Revenue Bargaining Unit: PERC Ruling

members in action

As many of you know from reading the newspapers and from fellow employees, Dennis Redmon filed a petition to decertify WPEA as the exclusive bargaining representative for the Department of Revenue. He filed his petition in a timely manner and it was reviewed by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). They sent Redmon a letter informing him his showing of interest was deficient.

PERC ruled that some of the cards Redmon submitted were old interest cards from the decert window two years ago and that others were ambiguous, as they did not designate which union the employees wished to decert. They gave Redmon until May 8, 2007 to respond to this letter and show why his cards should be counted, and he did. PERC is now in the process of writing its decision in regard to this matter.

Several Revenue employees asked WPEA what the impacts to the new 2007-09 contract are, and when we can expect a decision from PERC. First of all, when a decert petition is filed with PERC a “Question of Representation” is set into motion.

Once a petition has been filed with PERC, certain rules in WAC 391-08 and WAC 391-25 apply. One of these rules, WAC 391-25-140: Limitations on Employer Actions, states that:

“Changes of the status quo concerning wages, hours or other terms and conditions of employment of employees in the bargaining unit are prohibited during the period that a petition is pending before the commission under this chapter.“

The results of this rule means that until the Question of Representation has been answered, there can be no changes to the wages, hours and working conditions of the employees in the DOR bargaining unit. PERC's recent ruling answers this "Question," which keeps WPEA as exclusive bargaining agent at Revenue.

PERC fully analyzed past precedents, both at the state and federal level, and found no evidence to support the continuous campaign. This decision was thorough and well thought out because once the decision is rendered it is final.

Therefore, on July 1, 2007 you WILL be covered under the 2007-09 WPEA Contract and will enjoy all the benefits and protections it brings, including the following financial gains:

New Step L goes into effect (applies to represented and non-represented)
25% money goes into effect (applies to represented and non-represented)
3.2 salary adjustment
Health Care payout of $756
And other improvements in the NEW 2007-09 contract

If you have any questions, please call Herb Harris, WPEA Organizer, at 1-800-544-9732 x124 at 1-800-544-9732 x103.