Where’s the contract? Residents blast Port of Olympia over lack of deal for new union
.JPG "The Port of Olympia’s marine terminal warehouse.")
More than a dozen residents appeared before the Port of Olympia commission on Monday, calling again on the commission to do something about the protracted negotiations between the port and a new union known as Local 47-B.
They say negotiations have dragged on for 18 months without a signed contract.
Naomi Hagelund, who said she used to work for the port in the boat yard, was shocked to learn that the two bodies have actually been negotiating for that long.
“The port commissioners are our elected representatives and have a duty to act in our best interests,” she said. “Do the right thing and give the employees a fair contract.”
Local 47-B, which is the third union at the port, covers all full-time and regular part-time employees performing maintenance, technical services or operations in facilities maintenance, Swantown Boatworks and Swantown Marina departments at the port.
The two other unions at the port are Local 47, which covers longshore workers, and 47-A, which serves marine terminal maintenance workers.
The sticking points in negotiations weren’t clear from the comments made at the meeting, although several pointed the finger at former executive director Sam Gibboney.
“The termination of the director’s contract is a good step,” Hagelund said.
Longshoreman Rob Rose thanked the commission for separating from the executive director, echoing the “separation of service” term the port used to announce that Gibboney was no longer the director.
“I ask the commission to leave behind your executive’s excuses in avoiding an agreement,” Rose said. “ ... No more excuses, no more delays, tell your lawyers and executive team to cut it out and that time is up.”
Rose said if the port would base the 47-B contract on one of the existing union contracts, “we can get this done this week. It’s that simple.”
Rachelle Martin, who said she is treasurer for the Thurston, Lewis, Mason Central Labor Council, also spoke in support of Local 47-B.
“We are so excited to stand in support of workers’ rights for this organization,” she said. “They deserve a fair contract.”
The port commission took the rare step of responding to public comment.
Commissioner Amy Evans Harding said the commission is not doing the negotiating but the commission can discuss what was shared during public comment. She said the whole commission wants a fair contract.
“I have to admit I am sometimes unsure of how we get there, but if we work together and we are all seeking a fair labor contract for everyone, we can find it,” she said.
Commissioner Joe Downing said he supports an increased effort in getting to a satisfactory resolution. He, too, said the commission is not in the negotiating room, but a mediator is helping with the process.
“I’m hopeful that we can get these fine folks who already work for us a contract,” he said.
Commissioner Bob Iyall was not at the meeting.
This story was originally published October 10, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
