President's Message - State of the UnionAs we start a new year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the strength, resilience, and dedication of every member of our union. We are a community bound together by a shared purpose, a purpose that is greater than any obstacles we face. But, as we all know too well, we have encountered plenty of challenges in recent years. Some of these challenges are outside our control, while others are largely problems of our own making. We might not be able to affect Supreme Court rulings, or the direction of the economy – but we can give our members the tools and support we need to build a union that is stronger than ever, regardless of what management does, which politicians get elected, or the numbers in the latest revenue forecast. I want to address these challenges directly. Because I know that the only way we make things better is with a union that is more engaged, more connected, and more empowered. The work of a union is never easy, but is always necessary. We are living in a time where the fight for workers' rights has never been more important, and that fight begins at home—right here, within our own ranks. Low Engagement and the Need for Education For far too long, we have seen our union's engagement decline. Too many of us have felt disconnected, and our collective power has been diluted. One of the most significant reasons for this disengagement lies in the lack of investment in member education. We all know that when you don't have the tools and the knowledge to fully understand your rights, your power, and how to act on them, it’s easy to fall behind, to lose focus, and to lose faith. This year, we are taking bold steps to change that. New Website and Improved Resources The first step in this transformation is the launch of a new, member-focused website. This will not only serve as a hub for information, but it will also provide members with easy access to training, resources, and up-to-date news on our collective actions. Transparency and accessibility are key to rebuilding the trust and engagement that we need to move forward. Expect the site to go live in the coming months, bringing all the information you need right to your fingertips. Steward Program Overhaul A critical part of rebuilding engagement starts with the people who are closest to our members: the stewards. We are launching a completely revamped Steward Program, with new expectations, resources, and, most importantly, comprehensive training. The Steward Program will be the backbone of our efforts to increase engagement and power. Stewards are the ones who keep our workplaces organized, informed, and united. This year, we are not only enhancing current steward training but also adding new modules like Organizing Basics—equipping stewards with the skills to engage new members, advocate for their peers, and help grow our union. We are implementing training goals for stewards that will ensure they have the tools and knowledge to be effective in their roles. This will include expanded access to technology resources, as well as a focus on consistent, in-the-field training. Our goal is to have 50 new stewards by the end of the year, ensuring that no member feels disconnected from the union or unsupported in their workplace. Investing in Our Rep Staff In addition to steward training, we are dedicating resources to ensure our representative staff is trained in Organizing Basics. This will enable them to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges our members face and strengthen their ability to connect with workers in the field. We are increasing our field presence significantly this year, ensuring that we are visible, present, and active in the communities that need us most. Our staff will be better equipped to enforce your contracts, support stewards, help organize workplaces and build the union from the ground up. Learning our communities and Building Relationships A new mapping expectation and process will be rolled out, aimed at identifying key leaders, understanding member needs, and ensuring that every part of our membership is actively engaged. By better understanding our members and their workplaces, we can better focus our efforts on areas that need attention and ensure that our organizing work is strategic and effective. Goals for 2025 We have big goals for 2025—goals that will set the stage for years of success. I want to see our steward program grow by 50 new stewards and our membership increase by 500 by the end of the year. These are ambitious targets, but they are achievable with all of us working together. A Strong, Unified Future We will also be holding an all-member conference on July 1st of this year (pending board approval) in Wenatchee or Yakima. This will be an opportunity for all of us to come together, share ideas, and set a course for the future of our union. It’s time for us to reinvest in our collective strength, in our shared purpose, and in our commitment to each other. I want us all to leave that conference energized, focused, and ready to build a union that reflects our values and our power. In closing, let me say this: Our union has faced difficult times, but we are resilient. The road ahead will require all of us to step up—whether it’s as a steward, a member, or a leader. I have no doubt that if we commit to these changes, we will not only rebuild what has been lost, but we will emerge stronger, more united, and more effective than ever before. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the cause. Let’s make 2025 the year we turn the tide, together. In solidarity, Amanda Hacker President, Washington Public Employees Association Fighting for Fair Bargaining: WPEA Appeals to the Supreme CourtUpdate from the November 22, 2024 LawsuitThere is a crucial update regarding the legal action we’ve taken against the State of Washington and several community colleges. Following the recent decision in our lawsuit, we have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court, and we need your continued support as we fight for the rights of public employees like you. Background on Our Lawsuit On November 22, 2024, WPEA filed a lawsuit against the State of Washington and several community colleges of bad faith bargaining. The issues stem from the state's assertion that they do not have the authority to bargain a full two-year contract for the 2025-2027 biennium, the state's insistence that our TA's go away, therefore, we are bargaining "from scratch" and the state's belief that the statute doesn't give them the authority to request funding outside of the October 1st deadline. Since returning to the bargaining table, the state has attempted to limit bargaining to the second year (beginning July 1, 2026), which violates Washington's collective bargaining laws and ignores the needs of public employees. While there has been some movement on the state's part during negotiations, that doesn't mean that the position they took in September wasn't illegal and didn't impact our ability to reach a TA that members will ratify, in enough time to get that agreement funded during the Legislative session. This lawsuit is about more than missed deadlines—it's about the state’s obligation to negotiate in good faith and reach an agreement on a fair contract that our members can accept. What’s Next: Appeal and Save the Date We are moving forward with an appeal to address the recent court decision. Your involvement in this next step is critical, and we need you to stay engaged. Please save the date for the upcoming hearing and further updates on the appeal. As a member of WPEA, your voice matters, and your continued support is vital in this fight. Save the Date: Appeal Hearing Please mark your calendars, as we will need a strong showing of solidarity from our membership to send a clear message that we will not back down in our fight for a fair contract. WHEN: February 27th Hearing start time is 1:30pm but attendees must arrive at or before 1pm WHERE: Olympia Temple of Justice at the Washington State Capitol Campus 416 Sid Snyder Avenue SW, Olympia, WA 98504 https://capitol.wa.gov/temple-justice RSVP: If you are interested in coming please take a moment to sign in here - this sign-in will be utilized to coordinate travel and collective action. NOTES: Attendees are required to wear business casual or generally 'nice court attire' - we will have some WPEA lapel pins for those in attendance. We believe this hearing will be televised on TVW.org however the link will be available much closer to the hearing date. We will continue to keep you updated on how you can participate in this crucial next step. Together, we can ensure that the state honors its responsibility to negotiate with us in good faith. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the cause. Your support is needed now more than ever. A Historic Victory for Legislative Staff: Welcome to the WPEA Family!We are thrilled to announce an incredible achievement in this month’s newsletter! The House Democratic Staff and Senate Democratic Caucus have successfully negotiated their first-ever two-year contract, marking a historic milestone following their unionization vote in May 2024. This groundbreaking agreement is more than just a contract—it represents a shared commitment to improving workplace conditions, ensuring fair treatment, and securing a stronger future for all legislative staff. This victory is a testament to the power of collective action and the dedication of workers advocating for their rights. Let’s celebrate this momentous step toward equity and empowerment together. Welcome to the WPEA family! Read more about this achievement: 🔗 Chronline Article 🔗 Washington State Standard Article Introducing the WPEA Discord Server Article by Joey Hicklin, WPEA Organizer We’re excited to announce the launch of the WPEA Discord server—a dynamic new space where members can connect, collaborate, and build a stronger union community. Think of it as a group chat for the entire union, but organized into specific topics and interests to keep discussions focused and engaging. Whether you’re looking to organize collective action, discuss workplace issues, or find others who share your hobbies, the WPEA Discord is here for you. Why Join the Discord Server? Here’s how the Discord server can help you get involved:
What Makes Discord Different? Unlike emails or meetings, Discord offers real-time conversations sorted into easy-to-navigate channels. You’ll find:
How to Join Joining the server is simple! Here’s what you need to do:
The WPEA Discord server is more than a communication tool—it’s a place to collaborate, share, and grow together. Whether you’re organizing actions, finding support, or connecting with members who share your passions, Discord has something for everyone. Join us today and help shape the future of our union community! 🎉 Addressing the Recruitment and Retention Crisis in Early LearningWPEA is acutely aware of the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges faced by early learning programs across the state. Our members continue to struggle with securing leave approvals and taking necessary sick days—without guilt—to protect both themselves and the children in their care. At Bellevue College, one of our largest institutions, there are currently eight vacancies for Early Learning Center (ELC) 1 and 2 positions. The root cause of this shortage? Low wages. The inability to offer competitive pay makes it harder to attract and retain qualified early childhood educators. This staffing crisis affects not only new hires but also places an increased burden on existing employees, leading to burnout and instability within our bargaining unit. The situation at Skagit Valley College is equally concerning, particularly in regard to head start treated like cyclic work and maintaining the issues with continuity of care between the program and families. With 12 vacancies in ECEAP, the staffing shortages are placing additional strain on current employees, making it increasingly difficult to provide consistent, high-quality support to children and families. These challenges are compounded by decreased funding, higher expectations, and increased enrollment requirements to secure that funding. Additionally, English as a Second Language (ESL) services are vital for bridging communication gaps and ensuring that families receive the support they need. However, with ongoing vacancies and cyclic employment structures, maintaining continuity in care has become a significant challenge. This issue is not limited to Bellevue or Skagit Valley; it’s a statewide problem. The demand for early childhood educators continues to grow, yet wages remain stagnant, driving potential educators away from the field. Without immediate action, this staffing shortage will continue to impact both workers and the families who depend on these programs. WPEA is committed to advocating for better pay, improved working conditions, and stronger support for early learning professionals. Read more about this critical issue in the Seattle Times article. Together, we must push for real solutions to support early learning staff and ensure that these vital programs can thrive. Your voice matters—let’s demand better for early educators! Membership UpdateIt's a fresh start to the year! We are currently starting the year off with 2932 members! Stay tuned for more updates throughout the year as we continue to focus on growing our Union. If you have any questions about membership, or to find out if you are a dues paying member, please contact Aubrei Hansen at [email protected]. New text messaging platform - To serve you better!![]() We’ve made an important change to how we send text messages to members. on January 15th, we switched from Mozeo to MailChimp for our text communications. Why the switch? Since we already use MailChimp for emails, this change will streamline our communications and lower our text messaging costs by six times. On top of that, MailChimp gives us better reporting tools, so we can see who has unsubscribed and ensure we respect those preferences moving forward—something Mozeo couldn’t reliably do. Here’s what you need to know:
To ensure you stay connected, please make sure we have both your personal email and personal phone number on file. If you’re not sure, you can ask your rep or update your information at wpea.org/update. Remembering Henry Rodriguez: Honoring a Legacy of Service![]() It is with deep regret to inform you of the passing of longtime Olympic College employee Henry Rodriguez, who died of natural causes on Dec. 2, 2024. Henry joined the college as a Custodian 2 on Nov. 18, 2001, and served until his passing in December. Henry Rodriguez was born to Luz Maria and Cesareo Rodriguez on Jan. 23, 1962, in Lorain, Ohio, where he lived until graduating from Admiral King High School in 1980. Following high school, Henry served as a Naval Sonar Technician aboard the USS Georgia (SSBN-729), dedicating 11 years to military service. After retiring from the Navy, he settled in Bremerton, WA. Henry was preceded in death by his siblings Angel Rodriguez, Carmen Rico, and Victor Rodriguez. He is survived by Richard Rodriguez, Gladys Rodriguez MacIntosh, Cesareo Rodriguez Jr., Jose Ramon Rodriguez, and many loving nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held on April 5, 2025, at 10am in Lorain, Ohio. WPEA and Olympic College extends our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and worked with Henry during his more than 20 years of service. He will be greatly missed. The 2025 Jerry Beckendorf Community Service Scholarship is Now Open!Are you a graduating senior, have a parent or guardian that is a Union member, and live in Pierce County? Apply today! Every year Pierce County Labor Agency grants approximately $10,000 to students who demonstrate a dedication to community and social service. Applications are due on March 27, 2025. Make sure to get yours in today! Pierce County Labor Community Services Agency Union History: The Seattle General Strike of 1919: A Bold Stand for Workers' Rights![]() The Seattle General Strike, which took place from February 6 to 11, 1919, was a pivotal moment in labor history. Over 65,000 workers across the city participated in a five-day work stoppage, primarily to support shipyard workers who had been locked out after demanding higher wages. The strike saw widespread solidarity, with local unions—including those from the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)—joining the walkout. Despite its peaceful nature, the strike was met with strong opposition from local, state, and federal officials, as well as the media. Many viewed it as an attempt to disrupt American institutions, fueled by radical ideologies inspired by events like the Russian Revolution of 1917. The strike’s demand for higher wages, coming shortly after World War I, also highlighted the ongoing struggles workers faced in a post-war economy, with many blaming Bolsheviks and other radicals for stirring unrest. This historic strike remains a key chapter in the Red Scare era, marking the growing anti-left sentiment of the time and the ongoing fight for workers’ rights. February's Recipe - The Original Marry Me Chicken![]() Ingredients
1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan Torn fresh basil, for serving Directions
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