Seattle Housing Authority employees represented by OPEIU Local 8 will receive a 4.6% wage increase beginning December 18, 2026, OPEIU Local 8 reported.
Workers whose pay falls within their current pay range receive the 4.6% across-the-board increase. Employees at the top of their pay range receive an equivalent lump sum payment.
The adjustment appears in workers’ paychecks during January 2027. OPEIU Local 8 announced the wage terms following membership surveys regarding compensation and workplace technology.
Eligible union-represented employees qualify for merit pay or additional leave based on performance evaluations. Performance scores determine which incentive workers receive.
Evaluation scores can yield a 0% to 2% merit pay increase or a lump sum payment for top-range earners. Alternatively, workers can earn between 8 and 40 hours of additional leave.
The merit incentives run alongside the standard 4.6% wage adjustment.
Survey data from OPEIU Local 8 shows 41% of respondents feel very uncomfortable using AI tools to assist with daily tasks.
Only 15% of surveyed employees report feeling very comfortable with workplace AI tools. Another 16% report feeling somewhat uncomfortable, while 16% remain neutral or unsure.
Familiarity with platforms like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Claude varies across the agency. Survey results indicate 33% of members are very familiar with AI, while 31% are somewhat familiar.
An equal 31% have heard of the tools but know little about them. Just 5% report no familiarity at all with artificial intelligence technology.
Strong majorities of union members want strict limits or total bans on workplace AI systems. Survey findings show 41% believe AI should not be used in the workplace at all.
Another 28% support limited AI use under strong protections. Just 18% view AI as an acceptable optional tool, and only 2% favor broad integration.
Workers cite multiple workplace hazards regarding artificial intelligence integration. Top concerns include job loss, reduced staffing, inaccurate information, privacy violations, and employee surveillance.
Additional worries focus on increased workloads, the loss of professional expertise, environmental impacts, bias, and a lack of proper training. OPEIU Local 8 is using these survey results to advocate for employee protections against unregulated software monitoring.