As we reach the end of 2025 and prepare for 2026, we have several updates to share.

With respect to case filings, the trends that began developing this year have now come into focus. The volume of case filings has surpassed the volume in 2024, which previously held the record for the third highest year in PERC’s history. Driving this year’s volume were representation, grievance mediation, and unfair labor practice cases.

Like the overall annual total, the number of representation cases has also surpassed the number of such cases filed in 2024—previously the second highest year in PERC’s history. By the end of October 2025, the number of grievance mediation requests had already reached the most filed in any given year. And the number of unfair labor practice complaints is the highest since 2005, more closely resembling pre-pandemic volumes. Of note, approximately 43% of the unfair labor practice complaints in 2025 were filed by self-represented individuals. This marks the highest percentage in the time since we began measuring that data as well as a 10% increase from last year and a 20% increase from 2023.

This year also saw continued legislative activity impacting PERC. Legislation granting collective bargaining rights to agricultural cannabis workers was passed and became effective in late July. Codified at chapter 49.37 RCW, this legislation became the 11th collective bargaining statute administered by PERC. Senate Bill 5503 also became law, changing and codifying certain PERC processes. These changes are largely found at chapter 41.58 RCW. Lastly, legislation reorganizing chapter 41.56 RCW was passed and went into effect in late July, so check to make sure you are citing the correct sections. For tables showing the section numbers before and after the reorganization, click here.

We have also begun to plan for 2026, which will mark milestones and changes for PERC.

First, we have completed our strategic plan for 2026–2028. That document can be found here. 

Second, 2026 will mark PERC’s 50th year. We will have more to say about that in the coming year, as we want to recognize this agency’s achievements and longtime standing as a leading labor relations and dispute resolution agency, not only in Washington state but also in the US and Canada. Since the agency’s inception and due to all the dedicated staff who have worked here, PERC has credibly fulfilled its mission to provide expert, impartial, and timely resolution of labor-management disputes so that any disruption to public services is prevented or limited.

Finally, PERC will also transition to its fourth executive director. I have notified the commission that I intend to retire from state service on April 1, 2026. The commission is currently recruiting to fill the position and hopes to announce the new executive director by mid-February.

It has been a busy year at PERC, and it is shaping up to be an eventful 2026. None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of all the staff at PERC—each of whom is personally committed to PERC. I am grateful for all that they do.