Local bargainers lobby in Olympia to protect collective bargaining rights
Local bargaining teams from about 25 WEA locals were in Olympia Thursday to lobby legislators to protect collective bargaining rights for school employees.
Their question to legislators: “Will you oppose any legislation that limits existing union and collective bargaining rights, specifically the ability to negotiate pay and benefits with our employer school districts?”
Democrat Sen. Steve Conway was one of several legislators, including Republicans, who said, “YES,” telling WEA members that unions are the "heart and soul of democracy."
“It was encouraging to speak with Legislators who truly believe in collective bargaining and the power of unions,” said Rita Johnson, a Bethel teacher. “If only all of our legislators felt that way.”
The Senate Republicans’ school funding bill approved in February limits collective bargaining by capping salaries, limiting TRI pay, lowering school levy funding and restricting due process rights.
While the Senate plan currently does not directly amend the existing bargaining law, these changes DO limit bargaining rights, and WEA members oppose them. It also is very possible that some legislators may try to make restrictions on collective bargaining rights part of a final state budget deal.
The Senate is expected to pass its complete state budget Thursday, and the House is expected to introduce a competing state budget next week.
