Nickels, firefighters agree to disagree over labor protest

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and the local firefighters union issued a joint news release Thursday night about Nickels' decision last weekend to go to the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Providence, R.I., despite a firefighters labor protest there.

In the news release, Nickels affirms his belief that unions have a "fundamental right to organize."

The firefighters say: "Mayor Nickels has bargained in good faith with Seattle Fire Fighters so we expected him to take a strong stand on this issue. We understand Mayor Nickels was in a difficult position as the incoming President of the US Conference of Mayors. But we were disappointed that he attended the meeting."

Providence firefighters say Nickels crossed a picket line. Nickels says he didn't, as there was no labor stoppage and he didn't physically cross because his hotel was adjacent to the convention center. The protest prompted the Obama administration to skip the event.

Kenny Stuart, president of the Seattle union, said in an interview Thursday night that Nickels is not off the hook.

Stuart said the local considered a news release taking Nickels to task, but it decided that would take the focus off the Providence labor dispute.

"In the end, throwing darts about each other doesn't help," he said. "But it doesn't change what he did, and it shouldn't change how the people view what he did."

Nickels, who is seeking a third term, spoiled a chance to take a leadership role supporting labor, Stuart said, adding: "I would say he's probably got an issue with the entire labor community."

Stuart said he wasn't sure when firefighters would make an endorsement in the mayor's race. Several other unions have endorsed Nickels.

The Local 27 endorsed Nickels in his two other mayoral bids.

At an unrelated appearance Thursday, Nickels said he had "a respectful and good relationship" with firefighters here.

Emily Heffter: 206-464-8246.