PROTECTION through COLLECTIVE DEFENSE
- When workplace problems arise, many workers hesitate to raise concerns alone. Speaking up individually can feel uncertain or uncomfortable, even when the concern is valid. But something often changes when workers raise an issue together.
-
Joey Hicklin
Skagit Valley BBQ – Mount Vernon
- The Skagit Valley BBQ brought members together for food, bargaining discussions, and another member joining the union.
-
WPEA Admin
Edmonds BBQ Recap
- The Edmonds BBQ was a great success, bringing 85 members together for an afternoon of great food, conversation, and plenty of laughs.
-
WPEA Admin
May Day Recap
- May Day brought library workers and allies together to collect 48 postcards and build support for the "Build a Better Board" campaign.
-
Joey Hicklin
✊ Observe Bargaining: Higher Education
Olympic College Member Meeting
Please join us for the in-person member meeting on 8/25, 12-1pm, in building 4, room 129.
All classified staff welcome!
News Archive
Update on Stipend and Backpay Payments
An update on the extra funds, since I don’t think this has been well-shared: I know this is incredibly frustrating. We are working on ways to communicate better, including using
After Six Sessions, the State Still Isn’t Listening
After six bargaining sessions, one thing has become painfully clear. This round of negotiations isn’t just about wages, promotions, or contract language. It’s about whether the State believes the people

Skagit Valley BBQ – Mount Vernon
We had a great time at Skagit Valley in Mount Vernon. I handled the grilling while Lance went around and brought people over for burgers. We had a turnout of

Edmonds BBQ Recap
The Edmonds BBQ was a great success, bringing 85 members together for an afternoon of great food, conversation, and plenty of laughs. Members had the opportunity to ask questions, connect

Military Department Members Show Up
Military Department members recently gathered in person to observe bargaining together through Zoom. (Pictured: Phillip, Garret, Tedd, and Jason from the Military Department) The employer has shown little interest in

Keeping Washington Connected, One Tower at a Time
Far from the office and often high above the ground, WPEA members at the Department of Natural Resources help maintain the communications infrastructure that keeps critical systems operating across Washington.
Position Reallocated After Years of Working Out of Class
After years of performing work beyond their classification, an Olympic College member successfully secured a position reallocation through the contractual review process. Despite multiple unsuccessful requests for management to reevaluate
July 1 LMCC Meeting Notes
The July 1 Labor Management Communication Committee (LMCC) meeting focused on contract back pay, union bulletin board access, campus reorganizations, and employee concerns about communication and transparency surrounding recent organizational

Thank You, RPEC: Retirement Planning
A big thank you to Jakob from the Retired Public Employees Council (RPEC) for joining this week’s UNITY meeting and delivering an excellent presentation on retirement planning. The session covered
2026 Election & Ratification
Everything you need to know about WPEA’s Fall 2026 Contract Ratification and Executive Board election is here. Not a member? Join today! Don’t miss out on these two important votes.