Gov. Jay Inslee and Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt were among the local officials who reacted positively to the tentative agreement.
Inslee, who had decided to no longer allow Washington State Patrol officers to escort grain inspectors through picket lines, said the prospect of a new contract was “outstanding news.” … The governor had intended to increase the pressure on the two sides to end the dispute and with peak harvest season approaching, according to Jaime Smith, the governor’s spokeswoman.
More than a year ago, Leavitt wrote a letter urging both sides to return to the bargaining table in an attempt to increase pressure.
Tuesday’s news means people can “get back to work here in our community,” Leavitt said.
