are in progress. A complaint will be filed with PERC for skimming bargaining unit work.

IBT 38, Chuck Jewell reported on UPS bargaining where there are some hang-ups on health and welfare. The company is asking for 14-hour days with no overtime. There will be some rallies on June 1^st to support drivers and part timers. There are 200,000 in the bargaining unit, nationwide.

M/S/C to extend the meeting by 15 minutes

Other Local Activity-No further report

NEW BUSINESS

M/S/C to have the Labor Council purchase a table at the United Way Spirit of Snohomish County breakfast. Cost: $100

GOOD OF THE COUNCIL

Bob Monize, LIUNA 292, discussed taking care of our own by always using union hotels and restaurants.

Ken Titus, NALC 791 reported that their annual food drive had netted 355,000 lbs for area food banks in Snohomish County. It was up 40,000 lbs from last year. Unfortunately, Arlington did not participate this year because the postmaster refused to allow it. Ken thanked Bill Borders for his help and support, and the Labor Council for help with the food bags. The food collected will feed over 30,000 families. The Labor Council provided $1,000 in funding to purchase the food bags. Out of 1500 branches in the nation, Snohomish County was 34^th in collection amount. $1,000 was also collected and went into Operation Shortfall.

Tania Maria Rosario, SEIU 1199NW, passed out postcards in support of immigration reform. She discussed recent court decisions against undocumented immigrants that undercut efforts by workers to organize unions, particularly in low wage industries.

Rep. Mike Cooper spoke to the group noting that he looked forward to having the opportunity to have Aaron Reardon in the State Senate. In discussing the recent legislative session, he stated that taking care of the men and women who do the jobs to provide the economy that keeps this state healthy was a priority. He discussed his frustration with the state and United Infrastructures for using a Korean/Japanese prefab firm to provide steel for the new Narrows Bridge. This is an $800 million project and he felt it was wrong not to go with companies like Bethlehem in Seattle when they are laying-off local Ironworkers workers. “We simply cannot allow the contractor to build with Korean steel.” Allegedly, it will cost $30 million more to build with US labor, but that cost is offset by keeping the investment in local economy, and keeping people off welfare and working. He stated that he felt the Secretary of Transportation McDonald was attempting the work the issue out.

Gary Doughty, AFSCME 113, won the Community Services drawing

Adjourned at 8:45 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Mike Sells, Secretary-Treasurer

CORRESPONDENCE MADE AVAILABLE

From Washington State Labor Council:

• 5/3/02, Rick Bender, President, Women's Committee Spring Conference on Domestic Violence on May 17 and Women Scholarship Applications
• 5/7/02, Rick Bender, President, re: support for Initiative 790

From AFL/CIO:

• 4/19/02, Marilyn Sneiderman, Director, Field Mobilization Department, invitation to AFL/CIO Community Services Staff retreat
• 4/23/02, John J. Sweeney, President, re June 2002 - Voice At Work activity
• 5/1/02 John J. Sweeney, President, IAM Day of Action on May 8th
• 5/6/02, Linda Chavez-Thompson, Executive Vice President and Barbara Easterling, Sec. Treas. CWA on recent developments at United Way
• 5/7/02, Karen Nussbaum, Asst to President and Marilyn Sneidermann, AFL/CIO Field Mobilization Department re: Ask a Working Woman 2002 report
• 5/13/02 Marilyn Sneiderman, Director, Field Moblization re raids International Union of Security Officers by independent, anti union organization
• 5/20/02, John J. Sweeney, President re: Supreme Court decision: no back pay for undocumented workers illegally fired for organizing activities

From Unions and Labor Councils:

• 5/10/02 Rose M. Wegiel, President, Communications Workers of America, Local 7803 on the organization of Cingular Wireless

From Organizations:

• 5/3/02, Economic Development Council, Debbie Emge, CPA, request for luncheon sponsorship on biomedical trials.
• 5/3/02 Ted Wenta and Dale Preboski re: All America City process and Ambassador Job Description
• Undated, Minority Achievers Recognition banquet, May 15th at Everett Yacht Club, $10 per person
• Undated, request for support of Harry Bridges Plaza in San Francisco
• Undated, 11th Annual HOV Conference to be held October 27-30, 2002 in Seattle
• Undated, Roger Felice, President, Washington State Trail Lawyers Association on workplace rights
• Undated, invitation to Valley General Hospital Bond, Campaign Kickoff Ice Cream Social, Wednesday, May 29th at the East County Senior Center, 824 Village Way in Monroe
• Undated, Edmonds Community College Foundation invitation to 11:30 AM luncheon on June 11 for 1 PM Ground breaking ceremony on Center for Families
• Undated, United Way of Snohomish County, Spirit of Snohomish County breakfast to be held at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel on Tuesday, June 11 starting at 7 AM

From individuals:

• 4/25/02, Cecelia Matta, thank you for opportunity to speak to Labor Council
• 5/10/02, Rick Larsen, seeking financial support for upcoming campaign in 2nd Congressional District
• Undated, Kevin Quigley, thank you for allowing him to speak at the April meeting
• Undated, Ron McCoy, candidate for Congress in 5th Congressional District seeking support

Delegates attendance

AFSCME 109:

AFSCME 109E: Shawn Smith

AFSCME 109S:

AFSCME 113: Gary Doughty, Darrell Stuart

AFSCME 881:

AFSCME 948: Poppy Hanson

AFSCME 1020: Harvey Bell

AFSCME 1355:

AFSCME 1811:

AFSCME 1811C:

AFSCME 1811CA: Laura Wentworth

AFSCME 1811JPD:

AFSCME 1811PA: Dave Kurtz

AFSCME 1811S:

AFSCME 2753:

AFSCME 2964:

AFT 772: Mike Sells, Kim Mead

AFT 1873:

AFT 4254: D.J. Wilson

APWU 484: Kristie Berry

ATU 883:

ATU 1576: Bonnie Williams

CWA 7800:

CWA 37082:

GCIU 767M:

IAFF 46: Tom Cobb, Tom Deckers, Robert Downey, Russell Jack

IAFF 1984: John Puetz

IAFF 2694:

IAFF 3219:

IAFF 3482:

IAFF 3524

IAM 130:

IAM 751A: Don Shove, Bob Neumann

IAM 751C: Rod Sigvartsen

IAM 751E: Ron Bradley

IAM 751F: Judy Neumann, Jackie Boschok, Tina Wilson

IATSE 15: John Lammon

IBEW 77:

IBEW 89: Mike Ferrucci

IBEW 191: Jeff Seibert, Darrell Chapman, Mike Heins

IBT 38: Leonard Kelley, Chuck Jewell, Janine Dibble

IBT 763: Kelly Blomquist, Tom Vernon

IBU/ ILWU 22:

IFPTE 17:

ILWU 32: Ron Medcalf

IUOE 286:

IUOE 302:

IUPAT DC 5: Brian Hendrix

IW 86: Greg Lochrie

IW 506:

LIUNA 292: Bob Monize, Hazel Goehring

MM&P:

NALC 791: Bob James, Ken Titus

OPEIU 8:

OPEIU 277:

SEIU 925: Bill Borders, Toni Bohan, Tara Jo Heinecke, Tania Rosario

SEIU 1199NW: Steve Moll

SMIU 66:

SPEEA: Bob Rommel, Tim Bond

UA 265:

UFCW 44:

UFCW 141, USNU:

UFCW 1001:

UFCW 1105: Paul Quaintance, Arthur Rice, Lynda Rice

Excused Delegates

AFSCME 109: Pete Dykstra, Pat Thompson

AFT 4254: Mary Hale

IAM 751F: Jo Marie Schultz

IBEW 77: Peg Chrisman

IBEW 89: Gloria Borders

IBT 38: Doug Gunwall, Rod Mendenhall

IBT 763: Dave Chambers

LIUNA 292: Dan O’Connor

SEIU 1199NW: Adelina Gonzales

SPEEA: Mark Moshay, Chris Glenn

Guests

Annabelle Collings, Retired AFSCME 948

Mike Cooper, IAFF 1760, 21^st Dist. State Representative

Ellie Menzies, SEIU State Council

Aaron Reardon, 38^th District State Representative

Stan Roth, IAM 751A

David Simpson, SPEEA

Ed Triezenberg, UBC 562