With our employers now mandating vaccines and deadlines nearing to be fully vaccinated by the Dec. 8, federal government mandate, SPEEA is talking with employers to ensure implementation gives proper consideration to members' concerns, health issues and abides by the provisions of our negotiated contracts.

As the SPEEA Executive Board stated before, we encourage members to get vaccinated for the safety of themselves, their families and co-workers. We also remind members, the mandates stem from a federal directive and our employers’ need to provide a safe working environment for you and your co-workers.

Exemptions

Members with legitimate health and/or religious reasons preventing them from being vaccinated are encouraged to apply for the appropriate exemption. If issues arise while applying for an exemption, contact SPEEA.

We are encouraged that the vast majority of members we are hearing from are vaccinated and following health professionals’ recommendations to wear a face mask, wash hands frequently and practice social distancing. If you see lapses in the workplace or a lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), report it to management and to your SPEEA Council Rep and/or the SPEEA office. SPEEA continues to monitor PPE availability, workplace guidelines and pursue continued virtual work options for members.

SPEEA offices in Tukwila and Everett are open but with very reduced staff. Telephones are being forwarded as SPEEA staff continue working remotely to reduce face-to-face contact per government and health care recommendations. Midwest workers looking to visit the office should contact staff first.

Visit the COVID-19 Updates Resources and Information page - click here

Download the Vaccine Mandate and Exemption sheet

There is an opportunity in your work area (District) to put your union interest and knowledge to work as a Council Representative!

If your interest in workplace issues and helping co-workers is increasing, SPEEA encourages you to petition to fill a vacancy on the Council. Or, if you know someone who would make a good CR, encourage them to step up and petition to fill a vacancy.

The Council, like the state Legislature or Congress, is one of three main governing bodies of our union. Council Reps are the eyes and ears of the union in the workplace. Duties include listening for and informing members about union issues, helping set union policy, solving workplace problems, monitoring contract compliance, internal organizing and representing members during grievances and investigations.

Seated Council Reps receive an adjusted retention rating as outlined in section 12.1(h)(1) of the Professional and Technical contracts. Council Rep duties and responsibilities can be found under the Member Tools menu or read more in the March issue of SPEEA Spotlite (Pg 4).

The following SPEEA Council districts have vacancies. If you reside in the district and have been a SPEEA member the previous 12 months, consider stepping up to fill this important role.

Detailed instructions and the petition are on the SPEEA website under the Councils menu (Forms, Petitions, Delineations) or click here. Email the completed petition to petitions@speea.org. Include a 150-word (max) candidate statement for use in ballot packages in case of a contested race.

Training is provided for those who are seated.