Did you know that, on average, a worker covered by a union contract earns 13.2 percent more in wages than a peer with similar education, occupation, and experience in a nonunionized workplace in the same sector?

Today is Financial Awareness Day, so we wanted to take a moment to share how our union is working hard to help you reach financial freedom.

There is hard evidence showing that when unions are strong, middle class incomes go up                 —this is no accident. Unions have positive effects, not only on the wages of union workers, but also on the wages of comparable nonunion workers, as unions set standards for entire industries and occupations. The union wage boost statistically helps close wage gaps among many demographics, whether by gender, race, or education. The good wages and benefits you negotiate in your union contract are your right as a union member.

You have earned them.

Access to better healthcare, safer workplaces, and scheduling that allows you to plan your life are all things that your union contract can provide, saving you hard-earned money over time. Whether from paying lower insurance premiums, avoiding costly medical bills from slipping in an unsafe facility, or being able to get enough hours to provide for your family, the union difference allows you to have more financial freedom.

At myufcw.org you can find hundreds of discounts that are available to you as a UFCW member, including:

• free credit counseling, budget analysis sessions, and money management advice;
• savings on car purchases, car insurance, tires, and more; and
• discounts on your monthly cell phone plan.

For many Americans, education is also the key to building more earning potential. That is why the UFCW also offers free college to our members AND their families. We know that college is expensive, as well as time consuming, when you have families to take care of and jobs you work hard at. With the UFCW Free College Program, you can earn your Associates degree online—working at your own pace when it is convenient to you.

In today’s economy we know it can be hard to make ends meet, but we will never stop fighting to make things better for you and your family.

Thank you for all that you do to make our union strong. 

On Monday, June 17, WPEA attended the Governor signing of our General Government contract.  Two of our bargaining team members, Jeff Freshley, WSDA, and Brendan Magee, WSP, were able to meet Governor Jay Inslee.  Kent Stanford, WPEA President, and Lane Hatfield, WPEA Contract Administration Director, also attended.  (Photo courtesy of Office of the Governor)

Starting tomorrow, WPEA will be conducting a survey about how well we communicate with our members. You should receive an e-mail with a link to the survey from Survey Monkey.  If you did not receive an e-mail, or don't have your e-mail on file with us, you are more than welcome to click here to take the survey. 

The survey will run from June 1 - June 30.  Thank you for your participation and we look forward to hearing your responses.