Contract negotiations underway between Union County Public Works employees and Union County leadership
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – Union County Public Works employees, represented by Local 701 (a Labor Union formed out of the International Union of Operating Engineers and representing equipment operators, engineers, and technicians across Oregon and Southwest Washington.), are currently in the process of negotiating a new contract with Union County leadership.
According to Peter Ullrey, Field Representative and Apprenticeship Coordinator for Local 701, Union County’s Public Works employees are seeking an increase in wages offered in the new contract, with Union County maintaining what it has thus far offered. As explained by Ullrey:
“What it’s come down to is both sides are sticking firmly to what they’re wanting to see in this agreement. I wouldn’t say that tensions are bad. We’re bargaining in good faith with each other. It’s just come down to the county has offered increases to the group that the group doesn’t agree with.”
In the meantime, there have been vague rumors circulating among the community that Union County Public Works employees are in some way considering a strike and cessation of winter upkeep. Ullrey clarified that, while there have been some internal discussions if bargaining actually reached such a point, there are various steps and legal requirements Public Works employees and Local 701 would have to go through first. For example, a mediator approved by the Oregon employee relations board would be brought in to assist with negotiations as a next step. Ullrey further commented regarding the strike rumors:
“I don’t think either side really wants to see this group come to a strike, but we would have to go through certain steps before we even get to that point. There are fail-safes in place for a public entity. So, we couldn’t just, next day, say that we’re going to go out.”
As of the time of writing, negotiations between Local 701 and Union County are still ongoing.
