Whatcom County Master Bargaining Unit Contract update 6/7/2023:

Congratulations to Teamster members working under the Whatcom County Master Collective Bargaining Agreement. On the evening of June 6, 2023, Whatcom County Council members voted to adopt the successor agreement! Retro payment of wages and the $750.00 signing bonus are anticipated to be provided to bargaining unit members on their paychecks in mid July 2023! Again, a huge thank you to the bargaining committee for all their patience and dedication. This contract would not have been possible without their hard work!

Whatcom County Master Bargaining Unit Contract update 6/5/2023:

Congratulations to Teamster members working in the Whatcom County Master Bargaining Unit who voted overwhelmingly to ratify a three-year successor agreement.  The agreement captures several significant language improvements, wage increases, healthcare contribution coverage and a signing bonus.  Negotiations for this successor agreement were challenging and would not have been possible without the collaboration, patience, and dedication of your negotiating committee: Ali Jensen, Allen Mason, Kyle Anderson, Ty Mount, Jill Jacoby, Nick Smith, Matt Martin, and Rebekah Roberts.  The County Council will review the agreement and take action tomorrow, June 6, 2023.

Whatcom County Master Bargaining Unit Negotiations update 4/28/2023:

On Friday April 28, 2023, the bargaining committee and Whatcom County reached a tentative successor agreement which includes improvements to working conditions, wages, and health and welfare benefits. A meeting notice will be sent to all Union members in the near future with information on the ratification process. Your Union negotiating committee appreciates your patience and solidarity throughout this process.

Whatcom County Master Bargaining Unit Negotiations update 1/20/2023:

On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, your Union negotiating committee and the County met to continue negotiations for a successor Collective Bargaining Agreement.  Your Union negotiating committee has put forth proposals addressing the needs and concerns as discussed  in our September 8^th proposal meeting.  To date, the County has not been receptive to the Union proposals, and there has been little movement at the table. 

Therefore, based on the frustration that is mounting at the bargaining table, and a desire to continue to press the County for movement in an effort to reach an agreement, your negotiating committee has requested contract mediation.  The County bargaining team has agreed to file a joint mediation request and the process has been initiated.

A mediator will be assigned through the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) to work with the parties in an effort to assist us in finding resolution.  In contract mediation the assigned mediator’s role is to act as a neutral third (3^rd) party to hear the needs and concerns of both parties and to assist in communicating those needs and concerns with the goal of finding common ground and/or resolution. 

During this time, it is important that you as Union members of the Master Collective Bargaining Agreement stay united.  Your Union negotiating committee is committed in our efforts to bargain to improve your wages, benefits and conditions of employment.  We will provide updates as we move forward and may call on you for assistance in making our voices heard. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative at the Local Union office 360-734-7780.

Whatcom County Master Bargaining Unit Negotiations update 12/21/2022:

Negotiations with Whatcom County will continue after the first of the year.  Although the Union and the County have met for bargaining throughout the months of November and December, the parties have not yet reached a tentative agreement to bring forth to the Teamster membership for a vote.  Our negotiations continue to be collaborative, and the Union continues to advocate for the membership. We are working diligently to propose changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement as requested by the membership in our Contract proposal meeting held on September 8^th.  

In an effort of good faith bargaining, the County has agreed to pick-up the full contribution premium for Washington Teamsters Welfare Trust plan “B” medical, and plan “D” timeloss in 2023. The increase in premiums for 2023 was $72.50 per month per covered employee.  A memo with a copy of a Letter of Understanding (LOU) outlining the agreement for County full contribution coverage in 2023 was mailed to each Union member earlier this month.

In addition, we are pleased to announce that the Union and the County have completed all data collection on the Collaborative Market Study.  The Union committee will be reviewing all data and will determine the best approach in sharing the information with the membership in the near future.

We wish you all a very happy holiday season and look forward to bringing you further updates as the process continues.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative at the Local Union office.