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Washington County reaffirms opposition to strike‑pay bill amid internal disagreement over public statements
Summary
County government relations staff told commissioners the county opposes Senate Bill 916 (employees’ eligibility for unemployment during strikes) because of potential costs and collective bargaining impacts; one commissioner publicly sent a letter endorsing the bill as an individual, prompting internal concern about mixed messaging to legislators.
Washington County government relations staff told the Board of Commissioners that the county remains opposed to Senate Bill 916 — legislation that would make striking or locked‑out employees eligible for unemployment benefits for the duration of a labor dispute. Staff cited potential costs to the county, impacts on collective bargaining agreements and critical service gaps if covered employees strike.
“...we cannot, be anything but opposed to that bill at this time as Washington County,” said the county’s government relations manager, summarizing the county’s position.…
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