WPEA Newsletter - December 2024

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/
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 On the Calendar
January 1 – New Years Day!

January 20 – Martin Luther King Day
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Days for the Legislative Session to be announced 

REMINDER: We will be switching text message services January 15th. More Information to follow.

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Our Collective Strength: A Response to the Court's Ruling
The judge has issued a decision denying our motion for a preliminary injunction. While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, it’s important to remember: our strength as a union does not come from legal decisions alone—it comes from our unity, resilience, and collective action.

The judge’s ruling reads:
“Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction is DENIED. While Plaintiff takes issue with certain negotiating or bargaining tactics employed in this case and those tactics may, at times, be fairly described as aggressive, on this record, none of the complained of actions violate the law. Accordingly, it would be inappropriate to issue a preliminary injunction prohibiting such conduct and the Motion is DENIED as a result.”

We want to take this moment to thank you—our members—for your unwavering support and solidarity. Your encouragement fuels our efforts at the bargaining table, and it’s your collective strength that gives us the power to keep fighting for what’s right.
Though we disagree with this decision, we are not deterred. We will continue to bargain in good faith and remain steadfast in our commitment to securing fair outcomes for all members. At the same time, we intend to appeal this decision.

How You Can Take Action Right Now

1. Attend Bargaining Sessions as an Observer
Transparency is key. OFM may want to hide their tactics, but we’re here to shine a light on them. Starting January 14th, all members are welcome to observe bargaining sessions. Additional details will be shared soon.

2. Know Your Contract, Know Your Rights
Our contract is one of our strongest tools. Take time to understand your rights, and don’t hesitate to enforce them. If you notice any workplace changes, report them immediately to your steward or representative. Management is required to provide notices before implementing changes, and we can file demands to bargain when necessary. Staying organized and vigilant sends a clear message: we are ready to act.

3. Build Connections with Co-Workers
Union strength is built through solidarity. Share your victories, discuss shared challenges, and attend our UNITY meetings every Wednesday at 12 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM. By forming deeper connections and working toward shared goals, we amplify our power as a collective.

Our Power is Growing! While this ruling is a setback, it does not define us. The fight continues, and our strength lies in our unity. By standing together, enforcing our rights, and exposing unfair tactics, we can make lasting change.

Let’s use this moment to reaffirm our commitment to one another and to show what we can achieve when we’re united and organized.
Thank you for standing with us. Your support is what keeps us moving forward, and together, we will continue to bargain for the rights and fairness you deserve.
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We are stronger together, always.

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

Although we had a few member leave state service we’re excited to report that we still have welcomed 235 new members since January. This is 235 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.

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Shining a Light on the Freedom Foundation’s Union-Busting Tactics
Information from Aubrei Hansen, WPEA Marketing & Membership Coordinator

Unions play a vital role in advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and better benefits for workers. However, anti-union groups like the Freedom Foundation have made it their mission to undermine these efforts, using aggressive and misleading tactics to weaken collective bargaining and strip workers of their hard-won rights.

The Freedom Foundation, a Washington-based organization, claims to be a defender of individual freedom, but its actions often reveal a calculated campaign to dismantle public sector unions. Here’s how they’re doing it:

Misleading Campaigns to Discourage Membership - The Freedom Foundation frequently launches misinformation campaigns targeting union members. Through direct mail, emails, and even door-to-door visits, they distribute misleading materials suggesting that workers will benefit financially by opting out of their unions. What they don’t tell workers is that unions are critical for maintaining strong contracts that protect wages, benefits, and job security.
Legal and Legislative Challenges - The organization actively lobbies for laws and files lawsuits aimed at weakening unions. This includes challenging collective bargaining agreements and attempting to restrict unions' abilities to collect dues. These actions drain unions’ resources, forcing them to spend time and money defending basic worker protections instead of advocating for their members.
Targeting New Employees - One of their key strategies is targeting new public sector employees, often before they’ve had a chance to experience the benefits of union membership. By preying on those who are unfamiliar with union structures, the Freedom Foundation seeks to create early distrust and disengagement.
Exploiting the Janus Decision - After the 2018 Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision, which eliminated fair-share fees for public sector unions, the Freedom Foundation ramped up efforts to persuade members to stop paying dues altogether. This decision left unions in a precarious position, relying solely on voluntary contributions to fund their essential work.
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The Real Cost of Union Busting - When unions are weakened, the consequences extend beyond their members. Unionized workplaces help set higher standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions that ripple out to all workers. A decline in union power often leads to stagnant wages, increased income inequality, and fewer protections for employees.
The Freedom Foundation’s tactics may seem attractive on the surface, but their long-term goal is clear: dismantle the collective power of workers. They aim to strip away the very rights and protections that unions have fought for over decades.

Standing Strong Against Union Busting - The best defense against these anti-union tactics is awareness and solidarity. Workers should:

• Stay Informed: Understand the benefits of union membership and the broader impact unions have on workplace conditions.
• Communicate: Share facts with colleagues to dispel misinformation spread by anti-union groups.
• Engage: Attend union meetings, participate in campaigns, and encourage others to stay involved.

Unions are strongest when their members stand united. By resisting efforts to divide us, we can ensure that workers’ voices remain powerful and that the hard-won gains of the labor movement are preserved for generations to come.

Together, we can push back against union-busting tactics and continue to build workplaces where fairness and dignity prevail.

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Union History - WPEA Welcomes Bellevue Community College in 2004
Information from Aubrei Hansen, WPEA Marketing & Membership Coordinator

In 2004, the Classified Employees Association of Bellevue Community College (CEABCC) took a major step by voting 2-to-1 to affiliate with the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA), representing 250 employees.
The journey began soon after the passage of the Personnel System Reform Act (PSRA) in 2002. CEABCC recognized the need for professional guidance to navigate the significant changes coming to the civil service system, including class-comp, contracting out, and wage and benefit negotiations.
CEABCC explored several unions, including WPEA and the Washington Federation of State Employees. However, WPEA’s expertise and commitment shone through, especially during workshops addressing PSRA's implications. Members appreciated WPEA's practical solutions and dedication to advocating for workers.
Organizer Herb Harris and Executive Director Leslie Liddle worked closely with CEABCC, holding multiple discussions to address questions and outline the benefits of affiliation. After conducting a straw poll among members and gauging their overwhelming support, CEABCC held an official vote to affiliate with WPEA.
“This was a real team effort,” said Herb Harris. “We look forward to working with this great group of workers.”
We are proud to stand with Bellevue Community College’s classified employees and continues a strong partnership that protects their rights and improves their working conditions.  

Original article below from WPEA Today Winter 2004. WPEA Archives

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​Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew

Hearty and delicious slow cooker white wine chicken stew filled with fresh herbs, veggies and plenty of protein. This creamy white wine chicken stew is easily gluten free and dairy free, and is truly a
hug-in-a-bowl that's ​perfect for colder months! Serve with crackers, cornbread or homemade biscuits for the coziest dinner.


Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces Freshly ground salt and pepper
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup dry white wine*
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce**
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (fresh is best!)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme (fresh is best!)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Lots of freshly ground black pepper
6 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 large yellow onion, cut into chunks
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch diagonal slices
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, diced into ½ inch cubes
¼ cup all purpose flour (or sub all purpose gluten free flour)
½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or heavy cream or regular milk will work)
2/3 cup frozen peas

Instructions
1. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet and place over high heat. Add chicken pieces and generously season with salt and pepper, brown the meat so that you give the meat room for a nice sear. This should take about 5-6 minutes. You do not need to cook all the way through, we just want these nice and browned. Transfer to a large 6 or 8-quart slow cooker.

2. Next add the following to the slow cooker with the chicken: chicken broth, dry white wine, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, dried oregano and salt and pepper. Stir together with the chicken until combined, then add in garlic, onion chunks, carrots and diced potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. I prefer to cook this slow and low so that the chicken flavors really come out and the flavors have time to meld together, so 7-8 hours is really best for flavor here!

3. Next, remove 1/2 cup of chicken broth from the slow cooker and transfer to a medium bowl, then stir in ½ cup of milk and whisk in ¼ cup flour until there aren’t any lumps remaining. Add mixture back to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Stir in frozen peas and cook uncovered on HIGH for 15-20 more minutes until chicken stew thickens up a bit. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve immediately with fresh thyme, toasted french bread, cornbread, crackers, or even buttermilk biscuits. Serves 4.

Notes
Instead of the rosemary, thyme and oregano, you can sub 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning, but I strongly encourage fresh herbs. It makes all the difference!

*If you don’t want to use wine, you can feel free to use additional chicken broth instead but again there will be a big flavor difference.
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**If you're making the recipe gluten free, be sure to check the label of your Worcestershire sauce to ensure that it's gluten free.

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