Union Sues Tacoma Over Layoffs

Uh oh.

The union that represents workers in Tacoma’s Public Works Department, including about 70 positions recently listed as being on the chopping block in the next biennium budget, is suing the City.

According to the TNT, the lawsuit claims that City Manager Broadnax’s 2013-2014 budget plan that would reorganize several City departments and eliminate more than 100 employee positions violates a number of laws, as well as due process and collective bargaining agreements.

The suit, which names the City, Broadnax, and his wife, asks that a judge issue a restraining order to keep the City from implementing the plan until union concerns can be addressed. The main union argument is that Broadnax and the City acted unilaterally in calling for the layoffs, rather than engaging in collective bargaining. The suit also claims that the plan violates an established seniority system and other union contract provisions. There’s also been a complaint about worker intimidation…

The City doesn’t comment on pending litigation. But that doesn’t mean you won’t…

Read the full story from The News Tribune.