Workers at Hyperion urge council to reject layoff-related amendment; council approves plan

Dozens of employees and supervisors from the Hyperion Treatment Plant spoke during public comment to protest a proposed amendment to the Hyperion layoff-avoidance plan that would consolidate the energy recovery operator (ERO) classification with wastewater operator classifications.

Multiple speakers representing EROs said they were not included in labor-management discussions about the proposed amendment, that the process violated contractual obligations, and that the consolidation would erase bid and layoff seniority for 14 long-serving EROs. "This amendment is unjust because it unfairly eradicates the layoff and bid seniority of the 14 energy recovery operators who have contributed greatly more than 15 years of dedicated service," one speaker said. Supervisors and union representatives said management did not meet-and-confer as required under the Memorandum of Understanding and that workers faced demotion to lower pay steps or transitional-worker classifications.

An advocate at the hearing also urged that the council receive more information about the broader Hyperion project, noting the project is an approximately $3.5 billion program with roughly $2 billion already spent and asking for greater public reporting on plans and spending.

After the public hearing the council closed public comment, had brief discussion, and on roll call approved item 11 with 14 ayes.

The record indicates council action to approve item 11; the public commenters asked the council to require management to preserve bid seniority, to use a 108 transfer procedure if consolidating classifications, and to comply with meet-and-confer obligations in future changes.