Mayor Harrell wades into labor dispute with city workers amid budget dilemma

A looming budget deficit is casting a shadow over negotiations between Seattle leaders and city employees.

The two parties resumed contract negotiations this week after workers walked away from the table a few weeks ago.

Mayor Bruce Harrell showed up in-person to reassure employees that the city is committed to raising wages.

“Despite forecasts showing significant future revenue gaps, our approach will continue to be rooted in our values that every worker deserves a living wage, and our gratitude for city employees and the service they provide to Seattle neighbors,” said Jamie Housen, director of communications for the mayor’s office, in an email.

Employees represented by the Protec17 coalition of unions say there’s still a wide gap between what each side is proposing. Until this week, the city held firm at its offer of 1% raises across the board, according to union representatives. They say the latest offer budged slightly, but wouldn’t give specifics.

“While I really appreciate the mayor coming, what's important from here on out is not just that he hear us, but that the city provides solutions to the problems that we've raised and supports to the workers of the city of Seattle that we really need in order to be able to provide city services to...communities that they deserve,” said librarian Anne Cisney.

It’s unusual for a mayor to participate directly in negotiations with city employees, but the stakes are high. If workers walked off the job, it could lead to widespread disruption of city services.

As Seattle City Light’s Rachael Brooks put it, “We keep the lights on.”

Brooks said she had to move 50 miles north of Seattle to make ends meet.

“I love this city and I can't afford to live in the city of Seattle, even though I'm an engineer for the city of Seattle,” she said.

Thousands of city employees are planning a rally at City Hall on Sept. 19. They’re encouraging community members to show up in solidarity.