In a win for Council 2 and Local 270 members at the City of Spokane, the Washington State Supreme Court has agreed to a direct review of the City’s appeal of a Superior Court ruling rejecting their “open bargaining” ordinance.
By agreeing to hear this case directly, the Union will be bypassing the traditional Appeals Court, thereby expediting a final ruling. A decision is expected this...Read More
At the April 30th Executive Board meeting Michael Rainey was appointed President and Executive Director. In his message to the Board, Rainey shared his personal connection to the union, as well as his thoughts on the direction the Union must take in the coming year, with a focus on member engagement and organizing.
“Like many, I began this journey as an interested member who wanted to...Read More
After a 40 Year Council 2 Career, President and Executive Director Chris Dugovich Retires
Chris Dugovich, who worked for Council 2 over a four-decade career, including over 30 years as President and Executive Director, retired from his position at the April 30 Executive Board meeting. The Board selected Michael Rainey to serve the remainder of Dugovich’s term. Rainey, a Staff Representative...Read More
At 11:35 pm on Thursday, March 10, the 67th biennium of the Washington State Legislature came to a close. This session began in the darkness of the Omicron surge and ended in optimism 24 hours and 25 minutes before the expiration of Washington’s indoor mask mandate. And yet, this session bore many of the same COVID-19restrictions as last session, most notably the closure of offices to...Read More
Action on Policy Bills
Workforce Development
The high-profile apprenticeship bills, SB 5600 (Keiser, D-33) and SB 5764 (Randall, D-26) passed the House on Thursday, March 3. Both bills passed with nearly unanimous support and return to the Senate for minor concurrences.
Police Accountability
Last year, legislators passed a package of police reform laws designed to adjust acceptable use of...Read More
Public Employment Relations Commission confirms state law, adding to Legal losses for Spokane County and the City of Spokane over illegal rollbacks of collective bargaining
SPOKANE—The Spokane County Commission has been found guilty of an unfair labor practice and ordered by the State of Washington Public Employment Relations Commission to stop refusing to negotiate with the Washington State...Read More
