Eastside firefighters' union shows us how to close a deficit
Posted by Rachel Culbertson - December 29, 2009
In light of our state’s budget woes and the drama that’s ensued, a story in the Sammamish Review brightened my day. As I mentioned last week, while many public-sector unions would rather raise taxes or perform layoffs rather than adjust state workers’ pay raises or health care plans during the recession, the local firefighters’ union 2878 has found that there are other solutions. Earlier this month the Eastside Fire and Rescue Board passed a budget that left a $241,000 deficit in its wake. With talk of layoffs in the air, the union got together and made a proposal to forego wage increases in 2010, to receive no more than a 4 percent increase in 2011, and to get a less expensive health care plan. The proposal, unanimously accepted by the board, single-handedly closed the budget gap.
While foregoing pay increases is undoubtedly a tough call (who wouldn’t want a raise?) the union's decision should be commended. It shows a realistic perspective during a time when many have lost common sense. It's also saved a few jobs while creating a contract that the board, the firefighters, and taxpayers can live with. Thanks for showing us how to get it done, local 2878.
Thoughts? Add Comment -
flicka47 said on Dec 29 2009 at 9:53pm
That is wonderful & shows any group of people can think thru to a reasonable conclusion. We have group of county workers here in Central Calif that did basically the same. They traded raises for a guarrantee of no layoffs for 2 years.
However the county just south of them decided they didn't want to work with the employees to reach a similar conclusion,even though it is a much more prosperous county.They just wanted their workers to take a cut in pay.After 6 months of working with them to only realize they had no bargaining position,it was voted on to just stay with current contract until 2011,when contract comes due.County could have lessened their deficient,but didn't....
Sue Lani said on Jan 04 2010 at 6:56pm
Dang,I thought this was a story about the real east side - of the Cascades, that is.
Ron S. said on Jan 06 2010 at 8:12pm
You mean to tell me there still a remnance of "Common Sense" in Washington State? Perhaps there's hope for our state after all, BUT it will depend on whether the people of WA are willing to find out the details of EVERYTHING that is placed on the ballot, and ALL the people who are running for public office. And whether conservative orgs. in our state will make information available to ALL items and candidates on EVERY ballot in the state. This generation has to be spoon fed because they want INSTANT INFORMATION and won't go out of their way to find the necessary information for themselves with a few exceptions.