White, Paul

From:                White, Paul
Sent:                   Monday, November 23, 2015 1:59 PM
To:                    Albro, Thomas; Bellezza, DeAnna; Bowman, Stephanie; Bryant. Bill; Creighton, John;
Dressler, Amy; Gregoire, Courtney; Merritt, Mike; Schirato, LeeAnne
Subject:                 Public Comment - 2016 Salary 8t Benets Resolution - 11/24

Importance:             High

Commissioners:

Below are written comments submitted for the record for tomorrow's Commission meeting on
11/24. lfyou have any questions, please let me know. Thank you.

Paul J. White
Commission Clerk

Port=
of Seattle-
206-787-3210 / 206-390-7738 - white.p@portseattle.arg
m
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From: Holmes, Elaine
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2015 11:43 AM
To: Employee Feedback
Subject: lst Reading 2016 Salary & Benets Resolution

Commissioners:

As I and so many of my co-workers were unaware that the Commission is scheduled to vote on
adoption ofthe 2016 Revised Salary and Benets resolution on Tuesday 11/24 at 12:00 pm, I ask
that the approval of this proposal be temporarily delayed. Although Ted sends out an occasional
email inviting Port employees to "tune in" to a Commission meeting, most of us are too busy working and don't
have time to watch a long Commission meeting and/or immediately read the multitude of emails we
receive. Why wasn't his email sent Port-wide? Why wasn't a message asking for employee feedback clearly
posted on Compass or included in "What's Happening at the Port"? Where is the transparency???? I would
like to have an opportunig' to become familiar with all aspects of how we will be impacted and exactlv what the
proposed changes will be and how thev will affect my life.

I want to thank Commissioner Stephanie Bowman and Commissioner Courtney Gregoire for questioning some
of the aspects of this new Resolution and asking how the Port communicate with its employees. And, thanx for
asking what other agencies are doing for their workers.

I personally don't agree with receiving a "bonus" at the end of the year, which is not guaranteed nor is the
funding. It is important to me that the Port not contribute less to my retirement fund because I will receive a
l.

reduced percentage at PREP review time. The "bonus" does not increase/affect my hourly wage so, therefore,
the Port contributes less to my PERS retirement package. And, that is fair? That's the best alternative? Why
do we continually receive less with more taken from us? What proof have we seen that Port salaries are
comparable with other companies. I help administer the Project Labor Agreement so what is comparable to
what I do - I am consistently categorized and paid as an "admin", which I am not. I am sure that some of my
contemporaries with the same title as I have earn more than I do. Let's be fair to everyone (all 1800+) and not
reward only those who are in management positions.

We received an email from Ted announcing that effective December   we will be working a 40-hour
_,
week. No prior "Here's What Happening at the Port" or conversations were held; no feedback was solicited. I
don't know if any thought was given to how this change in hours will impact those workers who have children
in daycare/child care, family obligations, sick family members in need of care, those who may have a part-time
job, or who may be in poor health themselves will have to make adjustments for the additional
expense/disruption of lives this will cause. The majority of us were in shock and disbelief! This is how we now
communicate  with directives. The Port is a public entity and cannot be run like a private corporation.

During the manager's sessions on the 40-hour work week/new PREP forms, someone asked Tammy Woodard
if consideration would be given on providing a COLA increase across the board for all Port employees with an
additional incentive for a percentage increase during the PREP review. Tammy didn't hesitate in responding
with an emphatic "No" and repeated her response when asked the same question again (no explanation was
given as to her decision). HR&D speaks for the Port; who speaks for (represents) us nonrepresented
employees? Do we no longer have a voice? I understand that we will not be consulted on every decision made,
but there has to be a different/better approach on matters that impact our lives fully and permanently.

I have worked at the Port for 20+ years and never before have I felt as if I work on a production/assembly line
and have little, if no, value. We are no longer included in conversations regarding proposed changes, asked for
our ideas, and are no longer given the opportunity as a group to provide feedback on upcoming changes. The
"
Port family" feeling we have had for so many years is missing. The round tables aren't always convenient for
the majority to attend and many are afraid to publically voice their views for fear of reprisal.

I hope my "employee feedback" is received by the Commissioners and that the issues that important to me and
many others are seriously taken into consideration.

Thanx, eh
Elaine Holmes, C.M.
Construction Labor Group
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206. 787.6885        holngmmscaulung;

Pon=-'.-  CenturyAgenda'                 of Seattle

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It is not the load that breaks you down; it's the way you carri; it. ~ Lena Home ~
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