On the Calendar
Message From the President |
| WPEA members at Fort Vancouver Regional Library are taking their fight public. In negotiations since summer of 2023, bargaining has stalled at wages. While FVRL’s new Executive Director has accepted nearly $200,000 in salary and administrators all make healthy 6-figure salaries, the rank-and-file library workers struggle for necessities. The loss of Steps for more than 10 years put workers further behind. 100% of workers polled reported they could not live without the assistance of family or government help. Derya Ruggles, who worked at FVRL for 13 years and is now a WPEA Organizing Specialist said, “I know that communities in Southwest Washington care about their library workers and would not tolerate this economic injustice if they knew it was happening. That’s why we are taking this struggle public and asking people to speak up alongside our workers to the FVRL Board in support of the dignity of a living wage for all library workers.” You can help! Show your solidarity with fellow WPEA workers and: Sign the petition- add your name to the 650 signers: https://www.change.org/p/it-s-time-fvrlibraries-pay-your-staff-a-living-wage Email FVRL Board of Trustees at: [email protected] and say, “I support the dignity of a living wage for all library workers. Pay your workers fairly.” Read & listen More media coverage and info on the FVRL worker struggle: NW Labor Press: https://nwlaborpress.org/2024/03/low-paid-librarians-fed-up-in-vancouver/ The Stand: https://www.thestand.org/2024/02/take-action-raises-for-sw-washington-librarians-overdue/ (article #1) The Stand: FVRL Board: Pay your library workers livable wages! (thestand.org) (article #2-following struggle) K-BOO Radio Old Mole Hour coverage 3/25/24, 8-minute piece: https://kboo.fm/program/old-mole-variety-hour |    Pictures taken by Derya Ruggles, WPEA Organizing Specialist |
What are Mandatory Subjects?
Article by Joey Hicklin, WPEA Organizer
Did your job duties change? Did you get moved to a new office? Did the tools you regularly use get swapped out for something different? These are all examples of changes to your working conditions. Prior to implementing a change like this, your employer is required to submit a notice to the union. This is called a Mandatory Subject Notice, and it is usually delivered to your Staff Representative.
When we receive this notice, we will reach out to the affected member(s) to discuss any potential negative impacts. If negative impacts are identified, your Staff Representative files a Demand to Bargain, which then requires your employer to schedule time to discuss how to minimize any negative impacts. This process of notice and bargaining is a foundational element in ensuring that your working conditions do not become worse over time.
However, if your employer never delivers a Mandatory Subject Notice, then the entire process is undermined. Over the years, we have seen more and more employers fail to deliver these notices. When a lack of notice becomes common, it is up to the employees to report changes to their Staff Representative. This allows the Staff Representative not only the opportunity to be made aware of the change, but it also enables them to file a grievance against the employer for violating your contract by not providing the required notice.
Notice of these changes is vital, and with so many employers failing to provide the required notice, it is up to you to report these changes so we can correct that mistake. With each grievance, we move closer to your employer adhering to this this requirement for notice. If you don’t know who your Staff Representative is, check out our Contact Us page on our website and let them know of any changes at your worksite.
When we receive this notice, we will reach out to the affected member(s) to discuss any potential negative impacts. If negative impacts are identified, your Staff Representative files a Demand to Bargain, which then requires your employer to schedule time to discuss how to minimize any negative impacts. This process of notice and bargaining is a foundational element in ensuring that your working conditions do not become worse over time.
However, if your employer never delivers a Mandatory Subject Notice, then the entire process is undermined. Over the years, we have seen more and more employers fail to deliver these notices. When a lack of notice becomes common, it is up to the employees to report changes to their Staff Representative. This allows the Staff Representative not only the opportunity to be made aware of the change, but it also enables them to file a grievance against the employer for violating your contract by not providing the required notice.
Notice of these changes is vital, and with so many employers failing to provide the required notice, it is up to you to report these changes so we can correct that mistake. With each grievance, we move closer to your employer adhering to this this requirement for notice. If you don’t know who your Staff Representative is, check out our Contact Us page on our website and let them know of any changes at your worksite.
Dana Rollins: Dedicated Leader Serving Highline Community College and WPEA District 4
Article by Julia Thurman-Lascurain
Dana Rollins, Executive Board member and Vice President of District 4-King County, brings over two decades of experience and a profound dedication to his role at Highline Community College. With a career spanning 23 years at the institution, Rollins has not only demonstrated his commitment to education but has also emerged as a staunch advocate for workers' rights within the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).
Dana’s journey into union activism began around 2005 when he assumed the role of shop steward. Since then, his passion for solidarity and support for fellow members has only deepened. "Being part of the WPEA is more than just representation; it's about standing together and advocating for each other," Dana remarked, reflecting on his involvement in the union.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dana harbors a profound affection for the Pacific Northwest, regarding it as the finest region he's ever resided in. This love for the locale underscores his commitment to serving his community and fellow workers. "It's an honor to serve on the board and lead District 4," Dana stated, highlighting the privilege he feels in his leadership role.
Throughout his tenure at Highline, Dana has gleaned invaluable lessons, with empathy and compassion emerging as guiding principles. "Try to have empathy and compassion, no matter how hard the situation might make it," he emphasized, underscoring the importance of understanding and support in navigating challenges.
As Dana continues to advocate for the rights and well-being of Highline's employees in his steward role, his leadership remains grounded in a genuine concern for the community he serves. Whether it's negotiating contracts or addressing workplace issues, Dana’s steadfast dedication to the principles of fairness and solidarity shines through.
Looking ahead, Dana remains committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and support within District 4 - King County and the broader WPEA. Through his unwavering leadership and compassionate approach, Dana embodies the spirit of service and advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on Highline Community College and its workforce.
Dana’s journey into union activism began around 2005 when he assumed the role of shop steward. Since then, his passion for solidarity and support for fellow members has only deepened. "Being part of the WPEA is more than just representation; it's about standing together and advocating for each other," Dana remarked, reflecting on his involvement in the union.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dana harbors a profound affection for the Pacific Northwest, regarding it as the finest region he's ever resided in. This love for the locale underscores his commitment to serving his community and fellow workers. "It's an honor to serve on the board and lead District 4," Dana stated, highlighting the privilege he feels in his leadership role.
Throughout his tenure at Highline, Dana has gleaned invaluable lessons, with empathy and compassion emerging as guiding principles. "Try to have empathy and compassion, no matter how hard the situation might make it," he emphasized, underscoring the importance of understanding and support in navigating challenges.
As Dana continues to advocate for the rights and well-being of Highline's employees in his steward role, his leadership remains grounded in a genuine concern for the community he serves. Whether it's negotiating contracts or addressing workplace issues, Dana’s steadfast dedication to the principles of fairness and solidarity shines through.
Looking ahead, Dana remains committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and support within District 4 - King County and the broader WPEA. Through his unwavering leadership and compassionate approach, Dana embodies the spirit of service and advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on Highline Community College and its workforce.
History Matters: Yakima Valley College Students Meet Cesar Chavez & Become First in Union Organizing
Article by Derya Ruggles, WPEA Organizing Specialist and information for this article: https://www.historylink.org/File/7922
Credit: UC Merced César Chávez during the march from Delano to Sacramento in 1966. During the1960s the rural population of Yakima County was economically among the lowest two-fifths of rural populations of all counties in the United States, with 39 percent of farm workers living below poverty level.
Inspired by the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee’s (UFWOC) grape boycott, two students from Yakima Valley College, Guadalupe Gamboa and Tomas Villanueva, friends who were both sons of Yakima Valley farm worker families, traveled down to Delano, California in 1966 to meet UFWOC leader Cesar Chavez (1927-1993). Upon returning, Gamboa and Villanueva co-founded the United Farm Worker’s
Cooperative (UFWC) in Toppenish, Washington.
The United Farm Worker's Cooperative is credited as being the first activist Chicano organization in the state of Washington. Progress for workers through the new union meant a successful cooperative was established and included services defending members when growers failed to pay wages or when workers got injured.
More on Guadalupe Gamboa: https://depts.washington.edu/civilr/gGamboa_interview.htm
Inspired by the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee’s (UFWOC) grape boycott, two students from Yakima Valley College, Guadalupe Gamboa and Tomas Villanueva, friends who were both sons of Yakima Valley farm worker families, traveled down to Delano, California in 1966 to meet UFWOC leader Cesar Chavez (1927-1993). Upon returning, Gamboa and Villanueva co-founded the United Farm Worker’s
Cooperative (UFWC) in Toppenish, Washington.
The United Farm Worker's Cooperative is credited as being the first activist Chicano organization in the state of Washington. Progress for workers through the new union meant a successful cooperative was established and included services defending members when growers failed to pay wages or when workers got injured.
More on Guadalupe Gamboa: https://depts.washington.edu/civilr/gGamboa_interview.htm
Newsletter Editor: Aubrei Franklin, Marketing & Membership Coordinator
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