The most visible function of WSP is to negotiate the contract that establishes our salaries, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment. WSP has been highly successful in this regard.
WSP has negotiated many benefits and protections we now take for granted, including:
A grievance procedure that ends with employee disputes arbitrated by an impartial third party
Seniority rights
Flex and compensatory time
Different pay for working nights, weekends and stand-by duty as well as for taking on certain responsibilities
Workplace health and safety guarantees
Allowances for protective and damaged clothing
Tuition reimbursement and guaranteed leave to attend professional meetings
WSP enforces the contract it negotiates, making sure that no one is unfairly denied the rights, benefits and protections outlined within. WSP defends those who find themselves unfairly evaluated, wrongly disciplined, discriminated against, or the victim of other bad things that happen to even the best employees. WSP's advocacy includes legal defense, if necessary.
Since all decisions affecting state employees are ultimately political, WSP is active in the legislature, lobbying for adequate funding of state programs and secure retirement among other priorities defined by the membership. WSP also defends against anti-labor, anti-public employee initiatives, such as privatization and restrictions on the scope of collective bargaining.
WSP is a valuable source of information to its Members. Chances are that if a supervisor or other state official can't or won't answer a question about the state system, WSP can and will. WSP also publishes newsletters, holds regular meetings and disseminates materials on a variety of issues - all with the goal of keeping its members up to date and in the know about things that affect our livelihoods.