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Higher Education = Ratified

74% Yes
26% No
 

General Government = Ratified
79% Yes
21% No

Highline College = Ratified 
95% Yes
5% No

Bargaining Summary
WPEA’s Higher Education (HE) and General Government (GG) bargaining teams are sending the current Tentatively Agreed (TA) contracts to members for a vote—not because it’s significantly better than the ones rejected in September 2024, but because time is running out to secure funding before the Legislature adjourns in April.

After members rejected the previous TAs, OFM refused to bargain in good faith, making illegal claims and stalling negotiations. WPEA challenged this through legal action and forced OFM back to the table. While OFM eventually conceded on their unlawful positions, their delays wasted valuable bargaining time, preventing further contract improvements.
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These TAs include some minor non-economic changes, but the compensation packages remain the same (a 3% COLA starting July 1, 2025 if ratified). For members at the Washington State School for the Blind and Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, the above COLA percentages do not apply as your increases are tied to the Vancouver School District. 

The bargaining team is not making a recommendation and is leaving the decision to members:
  • If ratified: WPEA will push for funding in the Legislature, ensuring the 3% COLA takes effect.
  • If rejected: WPEA will continue bargaining and pursue further legal action.  Members will not see an increase on 7/1/25 but would see at least a 2% increase on 7/1/26.
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The team stands ready to support whichever decision members make.

Higher Education 

General Government 

HE & GG Voting Information


This is a mail-in vote, your ballot will be coming to you via USPS mail.

Ballot Information:
  • Ballots must be returned to WPEA by April 2, 2025 to be valid.
    • Due to an oversight with our distributor, your return envelope does not have prepaid postage. You will need to place a stamp on the envelope before placing it in the mail.
    • If you have concerns or need assistance please contact [email protected].
    • Ballots can also be returned to the WPEA Headquarters Office
  • Ballots will be counted via live feed on April 3, 2025.
  • If you have not received your ballot by March 25, 2025, please contact us at [email protected] immediately.
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Please vote and return your ballot as soon as
possible to ensure your voice is heard.

Not a Member? - Not a Problem!

Only dues paying members can vote so to check your status by emailing [email protected], if you sign a membership card you can still be provided a provisional ballot. Have a say on your next contract or check out more information at www.wpea.org/nonmember. 

25-27 Contract Q&A Meeting Dates & Zoom Links

Come join us for an opportunity to speak directly with the bargaining team, the WPEA president, and your lead negotiator. This is your chance to ask any questions you may have, discuss the changes in the contract, learn more about the bargaining process, and explore the potential impacts of voting 'yes' versus voting 'no'--all while gaining a clearer understanding of what this decision means for you and your colleagues.
Higher Education:
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March 22 - 3:30 - 5:00
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/85714742151?pwd=YBkcU7ItzSska4ViKsqrzFQFubFaVc.1

Meeting ID: 857 1474 2151
Passcode: 548798
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March 23 - 1:00 - 2:30 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/84341862601?pwd=HetoLYilA234i7RgC1hruzlbQGEKxi.1

Meeting ID: 843 4186 2601
Passcode: 894667
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March 24 - 11:30 - 1:00 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/83282966415?pwd=l9Z9qLBIFNZgOI5zLhHQDJ5n9Ci6Dx.1

Meeting ID: 832 8296 6415
Passcode: 112613
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March 27 - 5:30 - 7:00
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/81137298377?pwd=aE0K9OVZeVIj06aLRFjmDrm4UqaGlA.1

Meeting ID: 811 3729 8377
Passcode: 428463
General Government:
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March 22 - 5:00 - 6:30
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/85854413763?pwd=b1QSRH6gssoRc9UFUqrAVJPsko8Lt6.1

Meeting ID: 858 5441 3763
Passcode: 737997
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March 23 - 2:30 - 4:00 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/85414617394?pwd=i5Eu1lvMi6asL0SSxye4k9LAfGikku.1

Meeting ID: 854 1461 7394
Passcode: 257729
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March 25 - 11:30 - 1:00 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/87292573410?pwd=lvefrCecVRIbzIOLzkJgS6xH093FHZ.1

Meeting ID: 872 9257 3410
Passcode: 385263
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March 28 - 5:30 - 7:00 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/88075176562?pwd=UOYXjRs9QbjzdjFN7dXlBzf7bbaBYK.1

Meeting ID: 880 7517 6562
Passcode: 836156​

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