News

Ferguson's Proposed Cuts to Higher Education

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.

WFSE Grievance Nets DOC Members Thousands in Back Pay

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.

Capacity, Not Closures! DOC Reentry Centers Provide Second Chances

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.

Vote NO on Initiative 2117: Protect Jobs and the Climate Commitment Act

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Heroes of the Gray Fire: WFSE Members Hold the Line

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.

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From “Hopeless and Helpless” to Empowered

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.

DOC Raises, Grievance Wins and a Call to Action

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.

Download the flyer to share with your co-workers

Federal funding to help vulnerable Americans in danger of getting cut

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.

Local Leaders Learn to Empower Members at WFSE’s Inaugural Leadership Summit

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.

Mike Yestramski, WFSE's president, speaks at the opening of WFSE's Leadership Summit

New legislation would be transformational for public service workers nationwide

As labor unions gain in popularity, workers’ rights remain under threat. But while private sector workers have the right to form unions under federal law, public service workers lack that same guarantee.

Election Win! WFSE Votes Save Jobs and Future Raises

Our hard work paid off this election year. WFSE voters took down three anti-worker initiatives, which would have resulted in job loss, income stagnation, and fewer services for Washingtonians and elected labor-friendly representatives that we'll need to vote to fund our contract. With a budget shortfall on the horizon, we need all hands on deck.