During the recent Buckley City Council meeting, a labor representative from IUOE Local 302 addressed the council, advocating for fair wage adjustments for city employees. The representative highlighted a significant disparity in wage increases between union employees and non-represented city officials, noting that while union members have received modest cost-of-living adjustments of 2% to 3% over the past decade, city executives have seen increases of up to 30% in a single year.

The representative expressed concern over the impact of inflation on workers' wages, citing that inflation rates have soared since 2021, reaching as high as 10% in 2022. In contrast, union employees have only seen an approximate 8% increase in their wages during this period. The representative emphasized that the union members have been patient and cooperative, accepting a one-year contract extension in 2023 while hoping for better negotiations.

As the city prepares its biennium budget, the representative urged the council to reconsider their stance on wage negotiations, stressing the need for fair compensation that reflects the hard work and dedication of city employees. The union is currently in discussions for a new contract, but initial proposals from the city have not met their expectations, with the city citing budget deficits as a reason for limited wage increases.

This discussion underscores the ongoing challenges faced by city employees in Buckley, as they seek equitable treatment in light of rising living costs and the financial realities of the city’s budget. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial for the morale and financial well-being of the city's workforce.