Our Most Productive Session Yet: One Article TA’d | CCC Bargaining Update #9
Yesterday was the most productive bargaining session we’ve had so far, with a single article reaching a tentative agreement (TA).
Your bargaining team continues to show up prepared, responsive, and ready to make progress at every session. But meaningful movement from OFM has been painfully slow.
And we aren’t alone. We’re seeing similar delays across bargaining tables, including General Government and the University of Washington.
At our own table, progress has also been complicated by delays from colleges in responding to document requests. We need the information to bargain effectively, and we need OFM to come to the table prepared to seriously engage with the people who keep Washington’s community colleges running.
Your Bargaining Team Is Standing Strong
A fair contract matters—not just to employees, but to the health of our colleges.
Our institutions are already dealing with staffing losses, deferred maintenance, budget reductions, and increasing demands on employees. Failing to invest in the workforce that keeps our colleges operating will only make those challenges worse.
Yet instead of seriously engaging with reasonable proposals, OFM continues to delay discussions on critical issues, including financial proposals and class-specific increases.
At times, the lack of respect has been visible at the bargaining table. Members of OFM’s team have responded to our rejection of lackluster packages with eye-rolling and sarcastic sighs.
That isn’t going to pressure your bargaining team into accepting less.
We are standing firm because our bargaining unit deserves better—and because the employees who serve students and keep Washington’s community colleges functioning deserve a contract that recognizes the value of their work.
Cutting staff, leaving positions vacant, deferring maintenance, and expecting fewer employees to do more are not sustainable solutions to financial challenges. In the long run, those choices can cost our colleges, our communities, and Washington taxpayers far more than investing in a fair contract.
Get Loud and Union Proud: Show OFM We Won’t Back Down!
→ RSVP for the Walkout.
→ Send a letter to OFM, the Governor's team, and College leadership.
On Monday, August 31, we’re walking out alongside WFSE members, union siblings, and community supporters across Washington.
We need you there.
This is our opportunity to send a clear message to community college leadership, OFM, and the governor: community college employees expect to be respected at the bargaining table, and we expect serious movement toward a fair contract.
Our 2024 walkouts helped move the needle and brought public attention to the treatment of state employees. We know collective action makes a difference—and we can do it again.
Click here and enter your ZIP code to find a walkout near you. Bring your family, friends, coworkers, and anyone who believes in standing together for working people.
Can’t make it to a walkout? You can still make your voice heard.
Click here to send a letter to the governor, OFM, and community college leadership. Tell them what the work you do means to your college and your community—and why a fair contract isn’t optional. It’s necessary.
We want decision-makers to hear directly from the people affected by their choices. Our stories matter, and together we can make sure they are heard.
Have questions, comments, or want to get more involved? Reach out to your elected bargaining team members.
In solidarity,
Your CCC Bargaining Team