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“I’m happy to [make workers pay as much for health care as they would] in the private sector when they’ll pay state workers what they would earn in the private sector.” --Gov. Gregoire

Walla Walla Community College 1 of 5 best in U.S. The Seattle Times, 12/12

Member's Bill Sponsored in
House and Senate

This week, WPEA member Jason Bodine (pictured at far left) joined Legislative Director Seamus Walsh to present a bill that would give DNR law enforcement officers the tools they need to efficiently enforce state law.

Jason, a DNR law enforcement officer, brought this idea to our legislative team, and has visited legislators explaining this important piece of legislation: HB 2472 and SB 6225. Thanks to Senators Adam Kline (D-37) and Jerome Delvin (R-8), and Representatives Derek Stanford (D-1) and Larry Crouse (R-4) for sponsoring the bill. Read more...

WPEA Welcomes New Board

January 1 marked the beginning of the new term for the WPEA Executive Board and President. The new board was sworn-in on January 7 by UFCW representative Mike Hatfield (pictured at left).

The new board includes WPEA President Dave Schiel, Secretary-Treasurer Peggy Davis, and Recorder Fawn Hacker. The Vice Presidents are Raoul Perez, District 2; Carol Groce, District 3; Larry Pasco, District 4; Roger Montanez, District 5; Christ Thomsen, District 6; Patrick Golden, District 7; and Kent Stanford, District 11.

Staff Food Drive Donates to Food Bank

This Thanksgiving, staff at Fort Vancouver Regional Library were able to gather enough donations to donate an additional 500 pounds of food to the local food bank.

Protect our Parks and Public Employees

Due to poor sales of the Discover Pass, Washington state parks face closure and 161 park rangers are now at risk of layoff. By purchasing a Discover Pass now, you help support WFSE members and help save state parks.

WPEA Members Ratify 2012 Contracts

UPDATE: 2012 contracts, which go into effect July 1, will be mailed to members in June.

• View the tentative General Government agreement with changes from the current contract
• View the tentative Higher Education agreement with changes from the current contract

WPEA Members Testify Before Legislature

On December 8, liquor store managers forced out of work under 1183 showed up to tell their stories to the Senate Labor, Commerce, and Consumer Protection committee.  Facing unemployment, losing their healthcare, and few hiring prospects in a bad economy, these store managers offered compelling reasons for the legislature to offer relief to laid-off employees.  

WPEA staff and member leaders are exploring options for relief, both legislatively and in bargaining with the liquor board. Our team needs to hear your ideas! Do you want to see a sick leave buyout? Workforce training? Other ideas? Submit your suggestions to Tess Millar (tess@wpea.org) or Seamus Walsh Petrie (seamus@wpea.org).

Kudos to Chair Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-36), Ranking Minority Member Janéa Holmquist Newbry (R-13), and the rest of the committee for giving time to some of the more than 1000 workers who will be hurt by I-1183. We want to especially thank senators Steve Conway (D-29) and Karen Keiser (D-33) for their powerful comments concerning the difficult situation our members are in. Check out Senator Conway's remarks.

Members in Need of Shared Leave Time

In certain circumstances, the state allows employees to donate vacation leave, sick leave, or personal holidays to fellow state employees in need of leave time.

Article 13.5 Section F of the General Government contract states "donated leave is transferable between employees in different state agencies with the agreement of both Agency Heads." Contact your HR department for more information on how you can donate time.