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We have an urgent ask for our bargaining teams this month. We need your voice now more than ever! Employers with Higher Education and General Government are proposing unacceptably low compensation increases that fail to address the rising cost of living and your hard work. This is a critical moment in our contract negotiations, and we must act together! Details in the newsletter.

​We are excited to share a significant achievement in our pursuit of economic justice for library workers.  After nearly a year of negotiations, WPEA leaders at Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRL) have secured a historic contract for our members.
If you are new to unionized workplaces, you will notice a distinct difference. Being in a union means having a legally enforceable contract that protects your working conditions, safety, benefits, and pay. This contract is not just a document; it is actively enforced by your WPEA Representative and is renegotiated every two years with your input.

Last summer marked the time to renegotiate the FVRL contract.

Negotiations began positively with several Tentative Agreements (TAs) on working conditions. However, when we reached the topic of compensation, discussions stalled. Management's offers were far from satisfactory, failing to address the need for a living wage. This disparity became glaringly evident with the recent hiring of a new Executive Director at a salary of over $200,000, while our frontline workers struggled with wages barely above minimum wage.


Months of stalemate led us to seek support from the community. The public loves their libraries, largely because of the dedicated workers who bring them to life. We believed that if the community knew about our fight for fair wages, they would support us.
Here’s how we garnered community support:

• Created a petition signed by hundreds.
• Designed and distributed illustrated bookmarks and flyers.
• Engaged local businesses to display flyers and encouraged public attendance at FVRL Board meetings.
• Drafted a Proclamation Honoring Library Workers, adopted by Vancouver City Council and the Mayor.
• Shared personal stories with the FVRL Board and media.
• Sought solidarity from our broader union family, including AFSCME and SWWACLC.
  
  
  

Our efforts paid off! The FVRL Board unanimously approved the new contract, featuring a significant increase to salary table. Additionally, improvements in working conditions, including a second personal holiday day off, matching AFSME’s (Librarian’s union) healthcare share and cost, probationary employees allowed to take vacation, premium pay for workers who drive the Bookmobile, and agreement from management to update job descriptions for every position.  This victory was made possible by the dedication of our members and the community.  
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Here are some reflections from our team members:

Carmen Getz (Leadership Team): "Our collective action was empowering, challenging, and sometimes heartbreaking. The unity and strength we built by showing up and sharing our stories were crucial. We made significant strides, but there is still a long way to go. Our ongoing challenge is to maintain our presence and influence."

Kayelin Roberts (Bargaining Team): "This was my first year at the bargaining table, and I am grateful for the experience. The strongest impact came from our membership’s solidarity. Their involvement was crucial in achieving the 10% wage increase. Collective action works, and this experience proves that things can and do get better."

Bonnie Cobb-Ellis (Bargaining Team): "Being part of the bargaining process was a valuable learning experience. Despite the frustrations and challenges, it was one of the most satisfying opportunities I've had."

Nerissa Eckerson (Leadership Team): "Although the bargaining process was lengthy and often frustrating, I am proud of our team's dedication. We didn’t achieve everything, but we made significant progress. Onward!"

Abbie Hart (WPEA Rep and Lead Negotiator): "Bargaining this contract was a testament to union solidarity. I extend my gratitude to all members who participated in any capacity. Your leadership brought us a great deal at the bargaining table. Special thanks to Rebecca Mintz, Bonnie Cobb-Ellis, Kayelin Roberts, Dave Gellis, Ray Lanning, Carmen Getz, Nerissa Eckerson, and Carl Sofie for their work!"

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success. Together, we have made a profound impact on not only the lives of those at FVRL, but for everyone they serve in the community.  WPEA recognizes that its duty is not done with FVRL and we have a long road ahead, and we are hopeful that this impact is felt across all our contracts - as we stand together. We are stronger together, always!

​WPEA is currently looking for members to fill the Vice-President positions for Districts 2, 5, and 10. View your district here: www.wpea.org/districts
For more information, questions about the positions or to volunteer, please contact Amanda Hacker at [email protected].

​WPEA looks forward to hearing from you!
We are stronger together always

Starting March 20th, join WPEA in a thrilling raffle event. By simply providing your contact details you'll get the chance to win exciting prizes! Three (3) winners to be announced at a live drawing, May 1st, during the UNITY Meeting. For details on how to enter, please click here.

More info: [email protected]
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Dear WPEA Members,
 
We would like to invite any member to attend the Executive Board Meeting this Saturday, March 16, 2024. The meeting is scheduled from 9am until 4:30pm and Members are welcome to address the board during the public comment section of the meeting. Executive Board Meetings are an important governing function of WPEA and the new board voted to have all meetings open and accessible.  We are all the Union.
 
To attend:

• Members Only: this meeting is for members in good standing only. This means members who have signed up to join the union. There will be no admittance without verification of member status.
  • If you know of someone who would like to attend future meetings, but isn’t a member, have them join! https://www.wpea.org/join
• Name: Please have your full First Name and Last Name visible on zoom for verification purposes.
  • If your name is not on Zoom please message the host or cohost when you enter the zoom waiting room.
  • If you need help learning how to change your name on zoom, email [email protected] for assistance.
• Camera: You are welcome to have your camera on or off, whichever you prefer.
• Audio: You will be muted during the proceedings, then unmuted during the public comment period.

 
Zoom Link:
Topic: WPEA Executive Board Meeting - March 16, 2024
Time: Mar 16, 2024 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/87914522164?pwd=8R2cfNsJgwMQbkn4pOwcbZ6iSWV9CZ.1
 
Meeting ID: 879 1452 2164
Passcode: 477561

Additional Notes:

To learn more about the board visit us online:  https://www.wpea.org/executive-board

If you know of someone who would like to attend future meetings, but isn’t a member, have them join! 
​https://www.wpea.org/join

Hundreds of union members and supporters rallied in the rain Wednesday on the Capitol Steps to call on the Washington State Senate to pass legislation allowing striking workers to access unemployment insurance benefits. The state House has approved HB 1893, but the Senate only has until Friday’s cutoff deadline to do the same.

“The House has already taken a stand for Washington’s working families by passing HB 1893,” said April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “Now it’s time for our State Senators to stand with workers. Bring HB 1893 to the Senate floor now and vote YES!”

TAKE A STAND — Send a message to your state senator today urging them to pass HB 1893.
At Wednesday’s rally, hundreds of union members from multiple trades across the state gathered to hear from labor and legislative leaders about why striking workers should get unemployment benefits.
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https://www.thestand.org/.../hundreds-rally-to-protect.../

Dear WPEA Members:
 
WPEA's Office Manager, Mike Backhaus, is retiring on May 3, 2024.  Mike has worked at WPEA for 18 years and we will miss him. Click here for the job description for this position.  WPEA has a longstanding practice of hiring from the membership whenever possible.  If you are interested and believe you have the skills necessary for this role, please reach out to me directly at [email protected].  
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