WPEA is calling on all members to take action! Our fight for fair wages continues, and we need your voice more than ever!
Letters sent as of 11/07/2024: 58
For the first time in Washington public labor history, our members voted to reject the tentative agreement offered in September, sending a powerful message:
We will no longer accept contracts that fail to meet the needs of public employees.
WPEA is ready to resume negotiations in early November while OFM has proposed delaying talks until February 2025. This delay stalls progress, undermines morale, disrupts services, and blocks improvements to working conditions. WPEA’s president urged OFM to engage promptly, proposing weekly bargaining sessions to ensure steady progress. Despite economic challenges, meaningful improvements are still achievable.
This letter-writing campaign is your opportunity to demand action. Send letters to OFM Director Pat Sullivan and your employer’s leadership to insist on weekly negotiations. Every letter strengthens our push for a fair contract—join us in standing up for public employees across Washington!
How to Participate
Choose Your Letter
Select one of the two pre-written letters based on whether you are a Union Member or a Union Supporter.
Alternatively, if you have the time and desire, consider writing your own personalized letter using the key talking points below.
Personalize Your Message (Optional but Impactful)
If writing your own letter or adapting a template, consider including these points:
Workers deserve fair treatment now
Delay harms morale and services
Weekly meetings show commitment
OFM must prioritize employees
Strong contracts benefit communities
Select Your Recipients
Choose at least one management contact from the list below, preferably Pat Sullivan, the Director of OFM.
If possible, send your letter to multiple or all listed contacts for maximum impact
Encourage your colleagues to participate in this campaign
Set your email signature by following the instructions below.
Check back daily to see our progress - we'll update the total number of letters sent across the union
We are stronger together always!
Email Signature
Email signatures are a subtle yet powerful tool for raising awareness. By adding a brief message about our contract negotiations to your email signature, you can inform colleagues and spark discussions with every email you send. This campaign aims to spread information about our push for fair compensation and to keep our cause visible in day-to-day communications. The signature includes key points about our situation and a link to more detailed information, allowing recipients to easily learn more and potentially lend their support.
We have prepared two sample letters. One is written from the perspective of a WPEA member, while the other is written from the perspective of a WPEA supporter, whether that be a colleague, family member, friend, or any other supporter to our cause.
Here is a summary of key points for participants to use when writing their own letters:
Request for Immediate Negotiations: Call for bargaining to resume in early November, focusing first on non-economic proposals.
Weekly Negotiations Until Ratification: Stress that bargaining should continue with weekly meetings until a ratified agreement is reached.
Union’s Commitment to Participation Costs: Acknowledge that WPEA will cover employee participation costs beyond the seven days of employer-paid time.
Prepare for Productive Economic Discussions in 2025: Highlight that early progress on non-economic issues will ensure smoother negotiations after the June 2025 budget forecast.
Avoid Delays and Erosion of Trust: Emphasize that delaying negotiations until February 2025 is harmful to morale, trust, and service delivery.
Respect the Membership Vote: Reference the membership’s rejection of the tentative agreement as a call for meaningful changes.
Showcase Community Support and Unity: Communicate that both members and supporters stand united in calling for fair and timely negotiations.
Good Faith Negotiations: Urge OFM to demonstrate a shared commitment by engaging promptly and consistently.
Remember to include personal examples and maintain a professional tone.