The election for L&I interpreters to vote on union representation is currently underway, but time is running out! If you haven't voted yet, here's what you need to know.
1. What’s going on?
The Washington State Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) is currently conducting a union election for L&I interpreters.
2. Who are the choices?
WA INTERPRETERS — an independent union that initiated the union election process and is led and composed entirely of real L&I interpreters — and WFSE.
3. Will anyone know how I vote?
No. Voting is by secret-ballot. State law prevents PERC from disclosing how you vote to anyone.
4. How do I vote?
Use the PIN in the voter information letter you should have already received in the mail from PERC to cast your vote online at perc-lap.isivote.com or over the phone at 1-866-211-0794.
5. What if I haven’t received a ballot?
Call PERC’s voter help line at 1-360-370-2220 and request your PIN over the phone. The help line hours of operation are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6. What if I’m no longer taking L&I appointments?
As long as you have worked at least one L&I appointment since January 1, 2019, you are eligible to vote.
7. What if I don’t vote?
This is a runoff election, meaning that, no matter what happens, one of the two unions is going to be certified to represent L&I interpreters in negotiations over pay and working conditions with the State of Washington. You may as well vote for the choice you think is best.
8. When does the election end?
Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at 9 a.m.