City of Snohomish and Teamsters negotiations on pension concerns to go before mediator

Teamsters Local 763 and the City of Snohomish met on November 4 to negotiate the potential dissolution of the Teamsters Pension Trust. City Administrator Heather Thomas-Murphy proposed a plan that would allow employees to opt-out, but the union countered that this option was not viable. The city suggested mediation as a next step, which the union agreed to pursue. Both parties will jointly file with the Public Employment Relations Commission to address labor management issues. The Teamsters Pension Trust, as it stands, does not permit opt-outs, according to business agent Tammy Ayers.

Negotiations are expected to continue into 2026, coinciding with the inauguration of a new mayor whose administration may influence pension trust outcomes. Aaron Hoffman, the mayoral candidate supported by Teamsters, won the election. The next bargaining session is scheduled for December 5, indicating ongoing efforts to resolve these significant pension concerns.