Since October 2024, WPEA-represented classified staff at Highline and other Washington community colleges have been in a holding pattern with our contracts and stipends. Here’s the picture:

1. State Contract Rejection

• In early October, WPEA members statewide voted overwhelmingly (82–91%) to reject the state’s proposed 2025–27 contract.
• The offer fell short of addressing cost-of-living, recruitment, and retention needs—concerns that are just as real here at Highline as they are elsewhere.
• The rejection means we are still working under our current 2023–25 contract until a new agreement is reached and funded by the Legislature.

2. What This Means for Pay

• The only raise since last summer has been the 3% across-the-board increase that took effect July 1, 2024 (as negotiated in the current agreement).
• There are no new stipend programs or permanent increases in effect since October.
• Seattle-area minimum wage adjustments have been applied to ensure no one is paid below local legal standards, but these affect only certain lower pay steps.
• Long-term pay erosion is significant: as it stands now, WPEA classified staff are on average 21.05% below the Consumer Price Index (CPI) since 2000, meaning two decades of wages that have not kept pace with inflation.

3. Targeted Incentives

• A few targeted MOUs at the state level (extra-duty pay for specialized roles, certain safety-related premiums) have been implemented, but these apply narrowly and do not benefit most of our campus staff.
• No new college-funded stipends have been negotiated or offered since October.