Time to read: 3 mins
For 25 years, wages for Classified Staff have consistently lagged behind inflation.
This prolonged stagnation has led to a serious erosion of purchasing power, as our wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. The list below shows our increases over that past 25 years and it illustrates this widening gap between what workers earn and what it costs to maintain even a modest standard of living. While we fight for wage adjustments that truly reflect the financial reality of today, our progress at the bargaining table has been slow. Of the 50 articles proposed during negotiations in our Higher Education contract, only three have been agreed upon, and the deadline to finalize bargaining is mid-September.
This deadline is critical because it aligns with key state budgetary processes. After October 1st, funding and wage decisions for the next fiscal year solidify, limiting our influence. By law, RCW 41.80.010(3)(a) requires that compensation requests be submitted to the Office of Financial Management by this date. Failing to secure improvements before then means classified staff wages may fall further behind inflation, forcing another year of financial strain and prolonged bargaining.
The urgency of our situation is underscored by the fact that the state's offer includes just a 2% wage increase in the first year and 0% in the second year—effectively a pay cut when accounting for inflation. This is unacceptable and shows a blatant disregard for the work that Classified Staff do every day to keep our governmental departments and institutions running. We have countered with a proposal for a 13% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for each of the two years in our contract. This is not an arbitrary number but a reflection of the reality we face: without substantial wage increases, we will continue to fall behind economically.
In response, we have ramped up our collective action to ensure our voices are heard. A letter-writing campaign was launched to allow members to share their personal stories and express to local leadership how these inadequate wage proposals impact them and their families. This campaign has already gained significant traction, amplifying our message and putting pressure on decision-makers to reconsider their position.
Building on this momentum, we have organized an informational picket scheduled for Wednesday, August 28th. The picket will take place across various colleges, with staff gathering to raise public awareness about the state's wage proposals and their implications for Higher Education workers. The picket will serve as a visible reminder that we are united in this fight and determined to secure a fair contract. Participants will distribute materials to inform the public and fellow staff about the ongoing negotiations, emphasizing the critical importance of wage increases that reflect inflation.
As the deadline for bargaining approaches, the pressure on both sides is mounting. However, the strength of our movement is clear. The actions we take now will help shape the future of Classified workers for years to come. Participation is key—whether it’s writing letters, phone banking, or showing up at the picket, every action contributes to our collective power.
Check out the Actions section of our Bargaining page if you want to learn about how you can help!
For 25 years, wages for Classified Staff have consistently lagged behind inflation.
This prolonged stagnation has led to a serious erosion of purchasing power, as our wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. The list below shows our increases over that past 25 years and it illustrates this widening gap between what workers earn and what it costs to maintain even a modest standard of living. While we fight for wage adjustments that truly reflect the financial reality of today, our progress at the bargaining table has been slow. Of the 50 articles proposed during negotiations in our Higher Education contract, only three have been agreed upon, and the deadline to finalize bargaining is mid-September.
This deadline is critical because it aligns with key state budgetary processes. After October 1st, funding and wage decisions for the next fiscal year solidify, limiting our influence. By law, RCW 41.80.010(3)(a) requires that compensation requests be submitted to the Office of Financial Management by this date. Failing to secure improvements before then means classified staff wages may fall further behind inflation, forcing another year of financial strain and prolonged bargaining.
The urgency of our situation is underscored by the fact that the state's offer includes just a 2% wage increase in the first year and 0% in the second year—effectively a pay cut when accounting for inflation. This is unacceptable and shows a blatant disregard for the work that Classified Staff do every day to keep our governmental departments and institutions running. We have countered with a proposal for a 13% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for each of the two years in our contract. This is not an arbitrary number but a reflection of the reality we face: without substantial wage increases, we will continue to fall behind economically.
In response, we have ramped up our collective action to ensure our voices are heard. A letter-writing campaign was launched to allow members to share their personal stories and express to local leadership how these inadequate wage proposals impact them and their families. This campaign has already gained significant traction, amplifying our message and putting pressure on decision-makers to reconsider their position.
Building on this momentum, we have organized an informational picket scheduled for Wednesday, August 28th. The picket will take place across various colleges, with staff gathering to raise public awareness about the state's wage proposals and their implications for Higher Education workers. The picket will serve as a visible reminder that we are united in this fight and determined to secure a fair contract. Participants will distribute materials to inform the public and fellow staff about the ongoing negotiations, emphasizing the critical importance of wage increases that reflect inflation.
As the deadline for bargaining approaches, the pressure on both sides is mounting. However, the strength of our movement is clear. The actions we take now will help shape the future of Classified workers for years to come. Participation is key—whether it’s writing letters, phone banking, or showing up at the picket, every action contributes to our collective power.
Check out the Actions section of our Bargaining page if you want to learn about how you can help!
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Wage Increases Over 25 Years
source: Washington State OFM
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Inflation Over 25 Years
source: CPI from Dept of Labor Statistics
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Purchasing Power Gained / Lost Over Time
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Location |
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