Message sent 1/20/2026 –
| At our bargaining session on January 16, management showed us exactly where their priorities lie. They came to the table proposing to take away our retirement contributions, asking us to trade away our future just for the wages we already deserve. Let’s be clear: we do not accept takeaways. For years, we’ve carried the weight of management’s missteps. We’ve watched programs shrink, coworkers leave, and workloads grow heavier. Still, we show up every day because we care deeply about the young people we serve. And after all of that, management’s offer is a 1% raise and asking us to sacrifice our retirement security. Meanwhile, management continues to earn significantly more than frontline staff. They want us to pay for their mistakes while they protect their own paycheck. Our work is already underpaid. A 3% wage increase for 2026 is not radical; it’s reasonable, necessary, and achievable. We are also demanding stronger protections for on-call and temporary staff so YouthCare cannot continue to exploit these positions in the aftermath of mass layoffs. We know the money is there. YC’s administrative and HR budgets are over budget by more than $800,000 in 2025. Management refuses to be transparent about executive severance packages, consultant contracts, or mounting legal fees. Still, they insist workers must tighten our belts. We’ve sacrificed enough. It’s time to stand together and demand better. Please take a moment to sign the petition calling for a 3% wage increase. Every signature strengthens our position and sends a clear message: we will not give up our future to cover management’s failure. Sign the petition here. In solidarity, Your Union Bargaining Team |
QUESTIONS? CONTACT YOUR UNION REP: Hogarth Russell, at hogarth@opeiu8.org or (206) 441-8880 ext. 119