Contact: Assistant City Manager Michael Morales – 509-575-6175
Community Relations Manager Randy Beehler – 509-901-1142 – rbeehler@ci.yakima.wa.us

The largest union within the City of Yakima, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (“AFSCME”) Local 1122, has approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the City of Yakima that includes a pay freeze in 2012. The new contract was approved by more than 60% of the AFSCME members who voted on it.

With 2012 included, AFSCME members will have agreed to freeze wages three years in a row.

The new contract also creates a lower tiered compensation plan for new employees and more than doubles out-of-pocket costs employees pay for health insurance premiums and deductibles. Additionally, amended language in the new agreement makes it easier for the City to contract for services in the future.

AFSCME represents more than 280 City employees.

The AFSCME contract will be presented to the Yakima City Council for formal approval on December 13, 2011.

The City is still negotiating terms of new contracts, including a pay freeze, with the Yakima Police Patrolman’s Association (“YPPA”) and with Yakima Transit employees (who are also represented by AFSCME). However, the City’s negotiations with the International Association of Fire Fighters (“IAFF”) have reached impasse and the two sides have requested mediation.

Largest City Union Approves Contract That Includes Wage Freeze (pdf)