Union, city find common ground for 1st contract

With promises to look out for the little guy and be champions of workers’ rights, labor unions talk a good game. Over the decades, some have grown as agencies for political influence and even criminal activity that puts the organization first over the interests of hardworking members.

We’re pleased to see the former seems to be the case so far as the Wasilla hammers out contracts with the city’s first labor unions. This past week, the city council unanimously approved an agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302, which represents 17 public works employees. That a deal has progressed quickly since voters first gave city workers the ability to unionize last October is good for all involved.

That both sides — the union and city — are pleased with the new contract is even better news. Although drawn-out and at times nasty relationships often sully negotiations between labor unions and employers (how many times have grocery shoppers been met by picket lines), Wasilla is off to an excellent start.

It’s also a good first step for the city, which also looks forward to negotiations with the Teamsters Union, which has been chosen by Wasilla Police Department employees to represent them.

Wanting to be treated fairly and consistently is what any upstanding employee wants, along with an equitable process for airing and dealing with legitimate grievances without fear of reciprocity. That’s some of what we hope those Wasilla workers who choose union representation receive. In return, the city should expect a happier, more content workforce, better retention and more production.

For example, the new public works contract calls for employees who are required to be on-call during off hours to be paid for some of that time. This is a fair compromise, especially for wastewater treatment plant workers who spend 10 weeks during the year being on-call.

It is our wish the same will be true for the city’s law enforcement, which initiated the movement toward allowing employees to organize. Also, employees at the Multi-Use Sports Complex are also considering unionizing.

City officials hope those negotiations will go as smoothly as the first, as do we.

“This will certainly set a precedent for how smooth it should go,” Councilman Steve Menard said.

Long term, we hope this holds true. Some credit for taking a positive first step lies with Wasilla administration and officials. Even Local 302 business relations director, Jared Hamlin, singled out the efforts of Public Works Director Archie Giddings and called the process of organizing the public works employees “a pretty smooth transition.”

It’s a good first step.