They're looking for cost savings—off the backs of college employees. Bargaining Update #7 (cloned)
In yesterday's session, there was one singular theme: the clock is ticking, and OFM is "not ready".
“We are not prepared, we are not ready, we don’t have anything for you. It’s like a broken record. ‘We are not prepared to respond to you today.’ “
- Kimi Hanson, CCC Bargaining Team member and communications consultant at Everett Community College
They are trying to run out the clock.
Watch this update from CCC Bargaining Team member Dan Andreason, maintenance mechanic at Whatcom Community College.
Are we going to allow this disrespect?
Or are we going to stand together and take action? There are two ways we can put our foot down:
→ RSVP for the Walkout.
→ Send a letter to OFM, the Governor's team, and College leadership.
After months of your elected bargaining team putting in hours and hours of work to prepare thoughtful proposals that will concretely better all our work and lives, it’s unclear how they’re spending any of their time. That is the through line.
They’re trying to waste our time until the time runs out. They think they can back us into a corner where we'll have to accept a bad deal. And only our concerted action will change that.
"We're looking at cost savings. Like how much would it cost to post and fill the position when you overwork the people you're not willing to pay fairly."
- Patti Hermoso, CCC Bargaining Team Member and administrative assistant at Tacoma Community College
100+ Walkouts on August 31: Are you with us?
Our voices are not being heard. Our work at the colleges is not being respected. So we're walking out.
And we won't be alone. Members across the state of Washington are preparing 100+ events. We'll be joined by siblings from other unions and local business who depend on our wages.
And in the two weeks that remain before the Walkout?
Let's hammer OFM, the Governor's team, and community college leadership with letters.
If you've sent a letter already, amplify our voices even more by asking your coworkers to do the same. They MUST hear from us.
Why Walk Out?
CCC employees across the state walked out in 2024 and forced OFM and college leadership to show some respect.
The short answer: Because flexing our collective power works. 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.