Community College Coalition (CCC) Bargaining Updates

They're looking for cost savings—off the backs of college employees. Bargaining Update #7

WFSE Staff

Jul. 31, 2026

graphic with quote from CCC bargaining team member Danielle Casey that reads "Labor union organizing is one of the most effective ways for us to advocate for change both in our local communities, our state communities, our federal communities. We start here. It always starts here."

In yesterday's bargaining session, we heard the same tired line over and over: "We're looking for cost savings."

What management refuses to see is that achieving cost savings on the backs of public employees prolongs economic downturns, punishes students and communities, and disrespects the work of dedicated and hardworking people who do their jobs to help others.

Nor did the OFM team provide much justification or backup for their stances on our proposals. Their pushback is a vague "no money."

Screen grab of Danielle Casey's video update

Watch the video update from CCC bargaining team member Danielle Casey.

We understand the budget projections are dire. But what our state needs during this challenging time is not to undercut institutions like our public colleges. If anything, Washingtonians will need to rely even more on the excellent and accessible education available at our community colleges during the years to come.

During this session, our attempts at collaboration and open conversation were continually dismissed without rationale or hard numbers.

Fighting for our most vulnerable union siblings at every session

This week, CCC bargaining team member Kimi Hanson spotted news coverage of Governor Ferguson in an IUPAT Local 188 hoodie. The irony of coopting union solidarity as he advocates for zero raises for public employees is staggering.

The bottom line, though, is that we're not letting OFM's anti-public employee objectives or the Governor's hypocrisy stop us. Our team is fighting hard at every turn for our most vulnerable union siblings. We're looking for every opportunity to increase stability and improve working conditions for those who are depending on us.

And we need you to help.

We’re Walking Out WITH Washington on August 31

If OFM and the Governor's office think WFSE members will sit passively by as public services are knee-capped, they're wrong.

We're walking out with the full strength not only of our union but the hundreds of local businesses we keep afloat with our wages.

And we're not waiting for the 31st to take action.

Start today by writing a digital letter to tell the governor and his team, OFM, and community college and university leadership to come to the table to work out a fair deal.

Our 2024 walkouts pushed a difficult bargaining cycle forward to a fair deal for workers. We can mobilize again for success.

We can also move the needle on getting a fair contract by mobilizing our coworkers to take the actions on our landing page and on wfse.org/fair-contract. Please also join us in highlighting and supporting the local businesses who are standing behind our campaign.

Need to get in touch with your bargaining team? We want to hear from you! Reach out to your elected bargaining team members.

Find more on the Community College Coalition landing page.

In solidarity,

AFSCME Council 28/WFSE
Speaking Up for Our Jobs, Families & Communities
Not a member? Join today.