Labor Relations News
Recent News
July 1, 2019: PFML goes in effect 2019-21 CBA
September 30, 2018: The WFSE ratifies the 2019-21 CBA
September 26, 2018: The WSU Police Guild ratifies the 2019-21 CBA
September 26, 2018: Tentative Agreement reached with the Police Guild regarding the 2019-21 CBA
September 19, 2018: Tentative Agreement reached with the WFSE regarding the 2019-21 CBA
June 27, 2018: WFSE issues notice concerning the collection of representation fees from bargaining unit employees
June 27, 2018: Information on U.S. Supreme Court Decision Janus v AFSCME Released
October 18, 2017: WFSE new bargaining unit employee orientation scheduled
July 1, 2019: PFML goes in effect 2019-21 CBA
During 2017 the Legislature passed Senate Bill 5975 related to a new state of Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. Starting in 2020, Washington will be the fifth state in the nation to offer PFML benefits. This benefit offers partially paid leave to care for employee or a family member in times of serious illness or injury, to bond with a new child joining the home through birth, adoption or foster placement, and for certain military-connected events if there is have a qualifying family member in active duty service. The PFML program is funded by premiums paid by both employees and employers, and is administered by the Employment Security Department (ESD).
Like non-represented employees who began contributing to the premium on January 1, 2019, represented employees will see a new premium deduction and WSU contribution on the July 25, 2019 paycheck. For 2019, the total premium (employee and WSU) is 0.4% of each employee’s gross wages up to the Social Security cap of $132,900. The employee premium portion equates to around 0.25% of eligible gross earnings To estimate the premium go to the ESD PFML Premium Calculator.
On January 1, 2020, employees will be able to apply for PFML when they experience a qualifying event and have worked 820 hours (about 16 hours a week, on average) in the year leading up to the date of leave. The 820 hours is cumulative, regardless of the number of Washington employers or jobs held during a year. This is different from using accrued sick leave or medical leaves applied for through WSU Human Resource Services (HRS) – Disability Services. For PFML employees file claims with the ESD and receive a partial wage replacement from ESD rather than from WSU. The wage replacement is generally up to 90% of the employees weekly wage. Typically, employees will have access to up to 12 weeks of paid leave, but may qualify for additional weeks in limited circumstances. In most cases, employees will continue to need to apply for medical leaves chosen through the University, separate from applying for PFML with the ESD.
WSU HRS is following the ongoing rulemaking process as the state develops rules and regulations for implementing the leave benefits in 2020. The ESD website continues to be updated regarding the current state of the program including, Rulemaking, FAQs, and Premium information.
Learn more about this program on the Washington PFML Help for Workers page.
Contact HRS at HRS.Disabilityservices@wsu.edu or 509-335-4521with questions regarding medical leaves. You can also ask your questions directly to the ESD PFML program at paidleave@esd.wa.gov. You can also find them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook@PaidLeaveWA.
September 30, 2018: The WFSE ratifies 2019-21 CBA
The Tentative Agreement between Washington State University and the WFSE for the contract period has been ratified by the Union.
September 26, 2018: The WSU Police Guild ratifies 2019-21 CBA
The Tentative Agreement between Washington State University and the WSU Police Guild for the contract period has been ratified by the Union.
September 26, 2018: Tentative Agreement reached with the Police Guild regarding the 2019-21 CBA
WSU has reached a Tentative Agreement with the Washington State University Police Guild for the 2019-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Bargaining Unit 4.
September 19, 2018: Tentative Agreement reached with the WFSE regarding the 2019-21 CBA
WSU has reached a Tentative Agreement with the Washington Federation of State Employees for the 2019-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Bargaining Units 2, 12, 13, 15, and 20.
June 27, 2018: WFSE issues notice concerning the collection of representation fees from bargaining unit employees
A notice from the WFSE was received by WSU ending the collection of representation fees from bargaining unit employees in light of the Janus v AFSCME Decision. Find a copy of the notice online.
June 27, 2018: Information on U.S. Supreme Court Decision Janus v. AFSCME released
A notice from Human Resource Services was emailed to WSU employees concerning the recent U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Janus v. AFSCME, a copy of the Janus v. AFSCME notice can be found online. Additionally, the Washington State Office of Financial Management has a Question and Answers page with information related to the decision.
October 18, 2017: WFSE new bargaining unit employee orientation scheduled
The Washington Federation of State Employees has indicated they will begin conducting new bargaining unit employee orientation sessions on October 25, 2017. The first session will be held in the Lighty Student Services Building, room 403, at 1:30 p.m. The date, time, and location of future sessions will be posted here on the Labor Relations website.
Archived News
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
March 2017
October 2016
September 2016
July 2016
June 2016
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
December 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2017
August 11, 2017: PERC issues Decision in Representation Case 129021-E-17 (WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center – Farm and Maintenance Operations)
The Public Employment Relations Commission has issued Decision 12764-PSRA indicating that effective August 11, 2017, WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center – Farm and Maintenance Operations employee are now represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.
More information about this case can be found on the Labor Relations Representation page.
July 2017
July 28, 2017: PERC Completes the Tally of Cross Check in Representation Case 129021-E-17 (WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center – Farm and Maintenance Operations)
The PERC has completed the Tally of Cross Check regarding the representation petition for WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center – Farm and Maintenance Operations. The Tally of Cross Check indicates the results are in favor of the Washington Federation of State Employees. For details of the Tally, see the July 28, 2017 Tally of Cross Check on the Labor Relations Representation page.
July 1, 2017: New Contract takes effect for Washington State University Police Guild (WSUPG) represented employees
The 2017-2019 Washington State University/Washington State University Police Guild Contract went into effect July 1, 2017. Review the online Contract.
July 1, 2017: New Contract takes effect for WFSE represented employees
The 2017-2019 Washington State University/ Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Contract went in to effective July 1, 2017. View the online Contract. Printed copies for employees will be mailed to employees at their departments upon WSU’s receipt from the WFSE.
June 2017
June 1, 2017: Representation Petition filed with PERC for Farm and Maintenance Employees at the Puyallup Extension (129021-E-17)
A Representation Petition for Farm and Maintenance Employees at the Puyallup Extension was filed by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) with the Public Employment Relations Commission. The petition, PERC case # 129021-E-17 was noted as a request for WFSE recognition as the representative of employees currently unrepresented.
More information can be found on the Labor Relations Representation page.
May 2017
May 30, 2017: PERC completes the Tally of Election in Representation Case 128869-E-17 (BU 16)
The PERC has completed the Tally of Election regarding the representation petition for Bargaining Unit 16. The Tally of Election indicates the results are in favor of “No Representation”. For details of the Tally, see the May 30, 2017 Tally of Election on the Labor Relations Representation page.
May 12, 2017: PERC issues Decision in Representation Case 128831-E-17 (BU 18)
The Public Employment Relations Commission has issued Decision 12690-PSRA indicating that effective May 10, 2017, Bargaining Unit 18 is no longer certified as represented by the Public School Employees of Washington.
More information about this case can be found on the Labor Relations Representation page.
May 2, 2017: PERC completes the Tally of Election in Representation Case 128831-E-17 (BU 18)
The PERC has completed the Tally of Election regarding the representation petition for Bargaining Unit 18. The Tally of Election indicates the results are in favor of “No Representation”. For details of the Tally, see the May 2, 2017 Tally of Election on the Labor Relations Representation page.
March 2017
March 28, 2017: Representation Petition Filed with PERC for Bargaining Unit 16 (128869-E-17)
A Representation Petition for Bargaining Unit 16 (WSU Tri-Cities Custodians and Maintenance Custodians) was filed with the Public Employment Relations Commission. The type of petition was identified as a Decertification Petition. More information can be found on the Labor Relations Representation page.
March 6, 2017: Representation Petition Filed with PERC for Bargaining Unit 18 (128831-E-17)
A Representation Petition for Bargaining Unit 18 (Facilities Services, Custodial Services) was filed with the Public Employment Relations Commission. The type of petition was identified as a Decertification Petition. More information can be found on the Labor Relations Representation page.
October 2016
October 28, 2016: The WFSE files Unit Clarification Case for Bargaining Units 13 and 19
A Unit Clarification Petition concerning Bargaining Units (BU) 13 and 19 was filed by the Washington Federation of State Employees with the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). The petition, PERC case # 128521-E-16, seeks to merge BU 13 and 19 under the provisions of WAC 391-25-426.
More information can be found Labor Relations Representation page.
October 3, 2016: Certification Issued in the Facilities Services – Waste Management Representation Case (128222-E-16)
As a result of Representation Case 128222-E-16 the Washington Federation of State Employees has been certified as the union representative of non-supervisory employees of the Facilities Services, Waste Management. Description of Bargaining Unit and the PERC Certification. More information can be found on the Representation Page.
September 2016
September 30, 2016: 2017-19 CBA with the PSE Ratified
The Tentative Agreement between Washington State University and the Public School Employees of Washington for the contract period has been ratified by the Union and University.
September 30, 2016: 2017-19 CBA with the WSU Police Guild Ratified
The Tentative Agreement between Washington State University and the WSU Police Guild for the contract period has been ratified by the Union and University.
September 16, 2016: Tentative Agreement reached with the Police Guild regarding the 2017-19 CBA
WSU has reached a Tentative Agreement with the Washington State University Police Guild for the 2017-2019 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Bargaining Unit 4. Ratification is pending, please contact Union Representatives for further information.
September 14, 2016: Tentative Agreement reached with the WFSE regarding the 2017-19 CBA
WSU has reached a Tentative Agreement with the Washington Federation of State Employees for the 2017-2019 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Bargaining Units 2, 12, 13, and 15. Ratification is pending, please contact Union Representatives for further information.
September 8, 2016: Tentative Agreement reached with the PSE regarding the 2017-19 CBA
WSU has reached a Tentative Agreement with the Public School Employees of Washington for the 2017-2019 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Bargaining Units 16, and 18. Ratification is pending, please contact Union Representatives for further information.
September 1, 2016: Objections Filed in Facilities Services – Waste Management Representation Case (128222-E-16)
On September 1, 2016 Petitioned for Employees filed objections with the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) regarding the representation election for the Waste Management Group (Representation Case 128222-E-16). The parties written responses are due by September 20, 2016. The representation case is pending PERC’s review of information and determination.
July 2016
July 20, 2016: Notices Regarding Facilities Services – Waste Management Representation Case Have Been Delivered
A Notice of Representation Election, Ballot Instructions and Investigation Statement have been delivered to departments for posting in areas where notices pertaining to the petitioned for employees are normally posted. The Election to determine the desire of the employees will be held by Secret Mail Ballot.
- Ballots will be mailed to the employees on August 3, 2016
- Ballots must be returned to the PERC by August 24, 2016.
- The Tally of Ballots will be held on August 25, 2016 at 9:00 am at the PERC.
- The Investigation Statement, Ballot Instructions and Notice of Representation Election can be found on the Representation Page.
June 2016
June 1, 2016: The WFSE files a Representation Petition for Facilities Services – Waste Management
A Representation Petition for Facilities Services – Waste Management was filed by Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) with the Public Employment Relations Commission. The petition, PERC case # 128222-E-16 request was noted as an Election for inclusion of unrepresented employees petition as outlined in WAC 391-25-440. The WFSE has requested to include the petitioned for employees in Bargaining Unit 13.
More information can be found on the Labor Relations Representation page.
August 2015
August 20, 2015: PERC Issues Decision in Representation Case (BU 1)
The Public Employment Relations Commission has issued Decision 12396-A-PSRA indicating that effective August 18, 2015, Bargaining Unit 1 is no longer certified as represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.
More information about this case can be found on the Labor Relations – Representation page
August 13, 2015: PERC Issues Decision in Representation Case (BU 1)
The Public Employment Relations Commission has issued Decision 12396-PSRA dated August 11, 2015, regarding Representation Case 27141-E-15-3932 (Bargaining Unit 1). The Decision notes that the election objections filed by the Washington Federation of State Employees on June 19, 2015 have been dismissed for failure to comply with the rules.
More information about this case can be found on the Labor Relations – Representation page.
July 2015
July 29, 2015: PERC Issues Decision in Unfair Labor Practice Charge (BU 18)
The Public Employment Relations Commission issued Decision 12385-PSRA, regarding an Unfair Labor Practice charge related to BU 18 (Case 26857-U-14-6847). The case document can be found on the PERC website.
July 17, 2015: Budget Office Q&A Regarding Salary Increase Posted
The Budget Office has posted a Q&A regarding the July 1, 2015 salary increase for represented and non-represented classified staff.
July 2, 2015: Agreement Reached with the WFSE Regarding the 2015-17 CBA
WSU and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) reached agreement on the application of the 2015-2017 WSU-WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement to Bargaining Unit (BU) 13. See the July 2, 2015 Memorandum of Understanding.
Historical information regarding these matters can be found on the December 23, 2014 News Article.
July 2, 2015: Agreement Reached with the PSE Regarding the 2015-17 CBA
WSU and the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) reached agreement on the application of the 2015-2017 WSU-PSE Collective Bargaining Agreement to Bargaining Unit (BU) 18. See the July 2, 2015 Memorandum of Understanding.
Discussions continue with the Washington Federation of State Employees regarding BU 13.
June 2015
June 30, 2015: The WFSE Files Objections in Representation Case (BU 1)
On June 19, 2015, the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) filed Election Objections with the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) regarding the representation petition for Bargaining Unit 1 (Representation Case 27141-E-15-3932). The parties written responses are due by July 14, 2015. The representation case is pending PERCs review of information and determination.
June 12, 2015: PERC Completes the Tally of Election in Representation Case (BU 1)
The PERC has completed the Tally of Election regarding the representation petition for Bargaining Unit 1. The Tally of Election indicates the results are in favor of “No Representation”. For details of the Tally, see the June 12, 2015 Tally of Election.
May 2015
May 19, 2015: PERC Issues Decision in Representation Case (BU 17)
PERC has issued Decision 12338-PSRA indicating that effective Tuesday, May 19, 2015, Bargaining Unit 17 is no longer certified as represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.
May 8, 2015: PERC Completes the Tally of Election in Representation Case (BU 17)
PERC has completed the Tally of Election regarding the representation petition for Bargaining Unit 17. The Tally of Election indicates the results are in favor of “No Representation”.
More information regarding this representation petition can be found on the Labor Relations Representation page.
May 8, 2015: PERC Issues Order Withdrawing Certification (BU 14)
The PERC has issued an Order Withdrawing Certification of the Teamsters, Local 690 as the exclusive bargaining representative of Bargaining Unit 14 effective May 4, 2015.
More information can be found on the Labor Relations Representation page.
April 2015
April 10, 2015: Notices Regarding BU 17 Representation Case Have Been Posted
A Notice of Representation Election, Ballot Instructions and Investigation Statement have been posted in areas where notices pertaining to Bargaining Unit (BU) 17 employees are normally posted. The Election to determine the desire of the employees in BU 17 will be held by Secret Mail Ballot.
- Ballots will be mailed to the employees on April 16, 2015.
- Ballots must be returned to PERC by May 7, 2015.
- The Tally of Ballots will be held on May 8, 2015 at 9:00 AM at the PERC.
- The Investigation Statement, Ballot Instructions and Notice of Representation Election can be found on the Labor Relations Representation page.
April 2, 2015: Representation Petition Filed with PERC (BU 1)
A Representation Petition for BU 1 (Western Washington and Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center) was filed with the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). The type of petition was identified as a Decertification Petition. More information can be found on the Labor Relations Representation page.
March 2015
March 18, 2015: Representation Petition Filed with PERC (17)
A Representation Petition for BU 17 (WSU Spokane Facilities Operations) was filed with the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). The type of petition was identified as a Decertification Petition. More information can be found on the Labor Relations Representation page.
March 12, 2015: 15-17 CBA’s Included in Governors Proposed Operating Budget
The 2015-17 Collective Bargaining Agreements have been included in the Governor’s proposed 2015-17 biennial operating budget submitted to the Legislature in December. View the below links for details:
- Collective Bargaining Agreement submission to the Office of Financial Management
- Summary of Governor Inslee’s Proposed 2015-17 Biennial Budget
- Governor’s 2015-17 Compensation Plan for all state employees
December 2014
December 23, 2014
WSU has submitted a request to the Office of Financial Management that the economic provisions outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreements previously submitted to the state on September 30, 2014, are applied to Bargaining Units 13 and 18.
Collective Bargaining Agreement Submission to the Office of Financial Management.
December 5, 2014: 2015-17 Collective Bargaining Agreements deemed financially feasible
The 2015-17 Collective Bargaining Agreements submitted to the state on September 30, 2014 have been deemed financially feasible by Governor Jay Inslee’s budget office and will be included in the Governor’s proposed 2015-17 biennial operating budget that will be submitted to the Legislature.
October 2014
October 17, 2014: Representation case 25539-E-13-3777
As a result of Representation case 25539-E-13-3777, WFSE has been re-certified as the union representative of non-supervisory employees of the Facilities Operations, Construction Services, Maintenance and Utilities Divisions. Description of Bargaining Unit 13.
October 10, 2014: Representation case 26522-E-14-3875
As a result of Representation case 26522-E-14-3875, PSE has been certified as the union representative of non-supervisory employees of the Facilities Operations, Custodial Unit. Description of Bargaining Unit 18 and the PERC Certification.
September 2014
September 24, 2014: Tentative Agreement with the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE)
WSU has reached a Tentative Agreement with the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) for the 2015-2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Bargaining Units 1, 2, 12, 15, and 17.
September 23, 2014: Tentative Agreement with the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE)
WSU has reached a Tentative Agreement with the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) for the 2015-2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Bargaining Unit 16.
September 22, 2014: Tentative Agreement with the WSU Police Guild
WSU has reached a Tentative Agreement with the WSU Police Guild for the 2015-2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Bargaining Unit 4.