STATE OF WASHINGTON
MARINE EMPLOYEES’ COMMISSION
Evergreen Plaza Building
P.O. Box 40902
Olympia, Washington 98504-0902
(360) 586-6354
Friday, March 28, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.
2nd Floor Conference Room, Evergreen Plaza Building—Olympia
MINUTES
Present: Members and staff - John Swanson, Chairman
John Sullivan, Commissioner
Patricia A. Warren, Commissioner
Linda Hoverter, Special Assistant
Kathy Marshall, Administrator
Others - Rod Falor, Arbitrator
Glenn Frye, OFM Labor Relations Office
Jerry Holder, OFM Labor Relations
Margaret Pelland, Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific
Yvonne Poe, Department of Personnel Compensation
Cary Randow, Department of Personnel Compensation
Robert Scott, Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters
Harry Thompson, IBEW Local 46
Marty Yellam, Plumbers & Pipefitters, Local 32
The meeting was called to order at 10:07 a.m.
Moved, seconded and carried: to adopt the agenda distributed at the meeting.
Moved, second and carried: to approve the minutes of the February 29, 2008 meeting.
SALARY SURVEY STATUS
Cary Randow of the Department of Personnel Compensation Unit distributed and discussed a handout with the 2008 MEC salary survey status.
Data
-Data collected and/or format:
§ Shipyards/wages/benefits
§ Maintenance trade rates
§ Black Ball ferry system
§ Alaska Marine Highway System benefits data (not salary)
§ Canadian benefits comparison
§ Administrative benchmarks
§ Job descriptions
§ Pro-forma (outline, introductions, etc.)
-Awaiting salary data from Alaska Marine Highway System
-Continuing to seek data from BC Ferries Corp.
Plan/Schedule
-Finalize draft report and send to stakeholders for comment week of April 14
-Brief MEC and stakeholders on survey results at April 25 MEC meeting
-MEC formally approves survey results at May 30 MEC meeting
Much discussion followed. Regret was expressed over the missed opportunity of personal visits to Alaska Ferry and BC Ferries—connections and contacts could have been made that would have improved survey response.
Robert Scott of Puget Sound Metal Trades indicated delay of the salary survey will negatively impact their bargaining. Bargaining began February 1; they needed the salary survey data almost 2 months ago. They will be finishing their bargaining at the end of April. The timelines were set in 2007; a late salary survey is a huge issue. He reminded those present that the law in RCW 47.64.220 states, “Prior to collective bargaining…the commission shall conduct a salary survey” and it wasn’t ready. He expressed his concern that either the data needs to be made available or the timelines of the law need to be changed.”
On behalf of the Commission, Chairman Swanson requested Cary Randow give the shipyard information directly to the Puget Sound Metal Trades, OFM Labor Relations Office, Department of Transportation Labor Relations Office, and MEC as soon as possible.
The Commissioners and the parties present again offered their assistance to Cary Randow to make contacts and obtain the necessary information to complete the survey.
STATUS OF CASES
MEC Case No. 5-05
IBU v. WSF (ULP) - Unfair labor practice complaint filed 7/21/04. IBU charges WSF with interference, refusal to bargain. Specifically, IBU alleges WSF made unilateral changes by implementing a new Maritime Security Transportation Plan. The parties reached a tentative agreement during the settlement conference on 10/18/04. Other pressing issues kept the parties from getting back to discussing the issue for some time.
On 8/4/05, the parties participated in a second settlement conference with Chairman Swanson. The parties planned to continue discussions. As of 7/28/06, contract negotiations had precluded getting back to resolving this issue. On 5/18/07, Dennis Conklin reported that IBU was reviewing the issue. On 9/28 and 10/26/07, he reported the parties were discussing the issue. By letter on 2/7/08, IBU withdrew the matter. On 2/29/08, MEC entered Order Closing Withdrawn Complaint, Dec. No. 538-MEC.
MEC Case No. 17-05
IBU v. WSF - Unfair labor practice complaint filed 10/4/04. IBU charges WSF with interference, refusal to bargain. Specifically, IBU alleges WSF made a unilateral change in working conditions when changing from the Summer to the Fall sailing schedules regarding relieving terminal split port. On 10/21/04, the Commission wrote to IBU asking it to clarify the basis for the charge or withdraw it and refile as a grievance. IBU’s response was received 11/19/04 and reviewed. On 12/10/04, IBU advised the MEC that it would be filing a grievance on this issue. On 3/18/05, MEC issued an Order to Show Cause. On 3/28/05, IBU responded to the Order to Show Cause by filing a grievance on this matter (docketed as MEC Case 39-05). Upon review of the two cases, the Commission has deferred to arbitration, holding the complaint, 17-05, in abeyance until resolution of the grievance, MEC Case 39-05.
MEC Case No. 39-05
IBU v. WSF — Grievance filed on 3/28/05 in which IBU alleges that on or about September 19, 2004, WSF changed the tie-up slip on the Anacortes #4 vessel from Friday Harbor to Anacortes and failed to properly pay crew members. Commissioner Swanson was assigned as arbitrator. The parties were unable to resolve this matter during the settlement conference held 3/2/07. Arbitrator Swanson conducted the hearing on 8/6/07 and 9/26/07. The transcript was received on 10/18/07. On 11/28/07, Robert Lavitt requested the 11/30 brief filing dates be extended one week. (This was a joint request.) Arbitrator Swanson granted the parties’ request. Briefs were timely filed—MEC received both on 12/7/07.On 1/25/08, MEC entered Decision and Award, Dec. No. 537-MEC. On 2/1/08, IBU filed a Motion for Reconsideration Regarding Award of Interest. On 3/7/08, MEC entered Decision on Motion for Reconsideration Regarding Award of Interest, Dec. No. 537-A-MEC.
MEC Case No. 15-06
IBU v. WSF—Grievance filed 12/22/05 in which IBU alleges WSF assigned non-bargaining unit work to Kingston’s “A” watch. The parties were unable to reach agreement during the 3/24/06 settlement conference. On 12/20/06, AAG Slown delivered a copy of the parties’ Interim Settlement Agreement to the MEC. IBU and WSF agreed to postpone further action on this case until resolution of bargaining on the effects of galley closures, which may affect Case 15-06 and is scheduled to commence early in 2007.On 9/28/07, AAG Slown reported he and MEBA Counsel Mike McCarthy were drafting language for an agreement on the galley closure issue, which may resolve Case 15-06 as well. On 12/14/07, AAG Slown reported the parties have agreed the case is settled if the galley closure settlement is ratified. On 1/25/08, AAG Slown reported that IBU has informed WSF that the union does not regard the galley issue as settled. On 2/29/08, AAG Slown reported WSF has had no further response from IBU. On 3/28/08, Margaret Pelland reported that IBU, MEBA, & MM&P have another settlement to consider on the galley closure issue.
MEC Case No. 19-06
IBU v. WSF —Unfair labor practice complaint filed 1/27/06 in which IBU charges WSF with interference, domination, discouraging union membership, and refusal to bargain: 1) selective implementation of 01-03 collective bargaining agreement-LWOP; and 2) failure to abide by MEC Case 2-06 settlement. During a third settlement conference on 10/30/06, IBU and WSF settled this matter. The parties agreed that MEC would retain jurisdiction through the first pay period of January 2007. On 2/23/07, John Dryer noted that WSF was having some difficulty processing the retroactive vacation awards for retirees; the new HRMS (state payroll system) created problems. WSF is working to comply with the agreement. On 3/23/07, IBU reported that retirees have received their checks, but there were questions about some of those amounts. On 4/27/07, John Dryer asked Dennis Conklin to provide a list of employees with reported errors in their checks. On 7/2707, John Dryer reported that WSF’s payroll department will be sending out a notice to each employee explaining how their pay was calculated. During the 8/29/07 meeting, AAG Slown confirmed this has occurred. On 9/28/07 Dennis Conklin reported the parties plan to meet on 10/2/07 to discuss pay calculations, after which they will analyze reported paycheck errors. On 10/26/07 John Dryer reported that the parties met again on 10/22/07 to try to resolve questions/issues around the retro pay. The issue is very complex—going back to 2001. WSF will try to answer questions raised at the last meeting within ten days. On 12/14/07, the parties reported they are still discussing this matter; some issues are resolved. On 1/25/08 John Dryer and Dennis Conklin reported they met on 1/23/08 and will be meeting again shortly. Mr. Dryer explained there are still several critical issues to answer. Once an agreement has been finalized, WSF will issue retro vacation payments and allow a short window for disputes. On 2/29/08, Paul Ganalon, WSF Labor Relations, reported the parties met about 10 days ago and are scheduled to meet again 3/7 to continue discussion. On 3/28/08, Margaret Pelland reported that the 3/7 meeting was cancelled.
MEC Case No. 7-07 (Consolidated with MEC 20-07)
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 10/27/06 in which IBU charges WSF with interference and refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU charges WSF with unilateral change in the respirator/facial hair policy. On 1/24/07, the Commission ordered Case 14-07 consolidated with this matter for settlement conference and hearing. On 2/16/07, the parties participated in a settlement conference with Commissioner Ford. The consolidated cases were resolved except for a single issue to be decided in grievance arbitration under Case 7-07. Arbitrator Swanson conducted one day of hearing on 5/3/07. On 5/11/07, MEC consolidated this matter with IBU’s complaint, 20-07, for hearing. On 5/29/07, MEC received the transcript from the one day of hearing in Case 7-07. Arbitrator Swanson conducted two more days of hearing—9/6 and 9/17/07. On 10/8/07 MEC received the transcript from the final two days of hearing. Post-hearing briefs were timely filed—MEC received both on 11/30/07. On 12/21/07, MEC entered Decision and Award, Dec. No. 535-MEC. On 12/31/07, WSF filed a Petition for Reconsideration of Decision 535-MEC. On 1/3/08, IBU filed its Opposition to WSF’s Petition. On 1/4/08, Arbitration Swanson granted WSF’s petition and on 1/15/08 he conducted a hearing, limited to the medical evaluation questionnaire issue. MEC received the transcript on 1/24/08; no briefs will be filed. On 1/25/08, John Dryer reported the parties plan to meet in the coming week to discuss the medical evaluation issue. On 2/29/08, AAG Slown reported the parties met on 2/25, resulting in constructive discussion of the issue. They continue to work on the problem. On 3/20/08, MEC entered Decision on Petition for Reconsideration, Affirming Decision 535, Decision No. 535-A-MEC. On 3/28/07, Margaret Pelland reported that there has been no follow-up on the medical questionnaire issue since the parties’ 2/25 meeting. Mr. Berryman has not yet been paid.
MEC Case No. 20-07 (Consolidated with Case 7-07)
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 3/28/07 in which IBU charges WSF with interference and refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU charges WSF with failure to comply with settlement agreement reached in cases 7-07 and 14-07 on respirator policy. On 5/11/07, MEC consolidated this matter with IBU’s grievance, 7-07, for hearing. On 5/29/07, MEC received the transcript from the one day of hearing in Case 7-07. Arbitrator Swanson conducted two more days of hearing—9/6 and 9/17/07. On 10/8/07 MEC received the transcript from the final two days of hearing. Post-hearing briefs were timely filed—MEC received both on 11/30/07. On 12/21/07, MEC entered Decision and Award, Dec. No. 535-MEC. On 12/31/07, WSF filed a Petition for Reconsideration of Decision 535-MEC. On 1/3/08, IBU filed its Opposition to WSF’s Petition. On 1/4/08, Arbitration Swanson granted WSF’s petition and on 1/15/08 he conducted a hearing, limited to the medical evaluation questionnaire issue. MEC received the transcript on 1/24/08; no briefs will be filed. On 1/25/08, John Dryer reported the parties plan to meet in the coming week to discuss the medical evaluation issue. On 2/29/08, AAG Slown reported the parties met on 2/25, resulting in constructive discussion of the issue. They continue to work on the problem. On 3/20/08, MEC entered Decision on Petition for Reconsideration, Affirming Decision 535, Decision No. 535-A-MEC. On 3/28/07, Margaret Pelland reported that there has been no follow-up on the medical questionnaire issue since the parties’ 2/25 meeting. Mr. Berryman has not yet been paid.
MEC Case No. 22-07
IBU v. WSF (Brickley)—Grievance filed 4/20/07 in which IBU alleges WSF unjustly removed him from his AB position based upon respirator use restriction from the Health Force doctor. The parties were unable to resolve this matter during the 6/5/07 settlement conference. On 7/13/07, WSF requested the 7/19/07 hearing be continued because the Work Force doctor who is the key WSF witness is out of the country. AAG Slown contacted IBU Counsel; IBU did not oppose a continuance. Arbitrator Ford granted WSF’s request. The 7/19 hearing was cancelled. The scheduled 11/9/07 hearing was not held. WSF learned that morning that its primary witness had a family emergency. WSF requested and Arbitrator Ford granted a continuance to 1/18/08. The 1/18/08 hearing was cancelled. Commissioner Ford, assigned to hear the case, accepted a new job and left the Commission in January. The hearing has been rescheduled for 6/12/08 with Commissioner Warren assigned as Arbitrator.
MEC Case No. 23-07
IBU v. WSF (Johnston et al.)—Grievance filed 4/20/07 in which IBU alleges WSF incorrectly applied rules governing insurance benefits eligibility. On 7/23/07, the parties participated in a settlement conference; they are still discussing the issue. On 8/17/07, the parties jointly requested the 8/22 hearing date be converted to a second settlement conference. Arbitrator Sullivan granted the request. On 8/22/07, the parties continued settlement discussions without the assistance of the mediator; Chairman Swanson was not available that day. Progress was made. IBU was considering WSF’s offer. On 10/26/07, AAG Slown reported that WSF sent an offer to IBU counsel; no response was received yet. As of 1/25/08, AAG Slown had spoken to IBU Counsel, who was looking into a class action filed on this issue. On 2/29/08, AAG Slown stated he has heard nothing more on this case. The Commission has directed that another settlement conference be scheduled with the parties.
MEC Case No. 25-07
Michael Zuvela v. WSF—Grievance filed 6/12/07 in which Mr. Zuvela alleges WSF denied him retroactive payments and benefits pertaining to the 2001-03 and 2003-05 collective bargaining agreements. On 7/13/07 MEC issued an Order to Show Cause. On 7/27/07, grievant’s counsel filed a response to the Order to Show Cause. WSF filed a reply on 7/31/07. On 8/30/07, the Commission requested additional information from the parties. On 9/10/07, MEC received a copy of the requested agreement from Stephen Connor, counsel for grievant. On 9/13/07, MEC received a copy of the requested signed agreement from AAG Slown. On 11/30/07, MEC entered Decision and Order Dismissing Request for Arbitration, Dec. No. 534-MEC. On 1/3/08, Atty. Stephen Connor filed a Request for Review of Decision Denying Arbitration. On 1/25/08, MEC entered Order on Request for Review, Dec. No. 534-A-MEC. On 2/4/08, in response to MEC’s Order on Request for Review, grievant’s counsel filed Motion to Convert Complaint to Unfair Labor Practice Charge. On 3/13/08, the parties participated in a settlement conference with Chairman Swanson; no agreement was reached.
MEC Case No. 1-08
OPEIU v. WSF (Haney) —Grievance mediation request filed 7/2/07 in which OPEIU alleges Deborah Haney is not able to take breaks and performs work out of her class without compensation. By phone on 9/19/07, Shannon Halme notified the MEC that OPEIU and WSF resolved this matter. The 9/20 settlement conference was cancelled. Upon receipt of OPEIU’s withdrawal, the case will be closed.
MEC Case No. 4-08
IBU v. WSF (Goddard)—Grievance filed 9/25/07 in which IBU alleges WSF released personal information related to new hire screening which violated Sheila Goddard’s privacy and resulted in a hostile work environment. Commissioner Ford was assigned as arbitrator. On 10/24/07, IBU requested and was granted a continuance of the 11/5 settlement conference; neither Margaret nor Dennis could attend. WSF did not oppose the request. The parties were unable to resolve this matter during a settlement conference with Commissioner Sullivan on 11/16/07. IBU intends to provide WSF with specific details. On 12/10/07, the parties jointly requested and were granted a hearing continuance. They are engaged in settlement discussions. The previously scheduled 12/12 hearing date has been cancelled. If necessary, a hearing will be rescheduled. On 2/29/08, AAG Slown reported it appears likely the parties will settle this issue. On 3/28/08, Margaret Pelland agreed, noting that they still need to meet.
MEC Case No. 5-08
OPEIU’s Petition for Unit Clarification—On 10/9/07, OPEIU filed a petition for unit clarification concerning the subject of the Bid Administrator position at WSF. Due to a death in Commissioner Ford’s family, Chairman Swanson was substituted as Hearing Officer. On 1/10/08, Hearing Officer Swanson conducted the hearing. MEC received the transcript on 2/7/08. Briefs were timely filed, both received by 3/3/08. On 3/27/08, MEC entered Decision and Order, Dec. No. 540-MEC.
MEC Case No. 6-08
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 10/11/07 in which IBU charges WSF with discouraging union membership, discrimination, refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU charges WSF with harassment of employee over filing of grievance. Following review, the Commission determined that the facts alleged may constitute an unfair labor practice, if later found to be true and provable. Action on this case was delayed pending disposition of Case 16-07 (Gill grievance). As of 1/25/08, the parties were discussing this matter. On 3/26/08, Margaret Pelland advised MEC that IBU is ready to have this matter scheduled. Jerry Holder stated he would check with the AG’s office regarding the status of any lawsuit against Ms. Gill and advise the MEC.
MEC Case No. 7-08
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 11/2/07 in which IBU charges WSF with interference and refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU charges WSF with unilaterally changing the Southworth night schedule. On 2/7/08, the parties’ jointly requested the 2/11 settlement conference be postponed. Contract negotiations were also scheduled on that date. Mediator Sullivan granted the request. On 2/12/08, MEC learned that scheduled contract negotiations conflict with the 3/10 MEC hearing date. Examiner Swanson has cancelled the hearing, as well as the date for WSF to file an answer to the complaint. On 3/26/08, the parties participated in a settlement conference with Commissioner Sullivan. WSF agreed to provide IBU with some schedule detail necessary to resolving the issue (probably take 7-10 days). Following that, MEC will arrange a second settlement conference to continue efforts to resolve the matter. On 3/28/08, IBU reported that WSF has provided some of the information.
MEC Case No. 8-08
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 12/18/07 in which IBU charges WSF with interference. Specifically IBU charges WSF with unilateral change—processing maintenance and cure (See MEC Case 7-91 settlement) and failure to notify union of injury. Commission determined the filing states both a contract violation and an unfair labor practice. The Commission will defer to arbitration, holding the complaint in abeyance pending resolution of contract violation portion of filing. On 2/26/08, during a settlement conference with Commissioner Sullivan, the parties resolved this matter. On 2/29/08, MEC entered Order Closing Settled Complaint, Dec. No. 539-MEC.
MEC Case No. 9-08
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 12/19/07 in which IBU charges WSF with interference, refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU charges WSF with unilateral change—discipline of employees for smoking. A settlement conference and hearing are to be scheduled. By letter on 2/7/08, Dennis Conklin requested the case be held in abeyance for 60 days following the parties’ Joint Labor Relations Committee (JLRC) meeting, scheduled on 3/4/08. No action will be taken by the MEC on this matter until at least 5/5/08. On 2/29/08, Paul Ganalon, WSF, reported the parties are still scheduled to meet and discuss this complaint on 3/4/08. On 3/13/08, Margaret Pelland advised MEC that IBU is ready to have this matter scheduled. A settlement conference has been scheduled for 5/8/08, the hearing for 6/26/08.
MEC Case No. 10-08
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 12/21/07 in which IBU charges WSF with interference, refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU charges WSF with unilateral implementation of payroll system—pay discrepancies. The Commission has directed MEC staff to schedule a settlement conference. By letter on 2/7/08, Dennis Conklin requested the case be held in abeyance for 60 days following the parties’ Joint Labor Relations Committee (JLRC) meeting, scheduled on 3/4/08. No action will be taken by the MEC on this matter until at least 5/5/08. On 2/29/08, Paul Ganalon, WSF, reported the parties are still scheduled to meet and discuss this complaint on 3/4/08. On 3/28/08, Margaret Pelland reported the parties met once and are still discussing.
MEC Case No. 11-08
OPEIU Local 8 v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 12/31/07 in which OPEIU charges WSF with interference, domination, and discouraging union membership. Specifically OPEIU charges WSF with use of temporary employees to perform bargaining unit work. Commission determined the filing states both a contract violation and an unfair labor practice. The Commission will defer to arbitration, holding the complaint in abeyance pending resolution of contract violation portion of filing. On 1/25/08, John Dryer stated the parties are discussing the matter. On 3/18/08, AAG Slown requested the 3/20/08 settlement conference be rescheduled. Due to personnel changes in the finance department and ongoing reorganization, key managers were not available. Shannon Halme did not object. Mediator Swanson granted the request; the 3/20/08 settlement conference was cancelled. The settlement conference has been continued to 4/29/08.
MEC Case No. 12-08
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 1/8/08 in which IBU charges WSF with interference, refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU charges WSF with violation of the Ramsey Settlement, MEC Case 18-07. A settlement conference and hearing are to be scheduled. By letter on 2/7/08, Dennis Conklin requested the case be held in abeyance for 60 days following the parties’ Joint Labor Relations Committee (JLRC) meeting, scheduled on 3/4/08. No action will be taken by the MEC on this matter until at least 5/5/08. On 2/29/08, Paul Ganalon, WSF, reported the parties are still scheduled to meet and discuss this complaint on 3/4/08. On 3/28/08, Margaret Pelland reported that the parties met on 3/4/08; they have a stop-game interim agreement and are still discussing the matter.
MEC Case No. 13-08
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 1/16/08 in which IBU charges WSF with interference, discouraging union membership, refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU charges WSF with a unilateral change in excluding IBU members from reserved parking at Bainbridge. A settlement conference and hearing are to be scheduled. By letter on 2/7/08, Dennis Conklin requested the case be held in abeyance for 60 days following the parties’ Joint Labor Relations Committee (JLRC) meeting, scheduled on 3/4/08. No action will be taken by the MEC on this matter until at least 5/5/08. On 2/29/08, Paul Ganalon, WSF, reported the parties are still scheduled to meet and discuss this complaint on 3/4/08. On 3/28/08, Margaret Pelland reported that the parties met on 3/4/08. WSF is doing some research necessary to further discussion.
MEC Case No. 14-08
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 2/12/08 in which IBU charges WSF with interference and refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU charges WSF with limiting bargaining team for the 09-11 CBA negotiations. IBU requested expedited handling. Following review, the Commission determined that the facts alleged may constitute an unfair labor practice, if later found to be true and provable.
On 2/28/08, the parties participated in a settlement conference with Chairman Swanson serving as Mediator. Later that day, IBU Counsel notified MEC that the parties settled the matter. By letter on 3/3/08, IBU Counsel Rob Lavitt withdrew the complaint. On 3/15/08, MEC entered Order Closing Settled Complaint, Dec. No. 541-MEC.
MEC Case No. 15-08
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 2/14/08 in which IBU charges WSF with interference and refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU charges WSF with failure to bargain effects of electronic fare system (EFS). Following review, the Commission determined that the facts alleged may constitute an unfair labor practice, if later found to be true and provable. A settlement conference is scheduled for 4/18/08, the hearing for 6/20/08.
MEC Case No. 16-08
MEBA v. WSF—Grievance filed 3/14/08 in which MEBA alleges WSF has
failed to pay for changeover time. Commissioner Warren has been assigned as
arbitrator. Settlement conference is to be
scheduled.
STATUS OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS 2009-2011
FASPAA/WSF Labor Negotiator Glenn Frye reported the parties have scheduled bargaining dates.
IBU/WSF Negotiations began 2/11/08 and are ongoing.
MEBA/WSF Jerry Holder reported the parties are scheduled to meet on 3/6/08.
MM&P/WSF Jerry Holder reported negotiations have begun; additional dates are being scheduled.
Operations Watch Supervisors Jerry Holder reported the parties are scheduling dates.
Metal Trades/WSF Jerry Holder reported the parties held their first bargaining session on 2/27/08 and are scheduling additional dates.
OPEIU/WSF Glenn Frye reported that bargaining dates are now scheduled.
SEIU/WSF
Glenn Frye reported that bargaining dates are now scheduled.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Commissioner Positions
The Governor’s Office still has not yet made a decision concerning the Commissioner position appointed from industry currently held by John Sullivan.
Budget
The Marine Employees’ Commission submitted a supplemental budget request of $50,050 to the Legislature to cover the costs of the salary survey. On February 25 Cary Randow notified the MEC that the State Department of Personnel will be reducing MEC’s salary survey charge from $50,050 to $22,050. MEC had originally budgeted $6,000, so the Legislature allotted $16,000 to MEC with a provisio which stated, “A maximum of $22,000 may be expended to pay the department of personnel for conducting the 2007 salary survey”.
Rules Review
MEC received approval from its assistant attorney general on the proposed rule changes for the salary survey chapter, WAC 316-85. The rule changes were submitted to the Code Reviser’s Office and published in Washington State Register 08-04. Comments are due by April 7.
Chapter 316-55 WAC is MEC’s Impasse Resolution chapter. This chapter also needs revision due to the 2007 Legislature’s changes in MEC’s law. Copies of the current rules are available today. No proposed changes have yet been received. MEC staff are working on proposed changes to present at the April 25, 2008 public meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
Next meeting:
Friday, April 25, 2008, 10:00 a.m., Evergreen Plaza Building, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 711 Capitol Way South, Olympia
***MEC Minutes are also available on the agency website at www.marineempcom.org.***