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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.
We're calling on our elected officials to ratify and fund our 2025-2027 union contracts to ensure the state can hire and retain the workforce necessary to provide the vital public services we all depend on.
As you may have heard, the governor's proposed budget includes the closure of Yakima Valley School and Rainier School. We can't lose these crucial community resources for Washingtonians who need them. Read on for actions you can take to stand with vulnerable community members and dedicated WFSE members and stop the closures.

Update 6/1/2023

Our union sent a survey to members impacted by the rescission of the vaccine mandate, and they communicated clearly their desire for our union to focus on negotiating for the health and safety of currently employed state workers.

A group of WFSE Local 304 members stood before the Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees (BOT), dressed in AFSCME green shirts.

Record-setting WFSE/AFSCME union contracts aim to make workplaces safer, improve services and reverse a 20-year staffing crisis.