LAP Arbitration Decision
In our last update to you we shared that negotiations with the state concluded with a two-day Interest Arbitration hearing on 8/5 and 8/6. We have now received the arbitrator’s opinion and award.
As you all know, the state’s budget deficit continues to grow, and economic discussions were incredibly difficult as a result. While there are no increases to our rates, we successfully fought off takeaways and your bargaining team leveraged that budget deficit to make every non-economic gain possible in these challenging budget times, and those gains are significant. Many of the changes were based on your feedback.
Gains from the IA award:
- Article 1: Both the State and the Union agree that the use of Artificial Intelligence will not supplant the services provided by LAPs.
- Article 6: Requests for simultaneous interpretation will receive a 30% premium.
- Article 7: DES will follow the payment timelines established for DSHS/DCYF and L&I’s payment timelines shortened by 15 days, and weekend and holiday rules for when the LAP is paid.
- Article 8: A pilot program where our Union can elect to file arbitrations to PERC.
Read the details of those changes, the arbitrator’s award, and the tentatively agreed to articles below.
We want to thank you all for your hard work, feedback, job actions, and solidarity.
Your Interpreters United, WFSE Local 1671 bargaining team
- Barbara Robertson
- Leroy Mould
- Leticia Mares
- Luis Borgford
- Masuood Muhammed
- Quan Tran
