After more than a year and a half of stalled negotiations, legal setbacks, and broken promises, WPEA members at Highline College made their voices heard, loud and clear. On July 7, union members and supporters took to the campus lawn with signs and a picket line, demanding that Highline College and the Office of Financial Management (OFM) honor their commitment to fair compensation. This action marked a major escalation in a lengthy contract fight, as WPEA continues to push for cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that reflect the real economic pressures faced by classified staff.

The trouble began last year when OFM’s initial COLA proposal of 0% and 1% was met with outrage from members, understandable given that inflation rose by nearly 4% that year alone. WPEA negotiated until a 3% and 2% offer was on the table, but even that fell short for many members. Though contracts were ultimately ratified before the legislative session ended, none of the WPEA’s higher education contracts were included in the final state budget, a move many saw as an act of bad faith. In response, the WPEA launched a legal challenge and a public pressure campaign to restore funding and uphold the gains made at the bargaining table.

While OFM blocked state funds, Highline’s administration promised to use local funds to fulfill contract incentives such as personal days and a $1,200 signing bonus, only to later rescind that offer, claiming legal limitations. WPEA strongly disputes this, citing a clear PERC legal precedent that allows local institutions to use their own funds for these purposes. For over a decade, Highline has operated under this very practice. Union leaders say the sudden reversal not only broke trust, but actively harmed members who were counting on that promised support.

Now, attention is fixed on whether Highline College will reverse course and honor its agreement. If they don’t, there’s growing talk among other higher-ed bargaining units of pursuing independent bargaining paths, just as Highline WPEA members do now. The frustration on campus is real. After 18 months of negotiations, legal wrangling, and financial uncertainty, members are still waiting for justice. The WPEA remains committed to securing fair compensation and standing strong with the workers who keep Washington’s colleges running.