State ferry workers not part of ‘the bad’

Published 8:47 am Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Regarding Rep. Judy Clibborn’s recent comments on “the Bad” in the recent legislative session, it was the governor who asked the Maritime unions to renegotiate the 2011-2012 biennium labor agreements. The state was unable, through good faith negotiations and interest arbitration, to secure the concessions it wanted. Arbitrators found that Washington state ferry workers are paid less that other ferry workers doing the same work on the West Coast.

Also, following the 2009-2011 biennium negotiations, state ferry workers volunteered to forego wage and benefit increases given to them through arbitration. That reportedly saved the state $13 million during that period. Either Rep. Clibborn is not aware of this fact or is implying she accomplished something she didn’t for political purposes.

Also troubling is her reference to respecting the rights of unions. Few others have voluntarily given back wages and benefits, including Rep. Clibborn.

Many people already know and, if anyone cared enough to look into the matter, would conclude that union members and their leadership are more concerned about the success of state ferries than Rep. Clibborn and her ilk.

John Swanson, Bellevue