EVERETT — A new Snohomish County ordinance would help ensure that labor unrest won’t prevent elderly or vulnerable adults from getting county-funded health care.
The County Council passed the policy Wednesday by a 4-0 vote. The legislation needs County Executive Aaron Reardon’s signature to become law.
County Council Chairman Mike Cooper said the legislation has been a long-term priority because contract battles between unions and management have jeopardized patients in other parts of the state.
Most of the thousands of unionized home health care workers here have already agreed to a “no walkout” or “no strike” clause, said Adam Glickman, vice president of SEIU Local 775. The new law, which his union supports, would likely affect several hundred home health care workers who have not joined a union.
The county provides home care services through contracts with private companies. The ordinance would also apply to services for mental health and chemical dependency.
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