A recent WSU Today online and newspaper article covered the library employees’ vote to decertify the WFSE as their union representative. Regrettably, the headline, “No union, bigger paychecks,” could have been interpreted by some to imply that unrepresented employees at WSU received bigger pay raises than represented employees. Regardless of the outcome of the election, employees would have received exactly the same salary increase in the first year. In fact, if the union had prevailed, the increase would have been effective July 1 instead of the Sept. 1 date; and the second-year increase would have actually been higher for the represented employees. WSU also never intended to convey the sentiment that as a general proposition not having a union means better pay. WSU supports the new Collective Bargaining Act, RCW, 41.80, which includes the right of its represented employees to bargain wages.
There also has been some question surrounding union security provisions. The union security clause recently negotiated by WFSE and WSU does not constitute a closed shop, which is illegal in Washington. The union security clause does not require represented employees to become union members but allows employees to join the union or pay a representation fee. The representation fee, which is less than the amount of dues, covers only the cost of representation and contract negotiations and administration. In addition, eligible employees, who meet certain criteria, may elect non-association status and have their fee paid to one of several charities.
Currently WFSE dues are 1.37% with a cap, so they cannot exceed $55 per month. The representative fee is currently 1.13% with a cap of $45.49 per month. The dues and fee amounts can only be changed by a vote of the members at a state convention held every two years.
