CCC Update #3: Strides Forward and Fighting Bullying in the Workplace
Yesterday, your CCC team had our third bargaining session with management on the road to a fair 27-29 contract. We covered a lot of important topics, and were joined by WFSE President Mike Yestramski for this session. Read on for more news straight from the table and to learn how you can get active in the path to our next contract.
We need to hear from you! Please fill the survey out today so we can advocate for your top priorities at the table.
A big thank you to all our union siblings who have completed the bargaining survey. It really matters. We review the responses as a team, and we rely on your answers to direct our priorities. We are already seeing trends for what our membership wants to focus on in this bargaining cycle, but we need to hear from as many people as possible for the survey to be a useful tool.
Progress at the table
We were pleased to see some movement at the table yesterday. After a slow start on the state’s part in our initial meetings, this session was better. At this point in the cycle, we have seen more movement from management than in previous years. As of today, we have reached tentative agreement on 21 articles. We hope to continue seeing this progress.
Standing up against workplace bullying
Workplace bullying is the top non-economic issue we hear about from our members. It's saddening that so many of us are facing this in our work. Signing up to help others as public employees does NOT mean agreeing to abusive behavior.
If you have faced bullying at work, we want you to know we hear you, and we are representing you at the table. We are fighting hard for clearer language and better accountability regarding workplace behaviors. Expanding our contract language around this issue that will give us stronger tools to fight bullying. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work.
Find it all in our video update from bargaining team member Bear Ryver, who works at South Puget Sound Community College.
Here's where you come in:
Get your coworkers involved: Download the Community College Launch Flyer.
We need you! We're doing everything we can at the bargaining table, but our strength comes from numbers. We're counting on you and all our thousands of union siblings to stay informed, monitor the process, and make your voices heard. Here's how you can do your part.
- Bargaining Survey Due June 30
If you’re a dues-paying WFSE member, make sure to fill out the Bargaining Survey by June 30th! If you’re not a member, you can join here.
- Community Engagement Events Statewide May 30
Also, see if there’s a community engagement event happening at your community college on May 30th. Find the map of events and how to create your own event here.
We want at least one event near every one of our schools to show the folks on the other side of the negotiating table that our communities are behind us—the workers who keep our schools running.
- Next bargaining date: June 10
We'll be back at the table on June 10th. Show your solidarity by wearing your WFSE green to work and use the Teams/Zoom background every bargaining day. Download backgrounds here!