Port adopts equal benefits policy for contractors

Under a policy given preliminary approval today by the Port of Seattle Commission, many port contractors must offer the same benefits to domestic partners of employees that they offer to employees' spouses.

"The policy would apply only to contractors that offer benefits for employees' spouses and would require those firms to provide the same coverage on a non-discriminatory basis to domestic partners of employees, similar to Seattle and King County equal-benefits ordinances," said Port of Seattle Commission President Bob Edwards.

Contracts covered by the resolution include public works, professional and technical services, and purchases of goods and services of at least $25,000. The policy applies only to U.S. companies.

"It's a matter of equality and fairness that contractors doing business with the Port offer benefits equally to all of their employees," said Port Commissioner Lawrence T. Molloy. "The policy of equal benefits is increasingly common in both the public and private workplace today," he said.

Commissioner Patricia Davis said the Port was a leader in offering equal benefits to its employees in 1994. "The Port should continue that leadership by requiring Port contractors to offer equal benefits to their employees," Davis said. "With adoption of this resolution, the major regional governments - Port of Seattle, City of Seattle and King County - will have generally consistent equal benefits policies."

The Commission approved the policy on first reading today. Final action is scheduled for October 25.