Welcome to Skagit County

August 8th, 2005

SKAGIT COUNTY LEGAL SUPPORT STAFF AND PROSECUTING ATTORNEY ANNOUNCE SETTLEMENT OF FIRST COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

The Legal Support Staff (AFSCME AFL-CIO Local 176-PS) of the Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney Tom Seguine announced today that they have reached a collective bargaining agreement, which will be in effect through December 31, 2006.  After over two years of negotiating the first contract, the 25-member Union voted to unanimously accept the contract.  The contract was approved by the Skagit County Commissioners on August 1, 2005.

This was the first contract between the Legal Support Staff and the Prosecutor.  The Union was first organized and recognized by the Public Employment Relations Council on April 18, 2003.  The Union was represented by Council 2 of the Washington State Council of County and City Employees, AFSCME AFL-CIO.

Union President Gale Torres, reflecting on the settlement, said, “This was a long process.  Many issues had to be addressed and resolved, which included the pressure of keeping up with heavy caseloads and deadlines.” 

Prosecutor Tom Seguine said, “The Legal Support Staff delivers outstanding value to the people of Skagit County.  They work long hours and receive little recognition or credit.  I am especially pleased that we had this opportunity to address the issues that were important to them and work through them.  Bargaining gave me a deeper sense of how we can work together, moving forward, to deliver prosecution services to our citizens. “

Questions about this press release may be directed to Gale Torres, Union President, or Tom Seguine, Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney, at 336-9460.