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

The proposed closures would negatively impact those who are in most need of these services , result in increased recidivism (a 2007 study showed Washington’s reentry centers lead to at least a 2.8% reduction in recidivism), cost the state more money (research conducted by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy indicates that reentry programs have a positive cost/benefit impact; for every dollar spent, $3.82 is returned to the state.), and threaten the capacity of our community custody system when the need for more capacity is rising.


States, cities, towns and schools face a staffing crisis. Hiring for public service jobs has failed to keep pace with the private sector. In April, for instance, there were 833,000 job openings in state and local governments, according to data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In response, AFSCME is kicking off a national bus tour this summer to recruit talented, diverse and dedicated people to staff the front lines.

Over 1,000 DCYF union members voted “no confidence” in the leadership of DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter. Here are three ways to capitalize on the strength we have right now!

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday rejected the Biden administration’s landmark plan to forgive up to $20,000 for millions of student loan borrowers.

In a statement, AFSCME President Lee Saunders said, “Today’s decision is yet another example of this court’s contempt for working families.”

Just three weeks after officially joining WFSE, several Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) employees were dismayed to learn their pay had been cut. After collecting over 1000 petition signatures, months of organizing, and a planned picket, these members won their fight to have their pay reinstated—and showed their coworkers what solidarity and union power can achieve.

Three union grievances, hundreds of letters, and a statewide petition result in $2k cash payment for all employees in 2023 and a retention bonus of 3% in 2024 for those deemed “essential” by DOC.


AFSCME President Lee Saunders praised President Joe Biden in the wake of a debt ceiling deal that averts a default by the U.S. government on its debt while protecting the interests and priorities of working families and retirees.

Biden signed the deal into law on Saturday.