STATE OF WASHINGTON
MARINE EMPLOYEES’ COMMISSION
Evergreen Plaza Building
P.O. Box 40902
Olympia, Washington 98504-0902
(360) 586-6354
Friday, May 20, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.
Rainier Conference Room—Washington State Ferries, Seattle
MINUTES
Present: Members and staff - John R. Swanson, Chairman
John M. Cox, Commissioner
Linda Hoverter, Special Assistant
Kathy Marshall, Administrator
Others - Bill Knowlton, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
Leah Maurseth, WSF Labor Relations
John Ross, Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific
Harry Thompson, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
The meeting was called to order at 10:03 a.m.
Moved, seconded and carried: to adopt the agenda distributed at the meeting.
Moved, second and carried: to approve the minutes of the April 22, 2011 meeting.
STATUS OF CASES
MEC Case No. 16-08
MEBA v. WSF—At conclusion of the Superior Court review hearing on 8/27/10, Judge McPhee affirmed MEC’s decision. On 9/23/10, MEC was informed that WSF has filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals. The State filed its brief on 12/23/10. MEBA filed its response brief on 1/20/11. MEC’s brief was filed on 2/23/11.
***
On 1/22/10, Jeff Duncan reported that members have been paid the retro portion of the award through 8/31/09. The parties continued discussions to resolve how the issue will be handled going forward. On 12/15/10, the parties participated in mediation with Rick Oglesby. They reached impasse and moved the matter to interest arbitration. By letter on 1/21/11, MEBA re-invoked jurisdiction pursuant to Decision 563-MEC, indicating the State has not paid for turnover duties since MEC’s Award issued in 2009. MEC responded by letter on 2/8. Sometime in April, MEBA and WSF reached an agreement in related Case 9-11; MEBA withdrew that complaint, as well as its re-invocation of Arbitrator Cox’s jurisdiction under Decision 563-MEC. Engineers received payment for watch turnover duties on 4/25/11, which covers the period 9/1/09 through 1/31/11. The parties have scheduled 7/19 and 7/20 for interest arbitration with Arbitrator Howell Lankford on the issue of revisions to watch turnover practices.
MEC Case No. 21-08
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 6/20/08 and amended 6/23/08 and again 6/26/08 in which IBU charges WSF with interference and refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU charges WSF with a unilateral change in the working conditions of unlicensed deck department employees (filling open assignments for Summer 2008). The parties reached agreement on issues 1, 2 and 3. On 9/25/09, IBU requested that a hearing be scheduled on the issue of assignment of AB work. Chairman Swanson reminded the parties that their “Dispatch Rules” settlement provides for resolution of related disputes such as this one through private arbitration with Liz Ford. On 4/23/10, AAG Slown reported that counsel agree the expedited dispute process is appropriate for resolving the dispute, but have not scheduled with Arbitrator Liz Ford yet. On 7/23/10 the parties reported they have not yet found time to schedule an arbitration date with Ms. Ford. (IBU is not ready to withdraw Case 21-08 at this time.) On 4/22/11, Jay Ubelhart reported that the parties should be able to get back to scheduling this issue in the near future.
MEC Case No. 7-10
IBU v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 11/5/09 in which IBU charges WSF with interference and refusal to bargain. Specifically IBU alleges that WSF has failed to abide by Rule 3.04/single day vacation hours. On 3/12/10, the parties participated in a settlement conference with Commissioner Cox. They were unable to reach agreement on the issue. Due to a scheduling conflict on 5/4/10, Hearing Examiner Warren cancelled the 6/9/10 hearing and 5/26/10 answer deadline. On 6/16/10, WSF filed its Answer to the Complaint. The 6/30/10 hearing was cancelled due to AAG Slown’s illness. On 12/10/10, IBU requested the 12/16 hearing be continued due to the unavailability of witnesses. WSF did not object to the request. Commissioner Warren cancelled the 12/16/10 hearing date. Chairman Swanson has been substituted as Hearing Examiner for Case 7-10 (Commissioner Warren’s resignation was effective the end of 2010). On 3/2/11, IBU requested the 3/7 hearing be continued because the Union and WSF/OFM officials are scheduled for urgent 2011-2013 contract +negotiations on that date. WSF did not object. Examiner Swanson granted the request. The 3/7/11 hearing has been cancelled. MEC will reschedule. On 3/9/11, IBU informed MEC that it is engaged in settlement discussions with WSF and there is no need to reschedule a hearing at this time.
MEC Case No. 11-10
Jonathan Pearson v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 2/12/10 in which Mr. Pearson charges WSF with interference, domination, discouraging union membership, discrimination, and refusal to bargain related to Mr. Pearson’s termination. On 12/14/10, MEC received notice from MM&P Counsel R. Fenrich that her firm no longer represents Mr. Pearson. (MM&P has withdrawn from the case.) Mr. Pearson has indicated he wants to proceed to hearing on his own. On 1/24/11, WSF filed its Answer to the complaint. On 2/7/11, Examiner Cox conducted a hearing on the issue of timeliness only. MEC received the transcript on 3/3/11. Due to a back injury, on 3/31/11 AAG Anderson requested the 4/1 brief filing date be extended to 4/8. Examiner Cox granted the request. Briefs were timely filed. On 5/12/11, Examiner Cox entered Decision Denying WSF’s Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Timeliness, Dec. No. 604-MEC. A hearing is to be scheduled on the merits of the case.
MEC Case No. 14-10
MEBA v. WSF —Unfair labor practice complaint filed 3/17/10 in which MEBA charges WSF with refusal to bargain. Specifically MEBA alleges WSF unilaterally implemented a Key Box System without notice to or bargaining with the Union. MEBA’s complaint included notice to the Commission that it intends to file a motion for temporary relief. On 4/12/10, the parties requested that the 4/15/10 settlement conference be cancelled. WSF needs more time to provide information MEBA requested. The parties negotiated the key box issue on 4/23 with another matter. Mediator Swanson cancelled the 4/15/10 settlement conference for Case 14-10. On 10/22/10 Jeff Duncan reported MEBA and WSF are still negotiating this issue. On 11/10/10, MEBA Counsel notified MEC that negotiations have broken down and requested MEC schedule a hearing. On 1/12/11, WSF filed its Answer to the Complaint. On 1/24/11, MEBA Counsel requested the 1/26 hearing be postponed. The Governor scheduled a meeting with the unions on that date; Jeff Duncan must attend and he is also chief witness for the Union in this case. WSF Counsel did not oppose the request. Examiner Swanson has cancelled the 1/26/11 hearing. The hearing has been continued to 9/21/11.
MEC Case 15-10
MEBA v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 3/26/10 in which MEBA charges WSF with refusal to bargain. Specifically MEBA alleges WSF has decided that unlicensed engine room personnel—Oilers and Wipers—should not be allowed to have parking spaces at the Bainbridge Island Terminal. On 7/14/10, the parties participated in a settlement conference with Mediator Cox, but were unable to resolve the issue. They intend to continue discussing. During MEC’s 7/23/10 public meeting, Karol Kingery, MEBA, requested the 9/2 hearing be converted to a settlement conference. AAG Slown did not object. Hearing Examiner Warren granted the request. The 9/2 hearing and 8/19 date for WSF to answer the complaint have been cancelled. On 9/2/10, the parties engaged in further settlement discussions with Mediator Cox. The matter is not yet resolved; however MEBA intends to communicate with IBU regarding a possible agreement for use of a parking space. Due to other pressing issues, MEBA and IBU have not fully discussed this matter. During the 4/22/11 MEC meeting, they indicated they expect to find time for it now.
MEC Case No. 16-10
IBU v. WSF (Pascual)—Grievance filed 4/19/10 in which IBU alleges WSF restricted Elmer Pascual’s bumping/bidding on OS positions, in violation of the contract. On 10/13/10, the parties met again with Mediator Cox to continue settlement discussions. They are close to reaching agreement. The hearing remains scheduled for 12/13/10. During the 10/22 MEC meeting, Jay Ubelhart, IBU, noted the parties have exchanged some information and hope to get the issue resolved. On 10/22/10, MEC received a letter from AAG Anderson requesting MEC dismiss this grievance as untimely. IBU Counsel responded on 10/29; WSF replied to IBU’s response on 11/2. On 11/2, MEC issued Order Denying WSF’s Motion to Dismiss. On 12/9/10, the parties requested the 12/13 hearing be continued while they exchanged proposals that may settle the matter. Arbitrator Swanson granted the request. The 12/13/10 hearing has been cancelled. On 1/28/11, Jerry Holder stated he is waiting for a proposal from IBU. On 2/23/11, AAG Anderson requested the 3/1 hearing be continued to allow time for WSF to consider IBU’s settlement proposal. The IBU had no objection. Arbitrator Swanson granted the request. On 5/20/11, Leah Maurseth reported that the parties are in the process of exchanging proposals.The hearing has been continued to 6/22/11.
MEC Case No. 6-11
IBU v. WSF (Coleman)—Grievance filed 12/14/10 in which IBU alleges WSF denied overtime to Michael Coleman. On 1/20/11, AAG Anderson requested the 2/9 settlement conference be continued. He was recently reassigned to this case and had a schedule conflict on 2/9. IBU did not object. Mediator Swanson has cancelled the 2/9 settlement conference. On 2/22/11, the parties participated in a settlement conference with Mediator Swanson. The matter was not resolved. IBU needs to gather more information. Due to a schedule conflict for Arbitrator Cox, the 3/28/11 hearing was cancelled. IBU requested MEC hold off rescheduling for the time being.
MEC Case No. 8-11
IBU v. WSF (Ramsey)—Grievance filed 1/14/11 in which IBU alleges WSF violated Rule 1.01 and Rule 5 of the collective bargaining agreement when Robin Ramsey was terminated. By letter on 1/20/11, Jerry Holder, LRO, declared the grievance untimely and requested the Commission decline to exert jurisdiction over it. On 1/24/11, IBU provided MEC with a copy of a letter sent to J. Holder on 9/21/10, as explanation for the Union’s delay in filing. Mr. Holder stated he never received the letter. A hearing will be conducted on both the issue of timeliness and the merits of the case. On 3/9/11, IBU informed MEC that the parties are engaged in settlement discussions. The hearing is scheduled for 6/16/11.
MEC Case No. 9-11
MEBA v. WSF—Unfair labor practice complaint filed 1/28/11 in which MEBA charges WSF with refusal to bargain watch turnover compensation. A settlement conference was scheduled for 2/17/11; however, the parties notified MEC early that day that they had reached an agreement in principle and are in the process of finalizing it. They asked MEC to cancel the 2/17 settlement conference and schedule another in March, to be available if the parties need it. During the 4/22/11 MEC meeting, Jeff Duncan reported that engineers are to receive watch turnover payment from WSF on 4/25, which compensates them for 9/1/09-1/31/11, pursuant to their signed agreement. On 5/5/11, MEBA Counsel withdrew the complaint, providing MEC with a signed copy of the parties’ settlement agreement. The 5/9/11 settlement and 5/26/ hearing (as well as the 5/12 answer filing date) have been cancelled. On 5/12/11, MEC entered Order Closing Settled Complaint, Dec. No. 605-MEC.
STATUS OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING 2011-2013
OFM (Office of Financial Management) declared the contracts fiscally unfeasible. As of January 2011, a coalition of ferry employee unions (all but FASPAA and SEIU) returned to the bargaining table with the State to renegotiate the contracts.
As of 3/25/11, Gordon Baxter reported that OPEIU had ratified its contract. By the end of March, the remaining contracts were ratified.
FASPAA................................ Negotiations began in May. The parties were scheduled for interest arbitration on 8/11 and 8/12 before Arbitrator Sylvia Skratek. On 8/3/10, MEC received the lists of disputed issues/final proposals from the parties. On 8/6, MEC issued a Certification of Issues for Interest Arbitration. Apparently the parties reached agreement and cancelled arbitration.
IBU........................................ Negotiations began in February. IBU declared impasse on 6/9/10. On 6/15/10, Jerry Holder requested a mediator be appointed. MEC contacted the FMCS. The parties met with appointed mediator, Gary Hattal, on 7/7 and 7/9/10. On 7/12/10, IBU submitted its list of remaining disputed issues/final proposals to MEC. WSF filed its list/proposals on 7/16/10. On 7/22/10, the Commission issued a Certification of Issues for Interest Arbitration . The parties were in dispute over the impasse items. Interest arbitration was set for 8/2-8/6/10 before Arbitrator Sylvia Skratek. On 7/27, the MEC conducted a hearing on disputed final impasse issues for interest arbitration. On 7/29, MEC entered Decision Amending Final Impasse issues for 2011-2013 Interest Arbitration, Decision No. 586-MEC. Arbitrator Skratek issued her award on 9/22/10.
............................................... On 8/20/10, WSF filed a Petition for Judicial Review of MEC Decision 586 (MEC IMP 2-10) in Thurston County Superior Court (#10-2-01898-8). Judge Paula Casey is assigned and a status conference is scheduled for 11/19/10. MEC delivered a certified copy of the record to the Court on 9/17/10.
............................................... The case was reassigned to Judge Carol Murphy and a hearing scheduled for 5/27/11. WSF filed its brief on 4/12/11. The case has been reassigned to Judge Lisa Sutton. Respondents’ briefs (MEC and IBU) were filed on 5/2/11. WSF filed a Reply Brief on 5/12/11.
MEBA................................... Negotiations began in June. The parties reached a tentative agreement on a few items. MEC received the parties’ issues/final proposals for interest arbitration (licensed and unlicensed contracts.) Arbitration was scheduled 8/17-8/20/10 before Arbitrator Elizabeth Ford. On 8/13/10, MEC issued a Certification of Issues for Interest Arbitration. Arbitrator Ford issued her Award on 10/2/10.
RCW 47.64.170 requires the contracts and awards to be submitted to the Office of Financial Management by 10/1/10. MEBA is waiting for formal notification of the State’s position on this situation.
MM&P................................. Negotiations began in April. As of 7/20/10, the parties were at impasse. On 7/30 and 8/2, MEC received the list of remaining disputed issues/final proposals from each of the parties. Interest arbitration was scheduled for 8/16-20/10 before Arbitrator Timothy Williams. On 8/5/10, MM&P objected to WSF’s submittal of Rule 8.06 for certification for interest arbitration. On 8/5, WSF filed a response; MM&P replied to WSF’s letter on 8/6. On 8/13, the Commission issued a Certification of Issues for Interest Arbitration with a “conditional certification” regarding the section in dispute. On 8/27/10, the Commission conducted a certification hearing. On 8/31/10, MEC entered Decision Denying Certification of Rule 8.06 for 2011-13 Interest Arbitration, Dec. 588-MEC. Arbitrator Williams issued his Award on 9/23/10 (both deck officers’ and watch supervisors’ contracts).
On 9/17/10, WSF filed a petition for Judicial Review of MEC Decision No. 588 (MEC IMP 3-11) in Thurston County Superior Court (No. 10-2-02109-1). Judge Paula Casey has been assigned and a status conference scheduled for 1/7/11. MEC delivered the certified copy of the record to the Court on 10/14/10.
The State filed an affidavit of prejudice against Judge Casey. The matter was reassigned to Judge Christine Pomeroy. The 1/7/11 status conference was cancelled. Judge Pomeroy has recused herself from the case.
The matter has been reassigned to Judge Carol Murphy and the hearing set for 5/27/11.WSF filed its brief on 4/12/11. The case has been reassigned to Judge Lisa Sutton. Respondents’ briefs (MEC and MM&P) were filed on 5/2/11. WSF filed a Reply Brief on 5/12/11.
Oper. Watch Superv’s......... Negotiations began in February. On 8/2/10, MEC received the list of remaining disputed issues/final proposals from each of the parties. Interest arbitration was scheduled for 8/16-20/10 before Arbitrator Timothy Williams. On 8/11, MEC issued a Certification of Issues for Interest Arbitration. Arbitrator Williams issued his Award on 9/23/10.
Metal Trades........................ On 8/9/10, MEC received the list of remaining disputed issues/final proposals from each of the parties. Interest arbitration was scheduled for 8/25-26 before Arbitrator Jane Wilkinson. On 8/18/10, MEC issued a Certification of Issues for Interest Arbitration. Arbitrator Wilkinson issued her Award on 9/16/10.
OPEIU................................... Negotiations began in May. On 8/23/10, MEC received the parties’ outstanding disputed issues/final proposals. Interest arbitration was scheduled for 8/30-31. On 8/25/10, MEC issued a Certification of Issues for Interest Arbitration. Arbitrator Lumbley issued his Award on 9/23/10.
SEIU...................................... Negotiations began in June. The parties have a collective bargaining agreement TA’d. On 8/20/10, MEC received confirmation that the parties have no outstanding issues they are seeking to advance to interest arbitration.
OFM/LRO Negotiator Jerry Holder: IBU, MM&P, Operations Watch Supervisors, Metal Trades
OFM/LRO Negotiator Glenn Frye: FASPAA, MEBA, OPEIU, SEIU
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
In Recognition of Linda Hoverter
Kathy Marshall announced that on May 12 Linda Hoverter celebrated her 24th anniversary as an employee of the Marine Employees’ Commission. A round of applause followed.
Legislation Eliminating the MEC
When the special session began April 26, all 6 bills eliminating the MEC were by resolution re-introduced and retained in present status. Senate Bill 5742 is the only one currently active and has been amended several times; it now makes the MEC a separate division in PERC. On May 13 the House passed the bill with amendments. On May 17, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments and asked the House for conference and appointed a conference committee. The House granted the conference committee request and a conference committee was appointed.
2011-13 Transportation Budget Bill
The Governor signed House Bill 1175 on Monday, May 16. She vetoed the section concerning the MEC saying,
Section 714 amends this statute to provide that MEC shall not perform its duties as identified in this section if funding is not provided. Because funding for MEC has not been provided, this section would prohibit it from performing its statutory duties. Among its duties, MEC adjudicates complaints, grievances, and disputes between labor and management arising out of the operation of the ferry system. A provision in a budget bill cannot extinguish the rights of employees and labor organizations to access MEC to resolve disputes. Changing or eliminating MEC duties should be the subject of a policy bill, not a provision in a two-year budget bill. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 714.
MEC’s 2009-11 Budget
Linda Hoverter and Kathy Marshall met with MEC’s accountants on May 3 for the quarterly budget meeting. The MEC is still solvent, but things could get really grim with May’s legal expenses. MEC’s Attorney General (AG) budget for the biennium is $11,838. As of April 30, MEC has spent $36,623 and the deficit so far is -$24,785. MEC has a full day of court hearings on May 27 which require AG preparation and appearance costs; we are anticipating at least $6,000 for May, bringing MEC’s total AG costs to $42,623 with a deficit of -$30,785. MEC has been able to pay the bills so far by cutting spending in other areas. On May 3 Kathy sent an e-mail to MEC’s OFM Transportation Budget analyst, Erik Hansen, and the OFM Senior Budget Analyst, Robin Rettew, alerting them to this serious budget problem and asking them what MEC’s options are since the transportation budget bill did NOT include MEC’s supplemental request for $30,000. After waiting two weeks for a response, Kathy called Erik on May 17 and was told they didn’t have an answer.
Report from John Ross, Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific
John Ross reported on the May 19, 2011 Edmonds Police Department Awards Ceremony in which WSF employees Master John Tullis, along with Richard Kennedy, Seth Hamlin and Marjorie Ess (all members of the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific) received the Citizen Service Citation for their rescue of a swimmer in distress at Edmonds Dive Park. A copy of the program is attached.
The meeting adjourned at 10:28 a.m.
Next meeting:
Friday, June 24, 2011, 10:00 a.m., Rainier Conference Room, 4th Floor, Washington State Ferries Building, 2901 3rd Avenue, Seattle
|
|
