City approves SEIU Local 503 contract
By Terry Murry on Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton City Council has approved a three-year contract with the Service Employees International Union Local 503. The SEIU represents employees who are not considered management or represented by fire and police unions. City Manager Robb Corbett said cost of living adjustments were included in the agreement.
“We agreed to two percent in the first year and 2.5 percent in the second and third years for COLA increases,” Corbett said.
He added that the employees had an insurance policy with a relatively high deductible, and the city is approving changing to a “more robust” policy for only a small increase in cost to the city.
The contract also allows a clothing allowance for employees who perform work that puts a strain on their clothes and shoes in the nature of performing their jobs. Corbett praised the union for smooth negotiations. “I appreciate their cooperation in working with the city to get this done and creating a win-win situation for the city,” the city manager said.
