Members of the Washington Public Employees Association are voting on a new two-year contract this week that leaders of the union say they should reject. Aubrei Hansen, WPEA marketing and membership coordinator, is putting out ballots inside the Olympia office on Wednesday Sept. 25, 2024. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
Thousands of state workers are voting this week on a new two-year contract but not everyone agrees it’s the best deal. Leaders of one public employee union are recommending its members turn down the offer, a move they admit would put them in “uncharted territory.”
The core tentative agreement contains general pay hikes of 3% on July 1, 2025 and 2% a year later. It also raises the starting wage for state workers to $18 an hour, assures the state will continue paying 85% of employee health care premiums, and adds new types of leave such as for those experiencing wildfire emergencies.
By law, unions must approve a new contract by Oct. 1 so it can be considered for funding in the next two-year budget, which Gov. Jay Inslee will propose in December. Inslee was not involved in the negotiations.