I want to share some good news. Effective today, July 1, 2016 all Teamsters who work at the DOC will receive a 4.3% increase.

Our 4.3% increase compares to a 1.8% increase that most other state employees will receive. We were able to win higher increases because our interest arbitration rights gave us an opportunity to argue our case before an arbitrator and our collective work in Olympia made sure our contract got funded.

This increase is an important step toward recognizing the dangerous, public safety service that you provide.

We know that Teamsters at the DOC in nearly all job classifications are still paid significantly less than corrections workers in our counties and other states that perform similar work

That needs to change. In the next bargaining session with the State, we will present our Union’s economic proposal. Our proposal, based on your feedback, takes another important step toward bridging the gap between state correctional workers and others working in the profession.

Getting the State to agree to a fair economic proposal won’t be easy. We’ll need to stand together to ensure that you receive the respect you deserve.

No matter what happens, we will continue to update you on bargaining in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your service. Please stay safe.

Respectfully,

Michelle Woodrow
President and Director of Corrections & Law Enforcement