WPEA Newsletter - October 2024

On the Calendar

​Recurring Events: 
President Office Hours – Every Monday at 12:00 and 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/

November Events:

Nov 3rd – Daylight Saving Time ends
Nov 5th – Election Day
Nov 11th – Veteran’s Day - WPEA will be closed
Nov 28th - Thanksgiving – WPEA will be closed
Nov 29th - Day after Thanksgiving - WPEA will be closed

Stay tuned for member meetings and organizing events coming to your area!

---

President Message - October 2024
​​From the desk of WPEA President Amanda Hacker

WPEA members sent a clear message to the State when you voted the contract down by a landslide – congratulations on banding together and sending this message!  I am honored to be the President for a group of members who are dedicated to improving their wages and working conditions through collective action and grassroots organizing. 
 
There is a lot of misinformation and fear mongering on the State’s side around the impacts of rejecting the TA’ed agreements.  I’ve heard from numerous Employer’s and members who have been told by OFM or someone else in management that WPEA “missed the October 1st deadline” and that this requires that we enter into an “evergreen year.” This is absolutely not a forgone conclusion – we still have the opportunity to get a ratified contract and get that contract funded prior to July 1, 2025.  That opportunity exists until the Legislative session is over and the budget is finalized.  WPEA members have to focus on the goal of reaching a ratified agreement and lobbying to fund that agreement. Please do not let the Employer’s narrative that we have missed that opportunity become a reality due to lack of action.
 
On October 1st, WPEA notified OFM that our members rejected the TA’ed agreements and that we would need to return to the bargaining table and meet our obligation to get to a ratified agreement as soon as possible.  In response to that, OFM suggested dates beginning in February of 2025 and indicated that their proposed dates reflected what they felt was reasonable.  After consulting with our bargaining teams and legal counsel, WPEA responded by proposing that we schedule weekly sessions (four hours for each table) and return to the table immediately.  We are still waiting to hear OFM’s response to that proposal.  I am cautiously optimistic that OFM will meet their obligation to bargain within a reasonable period of time – if they are unable, or unwilling, to do so, we are prepared to file a refusal to bargain ULP (Unfair Labor Practice). 
 
I am asking that members help us with a letter-writing campaign to both OFM and your local management.  We are hopeful that, when the Employer realizes that it isn’t just the teams who are anxious to resume negotiations, they will be more willing to meet their obligation.  Often times, Employers will argue that a bargaining team does not reflect the wishes of their membership – this is one of those cases.  OFM didn’t believe your teams when they said this was not an acceptable TA, and you showed them otherwise.  Please continue escalating collective action with us by participating in the letter writing campaign to pressure management to approach this in a reasonable and fair manner. 
 
Additionally, please continue to wear WPEA blue on Wednesdays and talk to your coworkers about the Union.  As always, the best place to get up to date information about bargaining is at our UNITY meetings on Wednesdays. 
 
Thank you for all you do for the taxpayers in Washington State, your Union, your coworkers and yourselves.  We will make meaningful change, if we stay the course and increase collective action. 

---

---

Want notifications about the latest news, updates and happenings at WPEA?
​Update your contact information with us!  Click Here

---

The October 1st Letter

October 1st, typically marks the start of pumpkin spice season, but this year it was a pivotal day for WPEA members. In a historic move, General Government, Higher Education, and Highline College members voted down the 2025-27 tentative agreements (TAs). While members exercised their right to vote, the Office of Financial Management (OFM) sought alternatives to push the TAs forward. On September 27, OFM Director Pat Sullivan expressed concern in a letter to WPEA President Amanda Hacker, warning that a “no” vote could delay contracts until mid-2026. In response, President Hacker defended the membership's stance, citing OFM’s history of delayed negotiations, neglected member needs, and lack of competitive salary increases. She clarified that union leadership aligns with the members, rejecting any suggestion to bypass their votes.

OFM Letter September 27

WPEA Response - Oct 1

---

The Power of Solidarity, Visibility, and Community in Contract Negotiations
Article by Julia Thurman-Lascurain, WPEA Member Education & Mobilization Director

As we prepare to return to the bargaining table for Higher Education, General Government, Highline, Senate Democrat, and House Democrat contracts, it’s essential to reflect on the core principles that empower us as a union: solidarity, visibility, and community. These elements are not just buzzwords; they are the bedrock of our strength and resilience as we advocate for fair wages, better working conditions, and respect in our workplace.

Solidarity: Our Collective Strength
Solidarity means standing together, united in our shared goals and values. In times of negotiation, it’s crucial to remember that each member's voice contributes to our collective strength. When we present a united front, we amplify our demands and increase our bargaining power. Solidarity isn’t merely about being present; it’s about actively supporting one another—whether that’s participating in rallies, attending meetings, or sharing our experiences.
​
Each member’s participation reinforces our commitment to each other, reminding us that we are not alone in this fight. When we stand together, we show management that we are serious about our demands and unwilling to back down.

Visibility: Making Our Voices Heard
Visibility is key in ensuring that our concerns are recognized and taken seriously. This means not only communicating our needs during negotiations but also making them known to the broader community. Engaging with utilizing social platforms, wearing Blue on Wednesdays, participating in letter writing, and organizing demonstrations can draw attention to our cause, highlighting the importance of our work and the legitimacy of our demands.

By increasing our visibility, we can garner support from allies both within and outside our organization. This external pressure can be a game changer in negotiations, compelling management to take our demands seriously. Remember, the more visible we are, the more difficult it becomes for them to ignore us.

Community: Building Lasting Connections
A strong sense of community is vital in fostering an environment of support and trust among union members. During contract negotiations, we must lean on one another for encouragement and guidance. Community events, whether they are small gatherings, large meetings, workshops, or social gatherings, can help strengthen our bonds and keep everyone informed and engaged. Who is in your union? Don’t be afraid to talk to each other.
Creating a culture of openness and mutual support allows us to share strategies, celebrate our victories, and address our challenges together. The state will have you believe you cannot speak about the union at work. But in reality, you can. Anywhere and anytime, you could talk about casual topics like weekend plans or favorite recipes, you can talk about the union. The term is de minimums. If the conversation needs to be longer, plan a time off the clock to continue the discussion. In this way, we build a network of advocates who are ready to step up for one another, ensuring that no one feels isolated in the fight for their rights.

One of the best parts of being in a union is that you never have to do anything alone.

Moving Forward Together
As we navigate the complexities of contract negotiations, let us remember that our strength lies in our solidarity, our visibility, and our community. Each member’s involvement matters, and every action counts. Let’s commit to standing together, ensuring our voices are heard, and fostering a supportive environment for all.
​
Together, we can achieve a contract that reflects our collective effort and hard work. Let’s harness the power of our union to create a future that honors our contributions and upholds our dignity as workers.
To learn more about current actions visit us online at https://www.wpea.org/2024bargaining.html

---

Need a WPEA shirt to wear on Wednesdays? Order one today! Click Here

---

Building Union Power: One Coffee, One Conversation at a Time
​Article by Joey Hicklin, WPEA Organizer

Let’s get real: we need each other. As we return to the bargaining table, the power of our union is only as strong as the bonds we share with our co-workers. Right now, we’re seeing low participation—and that has to change if we want to win the respect and protections we deserve. Building those connections starts with each of us, right here, right now.

Start with Coffee, Lunch, or a Quick Conversation
Whether you work side-by-side with your co-workers every day or feel isolated in your role, there’s always a way to start connecting. Try getting coffee with a co-worker in the morning, or make a habit of having lunch together, even if it’s just a couple of times a week. These small acts can create a ripple effect, building a culture of support and unity.
If you work remotely or feel isolated, reach out. Ask for your co-workers' contact info and set up a short virtual coffee chat or a quick lunch meeting. Let’s make “union” more than just a word—let’s make it our daily practice of showing up for each other.

Addressing Past Concerns Together
We know some of you may feel the union hasn’t always had your back. That’s real, and it’s important to acknowledge. If you or a co-worker feel that way, don’t hesitate to share those experiences. Ask, “What do you wish the union would do differently?” or “How can we make our union work for you?” These questions aren’t just for you—they’re for all of us. Remember, every union member you talk to is the union. When we speak together and listen to each other, we make the union a force that truly represents us.

Bring It to UNITY
Our weekly UNITY meetings are the perfect place to bring this feedback. These meetings aren’t just updates—they’re opportunities for you to voice your ideas, concerns, and hopes. Each week, we run a poll to gather feedback from members on what we need and how we can get there. Your voice is the key to making these meetings stronger and more relevant, and your input makes all the difference.

One Union, One Future
Our union is only as strong as the connections we build every day. If we want to win fair contracts and demand respect, it starts with creating a supportive community right here, among ourselves. One coffee, one lunch, one conversation at a time—we build the union that fights for us all.
​
If you’re ready to help strengthen our union, check out how you can help and attend a UNITY meeting on Wednesday at 12 PM, 5 PM or 6PM by using this link. Let’s show up, build up, and make our union the powerful, united force it’s meant to be.

---

---

Labor & Union History
Article by Dana Rollins, WPEA Organizer

On Tuesday, October 29, 1929, the New York Stock Exchange would report by day's end that the market had lost $14 billion.  The day would for evermore be known as Black Tuesday - the beginning of The Great Depression.  President Herbert Hoover had no idea how to fix this.  Within just 4 years, 13 million people—one out of every four American workers - would be unemployed.  Unable to afford rent or pay mortgages, people lived in shelters made of packing boxes.  Homeless camps like these sprung up across the country and were referred to as 'Hooverville's.

His cabinet, beholden to the country's richest citizens, convinced him that the problem was with the poorest citizens - they just weren't working hard enough and were lazily riding the coattails of the wealthy.  They had to work - or more accurately be worked - harder.  He'd have to slash government spending and veterans’ benefits, they claimed.  To lay off teachers and government workers, and to demand that those who remained accepted lower wages would be the only solution.

Ironically, just one year earlier, during the Presidential campaign for Hoover, Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon had given a very rosy view of the economy.  Now, however, he too reportedly advised Hoover to liquidate labor, claiming that ridding the system of that drainage would bring the cost of living back down: 

“Liquidate labor, liquidate stocks, liquidate the farmers, liquidate real estate. It will purge the rottenness out of the system. High costs of living and high living will come down. People will work harder, live a more moral life. Values will be adjusted, and enterprising people will pick up the wrecks from less competent people.” 

It didn't work.

When suffering Americans pleaded for the government to create relief programs to provide jobs, Hoover demurred, claiming such ideas were “soak the rich” strategies and would never work. 
He called instead for private charities to fund new job growth. 

It didn't work.

By the end of Hoover’s term, Americans were eager for a change. They chose not to reelect Hoover and instead supported New York Governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who campaigned on a promise to leverage the federal government to create jobs and establish a safety net for Americans in need. He assured the public of a "New Deal"—a government that would serve everyone, not just the wealthy and privileged.

Upon Roosevelt taking office, Democrats swiftly enacted laws to safeguard workers' rights, create government jobs, regulate businesses and banks, and make strides toward dismantling racial segregation in the South. New Deal initiatives employed over 8.5 million individuals, constructed more than 650,000 miles of highways, built or repaired over 120,000 bridges, and erected more than 125,000 buildings. Additionally, regulations were introduced for banking and the stock market, while workers gained the right to bargain collectively, alongside the establishment of a minimum wage and maximum working hours.  What a productive Presidency!  It's no wonder he was elected 4 times.

Now, almost a century later, it feels like we may be again on the brink of such shortsighted or outright nefarious intent by a select group of those interested only in their own profiteering.  They chip away at union solidarity, workplace safety, the definition of an individual (e.g., "Citizens United," passed in 2010 by the Supreme Court (Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission) that allows unrestricted campaign donations by corporations or other groups - once again favoring the richest.  In 2018, the Janus Decision was passed by the Supreme Court (Janus vs. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees), weakening public employee unions right to collect union dues from its members, the premise being that the court ruled (5-4) to uphold First Amendment rights.

Solidarity is the foundation of the labor movement. By coming together around common objectives, we strengthen our ability to advocate for our collective needs. When we support one another, we are more equipped to confront challenges such as workplace injustices, budget cuts, and policy changes that impact everyone. We must all remain committed to standing together and building a union that amplifies the power of every public employee in Washington. 

---

---

Membership Update
Information from Aubrei Hansen, WPEA Marketing & Membership Coordinator

With fresh leadership and a renewed outlook, we’re thrilled to be steering our membership in the right direction. Thanks to each of you, we have made incredible strides together this year.
We’re excited to report that we’ve welcomed 207 new members since January. This is 207 more people standing alongside you, working toward better working conditions, fair pay, and the continued enforcement of our union contract. Each new member strengthens our collective voice, empowering us to advocate for the rights and improvements we all deserve.
We still have work ahead, but with the momentum we’ve built and your unwavering support, we are well on our way to an even brighter future for all. Thank you for being part of this journey and for your commitment to our shared vision.

---

Latest from UFCW

You are a part of something much bigger, find out the latest from UFCW here in their new quarterly newsletter.

---

Buy Union for Halloween & the holidays

---

Recipe of the Month - Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin pancakes are good in any season but are perfect to warm you up on cold winter mornings. You can use either canned or cooked fresh pumpkin.
​
Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• cooking spray
  
  

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients
2. Stir milk, pumpkin, egg, oil, and vinegar together in a large bowl until well combined
3. Whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and salt together in a separate bowl. Add to pumpkin mixture; whisk just until combined.
4. Spray a griddle or frying pan with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat.
5. Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons batter for each pancake onto the hot griddle and flatten batter slightly with a spoon.
6. Cook until small bubbles appear, about 2 minutes.
7. Flip and cook until golden brown, about 2 more minutes. Repeat with remaining batter.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

---