City of Auburn, Decision 14049 (PECB, 2025)

STATE OF WASHINGTON

BEFORE THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

Daniel E. Thenell, Attorney at Law, Thenell Law Group P.C., for the Auburn Police Commanders Guild.

Candis Martinson, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, for the City of Auburn.

Cristian Adams, Representative, for the Auburn Police Management Association.

Findings of Fact

1.                  The Auburn Police Commanders Guild filed a representation petition concerning employees of the City of Auburn. The Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) determined the petition was timely filed and accompanied by a sufficient showing of interest.

2.                  The Auburn Police Management Association is the incumbent labor organization that represented the petitioned‑for employees and was granted status as intervenor in these proceedings.

3.                  There is no certification on file for the existing bargaining unit, and it appears the unit was voluntarily recognized. PERC describes the bargaining unit as follows:

All commissioned law enforcement officers in the rank of Commander at the City of Auburn Police Department, excluding supervisors, confidential employees, and all other employees.

4.                  PERC conducted election proceedings. The employees were given free choice in the proceedings. The tally of results was provided to the parties. No meritorious election objections were filed.

Conclusions of Law

1.                  The unit described in finding of fact 3 is an appropriate unit within the meaning of. RCW 41.56.060

2.                  Representation proceedings were conducted in accordance with RCW 41.56.070 and chapter 391‑25 WAC.

certification

City of Auburn employees in the bargaining unit described in finding of fact 3 have chosen

Auburn Police Commanders Guild

as their representative for the purpose of collective bargaining with their employer.

ISSUED at Olympia, Washington, this  19th  day of February, 2025.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

Michael P. Sellars, Executive Director