There have been some troubling developments recently at Clark College. 

The Clark College Board of Trustees recently contracted an accounting firm, Moss Adams, to conduct an audit of staffing and organizational structures within the college for efficiencies. The findings from Moss Adams result in outsourcing 90% of WPEA's union jobs - and keeping almost all the exempt (non-union) positions. 

This is union busting.

Please sign this petition and send a message that our students and faculty need our support staff. 
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The Washington Public Employees Association is also asking the entire Clark County community to come out against these efforts, and stand with the WPEA classified staff at the college.  They're asking us to let Clark College's Board of Trustees, College President Dr. Karin Edwards, and all members of the Executive Cabinet know that these are local people who live in our community, Clark County doesn’t want these jobs outsourced or the staff positions cut.

The Clark College Board of Trustees is meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23rd at 5:00 PM. Please join WPEA members in solidarity, as they are the front line against the outsourcing and privatization of our community and technical colleges in Washington State, by testifying at the Board of Trustees meeting:  
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Link: Join the Clark College Board of Trustees Zoom meeting
Zoom meeting ID:  925 5133 3077
Passcode:  870532
Please note that Public Comment will be limited to two minutes per attendee. Comments can be shared in the following three ways:

• Send an email prior to the meeting to sweldy@clark.edu and it will be read during the public comment portion of the meeting.
• Write your comment in the Zoom chat box during the meeting and the host will read it during the public comment portion of the meeting.
• Use "raise hand" function under “participants” during the Zoom meeting and the host will call on you when it is your turn to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting.

For more information on actions planned in support of Clark County staff, contact
Sarah Thorsen
WPEA Chief Job Steward, Clark College
scarlyle01@msn.com

Our bargaining at the general government table is still ongoing with the state managers. We have not had the time we need to be successful and we are working to secure more dates.

The bargaining teams have each been working late into the evening and on weekends to review articles, create proposals and counter-proposals for the table. We continue to struggle with the state over crucial language that is critical to our membership.

We need more language around remote work especially in a time when so many of us are working from home due to COVID. The teams continue to negotiate against the
​state-supported furloughs and the devastating impact they will have on members’ lives.  These are trying fiscal times, and we need our contract language to grow.

Our contracts are very young since their inception was only 15 years ago and there are many areas that need additional language to support the needs of the membership. The teams are preparing for several more days at the table.  They need our support to continue the long sessions and late nights of planning. They are working on your behalf, and this year, we face more challenges due to the fiscal situations brought on by the virus and fires in our communities, around the nation, as well within state government.

​Your bargaining teams are committed to bargaining for as long as it takes to deliver you a contract that secures the best possible benefits.

- WPEA President Kent Stanford


 Please stay tuned for more updates 

Dear WPEA Member,  

 You are the lifeblood of this union, and as a state employee, you are the lifeblood of this state.  

  With the COVID-19 situation, we have all been dealing with social isolation and we miss seeing one another. We miss seeing you. But we appreciate you and the work you do every day in service to our state.  

 Your service is needed once again. The time for action is now.  
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 This is a bargaining year, and we are at the bargaining table right now. Your new contract will take effect on July 1, 2021. Your bargaining team is fighting hard to bring you the best contract they can, but they need your help. This is your contract; your voice is essential. Here's how to get involved:  


 CONTRACT BARGAINING ACTION TEAM:   A group of members, stewards, and reps have united to form the Contract Bargaining Action Team. We are here for you, here with you. We are WPEA members, just like you. And from now on, you'll be hearing from us – introducing  Daily Bites, your daily update from fellow union members!  
  
DAILY BITES:   These daily email updates give you opportunities to engage and hear from others. Expect links to town halls,  updates from across the state, easy-to-complete impactful actions, and so much more. We'll be giving you ways to represent your interests and show what your work means to the state agencies you serve. 
  
SUPPORT THE WORK:   Support your union brothers and sisters, please consider taking action. Try out the involvement tips from  Daily Bites. If you're looking to get more involved and advocate for our benefits, join our Contract Bargaining Action Team. Email  aubrei@wpea.org  and let her know what agency you are with and that you are ready to get involved.  
  
If you're part of the library systems, we know your position is unique. We'd love to have you support our agencies and our work, and when your contract bargaining period comes around, we look forward to being there for you in solidarity!  
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Thank you for your ongoing work and contribution.  


Keep the heart of Washington pumping! 
  
In solidarity,  
Your Contract Bargaining Action Team

​Dear WPEA Members,
 
The voting package to re-vote the WPEA Bylaws Changes was mailed to all eligible voters on Friday, July 17, and are due back to the WPEA post office box by August 10.
 
There was an error in the counties to be included in the different districts – Okanogan county was inadvertently left out of District 8.  The attachments have been corrected.
 
Thank you for taking the time to vote in this very important action and double the thanks if you voted in the original sending.  The outcome of this vote will determine how many districts, and therefore vice presidents, your union will have.  This is particularly important because this is the year that you vote for all your union officers.  The term of officers will be January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023.  
 
The other item in this voting package is changing the number of district meetings held each year; from the currently monthly requirement to a quarterly schedule (we can always hold more meetings when necessary, but never fewer).
 
Again, thanks for taking time to vote in this election.  Stay safe and healthy!
 
In solidarity,
 
Kent Stanford
WPEA President