In 2016, Lincoln County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to require transparency for all the county's collective bargaining talks. According to the resolution:

"From this day forward, Lincoln County shall conduct all collective bargaining contract negotiations in a manner that is open to the public; AND Lincoln County shall provide public notice of all collective bargaining negotiations in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act (RCW 42.30.060 - 42.30.080) . . ."

The resolution highlights several reasons for embracing collective bargaining transparency. Among them:

• A transparent government is the top priority for Lincoln County;
  
• Collective Bargaining Agreements are among the most expensive contracts negotiated by Lincoln County;
  
• Both taxpayers and employees deserve to know how they are being represented during collective bargaining negotiations; and
  
• The impression of secret deal-making will be eliminated by making collective bargaining negotiations open to the public.

The resolution also makes clear that having transparent collective bargaining talks does not mean either side will be forced to disclose their strategy or allow the public to interrupt the open talks:

• Public observance of collective bargaining contract negotiations will not preclude bargaining representatives of both sides from meeting separately and privately to discuss negotiating tactics, goals, and methods; and
  
• Opening collective bargaining negotiations to the public does...

Read Full Story: http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/publications/detail/a-success-story-from-linc...