ABHS Bargaining Update #4

Negotiation of the 2026 Compensation Reopener Tentative Agreement between the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and American Behavioral Health Systems has concluded! 

The tentative agreement (TA) for the 2025-2027 ABHS contract achieves several major goals identified as priorities by the membership:   

• Despite a challenging budget outlook, and a this being a mid-contract compensation reopener, the contract secures the following:  
• A salary step table. The step table will guarantee starting wages (Step A) and raises to ABHS workers after one (1) year of service (Step B), three (3) years of service (Step C) and six (6) years of service (Step D). Everyone will reach the top step of the salary table in their job class after six (6) years of continuous service in that job class. 
  • Explanation of the pay scale:
    • The wage table is based on current wages, and you receive your increases on your anniversary date, so not everyone will see an immediate increase, but everyone will see increases on their anniversary date (hire date) depending on where they are on the pay scale right now. 
    • Step C on the pay scale is the current median wage for each job class. If you are above that Step or any Step at the time of implementation, your wage will remain the same until you reach the years of service for the next step. The reason we had to do it this way is because we had to correct the wide range of pay differences there were within each job class. 
• We established a minimum Step D wage of $24.25. Every job class will be paid a minimum of $24.25 after 6 years of service in that job class. 
• Step D for all other job classes will be based on the current top wage in that job class plus 1% after six years of continuous service in that job class.  
• Increases to longevity pay bonuses. 
  • 2-year anniversary will increase to $300 
  • 3–5 year anniversary will increase to $500 
• Shift differentials will no longer stack, but rates were increased as a result: 
  • Weekend day shift will get a $2.50 per hour differential.
  • Weekend evening shift will get a $3.00 per hour differential
  • Weekend night shift will get a $3.50 per hour differential.
• See the full tentative agreement for details.  

Because of these achievements, your ABHS Bargaining Team recommends that you vote YES toACCEPT this Agreement! A summary and complete copy of the tentative agreement is available on the WFSE website. 

We want to thank you all for your hard work, research, job actions, and solidarity. Your strength makes all the difference! If you have questions, please visit a voting assistance center, contact a bargaining team member, or contact your WFSE staff. 

Your WFSE ABHS Bargaining Team

Voting Instructions and Timeline

• Voting opens: June 9, 2026, at 8 AM
• Voting closes: June 12, 2026, at 5 PM 
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How to vote: Visit vote.wfse.org to cast your ballot.

Log in with your first name, last name and your PIN. Click "ONLINE VOTING" below "Important Links." See screenshot below.

Check your personal email for your PIN. Be sure to check your spam, promotions and junk folders. Vote using your personal equipment on personal time.

Questions about the TA or difficulty voting? Contact the Member Connection Center (MCC) at [email protected] or 833-MCC-WFSE (1-833-622-9373).