Another city union forgoes increases

In recognition of the city's continuing budget challenges, another city union has agreed to forgo wage increases and cost of living allowances for 2009 and 2010. On Monday, Aug. 10, the Vancouver City Council will consider approving the collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 307VC. AFSCME, Local 307VC members voted Thursday, July 30, to approve a two-year contract with no wage increases. If approved by City Council, a 0 percent COLA will save the city up to $398,000 for 2009.

AFSCME is the largest union within the national AFL-CIO, representing 152 city employees of the Water Maintenance, Wastewater Maintenance, Greenway/Sensitive Lands Maintenance, Street Maintenance, Storm Water Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, Traffic Signal, Traffic Sign, Warehouse and Dispatch Divisions of the Public Works Department, as well as the administrative/clerical unit of the City Attorney's Office.

"I know this has not been an easy year for our employees and I am grateful for their support," said City Manager Pat McDonnell. "I appreciate AFSCME's leadership and their willingness to collaborate with the city during this unprecedented financial time."

"AFSCME Local 307VC understands the city's financial situation and joins City of Vancouver Fire union, OPEIU, the Joint Labor Coalition, the Fire Command and the Fire Marshal's Office in accepting no COLA to help the city during this economic downturn," said Ron Fredin, AFSCME, Local 307VC President."

Earlier this year, Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), Local 11, AFL-CIO and the Joint Labor Coalition, a coalition comprised of Teamsters, Local #58; International Association of Machinists, Local #24; and Plumbers and Steamfitters, Local, #290 agreed to no cost of living increases or market adjustments in 2009 and 2010, saving the city a total of $495,000 for 2009. IAFF Local 452, representing 164 firefighters, agreed to waive a previously negotiated cost of living increase for 2009 which resulted in a savings of more than $700,000 to the city. Also, IAFF Local, 452, Fire Marshal's Unit and IAFF Local 4378, Fire Command waived their wage increases for 2009 and 2010. In addition, there have been no cost of living increases for any city managers or non-union employees in 2009.