(upbeat music) - I am Paris Jackson of the Crosscut KCTS 9 newsroom.

The city of Seattle faces a looming worker shortage as new employee union contracts are negotiated.

Nearly 6,000 Seattle employees in 11 unions are bargaining with the city over the next three year contracts.

The unions are bargaining together as a coalition of city unions, on issues that apply across all city departments.

City employees cite pay and safety as causes for turnover and vacancies, sticking points central to ongoing negotiations between the city and the unions.

The coalition is asking for a 9.2% raise.

The city is sticking to its offer of a 1% cost of living adjustment.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell was in person to talk to the bargaining committee during an August 16th session, and offered a slightly higher raise.

Union representatives would not tell Crosscut Harrell's exact offer, but said it's still well below the percentage they want.

Bargaining sessions will continue regularly.

On September 19th, city workers plan to rally outside of City Hall.

I'm Paris Jackson.

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