News

Bills Would Provide Better Oversight of Wash. Government Contractors

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A measure in the Washington State Legislature could bring greater transparency to government contracting.

During Walkout for Washington, Thousands of WFSE Members Walk Out for Fair Contract

On Tuesday, September 10, thousands of WFSE members walked out of their jobs to draw attention to the need for a fair contract.

Food Banks and Frustration: University of Washington Workers Demand Better

Months into bargaining with the University of Washington, WFSE members feel disrespected by UW’s resistance towards better pay and benefits for the staff that keep the university clean, safe, and f

Pride: A Time to Celebrate Our Membership

It’s Pride. Rainbow flags are everywhere and there’s a parade every weekend in June in cities across Washington State.

But what does Pride actually mean? 

“For me, Pride means a sense of community and family. It’s a time to celebrate a community I’m part of, with allies. Having our union family together really shows the diverse membership that we have,” said Kodi Gaddis. 

WFSE members have been celebrating by marching in the Olympia Pride parade, raising the Pride flag at their workplaces, and more.

AFSCME is on a Roll

AFSCME is on a roll. We are notching victories coast to coast – at the bargaining table, in the organizing trenches and in state capitals.

Following Attack, AFSCME Iowa Nurse Speaks Out for Safe Workplaces

Following a brutal workplace attack in October that left her unconscious and hospitalized, Tina Suckow is speaking out. She and her AFSCME sisters and brothers are raising their voices against her firing by Iowa state authorities and in favor of a federal bill that would help prevent such workplace attacks.

Custodians Win at Bellevue College

When management decided to eliminate the custodial night shift at Bellevue College, the custodians fought back—and won. 

Shift changes disrupt the delicate balance workers have in their lives between family, second jobs, and long commutes.

Eseta Ropati has been a custodian at Bellevue College since 2016. She spoke of the challenges of raising small children and working at the college.

When WFSE Members Lobby, Washington Wins

State employees will see pay increases, job improvements, and expanded bargaining rights this year thanks to the efforts of WFSE members during the 2019 state legislative session.

“There is no workforce in Washington with more at stake [in legislative decisions],” said Cody Cohan, a care resource manager for the Developmental Disabilities Administration. “We are stronger together when working to improve the lives of all Washingtonians.”

Bill Would Address Violence Against Health-Care, Social Workers

SEATTLE – A bill in Congress to address workplace violence for health-care and social-service workers is moving closer to a vote in the House. 

Pat Bailey Wins Laurie Merta Award

Surrounded by friends and colleagues, Pat Bailey was awarded the Laurie Merta Steward of the Year Award. The ceremony took place June 1st at the Rise Up conference.

The award is presented to a shop steward who has “demonstrated outstanding skills to help members and build up the union in the workplace.” Bailey fits the bill.

“I’ve seen her drop everything to listen to someone,” said Jade Monroe. “Immediately she’s very caring.”

Nevada State Employees Gain Collective Bargaining Rights

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak has signed into law a historic bill granting 20,000 state workers the right to collectively bargain.

The bill, which he signed Wednesday, is the largest expansion of collective bargaining rights for state workers anywhere in the U.S. in 16 years, and it will position those workers to better fight a rigged economy that favors the wealthy.