News

Local 795 Union Board at Lobby Days and Policy Committee

Jason Wear participating in Lobby Days for District 3!

Local 795 Union Board: Submit nominations!

WFSE Local 795 is inviting YOU to participate in the election of your Executive Board members.

Despite Violence, Workers Remain Dedicated

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Monday marked the annual Workers’ Memorial at Western State Hospital (WSH). Workers and community came together in the spring sun to share stories, grieve, and commit to a safer future.

A field of flags represented the 1,090 reported assaults in 2018.

Joined by Representative Mari Leavitt and Senator Steve Conway, memorial attendees celebrated the dedication and service of the staff of WSH.

NJ Librarian Praises Fast Access to Disaster Relief Grant with the Union Plus Credit Card

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy battered the east coast of the United States, causing billions of dollars in damage across 24 states. The hurricane quickly became known in the impacted region as “Superstorm Sandy.”

Shileen Shaw knows firsthand how the storm got that name.

“We had never seen anything like it,” says Shaw, recalling the damage her East Orange, New Jersey, home suffered at the time.

Assistant Attorneys General Win Right to Collectively Bargain

Assistant Attorneys General in Washington State officially gained the right to collectively bargaining when Governor Inslee signed Senate Bill 5297 into law this morning.

The bill signing was witnessed by an exuberant group of advocates and members of the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG). AWAAG joined WFSE earlier this year to make collective bargaining a reality for 600 AAGs across the state.

We Can Do More for Worker Safety

Workers Memorial Day is this Sunday, April 28, when we honor workers killed or injured on the job. On this day in 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was formed.

For almost half a century, OSHA has been charged with helping to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for men and women across this country. But under the Trump administration, OSHA is failing us. As we observe Workers Memorial Day, it’s clear that we can do more – much more – for worker safety.

Labor, Community Honor Jacquie Jones-Walsh

Jacquie Jones-Walsh (center) with Bill Lucy, outgoing CBTU President and Alice Goff, former AFSCME Council 36 President

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: A Broken Promise

Megha Desai is a public defender in Multnomah County, Oregon. In a given week, she might work upwards of 60 hours. Right now, she has about 145 open cases.

“It's like a conveyor belt. Every day you work on your assigned cases, new ones roll in,” said Desai, a member of Local 2805 (Council 75). “There's a joke in the office: If you don't come in on the weekends, you’re screwed for the next week.”

The first weekend of April was an exception: It was her wedding. 

WSDOT Memorial Honors Killed and Injured Workers

OLYMPIA, Wash. — On Wednesday, community and family gathered to honor fallen and injured Washington State Department of Transportation workers.

This week marks the 2019 National Work Zone Awareness Week. In Washington State, DOT worker safety remains a significant issue. According to WSDOT, 11 workers lost their lives due to work zone crashes, and 422 workers were injured just in 2018.

At the worker memorial, an honor guard of 60 WSDOT workers commemorated the service and lives of the 60 workers killed on the job in Washington since 1950.

Evergreen Workers Push Management for Snow Day Compensation

OLYMPIA, Wash. — When this year’s snow storm hit, the Evergreen State College failed to consider the economic impact on its lowest paid employees, denying them suspended operations pay. But 74 members took action, joining together in a group grievance.

“Everyone who was hourly was shocked. It was electric across campus. People were mad,” said Emmie Forman, a program coordinator in the Academic Dean’s Office since 2008.