WPEA Newsletter - November 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/

December 10, 2024 - Last day of WPEA food drive
December 11, 2024 - Raffle drawing at UNITY
December 11, 2024 - Pierce County Central Labor Council Holiday Party
December 24, 2024 - WPEA office closes at 2:00
December 25, 2024 - Christmas Day Office Closed
December 26th - January 1, 2025 - WPEA office will be closed – there will be someone on call the week.

Give the Gift of Union Upcoming Meetings
December 02, 2024
Location: Skagit Valley College - Cardinal Building, staff break room
​Time: 10:00AM - 2:00 PM
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December 02, 2024
Location: DNR - NW Region Office - Cascade Pizza
​Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Address: 852 W State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

December 03, 2024
Location: Skagit Valley College - Whidbey Campus - TBD
​Time: TBD

December 04, 2024
Location: DOR Bellingham - Room TBD
​Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

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Give the Gift of Union Food Drive - Ends December 10th

This holiday season, the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) invites you to make a difference in our community. Participate in our Union Food Drive to support local families in need—and enter our exciting raffle for a chance to win a $50 gift card!
How to Participate: There are three ways to earn raffle entries and show your solidarity:

1. Bring Non-Perishable Food Items to a Member Meeting
   • Earn 1 entry for each meeting you attend with donations. Check the schedule below to find a meeting near you or work with your Steward Team or Staff Rep to organize your own.
2. Invite a Non-Member to a Meeting
   • Earn 2 entries for bringing a non-member to a meeting. If they sign up, they’ll be entered too!
3. Donate Items to a Food Bank and Snap a Picture
   • Can’t make it to a meeting? No problem! Donate collected items to a local food bank or the WPEA main office. Wear your WPEA blue, take a selfie with your donations, and email it to [email protected] for 5 entries.

For every 50 members that participate, we’ll draw a name to win a $50 gift card. The more members that enter, the more winners we’ll have!
Upcoming Member Meetings:
Join us at any of these locations to drop off donations, connect with fellow members, and enter the raffle:

• December 2: Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon (10 AM–2 PM)
• December 2: DNR NW Region Office, Sedro-Woolley (5–7 PM)
• December 3: Skagit Valley College, Whidbey Campus (TBD)
• December 4: DOR Bellingham, Bellingham (10 AM–2 PM)
• Don't forget - you can host your own meetings to qualify!

Raffle Drawing:
Winners will be announced on December 11th during our Unity Meeting. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference and win!

Not sure where a food bank is? Check it out here: https://agr.wa.gov/services/food-access/access-food-near-you
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Let’s come together this holiday season to give back and share the gift of union. Together, we can make a real impact!

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Steward Spotlight - Wendy Glenn 
Article by Jill Kennedy, UFCW Organizer

Wendy at the Walk out for Washington

​The role of the shop steward is a crucial one within the fabric of organized labor, serving as a vital link between the workers on the shop floor and the union leadership. These dedicated individuals act as the eyes and ears of the union, closely monitoring the
day-to-day operations and ensuring that the rights and interests of the employees are upheld.  Shop stewards are often the first point of contact for workers with grievances or concerns, lending a sympathetic ear and working to resolve issues through the proper channels. Beyond mere troubleshooting, these unsung heroes also play a key part in disseminating important information, keeping their colleagues informed of policy changes, contract negotiations, and other developments that impact the workforce.
​Their responsibilities extend to organizing and leading discussions at union meetings, fostering a sense of solidarity and empowering workers to advocate for themselves.
In many ways, the shop steward is the beating heart of the labor movement, a tireless advocate who amplifies the collective voice of the employees and holds management accountable. Through their unwavering commitment and intimate knowledge of the workplace, these individuals shine a spotlight on the real-world challenges faced by the rank-and-file, ensuring that the union remains a dynamic, responsive force that truly serves the needs of its members.

At Wenatchee Valley College, Wendy Glenn exemplifies the dedication and passion that defines a great shop steward. Wendy joined the WPEA 11 years ago and has spent the last seven years as a steward, tirelessly advocating for her coworkers. As a member of the bargaining team, she brings her experience and insight to the negotiating table, ensuring that the interests of her colleagues are represented.

Wendy’s dedication to workers’ rights is rooted in her family’s strong union history, inspiring her to continue the tradition of fighting for fairness and equity. Her commitment to her coworkers is a shining example of what it means to be a union advocate.

To Wendy and all of our incredible shop stewards--thank you for your hard work, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our members. You are the heartbeat of WPEA, and your efforts make a real difference every day!

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Exciting Updates to Our Texting Platform! 
Article by Joey Hicklin, WPEA Organizer​

We’re making a big switch! Starting January 15th, our texting platform will move from Mozeo to MailChimp. This change brings huge benefits for you, our members, and we’re excited to share the details. 
Here’s why we’re switching: 

• Lower Costs: With MailChimp, our per-text cost is more than six times lower than with Mozeo. That means we can rely more heavily on text-based communication for groups that prefer it, without breaking the bank. 

• Integrated Communication: MailChimp already powers our email campaigns. By using the same platform for both emails and texts, we can save time maintaining records, compare analytics easily, and make better decisions about which method works best for you. 

• Enhanced Features: MailChimp’s Journey feature will let us integrate texts into our New Hire process. This is especially valuable for new members who may not check their work emails regularly. 

What to Expect: 

1. New Number: Texts will come from a different number starting January 15th. Keep an eye out for our messages! 

1. Opt-Out Process: If you’ve opted out of Mozeo in the past, you’ll need to opt out again when the new texts begin. 

1. Updated Preferences: With MailChimp, you can choose which topics you want to hear about and how you’d like to receive updates (text, email, or both!). This way, you stay in the loop without feeling overwhelmed. Email preferences can already be updated via links at the bottom of every email, and soon, text preferences will have the same flexibility. 

What You Can Do Now: 
Help us ensure a smooth transition by visiting wpea.org/update to update your contact information. Many members haven’t shared their cell numbers with us yet, and we want to make sure no one misses out. 
We’ll send an email in early January to remind you about the switch and another message on January 15th when we import numbers into MailChimp. 
This transition allows us to communicate more effectively, save time and money, and give you greater control over how we connect. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re excited for this upgrade and look forward to staying better connected with you! ​

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BUILDing Union Power: A Training Series to Strengthen Our Community 
​Article by Joey Hicklin, WPEA Organizer​

The strength of any union lies in its members—their relationships, their collective power, and their ability to come together to address challenges and drive change. That’s why we’re so excited about the ongoing BUILD Series, a five-week training program designed to equip every member with the skills and confidence to foster a stronger union community. 
Whether you’ve heard about it in our UNITY meetings or this is your first introduction, the BUILD Series is a resource designed for you. Its focus is simple yet powerful: to provide tools that help us build trust, connection, and solidarity through meaningful conversations and effective meetings. And the best part? The skills and exercises taught in these sessions are designed to be used beyond the training room, in your workplace, at small gatherings, or during member meetings. 

Why BUILD Matters 
In every workplace, we’ve seen that the most impactful changes come from members who feel empowered to act together. Yet, too often, the pathway from individual frustration to collective action feels unclear. The BUILD Series bridges that gap by teaching us how to strengthen the ties between co-workers, create spaces for shared understanding, and set clear, actionable goals for addressing workplace challenges. 
At its heart, BUILD is about community. It reminds us that the union isn’t just the staff or stewards—it’s all of us, every member, working together to make things better for everyone. ​

An Overview of the Series 
The BUILD Series is broken into five sessions, each focusing on a core skill that helps members connect, collaborate, and lead. Here’s a quick look at what’s covered: 

• Week 1: Building Community 
  This foundational session explores how trust and connection lay the groundwork for collective power. It emphasizes the importance of relationships in the workplace and introduces strategies for fostering a supportive union culture. 

• Week 2: Understanding Conversations 
  Learn how to initiate meaningful 1-on-1 conversations, practice active listening, and guide discussions. This session focuses on building understanding and identifying shared experiences that unite members. 

• Week 3: Identifying Goals 
  Discover how to choose relevant themes for member meetings and set clear, actionable goals using the SMART method. This session ensures that conversations and gatherings lead to impactful outcomes. 

• Week 4: Laying Out a Plan (Upcoming) 
  Participants will learn how to structure member meetings effectively, from setting an agenda to organizing discussions and keeping the meeting on track. 

• Week 5: Developing Facilitation Skills (Upcoming) 
  The final session will teach members how to confidently lead meetings, encourage participation, and navigate challenges to achieve productive outcomes. 

Turning Training Into Action 
The BUILD Series isn’t just about attending a training—it’s about taking what you learn and putting it into practice. The exercises and skills covered in each session are designed to be used immediately in your workplace or during member-led meetings. Whether it’s starting a conversation with a co-worker about a shared challenge or hosting a small gathering to brainstorm solutions, the BUILD Series equips you to take action. 
Even more, the series will soon be available as a video resource. These videos are perfect for small groups or member meetings. Use them as a guide to facilitate discussions, practice exercises, and build a sense of community. With these tools, every member has the potential to inspire connection and collective action. 

Empowering Members to Act Together 
One of the most exciting aspects of the BUILD Series is how it empowers us to take collective action, especially when standard grievance processes or formal channels don’t bring resolution. By building a strong foundation of trust and collaboration, we create the opportunity to mobilize as a united group when the need arises. 
Imagine what we could achieve when every member feels confident leading a conversation, hosting a meeting, or setting goals that move us closer to real change. The BUILD Series is just one more tool to help us get there. 

Explore the BUILD Series 
If you’re ready to start strengthening your union community, check out the BUILD Series videos (coming soon). These resources are designed to inspire, teach, and empower every member to take part in building something bigger than themselves. 

Together, we can build a stronger, more connected union that’s ready to face any challenge. Let’s start today! 

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

We’re excited to report that we’ve welcomed 248 new members since January. This is 248 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.

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Union History - The Bucks Started with State Employees: A Look Back at 30 years
​Article by Aubrei Hansen, Marketing & Membership Coordinator

Original article by Eugene St. John, published October 1995, in "The Sentinel"

In October 1995, the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) highlighted an unsettling truth in an article titled The Bucks Started with State Employees. It detailed how the state had built its financial reserves—its “pile of money”—off the backs of its workforce. At the time, state employee pay raises were deliberately left unfunded, forcing agencies to absorb the costs. This led to budget cuts in critical areas, overburdening employees and leaving paychecks stagnant even as workloads and inflation soared.

State workers, the backbone of public services, were treated as a budget-balancing tool, with their needs and contributions undervalued. The article underscored how these practices eroded morale, made recruitment and retention difficult, and widened the gap between public-sector wages and private-sector prevailing wages.

Fast forward nearly 30 years, and while some progress has been made, echoes of 1995 still ring loudly. Today, Washington state employees continue to struggle with wages that lag behind prevailing rates, as the state refuses to fund meaningful, competitive pay raises. Despite record-breaking revenue in recent years, many state workers find themselves in the same position—providing critical services to Washingtonians while their compensation fails to reflect their value or keep pace with inflation.
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State employees have called for larger raises, highlighting how inadequate wages impact not only their families but also the communities they serve. Staffing shortages, turnover, and burnout plague public service positions, compromising the quality of services that citizens rely on. It’s a cycle that can only be broken by investing in the workforce, ensuring wages match the prevailing market rates, and recognizing the essential role state employees play in the success of our state.
As we reflect on the lessons of 1995, it’s clear that building financial reserves on the backs of workers is not sustainable—or fair. Washington’s state employees deserve better. It’s time for the state to prioritize its workforce by fully funding competitive wages and closing the gap between public and private sector pay. Only then can we ensure a strong, dedicated workforce that can continue to meet the needs of our communities. Let’s not wait another 30 years to make things right.

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Gingerbread Cookies

​This is a favorite gingerbread cookies recipe and it’s loved by millions. Soft in the centers, crisp on the edges, and perfectly spiced. Make sure you chill the cookie dough discs for a minimum of 3 hours.

Ingredients
3 and 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon ground ginger (yes, 1 full Tablespoon!) 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
10 Tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
2/3 cup (160ml; about 200g) unsulphured or dark molasses (do not use blackstrap; I prefer Grandma’s brand)
1 large egg, at room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
optional: easy cookie icing or royal icing

Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Set aside.

In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar and molasses and beat on medium high speed until combined and creamy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Next, beat in egg and vanilla on high speed for 2 full minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. The butter may separate; that’s ok.

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, and beat on low speed until combined. The cookie dough will be quite thick and slightly sticky. Divide dough in half and place each onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap each up tightly and pat down to create a disc shape. Chill discs for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days. Chilling is mandatory for this cookie dough. 

​Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. (Always recommended for cookies.) Set aside.

Remove 1 disc of chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. Generously flour a worksurface, as well as your hands and the rolling pin. Roll out disc until 1/4-inch thick. Tips for rolling—the dough may crack and be crumbly as you roll. What’s helpful is picking it up and rotating it as you go. Additionally, you can use your fingers to help meld the cracking edges back together. The first few rolls are always the hardest since the dough is so stiff, but re-rolling the scraps is much easier. Cut into shapes. Place shapes 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Re-roll dough scraps until all the dough is shaped. Repeat with remaining disc of dough.

Bake cookies for about 9-10 minutes. If your cookie cutters are smaller than 4 inches, bake for about 8 minutes. If your cookie cutters are larger than 4 inches, bake for about 11 minutes. My oven has hot spots and yours may too—so be sure to rotate the pan once during bake time. Keep in mind that the longer the cookies bake, the harder and crunchier they’ll be. For soft gingerbread cookies, follow my suggested bake times.

Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet. Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely. Once completely cool, decorate as desired.

Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week. 

Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions:
Baked and decorated (or not decorated) cookies freeze well – up to three months. Unbaked cookie dough discs (just the dough prepared through step 3) freeze well up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then continue with step 4.