Port of Olympia approves contract for existing union, but not its new union. Here’s why
The Port of Olympia commission on Monday approved a contract for an existing union, but has delayed its vote on a contract for a new union, Local 47B, until next month.
Longshoreman Rob Rose told The Olympian over the weekend that the two sides are still working out a few details of the new contract. He expected it to come before the commission on Nov. 12.
The new date was confirmed during Monday’s Port Commission meeting by Warren Hendrickson, the port’s director of operations.
Meanwhile, the Port Commission voted unanimously on a three-year contract for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 47A, which represents eight marine terminal maintenance positions.
The new three-year deal, retroactive to July, lasts through June 30, 2027.
“I really appreciate the time invested by everyone to come to a resolution,” said Commissioner Maggie Sanders. “This has been on my radar since I started my commission work here at the Port of Olympia.”
Executive Director Alex Smith said a number of sections of the contract have been updated. Those updates cover an apprenticeship program, a pension, minimum staffing levels, wages, sick leave and some administrative changes, she said.
Contract details were not shared prior to the commission’s vote, but some details about union wages emerged during a discussion about the 2025 budget later in Monday’s meeting.
Local 47A is set to receive a 6% wage increase for 2025, which “makes up for prior contracts that reduced cost-of-living adjustments to accommodate port financial challenges,” the Port’s information reads.
The budget discussion also shed light on what the members of the new union are going to receive. Local 47B is in line for an average wage increase of 7.25% for 2025.
“The proposed contract includes a $2 per hour raise for all bargaining unit members, and some salary adjustments for specific positions,” the budget information reads.
In April 2022, 17 port employees announced they had formed Local 47B, The Olympian reported.
Union officials said the new collective bargaining unit represents 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.
This story was originally published October 29, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
