Update as June 28, 2024 It has been a whirlwind month of bargaining. Although during bargaining we can’t get into very specific details, we did want to share an update of main concerns and next steps. The fiscal forecast and compensatory items will be addressed in July.
Within Higher Education safety and security concerns are key. The union highlighted discrepancies in campus safety measures, citing examples where budget cuts led to insufficient security coverage, such as at Olympic College, where budget constraints might revert security staffing to inadequate levels.The union discussed the need to address ongoing safety concerns, with an emphasis on updating safety plans regularly and involving staff in the planning process. The session ended with the understanding that several proposals require further discussion and refinement. Both parties agreed to continue brainstorming and to bring forward more concrete suggestions in future sessions. The bargaining process is ongoing, with both sides committed to finding mutually acceptable solutions to the issues raised. The Union currently has about 18 articles open. General Government is looking for really diverse changes. The union highlighted the importance of timely discussions, especially considering the ongoing fire season and when our schools break for the summer. The need for those members to bargain earlier in the year due to their jobs was discussed and the Union is hopefully we are on the path to getting the issue resolved. The union representatives emphasized the need for oversight and inspections to ensure workplace safety. The state acknowledged the concerns and discussed the procedural aspects of involving L&I. Additionally, large changes have been brought forward by the Union for Washington State Patrol and the CO3s and CVEO3s. The bargaining session ended with both parties agreeing to continue discussions and addressing pending items in upcoming meetings. The Union currently has about 16 articles open. We are currently in the beginning stages of this session. As we move forward, we are hopeful that our issues will continue to be addressed. Next Steps: In July we will be having very critical conversations surrounding pay, increases, adjustments and classification increases. The Union will work tirelessly to bargain as much as we can for our members. __ If you would like to show your support – check out our updated bargaining webpage! We have posters, postcards, helpful ideas, and how you can get involved. We want to hear from you, have an idea to show your support? Let us know at [email protected].