Commissioners okay pay hike for courthouse teamsters

Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter | Jul 20, 20170

Whitman County Commissioners Monday signed the bargaining agreement with Teamsters Union Local 690. The union represents full and part-time employees in the Auditor’s, Clerk’s, Treasurer’s, Assessor’s, Prosecutor’s and Extension offices as well as courthouse maintenance, District Court, Health Department, Superior Court and Juvenile Services.

Kelli Campbell, human resources director, presented the agreement to the commissioners during their regular session.

The agreement set 2.5 percent wage increases in 2018 and 2019 and increased the county’s contribution for health insurance. Vacation and sick leave accrual will change to coincide with pay periods instead of monthly. Campbell pointed out to commissioners I-1433 requires all employees, regardless of status, receive one hour sick leave for every 40 hours worked and that time to carry over for one year. This includes temporary employees. As the law goes into effect in 2018, there are plans for the policy to be incorporated in other parts of the county operations.

The county will also pay for the nursing license renewal and required certifications for public health nurses.