If these cuts are implemented by the legislature, the colleges will decide how to implement them. Furloughs are on the table and have been utilized in the past. We need to speak up and demand the rich begin paying their fair share.
After a hard fight, WFSE members received an arbitration opinion vindicating our nine Department of Corrections members who teach Defensive Tactics courses who had been unfairly excluded from receiving assignment pay.
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 functioning.
“Meeting with management, talking about kind of how things are done, management isn’t on the same page about how things are done at the medical center versus the main campus,” said Erik Hellen, a food service worker at UW and WFSE bargaining team member.
When a fast-moving fire threatened hundreds of residents at two state-run hospitals, WFSE members stepped up and saved lives. This kind of selflessness and dedication defines our members’ work but requires well-staffed facilities and pay that keeps these workers on the job.
As a new DCYF employee, Michele Anslow was dismayed when her entire unit was dissolved and employees were reassigned to less than ideal roles and offices. By working together with her union siblings, Anslow successfully advocated for herself and her coworkers to have a say in the process. And thanks to a title review process instigated by her union, Anlow received a pay raise.
WFSE members have been hard at work making DOC a safer and better place to work.
WFSE DOC employees keep communities safe. They deserve respect, fair pay, and safe working conditions. From shop stewards who educate, support, and advocate for their fellow members to activated members getting petitions signed, DOC members are making concrete positive change.
Federal money for programs and services that help millions of vulnerable Americans and employ many AFSCME members could be in jeopardy next year.
AFSCME is teaming up with allies to fight drastic cuts proposed by right-wing lawmakers. More draconian proposals are likely if Donald Trump is elected president in November and his allies seize control of Congress.
WFSE leaders from 41 different locals across Washington gathered on May 31 and June 1, learning the best ways to organize for success within their locals.
