Last week WPEA representatives met with Department of Revenue leadership for the quarterly Labor-Management Communication Committee (LMCC) meeting. LMCC meetings provide a space for the union and the Employer to address ongoing workplace issues that do not require formal bargaining.

This quarter we raised a number of concerns brought forward by members, including:

• Union access issues, including surveillance concerns in the Kent office
• Revenue Agent workload and performance expectations
• Safety concerns in the Tacoma office
• AI implementation and transparency
• And several other workplace issues affecting DOR employees

A special shout-out goes to shop steward Jessica Hackney, who held the Employer accountable for failing to provide door jams in Tacoma after they were identified as a safety hazard nearly a year ago.

Another thank you to Ann Hakola from Richland, who provided important firsthand insight into the work of Revenue Agents and highlighted serious concerns about current workload and performance expectations.

Union staff advocate for members every day, but the reality is that when concerns are raised directly by members, management is far more likely to take them seriously. When members speak up in these spaces, it strengthens the union’s ability to push for real change.

Thank you to the three shop stewards who attended and represented their coworkers: Ann Hakola, Jessica Hackney, and Ben Craig.

If you see them around the office, please thank them for the work they’re doing on behalf of everyone.

Our contract allows for up to five employee representatives to attend LMCC meetings alongside union staff on work time, and employees can attend virtually using their state computer.

The next LMCC meeting is June 4th, and we would love to see all five employee spots filled.

You can read more about the purpose and structure of LMCC meetings in Article 37 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. If you’re interested in participating in the next meeting, reach out to your union representative.