Labor Charges Filed Against Sweetser

Unfair labor practice charges were filed this week against Spokane County Prosecutor Jim Sweetser, accusing him of “regressive bargaining.”

Deputy prosecutors have been seeking a union contract for nearly three years.

Since taking office in January, Sweetser has put previously settled issues back on the bargaining table, according to Bill Keenan of the Washington State Council of County and City Employees.

Keenan said Sweetser has improperly removed 10 supervisors, known as “team leaders,” from the bargaining unit.

The union also is protesting the transfers and demotions of several deputy prosecutors since August 1994, claiming the moves violated the spirit of negotiations.

Sweetser denied the charges Thursday.

“It’s unfortunate,” he said, “because I am very pro-employee.”

He said he is bargaining in good faith but remains strongly opposed to union demands for overtime pay, grievance arbitration, and an end to firings without “just cause.”

“The things that are being asked for far exceed any (prosecutor’s office) contract that exists in the state of Washington,” Sweetser said.

The labor charges against Sweetser and the county have been added to other bad-faith bargaining allegations pending before the state Public Employment Relations Commission.

A hearing is set for Dec. 5-9.

, DataTimes