Coalition Bargaining Report

Our bargaining this evening began with an energetic rally attended by sixty-plus Union members from a number of Local Unions and agencies. We were especially happy to see so many Union members supporting us from Specials Coalition agencies since they are also having a difficult time of it in contract negotiations.

Solidarity paid off for us in our ODOT Coalition negotiations this evening. The lead State negotiator came to the table prepared to discuss issues and reach agreement on at least a few outstanding issues. We reached and signed tentative agreements which will get Forestry workers a Union Steward at the Tillamook Forest Center and which preserve meal allowances for Forestry workers required to work past their scheduled shifts. We believe that we also reached conceptual agreement on a number of other items.

Our ODOT Coalition team did a great deal of work during the long and frequent breaks we held during our bargaining session. Kermit Meling (ODOT) and Cory McIntosh (DMV), our bargaining team leaders, led strong discussions dealing with our priorities and strategies for upcoming bargaining sessions.

We gave the State team a bargaining package consisting of five items which we believe we have reasonably compromised on. The State team gave us a package of eight items which disappointed us. The State team continues to assume agreement where we have not reached agreement and continues to present us with packages which we might accept if they did not also include “poison pill” items which either take away Union rights or negatively impacts our working conditions or benefits.

We have been meeting for negotiations since February. It is safe to say that our shared Coalition priorities are travel policy equity, tool reimbursements, safety and protective clothing and winning greater rights to promote. The State is pressuring us to concede on call-back compensation—a particularly serious issue for ODOT and Fish & Wildlife workers—and we are determined to continue to work for fairness in this area. The State team has not responded to our requests for information on what protective eyewear, clothing and boots costs our agencies. Without a better idea of the costs involved—and absent willingness on the State’s part to find compromise solutions—we are limited in how much room we have for compromise. They have also not responded to our request for information on tools; does the State wish to limit tools to what is currently in stock and on hand or not?

John Ponce (Parks) gave a good explanation of our need for protective footwear and provided materials to support our points. The Fish & Wildlife Bargaining Delegates helped our team clarify our issues. A number of ODOT workers added their strong support for our proposals and goals.

Our next ODOT Coalition bargaining session will be held on Monday, June 25. We will meet at our Salem Union hall between 5:00 and 5:30 pm for dinner and discussion and be at negotiations at 6:30 pm. Negotiations are held at the ODOT training center located at 2775 19th St. SE in Salem. Union members are encouraged to attend.

Our next bargaining session will deal with three bargaining packages affecting most agencies in the ODOT Coalition. For this reason it is important that we maintain our strong participation from many agencies and many Local Unions. We proved once more this evening that unity builds strength.