Negotiations over the 2027-2029 collective bargaining agreement of our largest bargaining unit - the Department of Corrections - got underway this week at the Union Hall in Tukwila. 

TWO GROUPS NEGOTIATING: DOC MAIN & WMS

This contract cycle, we have two negotiations tables, one for our main DOC bargaining unit and one for our new members at WMS. In all, we have an incredible group of 37 rank-and-file members from a wide range of classifications and facilities participating in negotiations.

NEGOTIATIONS ON MAY 6 & 7

  • On Tuesday, May 5, members from both groups met to prepare for negotiations and develop proposals based on member feedback from the demands meetings and contract surveys.
  • On Wednesday, May 6, our entire Union team gathered again to meet with the State for the first time, and we passed a comprehensive language proposal. The State asked clarifying questions, and we achieved tentative agreement on one article of the contract.
  • On Thursday, May 7, our WMS team began negotiations with the State. We made language proposals related to WMS issues, and the State asked clarifying questions.

Our top priority for this year's negotiations will be to improve safety and security for staff. Issues related to your compensation will be addressed in later sessions.

We anticipate we will learn more about the state's priorities for both groups at our next bargaining session, which is scheduled for May 18-19 for the DOC main negotiations table and May 27-28 for WMS. 

YOUR UNION LEADERSHIP

As your Union's principal officer, I will be leading our Local 117 team, along with Director of Corrections & Law Enforcement Sarena Davis and Senior Staff Attorney Eamon McCleery. Together, we bring decades of experience to the bargaining table for the Union. 

Thank you to Alena McGowan-Folsom (AC Cook, WCCW) and Shane Maitland (Lieutenant, AHCC) for providing a short video recap of this week's negotiations. To view the video, please click on the link below:

Please reach out to your Union Representative or one of the members of your Union Negotiations Committee listed below if you have questions:

  • Brandon Archer - Correctional Sergeant, WSP
  • Marc Baker - Correctional Officer, MCC
  • Sheena Bates - PSW, WPS
  • Brandi Blair - Roster Manager, MCC
  • Scott Burkart - CCS, Spokane
  • Angela Coker - GRE, Community
  • John Conaty - CRU, DOC HQ
  • Johnathan Craigen - Correctional Sergeant, MCC
  • CJ Dean - CS2, CRCC
  • Denice Felicita - Correctional Officer, WCCW
  • Ernest Gines - Communications Consultant 3, DOC HQ
  • Sandra Gordon - Dental Assistant, SCCC
  • Pete Hall - CCS, Lacey
  • Denice Hickey - Correctional Sergeant, WCC
  • Micheal Horn - CUS, CRCC
  • Thomas Johnson - Correctional Officer, AHCC
  • Torry Johnson - Correctional Sergeant, CBCC
  • Lynn Kunkle - Registered Nurse 2, MCC
  • Chris Lukens - MM4, OCC
  • Laura Mabrey - CUS, CBCC
  • Matthew Mahan - MM4, WSP
  • Gerrod Martin - Lieutenant, WSP
  • Michael Martin - Lieutenant, WCC
  • Shane Maitland - Lieutenant, AHCC
  • Aaron Mcfarland - Classification Counselor 2, AHCC
  • Alena McGowan-Folsom - AC Cook, WCCW
  • Micah Melton - Lieutenant, WSP
  • Shannon Mills-Toth - CCS, Bellingham
  • Vickey Neufeld - Reentry, Bellingham
  • Gregg Peterson - Correctional Officer, SCCC
  • Sheena Pursley, Classification Counselor 3, WSP
  • Troy Richert - CIS2, CI HQ
  • Tony Tellez - AC Cook, WCC
  • Theodore Travess - Correctional Sergeant, CCCC
  • Chris White - Correctional Sergeant, CBCC
  • Scott Williams - Correctional Sergeant, CRCC
  • Anthony Zukowski - Marine Vessel Operator Assistant, MICC