King County negotiators finalize healthcare agreement, securing benefits for employees

A significant milestone was reached at the Metropolitan King County Council meeting on August 26, 2025, as leaders from the King County Office of Labor Relations and Teamsters announced a new three-year agreement focused on healthcare benefits for county employees. This agreement comes after a tight bargaining timeline and reflects a collaborative effort between labor representatives and county executives.

Sasha Lehi, representing the Office of Labor Relations, expressed gratitude towards union partners for their hard work in reaching a tentative agreement. Maria Williams from Teamsters 117 highlighted that healthcare remains a top priority for employees, emphasizing that access to quality benefits is a key factor in attracting and retaining talent within King County. "Employees choose King County because of these benefits," she stated, underscoring the importance of maintaining and improving healthcare access for all workers.

Michael Gonzalez, also from Teamsters, noted the complexities involved in negotiating healthcare benefits, particularly given the rising costs that often lie beyond the control of both the county and the unions. He praised the collaborative approach taken during negotiations, which involved careful consideration of how to deliver effective healthcare solutions while managing costs.

Councilmembers echoed the sentiment of appreciation for the successful negotiations, recognizing the importance of a strong benefits package in making King County an attractive employer. Councilmember Balducci remarked on the significance of this agreement, stating, "We are fortunate to have people on both sides of the table who understand the value of a great benefits package."

As the council prepares to discuss proposed ordinance number 2025-0227, the focus remains on continuing to navigate the challenges of healthcare negotiations, with expectations for further discussions in the coming months. The collaborative spirit demonstrated in this agreement sets a positive tone for future negotiations, ensuring that the needs of both employees and the county are met.