Dear Highline College,

I would like to provide an update regarding the bargaining process for Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA) classified staff at Highline College. It is important to clarify that the authority to determine the structure of WPEA classified bargaining rests with the college president, including one serving in an interim capacity, and not with the Board of Trustees (BOT). I have informed the BOT of my decision, and I have their full support. After conducting thorough research and careful consideration, I have decided that bargaining for WPEA classified staff will continue to take place at the college level and will not revert to the state bargaining table.

Moving forward, WPEA classified staff and college administrators will engage in interest-based bargaining, utilizing a model similar to the one employed by our faculty. This approach is designed to encourage greater collaboration and mutual problem-solving, with the overarching goal of fostering a transparent and ongoing relationship between classified staff and college administration.

It is important for the Highline Community to understand that the state legislature is responsible for funding WPEA compensation, including the salary schedule, benefits, and incentives. Compensation for WPEA classified staff is determined at the state level, not by the college. Our local bargaining efforts will focus on issues and interests that we can address collectively within our college community.

The WPEA classified union has expressed its readiness to begin bargaining. Dr. Michael Pham and Vice President Melanie Lawson will provide a proposed bargaining schedule and timeline to the union by the first week of April, ensuring that all parties are informed and prepared as we move forward.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to meet with classified Shop Stewards and administrative leadership to share and discuss my decision to keep WPEA classified bargaining local. The conversation was direct and transparent, and I am pleased to report that the decision to remain with local bargaining was well received. Both administrators and classified staff have expressed a willingness to participate in training to deepen their understanding of interest-based bargaining. Additionally, both parties will designate personnel to serve as members of their respective bargaining teams.

I am confident that adopting an interest-based approach to local bargaining represents a meaningful advancement for our community. I appreciate your ongoing commitment and support as we embark on this new chapter together.

Kind regards,

Jamilyn Penn, EdD

Interim President