Washington Management Service bargaining expands; OFM outlines arbitration limits and timing
OFM said WMS bargaining rights that began in 2024 cover selected bands and have limited representation so far; interest arbitration remains an essential impasse tool but awards must meet OFM financial feasibility review and arbitrator availability is shrinking.
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Jenny Sheehan returned to describe Washington Management Service (WMS) bargaining and the state interest‑arbitration process. Sheehan said a 2023 statute that took effect Jan. 1, 2024, extended collective bargaining rights to some WMS employees (generally bands 1–2) while excluding higher bands and certain managerial roles; about 359 WMS employees are currently represented, she said.
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