12/18/2025: This article has been updated to clarify the increase to starting wages, which is calculated separately from across-the-board raises all employees receive.
LONGVIEW, Washington — Workers at Columbia Wellness in Longview who are represented by OPEIU Local 11 won a new contract that establishes first-time protections against automation and artificial intelligence (AI) for about 115 workers at the behavioral health nonprofit.
The three-year agreement includes a clause that requires the employer to give 30-day notice and an opportunity to bargain if the use of automation or AI would eliminate a working position. OPEIU Local 11 Union Representative Cheyenne Russell said some mental health agencies have already begun exploring the use of AI in counseling, and adding this clause at Columbia Wellness should curb the most adverse consequences of that trend for OPEIU Local 11 members.
Every improvement in this contract helps us feel respected and supported as we care for our community.
“This contract acknowledges the challenging and essential work behavioral health professionals perform to keep their communities safe, and it affirms the critical importance of preserving the human element in behavioral health services,” said Russell, who previously worked at Columbia Wellness and served as a union steward there. “No algorithm can replicate the nuanced care, empathy and judgement Columbia Wellness’ clients require, especially during movements of crisis.”
Columbia Wellness is a nonprofit community mental health agency that has operated in Cowlitz and Grays Harbor counties since 1953. It offers a variety of services, including a 24/7 wellness and recovery center and a mobile crisis unit that meets clients in distress wherever they are. OPEIU Local 11 represents multiple positions at Longview location, including therapists, case managers, peer counselors, care coordinators, medical assistances, nurses, substance use disorder professionals and trainees, administrative staff and support staff. These frontline professionals deliver compassionate, evidence-based mental health and substance use disorder care to individuals and families in need, ensuring they receive integrated and effective treatment.
The new contract provides raises for employees using a dual percentage increase plus flat dollar-amount raise. In the first year, members will see wages increase by 2.5% plus $1.50 per hour. It also sets the starting rate for the lowest-paid employees in the unit to a minimum $17.99 an hour, up from $15.55 under the previous agreement.
“These raises mean we can finally breathe a little easier, and they show that our work is truly valued,” said Columbia Wellness employee and Union Steward Jaime Alvarez. “For many of us, it’s the difference between just getting by and actually being able to support our families while continuing the work we love. Every improvement in this contract helps us feel respected and supported as we care for our community. “
Members will receive a 2.25% raise plus $1.25 per hour on October 1, 2026, and a 2% raise plus $1 per hour on October 1, 2027.
The agreement also:
- Restores shift differential benefits that were lost over 6 years ago. Under the new contract, members who work overnight or swing shifts will receive $1.15 more per hour from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and $2.15 additional per hours from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Increases to their on-call premium for weeknights to $2 per hour, for weekends to $3 per hour, and for holidays to $5 per hour. The contract also extends the time frame to receive the weeknight differential from midnight to midnight (previously it was limited to 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.).
- Creates a 5% percent wage premium for those working in high intensity programs/departments helping those with the highest level of care needed.
“Our members are the heart of Columbia Wellness’ mission to provide exceptional care to the community, while upholding professionalism, empathy and the highest standard of service,” Russell said. “The hard-fought improvements in this contract honor their skill, dedication and collaboration.”
Workers ratified the contract in September 2025. The agreement took effect October 12, 2025, and expires September 30, 2028.
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ABOUT OPEIU LOCAL 11
OPEIU Local 11 represents nearly 1,800 employees across five states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. OPEIU Local 11’s members work in many settings, including local governments, offices, mental health care facilities, nonprofits, and utilities providers. Through OPEIU Local 11, employees have a voice on the job and an avenue to equality, fair treatment and economic security. Learn more online at OPEIU11.org.