Buckley council approves three-year contract with IUE Local 302

The Buckley City Council approved a final collective bargaining agreement with IUE Local 302 covering 2025 through 2027 during its Jan. 7, 2025, meeting.

City Administrator said the council was being asked to approve "the final collective bargaining agreement with the Local 302," and noted negotiations began early in 2024 and continued through December, with the union approving a tentative agreement on Dec. 23, 2024.

The contract was moved for approval and seconded. A council member speaking during debate praised the unionized workers: "I'm very thankful to see that our, 302 people, worked through not having a collective bargaining agreement. They will have one here in a few seconds. Thankful for all the work they do in this city, especially this time of the year with all of the issues with weather and whatnot." The council approved the motion by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the public transcript and the mayor was not present for the vote.

The agreement covers the three-year term 2025–2027 and follows a tentative agreement the union ratified Dec. 23, 2024. Other agenda business that evening included a motion to excuse Council Member Bender, who was recorded as absent. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. and adjourned to a study session after the vote.

The council did not specify in the public remarks on the record the precise financial terms, benefit changes, or implementation timeline for the contract in the portions of the transcript provided. Those details were described only as part of the proposed final agreement for council review.