Union Strength Starts with Solidarity: Why Every Worker CountsArticle by Julia Thurman-Lascurain, WPEA Member Education & Mobilization Director Union strength and solidarity are crucial to achieving and maintaining fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. When workers come together, they create a collective force that can effectively challenge employers and advocate for their rights. Strong unions ensure that workers have a voice in the workplace, protect against exploitation, and fight for improvements in working conditions. Solidarity, the foundation of any union, is what binds workers together and amplifies their collective power. One of the key ways to strengthen a union is through open communication and connection among coworkers. Regular discussions about union issues foster unity and increase awareness of the challenges workers face. It’s essential to stay informed about ongoing efforts, including negotiations, workplace safety, and any threats to workers' rights. These conversations help build a shared understanding of how the union benefits everyone and why it’s vital to stand together in times of need. Did you know that WPEA has weekly online meetings on Wednesday at noon, 5pm and 6pm to help you stay up to date on union news? These meetings were started by members for members to ensure everyone has a place to connect and hear the most current union news. If you do not get the weekly meeting invitations one of two things may be happening. If you are a member in good standing and not receiving these emails, you may need to provide your contact information and can do so online at www.wpea.org/update, or you may not be a member in good standing – a nonmember. A nonmember is someone who has been hired into a union represented position, but has not taken the step to sign a membership card, and do not receive the full benefits of the union. Nonmembers do not qualify for scholarships, they may miss out on critical member communications, and they cannot vote on union official elections or on contract ratifications. To learn more about the benefits of union membership, including learning opportunities, access to a great orientation video, and a host of additional advantages, visit our Nonmember Page. WPEA also offers a New Member Orientation to learn even more about us, schedule anytime by clicking here. There are currently three contracts that continue negotiations and will eventually call for a ratification vote. WPEA has recently sent emails and postcards to nonmembers under those contracts to inform them that it’s not too late to sign a membership card and be able to vote on the ratification of their contracts. Encouraging nonmembers to join the union is also an essential step in strengthening solidarity. Nonmembers may not fully understand the power of collective bargaining or the importance of union representation. By talking to coworkers about the benefits of union membership—such as job security, better wages, and access to legal support—workers can help their peers see the value in joining. It’s important to emphasize that unions work best when every worker is part of the effort. The more people who are united, the greater the union’s ability to secure victories and protect workers’ rights. Ultimately, strengthening a union is not just about numbers; it’s about fostering a culture of mutual support and collective action. When workers stand together, they can advocate for positive change and ensure that their voices are heard in the workplace. By connecting with coworkers, discussing union issues, and encouraging nonmembers to join, we build a more powerful and united workforce that can face challenges head-on. Celebrating a Historic Achievement: Legislative Staff Secure Their First Contracts and Commemorate Their Victory
Building Community: Strengthening Our Connections Beyond WorkArticle by Joey Hicklin, WPEA Organizer Think about the communities you’re already part of. Maybe you have a group of friends you watch sports with every weekend. Maybe your family gathers for Sunday dinners, or you have a church group that meets regularly. Some communities form around shared interests—whether that’s hiking, gaming, or book clubs—while others develop through shared experiences, like the parents you meet through your children’s school activities. These connections aren’t just social—they’re a safety net. They’re the people you turn to when you need advice, a helping hand, or even just a moment of support after a tough day. And just as importantly, these communities don’t only serve a purpose in times of crisis. They provide the everyday moments of joy, camaraderie, and belonging that make life richer. At WPEA, we know that community is at the heart of a strong union. Traditionally, our union community has been centered around workplace issues—advocating for fair treatment, organizing around common concerns, and supporting one another when challenges arise. But we don’t want to wait for a workplace crisis to bring us together. We want to build lasting connections that go beyond work so that when we do need to stand together, we’re already engaged and ready to act. That’s why we’re introducing Discord as a new tool for all WPEA members—dues-paying and non-dues-paying alike. What is Discord, and Why Should You Join? If you’ve ever been part of a group chat, Discord will feel familiar. Think of it as one big group chat for all of WPEA, where different topics can be discussed in separate channels. The goal? To create a space where members can connect over shared interests, build relationships, and strengthen our community beyond workplace concerns. Maybe you’re passionate about gardening and want to share tips with fellow members. Maybe you’re a movie buff looking for recommendations. Or maybe you just want a space to chat about the latest sports game. In Discord, these conversations can happen naturally, making it easier to bond with your fellow union members. How to Get Started Getting involved is simple: 1. Sign up for Discord – If you don’t already have an account, you can create one for free at discord.com. 2. Join the WPEA Discord server – Follow this link to enter the community: https://discord.gg/wpea 3. Verify your identity – In the pending-verification channel, follow the instructions to confirm your membership and gain access to the full server. 4. Explore and engage – Jump into conversations, find channels that match your interests, and start connecting! 5. Create your own space – If you don’t see a channel for your hobby or interest, just send a message to WPEA Admin in Discord, and they’ll set it up for you. All they need is the topic you’d like the channel to focus on. Why This Matters A strong community isn’t just about having fun conversations (though that’s a big part of it). It’s about creating an environment where we naturally support one another. When we feel connected in everyday moments—whether that’s talking about our favorite TV shows or sharing a laugh over a meme—it becomes easier to turn to each other when something bigger comes up. By building these networks now, we create a space where solidarity isn’t just an idea—it’s something we experience every day. So, the next time a workplace issue arises, we’ll already have a strong, engaged community ready to listen, discuss, and take action. Ready to Join? We can’t wait to see this community grow! If you’re new to Discord and need some help getting started, check out these resources: Beginner’s Guide to Discord Your voice and presence make our union stronger. Join us in building a community that supports, engages, and empowers every member—inside and outside the workplace. If you know a co-worker who is new, isn’t engaged with the union, or doesn’t know the basics about our union, you can always send them to this page to help them orient: https://www.wpea.org/nonmember.
Exciting Updates from Our Department of Revenue Membership Meetings & Site Visits!Article by Jill Kennedy, UFCW Organizer We are excited to share updates from our recent Department of Revenue membership meetings and site visits! Over the past six weeks, our dedicated team has conducted 12 site visits, allowing us to pinpoint key issues, including concerns around micromanagement of time, inconsistent workloads, and the need for test buy reimbursement among our members. In response, we’ve made a strong demand to engage in bargaining for a resolution that works for everyone. We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of our shop stewards and workplace leadership team, bringing even more union representation and support to you. To keep you informed and engaged, we now host weekly membership meetings every Monday via Zoom. These meetings are a fantastic opportunity to hear directly about what’s happening within the Department of Revenue and voice your thoughts and concerns. Your participation is vital, and we look forward to seeing you there! Check out the Monday Meeting from 12-1 for Department of Revenue Members at: Join Zoom Meeting https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/85870788724 Meeting ID: 858 7078 8724 --- One tap mobile +12532050468,,85870788724# US +12532158782,,85870788724# US (Tacoma) And don't forget to check out the on-site meetings listed on the calendar at the top of the page! In Loving Memory of Roseanna Pielle It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Roseanna Pielle. Roseanna had a profound impact on everyone she met, and her presence will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working with her. Julia Thurman-Lascurain, who worked closely with Roseanna during their time at Cascadia, recalls the many moments of collaboration and camaraderie they shared. Roseanna's warmth, dedication, and kindness left an indelible mark on all of us. We send our deepest condolences to Roseanna's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Labor History - The West Coast Longshoremen’s Strike – March 1934
Irish Stew - It's a comforting St. Patrick's Day dish!
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