Heres how you can help us reach a good deal for our jobs, families and communities: Solidarity: Wear green on June 7 in support of your union bargaining team. We are waiting for their reply while we work our way through many non-monetary contract articles.Our next bargaining session will be held on August 4th. (PDF) See red text for changes. State workers showed up through the pandemic and made sacrifices during the subsequent economic recession. In recent years, L&I has been providing vocational support and assistance much earlier in claims. The pace of the implementation will depend on how many people are working for an employer. Based on preliminary June 30, 2022, data, the Washington State Fund had a contingency reserve at 27% of liabilities. 42). Washingtonians deserve a vibrant public sector that supports the strong communities, innovation and natural beauty our state is known for. %PDF-1.6 % Let us know youre behind us and wear your green shirts on August 18th! Please join us in wearing WFSE green for our jobs, families and communities. How has the increased focus on safety in the workplace affected workers' comp costs? The Provosts Office will be developing a long-term process for evaluating and addressing faculty salary equity and will be seeking broad input on that process in the coming months. Visitwfse.org. But there is a lot of work yet to be done. To date, we have been educating the state about what our members are facing at worksites, about the recruitment and retention crisis, about staffing shortages at almost every agency. Washington Gov. Let us know you're with us! The organization is made up of WSU educators who provide advocacy and expertise to engage students in transformative learning experiences. Increases for specific classifications listed in Appendix S, New and improved Assignment pays helping hundreds of our members. Risk class 7200 and 7201 employees annual payment increased from current $250 to $500 (see Art. They seem to think it is ok to: Remember this, these decisions made by the state harm not only us as workers, but the citizens who rely on us as well. Under the revised agreements, most state employees are scheduled to receive a 3.25% general wage increase, effective July 1, 2022. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has updated its rules regarding the minimum salary threshold and job duties tests for salaried exempt employees defined as executive, administrative and professional as well as computer professionals. But we cant do it if the state wont invest in us. #StrongWorksitesStrongContractsuse this hashtag to follow our contract campaign on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). In Washington, rates are charged as an amount per hour. Strong worksites. Not only that, our 2021 lobbying efforts funded the buy-back to eliminate monthly furloughs this bienniumand our 2022 lobbying efforts locked down additional raises for several job classifications that will also take effect in July. Strong contracts. The private insurance industry and other state funds have, on average, a surplus of between 50% and 60% above their liabilities. That leads to increased turnover, staffing shortages, heavier caseloads, mandatory overtimeand the burnout and safety issues that accompany them. * Yes No hmO:_nBiBjN0ZC4Mm|{IHB`FaHC48a2aEKIM xX/$P #jf PcZHUH&RJWRDjDO^t^?._~qhz1$?;$(#4dQ_(Jx]8{Ho C}]}WM&s~?>c's<=04zz]GTG8uphL_?~%4e`h`9,[44y1g*b;7\ ,tF E? By the time the salary threshold is fully in implemented in 2028, a salaried exempt employee will have to be paid at least 2.5 times the state minimum wage. The costs of coronavirus-related workers' comp claims were not included in the calculations to determine the rate increase for 2023. However, they may have to comply with new procedures, rules, etc. Classified staff are receiving a 3.25% increase effective July 1, and employees in bargaining units will receive increases in accordance with applicable bargaining agreements. The day was not observed in South Dakota until 2020, when the . Our members know the solution to this vicious cycle: pay us what we deserve.We have submitted a strong compensation proposal to the state that honors the work we performed throughout the pandemic and will improve our standard of living in the face of rising inflation. Washington is the only state where workers pay a significant portion of the premium. Leave a message explaining the work you do, how Washingtonians benefit from it, and why we deserve a fair compensation package. Along with inflation, the cost of living continues to rise in Washington. Wage inflation is a good benchmark because workers' comp costs increase as wages increase. As workers' wages go up, the cost of insuring them goes up as well, since much of the benefits directly paid to workers are tied to how much they are getting paid. Your General Government bargaining team met with the state for a critical session of negotiations today. Those agencies have their own elected officials that can set vaccine policy and are not subject to the governors directive. Miss a bargaining update? For overtime exempt employees. A general wage increase of 3.25% for all employees who fall under WFSE's General Government contract. Workers and employers focusing on safety, and L&I initiatives that are helping injured workers recover sooner and reducing workers' compensation costs, are helping keep the proposed increase down. The vote concluded Wednesday night with 98% of participants casting their ballots in favor of ratification. Its critical for us to reach out and talk to our new co-workers about the value of our union and what we can achieve together. These employees must be paid on a guaranteed salary, commission or fee basis. WSUs Budget Office and Human Resource Services are developing a frequently asked questions resource on the compensation increases that will be available online. endstream endobj 230 0 obj <>/Metadata 5 0 R/Pages 227 0 R/StructTreeRoot 12 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 231 0 obj <. Our members are trying to fulfill the vital mission of serving the public keeping our roads safe, protecting public safety, caring for those in need. telling the public where you work, the importance of the work you do, and why we deserve a strong contract. Average government employee salary in Washington is $66,938 and median salary is $65,883. The 2023 increase will cost employers and workers an average of about $61 a year per employee. Encourage your co-workers to sign up by sharing this link: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/wfse-member-card-2. Other ways you can help how you can take action: #StrongWorksitesStrongContractsuse this hashtag to follow our contract campaign on social media (Facebook,Twitter,InstagramandYouTube). The gender gap in pay has remained relatively stable in the United States over the past 20 years or so. (Direct link:https://www.wfse.org/general-government-bargaining-updates), Join your local's member action team(MAT). w8o@#.pGpFuu1:k'"4ha ])u&qC)|>ai&q [qll{*\2-AJe>uRCE/,N1m]b$eL& gL 4lM&_n{kckq\C~KknN6oi|X.}E[+Zoxy"5"Xsv;V&y.\$ t%Jn The rules update combines the two tests the state previously used into one test that more closely aligns with the duties test used at the federal level. How financially stable are Washington's workers' comp trust funds? A special thank you goes out to the bargaining team and WFSE members who took action to help secure this agreement. Inspection and consultation activities by L&I's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) make a significant contribution to reducing claim rates and costs. Our message to the state is this: This is the reality of the labor market in 2022. These increases are happening thanks to you. Assessed over $17 million in unpaid employer premiums plus penalties. The 2022 salary threshold will change from $821.40 per week ($42,712 annually) for small employers and $958.30 ($49,831 annually) for large employers to $1,014.30 per week ($52,743.60 annually) for both small and large employers. Of the increased amount, workers will pay about $12 on average. Visit wfse.org.Members-only benefitsWFSE shared leaveWFSE newsView current union agreements. We do critical work. Employee compensation will remain the universitys top priority in the next legislative session. Changes for outside salespeopleThe changes include a refinement in the definition of an outside salesperson to better align it with the language used by the U.S. Department of Labor. Please stay tuned for upcoming news from future sessions. Our next session with the state will be critical in determining our compensation, our staffing levels and our safety on the job. Tell us about the value of your work and why the state should continue investing in public services. They are applicable to General Government agencies and the Higher Education Coordinating Board. The program uses systematic and innovative approaches to detect and deter fraud and abuse. The rising expenses have put a strain on workers and the people we serve. OLYMPIA (Oct. 1, 2021) Members of the Washington Federation of State Employees/AFSCME Council 28 (WFSE) this week voted to ratify an agreement with the state to provide the largest pay increase and lump sum payment negotiated in several years for the states General Government employees in 2022. The change in the minimum wage also means an increase in the minimum salary an employee must earn in 2022 to be overtime exempt. Half of this upcoming budget years reduction will bemade permanent to supplement state funding of the forthcoming salary increases as well as generate $1 million for faculty equity adjustments and funds for faculty opportunity hiring. For the 2023 fiscal year, WSU is asking units and departments to plan for a 5% core fund budget reduction, an improvement from the current years 7.5% cut. Encourage your coworkers tojoin our efforts. General Salary Increase Information. Gilmore, an assistant professor of the Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education program, will begin his second term as associate dean with a focus on student success and retention. The Legislature set aside $84 million for much-needed job-class-specific pay increases. Are you with us? The medical aid rate, which pays for medical care and vocational services. At this next session, we will hear managements responses to our initial proposals, as well as hear their proposals. Expenses associated with long-term disabilities and fatalities make up the majority of costs covered by premiums in the workers' comp system. See agreement, DCYF Field Operations: The 10% assignment payfor most child welfare field operations staff, which was achieved as the result of a pressure campign from DCYF members. A selection of programs about Washington State, produced by alumni and friends. So even if an employer has an excellent safety and return-to-work program with no injury claims counting against their experience factor, their rate could go up if the rate for the risk class increases. We are making slow and steady progress and are steering the discussion toward monetary issues, and will focus our attention there in the next bargaining session. Together, we can secure a strong contract for our future. We are grateful for all that the previous bargaining team and union staff accomplished, particularly making our upcoming July 1 increases a reality. Thats the union difference. This marks the largest pay increase for these employee groups in sevenyears. We are fighting for the significant across-the-board wage increases that Washington's public employees need and deservebut to succeed, we need you fighting with us. For 2022, the wage for that younger group will be $12.32 per hour. Computer professionals who are paid hourly have their own schedule of estimated increases. Lets show the state were united. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Provide other protections associated with the Minimum Wage Act. Join WFSE here. Y321N-!s%/ 6aG3TbAx1}Net3BIYr[@KdqZ?w*. Business software solutions and mobile app technology for social good were collective themes presented at the 20thannual Business Plan Competition on Thursday, April27. The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has announced a 4.8% increase in the average price employers and workers pay for workers' compensation insurance in 2023. Maintaining a safe work environment and helping injured workers heal and return to work quickly and safely does have a return on investment. Our employees have been instrumental in helping the university navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic and deserve additional compensation in addition to our heartfelt thanks for their hard work, WSU System President Kirk Schulz said. <0)6h:{H1'/L&)^;WTD7odp:za&k;|pz-olTE Starting Jan. 1, 2023, the premium rate is 0.8 percent of each employee's gross wages, not including tips, up to the 2023 Social Security cap ($160,200). The accident rate, which pays for time-loss and disability awards. Share this link with co-workers and tell them to call or write a letter to Governor Inslee and the other leaders who think you arent a priority: WFSEmembers are sending in videos to help us win at the bargaining table. Why may my rates go up if I haven't had a claim? Here are some ways to keep building connection and solidarity as we begin negotiations: Check in with your coworkers to be sure they are receiving and reading bargaining updates. Click here to join our efforts. COVID Booster Directive: Survey Due Tomorrow, 8/5. Get vocal. On July 1, 2024, employees would receive an additional 3% pay increase. This will rise to $47.25/hour, plus CPI adjustments, for all employers by 2022, after which annual CPI adjustments will be applied. Unexpected events include downturns in the economy that may affect fund investments and opportunities for workers to return to work, court decisions that may increase future benefits, or natural disasters that affect workplaces. When economic forecasts during the pandemic were dire, we pulled together and did everything we could to continue supporting our communities. Yes. Join your local's member action team (MAT) to support bargaining efforts through organizing and sharing critical updates. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has updated its rules regarding the minimum salary threshold and job duties tests for salaried exempt employees defined as executive, administrative and professional as well as computer professionals. We love the work we do for Washingtoniansand we want to afford to continue doing this work for the long term. The process for fiscal year 2023 budget development will look similar to the current year, and the majority of core fund allocations will beloaded to Workday by the end of July. L&I attributes the increase to several factors, including wage inflation and medical costs. During COVID-19, we saw the power of our union in action. Download the 21-23 contract here: WFSE General Government 2021-2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Help us secure a strong contract for our future. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. Our next bargaining session will be held on July 28. 3177 0 obj <>stream Completed 48 worker investigations of fraudulently claimed workers' compensation benefits, amounting to over $1.2 million. The supplemental pension rate is increasing 7% to nearly 17 cents per hour. We need to let our neighbors, friends and family know that their public services are at risk. How the salary threshold increase will be implemented. The state cant run without us, and your bargaining team cant run without you behind them. Faculty, administrative professionals and graduate assistants will receive a 2.5% salary increase effective September 1. What can I do as an employer to reduce my rates? 2.6K views, 382 likes, 124 loves, 77 comments, 48 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from NET25: Mata ng Agila International | April 20, 2023 Standby Pay (for 0 to 30 hours per pay period) $5.00. Congratulations! $1,000 COVID booster incentive payment (see MOU). And because of our work, Washingtons economic future is looking brighter. Washington State Proposal Would Radically Increase Exempt Salary Threshold The Washington Department of Labor and Industries recently issued proposed amendments to the state's white-collar. To be considered an overtime exempt employee, a worker must be paid a fixed salary, that salary must meet or exceed the minimum salary threshold, and they must meet the requirements of the job duties tests. "`] RXdUgIV=@ tg |AGg`2|` While booster shots will be required for all new employees at state agencies as well as for non-union-represented employees beginning July 1, 2023, the state must negotiate with us over the impacts of this directive before any decisions are made. Will you take just a few minutes to tell us why your job is important and why the state should invest in public services? Schulz discussed the salary increases as well as the universitys success in lobbying the state legislature to increase its portion of funding for raises in his State of the University address last month. Learn more at Lni.wa.gov/ClaimFreeDiscount. This increase represents an increase of $1.25 per hour, or an 8.66 percent increase year over year. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/fair-contract-investment-in-washington https://actionnetwork.org/forms/wfse-member-card-2, Governors recent COVID-19 booster directive, https://www.impact.afscme.org/videos/create-video. Risk is pooled across all employers in a risk class, which helps keep premiums stable while helping those who have had a tough year. Meet salary threshold requirements of WAC 296-128-545 for salaried, exempt workers. In recognition of its commitment to firstgen students, WSU was recently honored by the Center for First-generation Student Success and moved to the next phase of the centers First Scholars Network. Your General Government Bargaining Team was able to reach several tentative agreements on select contract articles. The Stay at Work rate, which pays for employer financial incentives to keep employees on light-duty jobs while they heal. The state legislature will need to approve the agreement in the next session. Our current team are already hard at work for the next budget cycle. Washington State University. This was the academys first induction ceremony since 2020. A general wage increase of 3.25% for all employees who fall under WFSE's General Government contract. 283 0 obj <>stream Housing prices are climbing, and many state workers are forced to seek employment elsewhere. We're stronger together! Stay tuned and stay active as we return to the bargaining table in 2022 to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement for the next biennium. $1,000 Retention bonus for state employees employed on July 1, 2022 who remained employed with the state on July 1, 2023 (see MOU). They are applicable to General Government agencies and the Higher Education Coordinating Board. April 14, 2022. Our strength is in our numbers, so encourage them to join our efforts. Visit Lni.wa.gov/ControlMyRatesfor a list of resources that L&I offers to help employers control premium costs. You also can sign up to receive email updates on the overtime employment rule changes and other wage matters at www.Lni.wa.gov/wagenews. of Corrections Members:In an effort to address serious pay disparities between the same job classifications, your Corrections Bargaining team opted to bring your compensation package before an impartial arbitrator.
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