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.
Local delegates, executive board members, and member of PEOPLE, our union's political action fund, came together on April 27 to decide which candidates our union endorses in a critical 2024 election season.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – A lot of information can be gleaned from a birth date. That's why Washington state public employees are raising safety concerns about a recent state Supreme Court decision – and hope lawmakers will correct it.
In October, justices sided with the Freedom Foundation that public employees' birth dates can be disclosed under the state Public Records Act. Kati Thompson, an IT Systems Administrator of the Employment Security Department, believes this could put state workers in danger, especially those who are domestic violence survivors.
It’s my promise to grow our union. You’ve placed your trust in me, and it’s my mission to connect with members, hear your stories, and work to elevate what matters most to you. In my first months, I’ve traveled both sides of the mountains and many agencies and industries to connect with you and learn what issues are most important to you.
It’s been a whirlwind since October 6, one of the most amazing days of my life. Going back to work after being elected Vice President of Council 28 was a challenge—I was so eager to get started with the work you elected me to do.
According to a narrow (5-4) Washington Supreme Court ruling, state employees’ birth dates are currently subject to public disclosure. Anyone can request a public employee’s date of birth as a matter of public record—a significant breach of personal privacy and safety.
Safety, Privacy, Outsourcing Among Issues Up for Debate
The Washington State Legislature will convene on January 13, 2020, and no workforce has more at stake in the decisions they will make. Several important bills affecting public employees will be up for debate, including outsourcing, the disclosure of employees' birth dates, and more.
WFSE President Mike Yestramski and Congressperson Kim Schrier met this week in Seattle to discuss the swelling wage gap, Americans’ inability to afford soaring drug costs and the workplace violence bill.
“As a former emergency room social worker, this means a lot to me,” said WFSE President Mike Yestramski of H.R. 1309, a bill meant to address workplace violence with new standards and mandated preventative procedures. It passed the House November 21.
