At WPEA, we empower our members through education, representation, support and collective action. We work with you to improve working conditions and to secure fair wages and benefits.

Founded in 1956 as an independent labor organization, WPEA now has more than 4,500 members and is committed to improving the work environment for all public employees in Washington. 

In 2003, WPEA members voted to affiliate with the 1.3 million members of United Food and Commercial Workers International.  As UFCW Local 365, we maintain our autonomy and member-driven structure, while expanding our strength, resources, and experience.

Together with fellow public employees, you create a strong bargaining force with the power to negotiate:

• Fair wages

• Fair treatment in the workplace

• Funding for health benefits

• Decent pensions

• Safe and healthy working conditions

You are an Integral Part of WPEA

Bargaining Units Members meet regularly to establish goals, policies, strategies and action plans for their work place and provide resources, leadership and support to bargaining unit programs and group actions. Members participate in group actions — write letters, picket, file grievances, sign petitions, contact legislators, and support or oppose political candidates — at the state, local and bargaining unit level.

Executive Board meets quarterly to address issues related to the governance of the union. The Board consists of a President, Secretary-Treasurer, Recorder, and 11 District Vice Presidents.

Quarterly District Meetings are held regularly throughout the state providing members the opportunity to network and troubleshoot issues within their region of the state. District Vice Presidents also meet regularly to share issues and ideas with the union as a whole.

Professional Staff with years of training and expertise advocate for our members, as well as coordinate and support collective bargaining, legal actions, education, union activism, communications, legislative lobbying, board testimony, and group actions.

There are no magic solutions or easy answers to problems state employees encounter. Persistence, patience, hard work and new ideas are needed. WPEA provides the opportunity to make change by working together!