Your Workplace Updates

WA State Labor Council – Union Update & What’s Ahead

MEET YOUR UNION SHOP STEWARDS

We’re excited to share that Carissa Larsen and Kira Munson have stepped up to serve as Shop Stewards alongside Emmanuel Flores! 

SICK LEAVE ACCRUAL CORRECTION

The Union recently identified a discrepancy with employees’ sick leave accruals. Emmanuel, one of our stewards, then brought the issue to WSLC management’s attention.

After review, it was confirmed that employees have been accruing sick leave at a rate of 12 days per year (1 day/month) rather than the 15 days per year (1.25 days/month) required under our Union contract. Click to see Section 9.1 on the CBA.

WSLC is working to correct the accrual errors and ensure employees receive the sick leave they’re entitled to under our contract. We’ll continue to follow up with management as the correction is implemented to ensure its accuracy moving forward. We will also ensure that everyone gets the retroactive leave they are entitled to. We’ll share additional information as it becomes available.

BARGAINING IS AROUND THE CORNER

Our current contract expires at the end of April 2027. The time to start preparing for our next contract negotiations is approaching fast!

Beginning in mid-November, we’ll be ramping up our pre-bargaining activity. Over the coming months, members will:

  • Complete a pre-bargaining survey to tell us what matters most to you;
  • Elect our Bargaining Team; and
  • Participate in membership meetings and discussions about our priorities and strategy.

A strong contract starts with an informed, engaged membership. Your participation will be

important throughout the process, so please keep an eye out for more information this fall about how you can get involved.

You each play an important part in Washington’s labor movement. You are a powerful group; the next contract should reflect that. Start thinking about what you’d like to see protected, improved, or changed — our pre-bargaining survey will be the first opportunity to share your priorities.

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Message sent to OPEIU Local 8 represented at Washington State Labor Council on Sept. 1, 2026