On the Calendar
2025-2027 Bargaining Update as of June 28 |
Elan Robinson - $5000.00 Parker Liberatore - $3000.00 Ella Koebelin - $3000.00 Ellie Easterbrook - $1000.00 Jack Rankin - $1000.00 Sasha Hansen - $1000.00 Emma Robertson - $1000.00 This year we had a large turnout of applicants for our scholarship program. Every year WPEA awards $15,000.00 to 7 outstanding applicants that are comprised of members, spouses, domestic partner, children, mother, father, sister, brother or grandchildren. There is a scholarship committee that scores each applicant on Grades, Application, Personal Essay, Labor Movement/Union Essay and Reference Letter. Once the scholarship committee has graded each applicant, they are sent to the WPEA Board, and they make the final decision. The scholarship committee is made up of WPEA members from across the state. They volunteer their time and effort for the betterment of the members and their families. We look forward to next year |
As you pass through the gates of Camp Murray, you'll encounter the dedicated Security Officers of the Washington State Military Department (WMD), represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). These officers maintain a constant presence, ensuring the security and safety of the premises around the clock, every day of the week. The WPEA Security Officers serve as crucial guardians, focusing on anti-terrorism force protection and the well-being of all employees and guests of the WMD. Their responsibilities extend to safeguarding agency property, screening visitors at checkpoints, responding to emergencies, providing medical assistance, and conducting regular security patrols, among other essential duties. Recently, during a day at the firing range under the guidance of firearms instructor and WPEA steward Charles Perez, WPEA member Levi Thomas demonstrated the proper handling techniques for "Rescue Randy," the dummy used in their annual physical tests. This exercise underscores the commitment of WPEA members to continually hone their skills and maintain proficiency in their roles. The dedication of WPEA represented Officers is evident in their proactive approach to professional development. During a recent Labor-Management Cooperation Committee (LMCC) meeting with WMD, WPEA advocated for updated training sessions on baton and handcuff usage, a request that was accepted by the employer. |
Ingredients 8 large peaches, peeled and cut into eighths 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup chopped crystallized ginger (optional) 1 (14.25-oz.) box super-moist white cake mix (such as Better Crocker) 3/4 cup regular oats 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup ginger ale 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. vanilla extract Directions Step 1 Mix fruit and sugar: Toss together peaches, sugar, and ginger in a 6-quart slow cooker. Step 2 Add topping to fruit filling: Combine cake mix and remaining ingredients. Spread over peach mixture. Step 3 Cook cobbler: Cover and cook on HIGH 2 to 3 hours. Remove lid and let stand 15 minutes. |
Recurring Events: President Office Hours – Every Monday at 12:00 and Thursday at 4:00 Stay up-to-date with your WPEA President https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84804444204?pwd=8WO6oSWkNIEyIBc4bAblg2im01Jkb4.1 Meeting ID: 848 0444 4204 Passcode: 424576 UNITY Meetings – Every Wednesday at 12:00 & 5:00 Different topics, highlights, and news from your Union every week. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81922699344?pwd=dbfzaAvNpLkL4UOGhuS2oseCB3bZiD.1 Meeting ID: 819 2269 9344 Passcode: 716299 Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council Solidarity Night & Meeting – 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month. Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Central Labor Council and visit their website at: https://www.tlmlabor.org/ | June Events June 1 – Scholarship winners announced June 13 – Skagit Valley Steward Meeting 6:00pm June 15 – WPEA Board Meeting – everyone is welcome to attend June 19 - Juneteeth, WPEA office is closed June 30 – Only 4 days left to enter the raffle Save the Date!September 7th - Tacoma Rainiers Game Day! Tickets are $15.50 each that includes a reserved seat, Ballpark meal (hot dog & bottled water). For more information about tickets please contact Lisa or Aubrei at 360-943-1121 or email at [email protected] or [email protected]. More information to come! |
Our recent raffle, which offered the chance to win exciting prizes like Fitbits, AirPods, and gift cards, was a resounding success. Over 500 members participated by updating their contact information with us, accounting for an impressive one-eighth of our entire membership! We're thrilled to announce the winners of our previous raffle: · Karen (Becky) Kozowski from Skagit Valley College, who won a Fitbit Charge 6 · Benjamin Kilfoil from the Department of Natural Resources, also a Fitbit Charge 6 winner · Victoria Walters from Clark College, who chose the Apple AirPods 3 as her prize Congratulations to our lucky winners! The raffle was more than just a chance to win exciting prizes; it was a crucial step in ensuring effective communication between our union and its members. As we prepare for upcoming collective bargaining negotiations for our statewide contracts, maintaining open lines of communication is paramount. During the last bargaining season, we fell short of achieving the desired wage increases. This year, we're determined to push harder, but our bargaining power derives from collective actions that demonstrate our collective strength. To succeed, we need our members to be well-informed about the bargaining process, its progress, and the collective actions required when the time comes. That's why we're thrilled to announce a duplicate raffle running from May 15th through July 3rd. If you entered the previous raffle, you're already included in this new one. For those who haven't yet updated their contact information, visit www.wpea.org/raffle.html to participate and be eligible to win all new prizes! Remember, the deadline to update your contact information and enter the raffle is July 3rd. Our union's strength lies in the collective power of our members. By staying informed and engaged, we can work together to achieve our goals and secure the fair wages and working conditions we deserve. | |
As a WPEA member in good standing you are invited to actively participate in direct democracy! On Saturday, May 18, WPEA member and Lead Steward, Courtney Braddock, together with WPEA staff and our WPEA Lobbyist Seamus Petrie, all met in Seattle for the annual convention of COPE-Committee on Political Education COPE . This is the big annual event, where 600 labor organizations representing more than 500,000 labor members send people to be delegates and get together in a room to decide who we want to lead us. We vote to endorse congressional, statewide, state legislative and judicial candidates, plus state ballot measures. The Washington State Labor Council, WSLC will then publish these endorsements. You go as an official delegate with your WPEA union, which means you get to vote for who you want to see in state leadership. You can meet the hopeful candidates in person. There are panel discussions and lively yet respectful debates before the serious business of voting commences. And you know what? It’s fun! WPEA has a non-partisan Political Action Committee, PAC,( which you are also invited to be part of!) Before COPE happens, our PAC group interview candidates for endorsement, making the determination together of how effective the candidate will be fighting for the rights of labor before we consider endorsing them. My favorite part of COPE was meeting Kristiana De Leon, a candidate who we interviewed and is running in the 5th Legislative District. Why my favorite? Because so often we dismiss people holding or wishing to hold political office as “politicians” with a scoff. The fact is there are people in our communities who share our concerns for livable wages, the high cost of housing, childcare, education, infrastructure, access to resources, etc. and these people step up, volunteer to make a difference in their communities, and then commit to run for office to make more substantive progress state-wide. Kristiana de Leon communicated understanding, effectiveness and deep knowledge of issues affecting all of us. This interview put a human face on “politician” for me. If you come to COPE your hotel is covered, food is provided, and your mileage reimbursed. And you will meet other members and really- you will have fun! Want to know more? Contact Seamus at [email protected] or Derya at [email protected] No previous knowledge of political process of any kind is required. | |
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Recurring Events: President Office Hours – Every Monday at 12:00 and Thursday at 4:00 Stay up-to-date with your WPEA President Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84804444204?pwd=8WO6oSWkNIEyIBc4bAblg2im01Jkb4.1 Meeting ID: 848 0444 4204 Passcode: 424576 UNITY Meetings – Every Wednesday at 12:00 & 5:00 Different topics, highlights, and news from your Union every week Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81922699344?pwd=dbfzaAvNpLkL4UOGhuS2oseCB3bZiD.1 Meeting ID: 819 2269 9344 Passcode: 716299 Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council Solidarity Night & Meeting – 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month. Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Central Labor Council and visit their website at: https://www.tlmlabor.org/ | May Events May 1st – International Labor Day May 12 – Mother’s Day WPEA Board Meeting - May 18 – 9:00 at WPEA Office – All Members are welcome to attend. Shop Steward Training – May 29 from 5:30-8:30pm Heather Kafton will be hosting the May Shop Steward Training, if you wish to attend please reach out to [email protected] to RSVP and you can attend via the zoom link. Join Zoom Meeting https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/82197712713 Meeting ID: 821 9771 2713 May 27 – Memorial Day – WPEA Office is closed |
For over 25 years, Jim Crabb has been the unsung hero of WPEA, tirelessly serving our staff and members with unwavering dedication. Jim's commitment to excellence knows no bounds. Rain or shine, weekend after weekend, Jim has been a constant presence, ensuring that our workspace remains clean, safe, and welcoming for all who enter. His reliability and work ethic have been nothing short of extraordinary. Jim, thank you for your selfless service, your unwavering commitment, and the countless sacrifices you have made to ensure the cleanliness and safety of our workspace. |
Recurring Events: President Office Hours – Every Monday at 12:00 and Thursday at 4:00 Stay up-to-date with your WPEA President Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84804444204?pwd=8WO6oSWkNIEyIBc4bAblg2im01Jkb4.1 Meeting ID: 848 0444 4204 Passcode: 424576 UNITY Meetings – Every Wednesday at 12:00 & 5:00 Different topics, highlights, and news from your Union every week Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81922699344?pwd=dbfzaAvNpLkL4UOGhuS2oseCB3bZiD.1 Meeting ID: 819 2269 9344 Passcode: 716299 Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council Solidarity Night & Meeting – 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month. Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Central Labor Council and visit their website at: https://www.tlmlabor.org/ | April Events WPEA Statewide Steward Meeting – April 2nd - 6:00-7:30pm Join Zoom Meeting https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/88632201394?pwd=bkesc1vAAC1bB3BLbYl4oQBL5LCndk.1 Meeting ID: 886 3220 1394 Passcode: 844161 WPEA Board Meeting – April 20th from 9:00-4:00 – All Members are welcome to attend. This meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Olympia. Members may attend via Zoom, a link will be sent via email as the date gets closer. Shop Steward Training – April 26th from 9:00-12:00 – Abbie Hart will be hosting the April Shop Steward Training, if you wish to attend please reach out to [email protected] to RSVP and you can attend via the zoom link. Join Zoom Meeting https://wpea-org.zoom.us/j/82057355538 Meeting ID: 820 5735 5538 Deadline for WPEA Scholarship – April 30th – Only emailed applications will be accepted. Questions? Please call 1-800-544-9732 or visit our Scholarship Page. WPEA Raffle – Last Day to Enter! – April 30th – Don’t forget to update your contact information with us and be entered to win. Prizes include:
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WPEA members at Fort Vancouver Regional Library are taking their fight public. In negotiations since summer of 2023, bargaining has stalled at wages. While FVRL’s new Executive Director has accepted nearly $200,000 in salary and administrators all make healthy 6-figure salaries, the rank-and-file library workers struggle for necessities. The loss of Steps for more than 10 years put workers further behind. 100% of workers polled reported they could not live without the assistance of family or government help. Derya Ruggles, who worked at FVRL for 13 years and is now a WPEA Organizing Specialist said, “I know that communities in Southwest Washington care about their library workers and would not tolerate this economic injustice if they knew it was happening. That’s why we are taking this struggle public and asking people to speak up alongside our workers to the FVRL Board in support of the dignity of a living wage for all library workers.” You can help! Show your solidarity with fellow WPEA workers and: Sign the petition- add your name to the 650 signers: https://www.change.org/p/it-s-time-fvrlibraries-pay-your-staff-a-living-wage Email FVRL Board of Trustees at: [email protected] and say, “I support the dignity of a living wage for all library workers. Pay your workers fairly.” Read & listen More media coverage and info on the FVRL worker struggle: NW Labor Press: https://nwlaborpress.org/2024/03/low-paid-librarians-fed-up-in-vancouver/ The Stand: https://www.thestand.org/2024/02/take-action-raises-for-sw-washington-librarians-overdue/ (article #1) The Stand: FVRL Board: Pay your library workers livable wages! (thestand.org) (article #2-following struggle) K-BOO Radio Old Mole Hour coverage 3/25/24, 8-minute piece: https://kboo.fm/program/old-mole-variety-hour |
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