This year’s Washington state legislative session ended on Sun., April 27 with legislators passing a final budget for the 2025-2027 biennium that attempts to balance a $15 billion dollar budget gap, without furloughs for State employees.
The idea of furloughs for State employees were first floated as part of a larger budget-savings plan by Governor Ferguson early this year. Immediately, PROTEC17 members across the state jumped into action – sending emails, making phone calls, and speaking directly with lawmakers about how disruptive furloughs would be to State employees, services, and taxpayers.
Thanks to the power of collective action, PROTEC17 members not only saved their colleagues from furloughs, but will receive the negotiated raises in the fully-funded 2025-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement starting on July 1, 2025, which includes a three percent General Wage Increase (GWI) for 2025, and a two percent GWI for 2026, among other wins. In addition, members were able to stave off threats to take away the right to negotiate healthcare costs.
State members will take a quick victory lap, then begin gearing up for negotiations for the 2027-2029 contract which will begin early next year. To get involved, please reach out to your Union Representative.