With today’s ever changing workforce environment, it’s more important than ever for labor relations professionals to communicate, get educated on new developments, and advocate to help the public sector workforce deliver for Washington’s residents. The Washington Public Employment Labor Relations Association (WAPELRA) is one association where state and local government labor relations professionals can come for education, networking, and services. We talked with WAPELRA President Amy Heller about her organization and some of the services it provides, including WAPELRA’s 2022 Fall Conference in Leavenworth, September 14-16. Read our interview below:

What is WAPELRA? What sort of services do you provide to WAPELRA members?
WAPELRA – Washington Public Employer Labor Relations Association is a non-profit organization for LR & HR professionals in the public sector. WAPELRA is focused on facilitating professional education and development, exchanging ideas and resources, and networking and supporting one another in our pursuit of professional excellence.

Who can apply to become members of WAPELRA?
Any and all Labor Relations Professionals, Human Resource Professionals, or other Professionals representing Management in the public sector.

Is WAPELRA affiliated with any national organizations?
WAPELRA is one of 22 state chapters making up the National PELRA. As a WAPLERA member you are also a NPELRA member and benefit from all the National resources; including a growing library of sample policies, forms, tools and educational papers. Access to monthly webinars & interactive workshops, job postings, and national networking. You can also attend the National Annual Training Conference (ATC) and /or enroll in the process to obtain your CLRP (Certified Labor Relations Professional) credential.

What sort of events and trainings does WAPELRA host throughout the year?
WAPELRA hosts a 3 day fall conference each year which is packed with training, and networking opportunities.  Spring and Winter meetings or webinars, and will soon debut monthly online roundtable meetings to keep our members connected and updated in the ever changing world of Labor Relations.

I know your Fall Conference is coming up in Leavenworth, WA, running from Sept. 14-16. Tell us what sort of trainings will be available, and do you have to be a WAPELRA member to attend?
After a two-year hiatus, we are excited to host our first in-person Fall Conference since the start of the pandemic. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone! This year’s fall conference theme is “People, Purpose, and Passion – The Pathway to Labor Relations Success”. There will be multiple classes on legal changes affecting LR/HR, the changing work world, and improving HR & LR practice.

You do not have to be a member to attend, only need to be in a position representing management in a public sector workplace. But the benefits of membership go far beyond a significant discount to all WAPELRA events.

Who should readers reach out to if they are interested in learning more about WAPELRA or your 2022 Fall Conference?
If you want to learn more about Fall Conference, you can find more information (including pricing and how to register) here.

If you’re interested in learning more about WAPELRA, feel free to contact any Board member to find out more:

• Amy Heller, Labor Relations Manager at Seattle Housing Authority, aheller@seattlehousing.org
• Maribel Centeno, HR Director at Municipal Court of Seattle, maribel.centeno@seattle.gov
• Greg Gauthier, Labor Relations Manager at Port of Seattle, gauthier.g@portseattle.org
• Sarah Conly, HR Director at WA Dept. of Veterans Affairs, sarahc@dva.wa.gov
• Mary McDougal, HR Director at City of Lakewood, mmcdougal@cityoflakewood.us
• Peggy Pulse, Labor Relations Specialist at WA Dept. of Social & Health Services, margaret.pulse@dshs.wa.gov
• Jessica Neill Hoyson, HR Director at City of Edmonds, Jessica.NeillHoyson@edmondswa.gov
• Reagan Bellamy, Exec. Director of HR at Wenatchee Valley College, rbellamy@wvc.edu
• Lisa Hilligoss, Employee Relations Manager at Pierce County, lisa.hilligoss@piercecountywa.gov
• Kendra Brokman, Senior HR Analyst at Pierce County Transit, kbrokman@piercetransit.org
• John Myers, Labor Relations Specialist at WA Dept. of Social & Health Services, john.myers@dshs.wa.gov
• Julie Good, Senior HR Specialist at City of Lake Stevens, jgood@lakestevenswa.gov
• Jenna Richardson, HR Manager at Metro Parks Tacoma, jenna.richardson@tacomaparks.com
• Karen Jackson, HR & Finance Director at City of Seattle Legislative Department, Karen.JacksonLEG@seattle.gov