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.
Like many DCYF workers in Washington, Taylor Andrews-Garcelon loves her clients but has felt her job get more stressful and dangerous in the last few years.
We stood together and won pay increases, protected health care, raised the minimum wage and more! Our 2019-2021 collective bargaining agreements take effect this month. Download your contract below.
It’s Pride. Rainbow flags are everywhere and there’s a parade every weekend in June in cities across Washington State.
But what does Pride actually mean?
“For me, Pride means a sense of community and family. It’s a time to celebrate a community I’m part of, with allies. Having our union family together really shows the diverse membership that we have,” said Kodi Gaddis.
WFSE members have been celebrating by marching in the Olympia Pride parade, raising the Pride flag at their workplaces, and more.
State employees will see pay increases, job improvements, and expanded bargaining rights this year thanks to the efforts of WFSE members during the 2019 state legislative session.
“There is no workforce in Washington with more at stake [in legislative decisions],” said Cody Cohan, a care resource manager for the Developmental Disabilities Administration. “We are stronger together when working to improve the lives of all Washingtonians.”
Surrounded by friends and colleagues, Pat Bailey was awarded the Laurie Merta Steward of the Year Award. The ceremony took place June 1st at the Rise Up conference.
The award is presented to a shop steward who has “demonstrated outstanding skills to help members and build up the union in the workplace.” Bailey fits the bill.
“I’ve seen her drop everything to listen to someone,” said Jade Monroe. “Immediately she’s very caring.”
WFSE staff and members are mourning the death of labor attorney Anita Hunter.
Before joining the legal team at the Airline Pilots Association in 2017, Hunter was a fierce advocate for WFSE members and served as the union’s in-house general counsel for 11 years. She passed away on Friday, May 24, at the age of 49.
“The labor movement is a richer place for Anita’s contributions,” said Executive Director Greg Devereux. “She was tough, unselfish, and incredibly principled. She will be terribly missed by us all.”
