This post is going up too late for this bargaining cycle, unfortunately, but please keep it in mind for next time. I will be referencing it in the future.

The Basics (aka, FAQ)

1. What is bargaining?
   Bargaining happens every 2 years, and is our chance to negotiate changes to our contracts and pay, depending on the table we are bargaining at.
2. What are these “tables” you speak of?
   There are multiple tables, or groups, involved in bargaining, but the two main ones Highline members should be concerned with are:
   Highline/WPEA bargaining table (sometimes called “local” bargaining)
   Higher Ed bargaining table, which covers all state-funded colleges, universities, and community colleges in the state of Washington.
   Other tables to watch: General Government (applies to all non-higher ed union employees of the state), and on a local level the HCEA (faculty) and our brand new ATA table for exempt staff. While the decisions made at these tables might not have a direct impact on WPEA Highline employees, they can influence future bargaining. Plus, showing solidarity for other unions helps strengthen our union and our influence when it comes to bargaining, especially in tense years.
3. What is OFM and why does everyone hate them?
   OFM stands for Office of Financial Management, and they are the ones we deal with at the state level bargaining tables. If you have ever tried to get restitution or a problem resolved with a government agency, then you probably already know how frustrating it is. In addition of bureaucracy and red tape, the actual OFM employees can be…difficult, on many levels. On the one hand, they are doing their job (helping the state to spend as little as possible), but it is usually at the expense of workers.
4. What does this have to do with me? I’m new/not on the bargaining team/kind of ambivalent about this whole thing.
   We are bargaining YOUR contracts. These control your working conditions, your pay, benefits, training, and other aspects of your job, so these contracts have a direct impact on your day-to-day experience at work. And just because you aren’t on the bargaining team or are new to the union doesn’t mean you can’t take part and make your voice heard.

How to participate

Join the Team

The best way to participate is to join the bargaining team. We usually look for about 5 volunteers from our membership.

• You don’t need to be a steward
• You don’t need any previous experience or particular expertise, other than your job and experience at Highline.
• You do need to be a dues-paying member
• You do need to be passionate about making things better for your colleagues

Be an Observer

I get it. The bargaining team is a big commitment, and can be intimidating. If you aren’t ready for that step, there are plenty of other ways to make your voice heard:

1. Find out who is on the bargaining committee, and communicate your concerns for the upcoming contract with them. If you have specific examples or documentation, that is even better.
2. Consider sharing a public comment at a Board of Trustees meeting. If you have a concern about Highline and the culture or support received from the college, then signing up to share a public comment is a great way to get it on record with the college. Danielle Slota sends out an email about each BOT meeting a week in advance, which includes a link to sign up for public comment. Additionally, the Highline side of the bargaining table is usually occupied by VPs and other employees of Highline who have seats on the board, like Melanie Lawson, Danielle Slota, and Michael Pham. You can bring up specific subjects we are bargaining locally (like adequate training for your department, for example) and encourage them to support it, or bring up other concerns you think need addressed.
3. Attend Unity meetings every Wednesday. Unity happens at noon and 6pm on Wednesdays over zoom. You should receive a link in your personal email each Wednesday morning. This is the best way we can stay informed and build solidarity with other WPEA units. The more we support others, the more support we get in return.
4. Observe as many bargaining sessions as possible. Currently, Highline College does not allow observers at the local bargaining table with WPEA, but that may be allowed in the future. I believe the HCEA table does allow observers (I could be wrong), and I’m not sure about our newest table for exempt staff. However, observers are allowed (and encouraged!) at the state level. Check the calendar portion of the union Discord server for upcoming meetings and zoom links, or the specific channel for that table (those are at the top of the page in Discord.
5. Write to your senators and representatives, asking them to support unions and state workers. While this is not really applicable for local bargaining, when it comes to things like PAY and BENEFITS, those are controlled at the state level. During particularly bad bargaining cycles (like the last two), this can be the only way to convince the state employees deserve a living wage, and that the money should be prioritized in the budget rather than being viewed as “whatever’s leftover.”

How to be an observer

Observers are allowed at all state bargaining tables (the ones that deal with money) and some local tables (the ones that deal with working conditions).

1. Obey the rules
   Every table is a little different, but in general:
   -change your name in Zoom to “Observer – WPEA”. You can also add your name if you want.
   -Keep yourself on mute. Observers are not allowed to speak during bargaining sessions, but when the team goes into breakout rooms, you will be allowed to talk to the union representatives.
2. Be visible. Try to keep your camera on. Putting faces behind the names makes things more personal, and it keeps the opposition from accusing us of filling the room with bots.
3. Wear blue/your union shirt/use a WPEA zoom background. This makes it very obvious at a glance where you stand.
4. Keep a pen handy. Just because we can’t speak during bargaining, doesn’t mean we can’t express opinions. Observers are allowed to have signs. We use them to express displeasure or support. Keeping a sharpie and a stack of index cards handy will help you be prepared. Just make sure your camera is set to flip the image, so any text is readable and not mirrored.

If you have other suggestions or questions, leave them in the comments below!