Sammamish Employees Union Opposes Merit Pay System as Unfair Punishment

A proposed merit pay system for Sammamish city employees is facing harsh criticism from the Sammamish Employees Union, which claims the plan unfairly punishes those who meet expectations. At a City Council meeting, union representatives argued that rewarding only employees who exceed expectations sets an unrealistic standard that could harm morale. Local 1425 president Darcy Donovan expressed concern that the city’s Human Resources department was limiting the number of 'exceeds expectations' ratings. Donovan emphasized the hard work of employees who consistently meet expectations, reminding the council that funding for raises was already included in the city’s budget. The union has requested the City Council to direct the City Manager's office to collaborate with them to create a fair merit pay system.

Roger Moeller, a staff representative, warned that trust between employees and city leadership is at risk. The City Council is expected to address these concerns in future meetings, as the outcome could significantly impact employee retention and the quality of city services.