Syd Vinnedge - Washington State Council of Fire Fighters

Mr. Vinnedge’s involvement with labor unions began at the age of 18 when he joined the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association. During his time as a lifeguard, he majored in Political Economy at U.C. Berkeley, where he investigated how real-world economic systems are embedded in both politics and institutions. After completing his undergraduate studies, Mr. Vinnedge attended
Pepperdine University and Gonzaga University, where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 1994. He started his legal career as counsel for a prominent professional labor union in Washington State. Over two decades ago, Mr. Vinnedge co-founded Skalbania & Vinnedge with Alex Skalbania, specializing in representing labor unions throughout Washington State.

Syd represents labor in several areas, including:

Representation cases before NLRB and PERC
Litigating Unfair Labor Practices
Discipline and Investigations
Civil Service
Contract Administration
Union Administration & Organizing
Collective Bargaining
Mediation
Compensation & Economic Analysis
Interest Arbitration
Grievance Arbitration

address: 3600 15th Ave. W., Suite 100
Seattle, 98119-1330
direct: (206) 459-9818
email:

Speaker's Classes Present/Past

2025

Mediation / Arbitration Lessons Learned

Alex Skalbania, Syd Vinnedge, Sarah Derry, Abby Lawlor, Attorneys. This class will provide insight into the contract mediation and interest arbitration process.

2025

ULP’s and Grievances – When and How to Use

This class will focus on identifying whether it is better to pursue a ULP or a grievance (or both). Speakers include: Alex Skalbania and Syd Vinnedge, Attorneys.