Caregiver Pay Negotiations Stall in Tacoma

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  State and SEIU 775 negotiators are at odds over caregiver pay in Washington“A powerful labor union and the governor’s office are at odds in contract negotiations for thousands of Washington caregivers, with the state proposing a wage freeze and the workers pressing for higher pay.”
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  The state proposing a wage freeze“A powerful labor union and the governor’s office are at odds in contract negotiations for thousands of Washington caregivers, with the state proposing a wage freeze and the workers pressing for higher pay.”
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  The union seeking a 3% increase next year“Since the state balked, the union dropped its request to a 3% increase next year and 5% the year after.”
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  The union seeking a 5% increase the following yearNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The union initially requested a 12% hike over two years“Caregivers from Service Employees International Union 775 initially asked for a 12% hike over two years — 6% next year, and another 6% the year after.”
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  The union initially requested a 12% hike over two years, which would have cost $367 million“Caregivers from Service Employees International Union 775 initially asked for a 12% hike over two years — 6% next year, and another 6% the year after. This position would've reportedly cost the state around $367 million.”
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  The union reduced their ask after the state rejected it“Since the state balked, the union dropped its request to a 3% increase next year and 5% the year after.”
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  The state's proposal includes $60 million in other costs over two years“Even though the state’s offer doesn’t include pay hikes, other costs would total roughly $60 million extra from the state budget over the next two fiscal years, according to state estimates.”
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  The state's proposal includes no pay raises“Even though the state's offer doesn't include pay hikes, other costs would total roughly $60 million extra from the state budget over the next two fiscal years, according to state estimates.”
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  The negotiations involve about 80,000 care workers across Washington“The negotiations would cover about 80,000 care workers across Washington.”
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  Most of the care workers in the negotiations are union-represented“Most are union represented, while others work for private, state-contracted home care agencies.”
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  The union warns that the proposed freeze could impact the ability to retain caregivers for seniors““We were certainly deeply disappointed by the state’s proposal,” said Adam Glickman, secretary-treasurer for SEIU 775. “This will have a broad impact on the ability of seniors and people with disabilities to find caregivers, to keep caregivers.””
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  The union warns that the proposed freeze could impact the ability to retain caregivers for people with disabilities““We were certainly deeply disappointed by the state’s proposal,” said Adam Glickman, secretary-treasurer for SEIU 775. “This will have a broad impact on the ability of seniors and people with disabilities to find caregivers, to keep caregivers.””
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  The state Office of Financial Management declined to comment on the pending negotiations“A state Office of Financial Management spokesperson declined to comment on the pending negotiations.”
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  The governor and lawmakers anticipate a financial shortfall for the 2027 legislative session“The negotiations would cover about 80,000 care workers across Washington. Most are union represented, while others work for private, state-contracted home care agencies. Even though the state's offer doesn't include pay hikes, other costs would total roughly $60 million extra from the state budget over the next two fiscal years, according to state estimates. These contracts talks come as the governor and lawmakers expect the state to face a financial shortfall going into the 2027 legislative session.”
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  The financial shortfall may influence the outcome of the talksNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.