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Below is the summary of changes for the Tentative Agreement. The full TA’s is available here:
Senate Democratic Caucus CBA
Summary of Changes
The Union and Senate Democratic Caucus have reached agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Below is a summary of the changes included in the agreement.
Telework – New Trial MOU for the 2028 Session
The agreement establishes a trial MOU for the 2028 legislative session providing limited hybrid work opportunities during session.
- The agreement provides a limited opportunity to work remotely while maintaining the operational needs of the legislative session.
Article 14 – Compensation and General Employment Provisions
- The agreement provides a 0% COLA during the contract.
- The parties have a potential 2028 opener to renegotiate wages, consistent with the approach used in General Government contracts.
Housing and Relocation Benefits
Legislative Assistants (LAs):
- Housing stipend increases from $77 per day to $80 per day.
- LAs receive a one-time $150 relocation payment.
Caucus Staff:
- Housing stipend established at $725 per month.
- Caucus staff receive a one-time $200 relocation payment.
Other Financial Changes
- Internet stipend increases from $35 to $40 per month.
- Employees who give up their legislative phone will receive a $35 per month stipend.
Classification and Assignment Provisions
- Only Legislative Assistants may request resume re-analysis during the first three months.
- Changes to LA office coverage provide smaller compensation increases for shorter coverage assignments, beginning at two weeks of coverage.
Article 15 – Leave
Article 15 establishes and clarifies leave policies and accrual practices while providing several improvements for employees.
Holiday Leave
- Upon separation, holidays not taken during session will be included in the employee’s leave payout.
Bereavement Leave
- Expands the definition of eligible family members.
- Increases bereavement leave from 3 days to 5 days.
Leave Use Plans
The Union was unable to eliminate the existing leave-use-plan provision but negotiated changes that provide additional protections and clarity.
Sick Leave Verification
- A doctor’s note or other verification may be required after three consecutive days of sick leave.
- This is a reduction from the current practice of requiring verification after 10 days or upon request.
Gifted Leave
- Employees receive two days of gifted leave, with one day available during each interim.
- This provision mirrors an offer made to General Government employees.
Article 12 – Discipline and Separation
The agreement maintains the at-will employment structure, but establishes new processes that did not previously exist.
Delayed Separation and Transition Pool
The agreement:
- Expands eligibility for programs created under the first contract.
- Increases paid administrative leave associated with delayed separation from 3 days to 10 days, while preserving seniority.
Legislative Assistant Protection
If a member unexpectedly does not return, an LA may have the option to:
- Become a Session Assistant (SA);
- Maintain their pay and benefits; and
- Remain in that position for one legislative session.
Conflict Resolution
The agreement establishes conflict resolution meetings designed to provide an opportunity to address workplace concerns before the employer considers termination.
The process also encourages Senators to participate in conflict-resolution meetings when appropriate.
Notice of Separation
Employees will receive:
- Two weeks’ notice that they are going to be terminated; or two weeks of pay if the required notice is not provided.
Performance Improvement
The agreement adds performance-improvement language, creating processes and opportunities to address performance concerns before separation.
Article 3 – Union Rights
- Increasing the number of shop stewards who may attend meetings during work hours.
- Clarifying access rules so WPEA can reserve meeting spaces on campus for meetings with bargaining unit members.
- Requiring Administration to notify the Union when a large group meeting is disciplinary in nature.
Article 7 – Inclement Weather
The agreement incorporates the current inclement-weather policy and provides employees with options when hazardous conditions occur.
Article 8 – Bargaining
- An increase in the number of employees who may participate in bargaining meetings.
- Additional clarity regarding the parties’ bargaining obligations and processes.
Article 10 – Union/Administration Meetings
- Increasing the number of shop stewards who may participate in LMCC meeting
Article 11 – Health and Safety
- Confirmation that employees may perform limited work from home while sick, including during legislative session, when appropriate.
- Quicker responses from Administration regarding requested workplace health and safety improvements.
