Government employment contracts should not be negotiated in secret

“Dangerous.” “Hazardous.” “Lowball compensation.” “Disrespectful.” “Unsafe.” “Public services are at risk.” These are just some of the descriptions state government employee unions have used to describe the progress of the secret contract talks now happening with Gov. Jay Inslee for the 2023-25 pay increases for state employees. What exactly has the governor offered to lead to these dire union warnings? What has the union instead countered with?

We have no idea, and we won’t be given any details until after the secret deal is reached behind closed doors. Oh, and just for good measure, the legi...