McGinn Announces Labor Agreements; Says They Will Save Seattle Millions

In the face of looming budget cuts, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn announced Friday pay concessions from a majority of the city's unions.

It comes on a day when citizens are getting a taste of just what budget cuts can bring. Friday was an unpaid furlough day for employees at all 27 Seattle community centers.

“There are a lot of parents who rely on this program everyday so they can continue to work full time, keep their families afloat while their kids are safe and happy at a fun facility like the Ballard Community Center,” said Laurie Zettler, a Ballard mother.

It could get much worse next year, with $67 million in budget cuts on the horizon.

But Friday, a coalition of labor unions tentatively agreed to smaller pay raises than their contracts call for in 2011.

“[W]hat we are announcing here is their willingness to come forward and open up their agreements and look at new terms for the benefit of the city,” McGinn said of the labor unions.

The tentative agreement involves 19 labor unions, covering 6,000 members. They would give up the 2-percent cost of living agreements (COLA) they were entitled to and accept just 0.6-percent instead. That will save the city $5.7 million next year, McGinn said.

“Our folks are both city employees and city people, citizens--services to the public,” said Jeff Skillman of the Carpenter’s Union.

Job security might play a little bit bigger part than the actual wage increases,” said Scott Fuquay of the Seattle Marshall’s Guild.

For community centers and other city services, it will make a difference.

“We are going to be able to preserve service that would otherwise have to be cut,” McGinn said.