Our bargaining team met with management again on July 8th and 9th. After hearing from management that they were not ready to move on their previous offer, our team countered with a creative and fair proposal that allows for predictability and stability for our members as well as the LIHI as an organization.
Bargaining team members shared your stories of delayed evaluations and step increases, or evaluations that didn’t happen at all for multiple years.
If you didn’t get a performance evaluation and/or your raise has been delayed, reach out to Carole Krohn (carole.krohn@lihi.org), Ralph Neis (ralph.neis@lihi.org), Amirah Ziada (amirah@opeiu8.org), and Byram Simpson (byram@opeiu8.org).
LIHI has committed to resolving these issues and ensuring evaluations and increases as described in Sections 3.14 and 14.1(c) of our Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Management said they appreciate our effort and that they are “intrigued” by the proposal. We anticipate returning to the table some time the week of July 13th to hear LIHI’s response.
The four pillars we are standing on:
- Inflation — The cost of living rose 4.9% (April 2026), well above LIHI’s 3% offer — our wages are falling behind rising costs.
- Recruitment & Retention — LIHI is hiring 60–100 new employees and opening roughly 400 new shelter units before 2027. Attracting and keeping skilled staff requires wages that reflect the job.
- The Nature of the Work — This work is hazardous, emotional, and physically and mentally demanding. It should be compensated as such.
- Wage Compression — At the top of the scale, increases stall at $0.25 a year, squeezing the gap between newer and longtime staff.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
LIHI claims your annual step increases are significant. We disagree. In the coming weeks we will circulate a short survey to hear about your experience with the step increase. Keep an eye out for it!
“Fair wages aren’t just an expense; they are a necessary investment in the people whose dedication sustains our mission and support our community every single day.”
— Union Bargaining Team
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team:Ashley Freeman (Case Manager) · Maria Rodriguez (Case Manager) · Brandon Ashford-Whitfield (Case Manager) · Jeff Bachman (Sr. Accountant) · Heather Mustapha (Case Manager) · Thomas Arnone (Building Support Worker) · Amirah Ziada (Union Representative) · Byram Simpson (Union Representative)
QUESTIONS? CONTACT YOUR UNION REPS:
Byram Simpson – byram@opeiu8.org or (206)441-8880 x 118
Amirah Ziada – amirah@opeiu8.org or (206) 441-8880 x 130