T E A

T i m e s

King County's on–line 2010 Benefits Open Enrollment is underway thru November 20, 2009. TEA members need to know that the Benefit Plan changes depend on which TEA Bargaining Unit you are in (WW Staff Unit, WW Supervisors Unit, and Transit Staff Unit).

TEA members in the WW Staff Bargaining Unit (except those in the Project Control work group) will be selecting benefit options from the 2010 Open Enrollment package which includes several significant changes to deductibles and co–pays. The recent contract ratified by WW Staff members contained an agreement to accept the County's proposed changes to the existing benefit package (i.e., higher deductibles and co–pays for King Care, increased benefit access fee for covering a spouse/domestic partner, etc). TEA members in the WW Project Control work group will remain on the existing benefit package until the petition for representation is resolved, similar to WW Supervisors.

TEA members in the WW Supervisor Bargaining Unit will remain on the 2007–2009 Benefit Plan pending the outcome of the Furlough ULP and a vote on the Teamster petition for representation. TEA members in this bargaining unit will be receiving a letter from King County confirming the Status Quo on medical.

TEA members in the Transit Staff Bargaining Unit will remain on the 2007–2009 Benefit Plan pending the outcome of the Furlough ULP and a vote on the Teamster petition for representation. TEA members in this bargaining unit will be receiving a letter from King County confirming the Status Quo on medical.

All TEA members should participate in Open Enrollment, and in particular, be sure to review the Spousal access fee portion! The County assumes your spouse does have access to other health care by default and will charge you accordingly. BE SURE TO OPT–OUT IF IT DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU!

PERC Rules in favor of TEA

On October 22, 2009, the Hearings Examiner, Terry Wilson, issued a ruling that King County improperly implemented the 2009 Furloughs. Among the actions required by the ruling is the reinstatement of back–wages, including interest. A copy of the complete ruling will be posted on the TEA website.

What does the ruling mean for TEA members in each Bargaining Unit?

WW Staff Bargaining Unit — The contract that members just approved contains an MOU that allows for furloughs in 2009 with the potential to get the time back (5 days in 2010 and 5 days in 2011) provided the County does not declare a fiscal emergency in those two years; at this point, a declaration has not been issued.

WW Supervisor Bargaining Unit — The terms of the furlough ruling would apply to these TEA members.

Transit TEA Bargaining Unit — The terms of the furlough ruling would apply to these TEA members.

The County has 20 days from the date of the ruling to file an appeal of the decision. TEA understands that the County has appealed a similar ruling that PERC made weeks ago in favor of Transit's ATU-587 union. We believe the County is likely to appeal TEA's ruling to the PERC commissioners. If they do, the commissioners will request appeal briefs from both sides and likely rule on the County's appeal in early 2010.

The WW contract is scheduled for a presentation before the King County Council Committee of the Whole on Monday, November 9th at 9:30am in Council Chambers. When approved by the Council, the terms and conditions of the contract become active and payroll can begin the process of retro calculations.

Remember to check your paystub in early November to confirm the appropriate hours have been added to your vacation bank.

Congratulations to John Wright, Transit TEA member, for a successful campaign and for being elected to the Lake Forest Park City Council.

Leave Donation Requested: Elizabeth Elliot (Wastewater TEA staff) has an extended medical condition needing treatment and is in need of leave donations.

MERRA Holiday Party — King County Metro Transit is hosting its annual Holiday Party on December 12, 2009 on the ROYAL ARGOSY. This holiday cruise is open to all King County Employees, family and friends. Tickets are only $35.00 for dinner, dancing and lots of prizes. Tickets are available by calling Faye Smith at 263-5280. 

    November  4 — TEA Board Meeting, 12-1, KSC, 4G
    November  5 — TEA Council of Reps, 12-1, KSC, 6th floor conference room
    November 11 — Veteran's Day Holiday — Best Regards to US Veterans!
    November 16 — Grievance Committee Meeting
    November 18 — Monthly Meeting — Cancelled to support Charitable Campaign

    Roger Browne, President
    Adé Franklin, Vice President
    Ken Madden, Secretary 
    Terry Browne, Treasurer
    John Phillips, Wastewater Bargaining Chair
    Jerry Williams, Transit Bargaining Chair
    Jan Knudson, Council of Reps. Chair