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Kent public works employees urge council to support Teamsters retiree health benefits
Summary
Teamsters Local 117 members and public works employees told the council the union’s retiree health coverage would reduce city costs and asked that some savings be reinvested in workers; speakers also warned monthly contributions could burden younger workers.
Brandon Eastman, a Public Works operations employee and Teamsters Local 117 shop steward, told the council during public comment that contract negotiations include eligibility for Teamsters retiree health benefits and argued the change would benefit both employees and the city financially.
"These retirees health care benefits will provide the type of retirement they deserve and be a cost saving measure for the city of Kent," Eastman said, asking council to support and advocate for reinvesting a portion of any savings back into workers.
Ty Collins, another longtime Kent public works employee, urged council to fund retiree health insurance and described how such benefits can let senior employees retire earlier and open advancement opportunities for younger staff. He also cautioned that monthly contributions can be regressive and may disproportionately affect lower‑paid newer workers.
Both speakers framed their remarks as part of ongoing contract negotiations with the city. The comments were taken under public comment; no council action or vote on benefits was recorded at the meeting.
