Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our vote. The contract was ratified with 95% approval. While we did not gain as much ground as we wanted to, we did not lose any ground, and were able to negotiate the $500 bonus (we were initially offered $0, and with 0/0 COLAs on the table with the state, we took what we could get).
Again, if there’s something you think we should have bargained for/fought harder for, please consider volunteering for the bargaining committee next contract cycle. You are the best advocate for the things you are passionate about.
What’s Next?
The ratified contract will go to the Highline College Board of Trustees today or tomorrow. They will have a week to review before they vote at the September 17 board meeting. The contract is expected to pass, but we never know what curveballs might show up. Our fight is not over yet!
What you can do:
- Show up to the September 17 IN BLUE. Preferably in person, but you can also join via zoom. The more visible we are, the more pressure it puts on the people in charge to support change, whether it is at the employer, state, or even federal level.
- Please continue to write to your representatives objecting the 0/0 COLA offer. While the highest levels of leadership in the state of Washington have been given 5 figure increases, they are offering the lowest paid workers in the state NOTHING. You can find your representatives here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/
- Observe the Higher Ed and General Government Bargaining sessions whenever possible. Check discord for meeting links and times. Watch for my next post, which will be my guide to observing bargaining.
Thank you to everyone for your input, your hard, work, and your votes!
