“We were given an impression that we were important, but then they're treating us like we are second-class members of society. I think that's wrong. I think our members are worth more than that.”
—Tom Cline, CCC Bargaining Team Member, Peninsula College
Last time we met with the state, our bargaining team proposed a substantial compensation package that covered every single represented employee.
At yesterday's bargaining session, the state’s counterproposal was, to say the least, disappointing.
Citing a poor outlook for the state budget, it is completely inadequate for our members’ needs.
This was their first compensation proposal, and we will continue to counter, fight, push, and raise the serious concerns we have about their approach.
Despite their statement that the insultingly low proposal in no way reflects of the value of state employees and our service, the message was clear: We need you to do more for less. With their own words and presentation, they showed us they think we are not a priority, and the people we serve are not a priority.
Equally clear: We’re going to lose people if we don’t get raises.
Richard, a WFSE member from Green River College, shares what is an unfortunate -- and avoidable -- reality for many community college employees.
College employees are exhausted by the revolving door state service has become. Our workplaces can no longer be training grounds for better paying jobs while management refuses to take measures that will actually ameliorate turnover, only paying lip service to retention and recruitment and ingoring concerns around wage compression.
They are creating an environment for a mass exodus of staff in state service. Even public “servants” need food and shelter.
It's Time to Pressure the State and the Governor
WFSE members at Spokane Falls Community College meeting on campus to strategize for a fair contract at our state's community colleges.
It's clear the colleges are not being valued. Presidents and chancellors have acknowledged the recruitment and retention crisis. They can’t do their jobs either if the colleges are not staffed. We have to rally together as a whole if we’re going to stem the flow of turnover.
We need to pressure the Office of Financial Management, who we are negotiating with directly, and by extension the Governor's Office, to win a fair contract.
Here’s what you can do to fight for a FAIR raise
We have reviewed the results of the bargaining survey and are using it to ensure that our focus is aligned with your priorities
The strength of our union has always been in our numbers. We, your elected team, cannot be successful at the table without your action. It is time to make yourselves seen, heard and felt.
- Call the governor—today, the next day, and the day after! Calling is quick and easy and we have talking points for you. Text UNITED to 236263.
- Speak to your coworkers about bargaining. Make sure they are signed up to receive updates, have signed petitions and made phone calls, and are tuned in for next actions.
- Sign our two active petitions:
- Support Staff Petition: Livable Wages Now for Support Staff!
- Skilled Trades Petition: Respect the Craft!
- Stay tuned for future in-person actions. We’re far from finished with this process.
In solidarity,
Your 2025-2027 Bargaining Team
- Tonya Rehberg, Community Colleges of Spokane
- Ward Kaplan, Community Colleges of Spokane
- Kimi Hanson, Everett Community College
- Scott Beals, Green River College
- Amanda Clifford, Green River College
- Tracy Stanley, Lower Columbia College
- Tom Cline, Peninsula Community College
- Thuy Nguyen, North Seattle College
- Diane Ellis, Seattle Central College
- James Ellis, Seattle Colleges District
- James 'Ric' Doike-Foreman, Shoreline Community College
- Sandy Long, South Seattle College
- Patricia Hermoso, Tacoma Community College
- Michael Greenhouse, Tacoma Community College
- Dan Andreason, Whatcom Community College