​Recurring Events:  President Office Hours – Every Thursday at 4:00 Stay up-to-date with your WPEA President https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84804444204?pwd=8WO6oSWkNIEyIBc4bAblg2im01Jkb4.1 Meeting ID: 848 0444 4204 Passcode: 424576   UNITY Meetings – Every Wednesday at 12:00 and 6:00 Different topics, highlights, and news from your Union every week. On Wednesday - we wear blue! https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81922699344?pwd=dbfzaAvNpLkL4UOGhuS2oseCB3bZiD.1 Meeting ID: 819 2269 9344 Passcode: 716299 ​Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council Solidarity Night & Meeting – 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month. Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Central Labor Council and visit their website at: https://www.tlmlabor.org/ ​​Department of Revenue Monday Meeting - If you work at Department of Revenue, join the Monday meeting at Noon Join Zoom Meeting https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/83133429668 Starting November 1 - January 3, WPEA Headquarters will be open from 8am - 12pm, due to reduced office staff.

On the Calendar: Nov 1 – WPEA Executive Board Meeting - All members welcome to attend! See email for Zoom Link. Nov 2 – Daylight Saving Time Ends Nov 4 – Election Day Nov 11 – Veteran's Day - WPEA Office is Closed Nov 22 – Shop Steward Training - Email Stacie Leanos at stacie@wpea.org to RSVP Nov 27 – Thanksgiving Day - WPEA Office is Closed Nov 28 – Day After Thanksgiving - WPEA Office closed

Win for Yakima Valley College Members!

The Fight for Public Workers Doesn’t End at Retirement

Secrets of a Successful Organizer 

Union History: Issaquah coal miners’ strike (Oct 24 1903)

Shop For Your New Car With Union Plus

Recipe: Witch Cupcakes

Contracts Ratified! WPEA Members Vote Overwhelmingly in Favor

Grill, Chill, and Solidarity:
​Union BBQ at Bellevue College Brings Members Together

On September 9th, the Bellevue College campus came alive with the sounds and smells of union camaraderie. WPEA and WFSE members gathered in the afternoon for a barbecue. More than just burgers and hot dogs, this gathering was a celebration of community, connection, and solidarity in the wake of contract ratification. ​ The turnout was fantastic, with members showing up throughout the afternoon to share food, stories, and plenty of laughs. In true union fashion, the event was part potluck, part cookout, with a spread that included fresh churros, homemade sides, and enough treats to satisfy every appetite. The grill stayed hot, the conversations stayed lively, and the sense of unity was unmistakable. A huge thank you goes out to Valencio Socia and Becky Turnbull, whose leadership and coordination made the event possible. Thanks also to the many WPEA and WFSE members and staff who stepped up to help with setup, cooking, cleanup, and everything in between. It’s gatherings like these that remind us why we do this work, because when members come together, powerful moments follow. The Bellevue BBQ was just one example of how our union builds strength not just at the bargaining table, but at the table where we share our meals. Here's to more events like this, where solidarity is served fresh, and every bite comes with a side of purpose. If you or any members you know are interested in hosting a similar event, please take a moment to fill out the "collective action interest form" below.

WPEA History: ​Fighting for Fair Pay: Agriculture Members Win Raises After Class Spec Victory

WPEA Today, Fall 2003

​🛠️Union Jargon 101: 5 More Key Terms Every Worker Should Know

🎓 Returning to School? Union Plus Can Help!

Recipe: Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup

2026 Contract Ratification Vote

You can view the full tentative agreements below:

Library Levies Win!

Voters in Southwest Washington and Kitsap County approved library funding measures this month, securing the future of public library services in the two library districts with workers represented by WPEA.    The Fort Vancouver Regional Library (FVRL) levy passed with over 54% voting yes. The renewed funding will allow FVRL to hire new staff and expand services, including a planned new branch in Washougal in the next two years. Meanwhile, Kitsap County voters approved the Kitsap Regional Library (KRL) levy with an overwhelming 61% of the vote, ensuring continued access to essential programs and collections at all nine branches.     WPEA members at FVRL were deeply involved in the Yes campaign: waving signs, talking to voters, even making zines to share about the benefits of the library and the levy.   With the now levies passed and the finances of the libraries secured, members at both libraries are bargaining new contracts this year. The FVRL team has already had one full day of contract bargaining, while KRL is currently negotiating over ground rules and bargaining dates.     Thanks to everyone who voted for the libraries, and helped with the campaign.

A Meeting with Mosby

Highline College President John Mosby met with classified staff and WPEA leaders, including union president Amanda Hacker, after the college withheld $1,200 payments to its classified staff. Mosby apologized and said the college had initially believed it could pay, but later concluded, based on state legal guidance, that doing so could jeopardize funding and even accreditation if it defied that guidance. He emphasized the administration’s routine reliance on the Attorney General’s office for legal interpretation. Members and union staff challenged the college’s transparency, noting they learned from other institutions that Highline planned to claw back stipends and that they had to scramble to attend a board meeting with little notice. Several speakers contrasted the handling of classified issues with faculty processes and called the college’s communication “not transparent.”  Hacker pressed Mosby and his team to sit down with WPEA and read the specific statute the college cited, arguing the law didn’t apply to these workers. College leaders said they would only review it with their AG counsel present, which the union interpreted as a refusal to engage in a straightforward, joint reading. Separately, members objected to an initial proposal for just two hours of bargaining per week and warned that, with an October 1 funding deadline, meaningful bargaining couldn’t be completed on that schedule.  Looking ahead, the parties discussed returning to the table. Management asserted it had offered to resubmit a prior MOU with the $1,200 backdated, an account the union disputed, saying the only “offer” came via an outside intermediary rather than directly from the college. Administrators said they would coordinate availability and involve counsel as needed. The meeting closed with renewed calls, from both staff and HR leadership, for a more collaborative, accountable process that addresses retention, workload, and trust.

A Summer of Collective power

In August, we saw three separate WPEA Units engage in summertime barbeques all over Washington State in an important show of mobilization and support for members all across WPEA. These actions show that we stand together not only now, but in future fights to come. Cascadia College's BBQ was Friday Aug 1st at a local park; the Bothell landing. It was a mild summer day, but the sun brought families to the park for bike rides and dog walks. Cascadia stewards coordinated a potluck with the local chapter of the American Federation of Teachers-CCCFT -- the faculty union of Cascadia College. Members from both unions enjoyed grilled burgers, hot dogs, and grilled onions while discussing family, workplace dynamics and union collaboration. On August 14th, the smell of grilled burgers and the sound of good conversation filled the air at Marshall Park in Vancouver, WA. Our union BBQ brought together a group of members and staff from Clark College and Fort Vancouver Regional Library, all of which showed up ready to build connections, share food, and enjoy the summer sun. With burgers, hotdogs, and a spread of potluck dishes, members gathered not just to eat, but to talk, laugh, and collaborate across workplaces. Rock painting added a creative twist, giving everyone something fun to take home… Or leave behind as a colorful mark of solidarity. Rounding out August was Edmonds College, with roughly 60 members of Edmonds' classified staff showing up to share dishes like homemade cupcakes, stories of worker power, and their collective experience in a show of thanks to the workers that make our colleges run. WPEA was ecstatic to be a part of supporting the stewards and staff of Edmonds College. Events like these remind us that our union isn't just about bargaining tables and contracts, it’s about people showing up for each other. Thanks to everyone who came out, cooked, contributed, and helped make it happen. Here’s to more moments like this; more sharing, more stories, and more strength –- together.

A Year of Challenge, A Season to Celebrate — Labor Day 2025

From Struggle to Strength: Why This Labor Day Matters More Than Ever

A Hard-Fought Year at the Bargaining Table

Growth in Power and Solidarity

A Time to Celebrate - and Restore

Celebrate Labor Day Your Way and Join Fellow Workers Across Washington

September Steward Training

Don't Forget - Tacoma Rainier's Day! - September 21st

WPEA History: Aging Workforce, Enduring Challenges: What’s Changed Since 2005?

The Sentinel, August/September 2000

🛠️Union Jargon 101: 5 More Key Terms Every Worker Should Know

Back-to-School Shopping - The Union Way!

Shopping Guide Folders ACCO brands (CWA) Five Star Reinforced Filler Paper (CWA) At-A-Glance Academic Daily Planner (CWA) Mead Spiral Notebook (CWA-USW) Trapper Keeper Folders (CWA) Wilson Jones Binders (CWA) Roaring Spring Pocket Folders (USW) Industries for the Blind Inc. Composition Books (IAMAW) Swingline Stapler (CWA) Clothing All America Clothing (IBEW) Carhartt (IBT) Union Jeans (IBT) Wigman (IBT)

Tissues Kleenex Tissues (USW) Puffs Tissues (UFCW) Drinks Aquafina (IBT) Gatorade (UAW) Minute Maid Juice (IBT, UAW) Mott’s Juice (IBT, UAW, UFCW) Snapple (UAW, IBT, UFCW) Tropicana (UAW) V8 (UAW) Welch’s Juice (IBT, UAW

Union Members Save on Pet Insurance

Recipe: Fruit and Nut Bars

INGREDIENTS 1 cup pitted dates (about 12) 1/4 cup peanut or almond butter 1/4 cup honey 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds, roughly chopped 1/2 cup rolled oats 3/4 cup dried fruit (cranberries, golden raisins, sliced apricots) 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Sign Waving For Prop One:

On Wednesday, July 23rd, WPEA members and staff gathered at the downtown Vancouver I-5 overpass to wave signs in support of Proposition 1 for Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRL). Standing in the high heat of the day and sending a clear message. Libraries matter, and so does the public funding that keeps them running. Prop 1 asks voters to restore the library property tax rate to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in 2026. This is the same rate voters approved in 2010, just adjusted for inflation. That funding accounts for 96% of FVRL’s entire budget. It’s what allows libraries to stay open in four counties, serving over half a million residents. If it passes, it means longer open hours (an estimated 91 extra hours per week across the district), 18 new full-time staff positions, upgraded technology, more materials and programming, and even a new bookmobile to better serve rural and underserved areas. The alternative? Deep cuts. A NO vote would slash library services by 30%, force the elimination more than 75 jobs, cancel expansion plans, and potentially close the Vancouver Mall branch by 2028. Libraries are more than just book lenders, they’re community hubs, education centers, internet access points, and safe spaces for learning. WPEA stands firmly behind Prop 1 because we believe in accessible public services, and we know that strong libraries strengthen our communities.

Vote YES on FVRL Levy

WPEA at the 2025 WSLC Convention: Solidarity in Action

This past week, WPEA staff attended the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) convention in downtown Vancouver, Washington. From July 22nd to July 24th, unions and their members from across the whole of Washington state gathered at the Vancouver Convention Center to foster new connections, hold union workshops, discuss our futures, strategize, and gather together as a community. WPEA staff participated in a range of workshops and plenaries covering organizing strategy, legislative priorities, racial and economic justice, and new member outreach. It’s clear that Washington’s labor movement is alive, evolving, and growing stronger. We left the convention with new ideas, deeper relationships with labor allies, and a refreshed sense of purpose. Beyond the policy work and strategic planning, the most powerful takeaway from this convention was the reminder that we are part of something larger. When unions show up for each other; across sectors, across communities, we build the kind of solidarity that makes real change possible. WPEA is proud to be a part of that effort, and we look forward to carrying this momentum forward.

Highline Solidarity BBQ Builds Momentum After Info Picket

On July 17, 2025, WPEA members at Highline College returned to campus for a low‑key Solidarity BBQ, extending the energy from the recent information picket. The goal was simple, keep folks connected, visible, and focused on the shared fight for fair compensation and respect on the job. Members, and campus allies used the gathering to swap updates, welcome new faces, and make sure everyone understood where things stand with COLAs and the use of local funds for agreed upon incentives. The tone was friendly but determined; proof that our community can show up for each other while staying organized and informed. As negotiations continue, Highline WPEA members are committed to sustained, constructive pressure on both OFM and college leadership, to honor what workers have earned. If you couldn’t make it on the 17th, keep an eye out for upcoming actions and ways to plug in. Show up, wear your WPEA gear, and bring a colleague next time, solidarity grows when we gather. If you’ve got an idea for an event you’d like to make happen, talk to your shop steward or email union staff directly at solidarity@wpea.org. You can find your shop steward here:  Bargaining Units List

Highline Staff Take a Stand After 18-Month Contract Fight

After more than a year and a half of stalled negotiations, legal setbacks, and broken promises, WPEA members at Highline College made their voices heard, loud and clear. On July 7, union members and supporters took to the campus lawn with signs and a picket line, demanding that Highline College and the Office of Financial Management (OFM) honor their commitment to fair compensation. This action marked a major escalation in a lengthy contract fight, as WPEA continues to push for cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that reflect the real economic pressures faced by classified staff. The trouble began last year when OFM’s initial COLA proposal of 0% and 1% was met with outrage from members, understandable given that inflation rose by nearly 4% that year alone. WPEA negotiated until a 3% and 2% offer was on the table, but even that fell short for many members. Though contracts were ultimately ratified before the legislative session ended, none of the WPEA’s higher education contracts were included in the final state budget, a move many saw as an act of bad faith. In response, the WPEA launched a legal challenge and a public pressure campaign to restore funding and uphold the gains made at the bargaining table. While OFM blocked state funds, Highline’s administration promised to use local funds to fulfill contract incentives such as personal days and a $1,200 signing bonus, only to later rescind that offer, claiming legal limitations. WPEA strongly disputes this, citing a clear PERC legal precedent that allows local institutions to use their own funds for these purposes. For over a decade, Highline has operated under this very practice. Union leaders say the sudden reversal not only broke trust, but actively harmed members who were counting on that promised support. Now, attention is fixed on whether Highline College will reverse course and honor its agreement. If they don’t, there’s growing talk among other higher-ed bargaining units of pursuing independent bargaining paths, just as Highline WPEA members do now. The frustration on campus is real. After 18 months of negotiations, legal wrangling, and financial uncertainty, members are still waiting for justice. The WPEA remains committed to securing fair compensation and standing strong with the workers who keep Washington’s colleges running.

​Is Joining the Union Mandatory?

WPEA History: WPEA Has Never Stopped Fighting for Fair Pay

The Sentinel, July 1996

🛠️Union Jargon 101: 5 More Key Terms Every Worker Should Know

Union Plus - Members Save on Renter's Insurance

Campfire S'mores

Vote YES on FVRL Levy

Help Lead Your Union – Board Members Needed in Districts 5 & 8

​September  21st, 2025 - Tacoma Rainiers Game Day!

News From UFCW: Help Keep Our Members Safe in the Summer Heat

Experienced leader named interim president at Olympic College

🛠️Union Jargon 101: 5 More Key Terms Every Worker Should Know

WPEA Union History: Fighting for a Voice: WPEA Advances Union Representation in Two Key Units

Article from The Sentinel, June-July 2001

Union Plus Benefits

Campfire Hot Dog Skewers

Ingredients For sauce 1/4 cup barbecue sauce 1 1/2 Tbsp. ketchup 1 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 tsp. rice wine vinegar 1/2 tsp. chili powder For skewers 1 8 pack hot dogs, quartered  3 cups pineapple, cut into 1" pieces 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1" pieces 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1" pieces small red onion, cut into 1" pieces

Advocacy in Action: Grays Harbor and Highline College’s Award Retention Incentives Amid State Funding Gaps

United in Solidarity: WPEA Members Rally at the Capitol

On May 7, 2025, while the Office of Financial Management (OFM) hosted its annual State Workers Week celebration, members of the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) gathered from every corner of the state to stand together in solidarity, and take a stand for justice. WPEA is the only union in Washington whose fully bargained and ratified contracts were left out of the 2025 state budget. This exclusion, caused by delays from OFM itself, puts the well-being of thousands of public employees at risk. In response, we didn’t sit back. We mobilized. In a powerful display of unity and purpose, WPEA members marched around the Capitol grounds with signs raised high and voices joined in unshakable chants. Workers from across Washington stood shoulder to shoulder, turning frustration into action, and making it impossible to ignore the injustice we face. Our message rang clear; there is no celebration without justice. When the governor failed to appear at the event, we took the march directly to the Capitol steps. There, our union stood as one while WPEA President Amanda Hacker attempted to deliver a letter, signed by hundreds of our members, calling on the governor to do what’s right: fund all contracts. But the governor’s office was closed. We were turned away at the door. Still, we did not stop, and the governor did receive the letter and nearly a thousand signatures. Together, we demonstrated what collective power truly looks like. We showed that WPEA members will not be sidelined or silenced. We will continue to rise, to organize, and to fight for one another, because that’s what solidarity means. May 7 was more than a protest. It was a statement of unity and strength from public employees across Washington. And though the fight isn’t over, one thing is certain; when we show up for each other and stand together, we cannot be ignored. We are WPEA. We show up. We speak out. We stand together.

 United We Bake: Clark College Potluck Recap 

On the evening of May 16, WPEA and CCAHE members gathered at the Clark College Student Center for a spirited end-of-year celebration: United We Bake. This collaborative potluck served not only as a festive send-off to the academic year, but also as a powerful reminder of the solidarity and camaraderie that define our unions. The event featured a lively bake-off, with members showcasing their best homemade desserts. From classic confections to delicious treats, the entries into the competition were as diverse as our members. After some delicious deliberation, one entry rose above the rest and earned the title of bake-off champion; though it’s safe to say everyone who attended walked away a winner that night. Attendees were each given entry tickets upon arrival to vote on their favorite baking entries. After voting had been cast a tally of the votes was made and several lucky winners took home door prizes. Two curated gift baskets, gift cards to local union supporting stores, and a brand-new Igloo cooler. The prizes we soon followed up by the Clark College WPEA union member of the year award, which found itself in the hands of Stephanie Hall; a well deserved recognition of a hard working and passionate member. Between the raffle, games of giant Connect Four and corn hole, and the laughter of familiar faces reconnecting, the night had a joyful, festival, and communal atmosphere.  Food was generously provided by UFCW Local 555, adding yet another layer of union solidarity to the event. As plates were filled and stories were shared, United We Bake proved to be more than a potluck; it was a celebration of what we can build when we come together. This event marked the first of many collaborative gatherings between WPEA and CCAHE, and its success is a testament to the power of shared space, mutual support, and a dash of sugar. Here’s to strong unions, stronger communities, and even stronger cookies. To any of our member that may be interested in putting together a similar event to this one, please email us at solidarity@wpea.org and let's talk details and see how we can support you!

Back-to-Back-to-Back Wins for WPEA Members!

Be Part of the 2025 WSLC Convention – Connect, Learn, Lead

Find Community, Build Power—Join Us on Discord

WPEA’s 70th Anniversary Celebration – Save the Date

🛠️Union Jargon 101: 5 More Key Terms Every Worker Should Know

Union History: WPEA Takes a Stand on Asbestos Hazards – 1986

Original Article from The Sentinel, May 1986

Union Made BBQ Items for Fourth of July

Giant Party Sub Recipe

Not Funded, Not Finished: Stand Up, Speak Out

Day of Action - Rally in Olympia to Defend Public Services

Information from Aubrei Hansen, WPEA Marketing & Membership Coordinator A powerful wave of solidarity swept through the Capitol grounds April 9th as state workers, allies, and community members gathered for a mass rally organized by WFSE Local 443. The event, held at the Tivoli Fountain, drew an overwhelming turnout, underscoring growing frustration and unity in the face of proposed budget cuts that threaten the livelihoods of public servants across Washington state. Chants of “Stand up! Fight back!” echoed across the lawn as speakers addressed the crowd, highlighting the devastating impact the Senate Democrats’ proposed budget would have on state workers and the communities they serve. Under the proposal, workers would face mandatory unpaid furlough days, increased healthcare costs, and the elimination of their right to bargain over healthcare—measures that many simply cannot afford. The crowd included social workers, corrections staff, benefit processors, healthcare providers, and countless others who quietly power Washington’s public services. Many carried handmade signs reading “Protect Public Services” and “Budget Justice Now,” while others wore shirts emblazoned with the slogan, Public services are under attack – it’s time to STAND UP and FIGHT BACK! Speakers called on the public and lawmakers alike to reconsider the moral priorities reflected in the proposed budget.   The rally concluded with a powerful march to the steps of the Capitol, where a delegation delivered a letter to lawmakers urging them to reject budget slashing and invest in people instead. The event served as a reminder that Washington’s public servants are ready to rise, speak out, and fight back.

Representative Julia Reed (Seattle) and Chris Scelsa (DNR) talk contract funding WPEA Staff Representative Ashley Chipman

Welcome to WPEA - Kyle Sampson, UFCW Organizing SPUR

WPEA Scholarships - Due May 30th!

Join Us at the 2025 WSLC Convention

🛠️ Union Jargon 101: 5 Key Terms Every Worker Should Know

Union History - Honoring a Legacy of Unity: WSD Joins WPEA

Article taken from Spring 2004 of WPEA Today Newsletter

Not so long ago, the dedicated staff at the Washington School for the Deaf—now known as the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY)—made a powerful decision to stand together for their rights, their dignity, and their future. In 2003, these employees voted to join the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA), taking a significant step toward ensuring they had a strong voice in the workplace. The official celebration of this victory came on Thursday, May 13, 2004, marking a moment of pride, solidarity, and hope for what union strength could bring. This milestone reminds us that change doesn’t always come from the top—it comes from the courage of individuals who choose to band together and fight for something better. Today, CDHY continues to thrive with that same spirit of determination and care that led them to affiliate with WPEA over two decades ago. ​ Their story is a testament to the power of collective action. It’s a reminder that when workers come together, great things happen—not just for themselves, but for the communities they serve.

UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship

Union Members Get Union Plus Benefits!

Recipe of the Month - Street Corn Coleslaw

Recurring Events:  President Office Hours – Every Thursday at 4:00 Stay up-to-date with your WPEA President https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84804444204?pwd=8WO6oSWkNIEyIBc4bAblg2im01Jkb4.1 Meeting ID: 848 0444 4204 Passcode: 424576   UNITY Meetings – Every Wednesday at 12:00, 5:00, 6:00 Different topics, highlights, and news from your Union every week. On Wednesday - we wear blue! https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81922699344?pwd=dbfzaAvNpLkL4UOGhuS2oseCB3bZiD.1 Meeting ID: 819 2269 9344 Passcode: 716299 ​Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council Solidarity Night & Meeting – 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month. Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Central Labor Council and visit their website at: https://www.tlmlabor.org/

On the Calendar: April 1st – April Fool’s Day April 1st - DOR Tumwater Site-Visit 11-1 April 2nd - Last Day to Drop off Ballots at WPEA HQ April 2nd - DOR Pt. Angeles Site Visit - 11:30-1 April 5th - WPEA Board Meeting April 7th - DOR Vancouver Site Visit - 11-1 April 9th - DOR Richland Site Visit - 11-1 April 9th - Day of Action Rally at the Capitol 12-4 April 10th - DOR Kent Site Visit - 11-1 April 14th - DOR Seattle Site Visit - 11-1 April 17th - DOR Tumwater Site Visit - 11-1 April 20th - Easter April 23rd - DOR Wenatchee Site Visit - 11-1 April 24th - DOR Bothell Site Visit - 11-1 April 25th - DOR Spokane Site Visit - 11-1 April 28th - DOR Yakima Site Visit - 11-1 April 30th - DOR Bellingham Site Visit  - 11-1

Spotlight on the Board: A Dedicated Advocate for Workers and the Union

Exciting News: WPEA Executive Board Meetings Return In-Person!

Day of Action APRIL 9TH - Wear WPEA BLUE!

Advocating for Fair Pay: A Win for Our Members

​A New Standard for Workers: The Fight for Fair Wages and Rights in Tacoma and Olympia

Union History: UFCW & WPEA Propose Affiliation From The Sentinel April-May 2003

All the ways Union Plus helps union families when times are tough

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Recurring Events:  President Office Hours – Every Thursday at 4:00 Stay up-to-date with your WPEA President https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84804444204?pwd=8WO6oSWkNIEyIBc4bAblg2im01Jkb4.1 Meeting ID: 848 0444 4204 Passcode: 424576   UNITY Meetings – Every Wednesday at 12:00, 5:00, 6:00 Different topics, highlights, and news from your Union every week. On Wednesday - we wear blue! https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81922699344?pwd=dbfzaAvNpLkL4UOGhuS2oseCB3bZiD.1 Meeting ID: 819 2269 9344 Passcode: 716299 ​Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council Solidarity Night & Meeting – 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month. Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Central Labor Council and visit their website at: https://www.tlmlabor.org/

On the Calendar March 1st - WPEA Board Meeting 9:00am March 6th - Liquor & Cannabis Board Meeting 12-1 March 9th – Daylight Savings March 11th - DOR Kent Meeting  12-2 March 11th - DOR Tacoma Meeting 12-12:45 March 12th - DOR Port Angeles Meeting 12-2 March 13th - DOR Seattle Meeting 12-2 March 17th – St. Patrick's Day ​March 17th - DOR Bellingham Meeting 12-2 March 19th - DOR Tumwater Meeting 12-2 March 26th - DOR Vancouver Meeting 12-2 March 24th - DOR Bothell Meeting 12-2

Union Strength Starts with Solidarity: Why Every Worker Counts

Celebrating a Historic Achievement: Legislative Staff Secure Their First Contracts and Commemorate Their Victory

In a whirlwind organizing and recognition process last year, legislative staff members in both the Washington State House and Senate came together to secure union recognition through the Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC), propelling them directly into contract negotiations. This significant milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter for legislative staff and their collective future as union members. A Historic Journey to Recognition and Negotiation The efforts of legislative staff and union leaders culminated in a hard-earned victory—union recognition, followed by the launch of contract negotiations. It was a process that required dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to improving working conditions for legislative employees. After months of collaboration and hard-fought negotiations, staff in both chambers achieved the unthinkable: their inaugural contracts. This monumental accomplishment has been a long time in the making, and it serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of standing united for fairness and respect in the workplace. Celebrating the Inaugural Contracts On Thursday, January 23rd, WPEA will host a special celebration to honor the many milestones the legislative staff have reached, including the ratification of their first-ever contracts. This event will be a time to reflect on their hard work, celebrate their collective achievements, and look forward to the next steps in their journey. Commemorative Contracts to Mark the Occasion As part of the celebration, legislative staff members will have the opportunity to sign two commemorative contracts—one for the House of Representatives Staff and one for the State Senate Staff. These signed contracts will be proudly displayed at the WPEA office as a lasting reminder of the hard work and determination that led to this historic victory. Looking to the Future This achievement not only represents a significant victory for the legislative staff, but it also sets a powerful precedent for public employees across the state. With the inaugural contracts now ratified, these workers have secured critical protections, improved wages, and the ability to advocate for their rights with a stronger voice. It’s a testament to the strength of solidarity and the power of workers coming together to negotiate for a better future. ​ As we celebrate this historic moment, WPEA is proud to stand with these dedicated legislative staff members and continue working toward even greater victories in the future.

Building Community: Strengthening Our Connections Beyond Work

Exciting Updates from Our Department of Revenue Membership Meetings & Site Visits!

In Loving Memory of Roseanna Pielle

Labor History - The West Coast Longshoremen’s Strike – March 1934

In March 1934, workers in the longshore industry on the West Coast launched a major strike that would become a key event in the formation of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). The strike began in May 1934 but had deep organizing roots in March of that year. Workers were protesting their low wages, harsh working conditions, and lack of union recognition. The strike would eventually lead to a bloody confrontation in San Francisco during what is known as the "Bloody Thursday" incident, but its impact was far-reaching. Organized by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), the strike peaked with the death of two workers on "Bloody Thursday" and the subsequent San Francisco General Strike, which stopped all work in the major port city for four days and led ultimately to the settlement of the West Coast Longshoremen's Strike. ​The victory of the longshoremen in the strike paved the way for the growth of the ILWU, which became a key player in labor movements on the West Coast and across the nation, helping to solidify the importance of industrial unions during the Great Depression.

Activists waiting strike deadline, 1934 To Learn More Check Out: https://depts.washington.edu/dock/34strikehistory_intro.shtml

Irish Stew - It's a comforting St. Patrick's Day dish!

​Ingredients 1/4 cup beef bouillon concentrate 6 cups hot water 2 lb. boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-in. pieces 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 Tbsp. salted butter 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 medium leek, thinly sliced and thoroughly rinsed 1 medium russet potato, peeled and coarsely grated 6 medium red potatoes, cut into 1 1/2-in. chunks 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-in. chunks 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-in. chunks 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 bay leaves Kosher salt, to taste Ground black pepper, to taste Finely chopped parsley, to serve

​Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the beef bouillon concentrate and hot water; set aside. 2. Pat the lamb dry with paper towels. In a large Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, sear the lamb, working in batches as necessary to avoid crowding the pot, until deeply golden all over, about 6 to 8 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining lamb. 3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pot. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the onion, leek, and grated potato. Cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until the vegetables are soft and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. ​ 4. Add the red potatoes, carrots, and parsnips to the pot. Sprinkle the fl our over the vegetables and stir to thoroughly combine. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute, then add the bouillon broth from step 1 and bay leaves, stirring well so the flour doesn’t clump and scraping any additional fond off the bottom of the pot. Return the lamb to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. The broth should just cover everything—if necessary, add a little water. Bring to a boil, then immediately cover, remove from the heat, and transfer to the oven. Cook until the meat is very tender, about 2 hours—more if needed. 5. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Uncover the stew and give it a good stir, then continue cooking until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, 15 to 20 minutes more. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Season with salt and pepper, and remove the bay leaves. Serve topped with parsley and chives ​ Tip: While lamb is the traditional meat in an Irish stew, it can be substituted with beef chuck roast if that’s your preference.

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