Benton County Workers to Picket Thursday July 18th
To protest what they say are stalled negotiations and to call attention to certain working conditions and the need for pay raises, a number of Benton County workers plan an informational picket Thursday.
7am at the Courthouse and Justice Center in Kennewick by the Toyota Center, workers who are part of the Washington State Council of County and City Employees will be assembling.
According to their parent union AFSCME Washington, contract negotiations have been in what's called "independent mediation" but union officials say County leaders have not agreed to contract language that would improve working conditions and provide for "modest" wage increases. These officials say Benton County workers often make 10% less than similar counterparts in other areas.
The picketers hope to raise awareness over the stalled negotiations.