Washington State Caregiver Union and State Officials Clash Over Wage Freeze Amid Budget Shortfall
Contract negotiations between the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 775, representing approximately 80,000 Washington caregivers, and the governor’s office are at an impasse. The state has proposed a wage freeze for these workers, citing an anticipated financial shortfall for the 2027 legislative session. Initially, SEIU 775 sought a 12% pay hike over two years, which would have cost the state an estimated $367 million. The union has since reduced its request to a 3% increase next year and 5% the following year. Currently, the state pays $37.42 per hour in Medicaid reimbursements for caregivers, with workers typically earning between $22 and $25 per hour. The state's offer would maintain this hourly rate next year, increasing it to $38.13 in the 2029 fiscal year to cover health benefits and mileage reimbursement. A point of agreement is the state's commitment to integrate testing into caregiver training, addressing significant delays identified in a recent state audit where over two-thirds of ap... 
