During the recent Buckley City Council meeting on December 11, 2024, a significant discussion emerged regarding the compensation of city employees represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 302. A labor representative, who also works in Sumner, addressed the council, advocating for fair wage adjustments for union employees who have faced stagnant salaries compared to city executives.

The representative highlighted that over the past decade, union employees have received minimal cost-of-living adjustments, typically around 2% to 3%, while non-represented city officials have seen salary increases ranging from 10% to as much as 30% in a single year. This disparity has left union members feeling undervalued, especially in light of rising inflation rates that have significantly impacted their purchasing power.

After the pandemic, the representative engaged the city in discussions about necessary wage adjustments, but was informed that negotiations would not occur until the next contract opening in 2023. When the bargaining process began, the city proposed a one-year extension of the existing contract, which the union accepted in good faith, hoping for better outcomes in the future.

However, as negotiations progressed, the union was met with a proposal of only 7% over three years, which the representative argued does not adequately address the financial challenges faced by employees. With inflation rates soaring—reaching as high as 10% in 2022—union members have only seen an approximate 8% increase in their wages during this period.

The representative's appeal to the council underscored the urgent need for fair compensation for city employees, emphasizing that they have worked diligently and deserve recognition through equitable wage adjustments. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial for the morale and financial stability of Buckley’s workforce, as the city navigates its budgetary constraints while aiming to support its dedicated employees.