VIDEO: Rep. Jim Moeller discusses binding arbitration

Columbian files

Rep. Jim Moeller greets former Gov. Chris Gregoire during a visit to Vancouver in 2012.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Moeller Video Interviews

Today's video is one of five recorded by editor Lou Brancaccio. This series began Tuesday, March 5, and will end Monday, March 11.

Tuesday: Voting against popular opinion

Wednesday: CRC

Thursday: Binding arbitration

Friday: Prevailing wage

Monday: Legislative session

In a wide-ranging interview with State Rep. Jim Moeller, he discusses binding arbitration.

Some government workers — such as police, fire, prison employees — have given up their right to strike and have gone to binding arbitration. Although these workers are mostly local (city) workers, the state plays a role because it is a state law that created binding arbitration.

Some critics of binding arbitration — even some local officials — have said binding arbitration has driven up the cost of paying government workers. Moeller, D-Vancouver, addresses his view of binding arbitration. Part three of five.