WFSE DCYF Update - August 4, 2025
SUBJECT: DCYF Ad-Hoc Policy Committee Meeting Updates
Hello Wonderful WFSE DCYF Members!
A big thank you to everyone who was able to attend our Saturday morning adhoc policy committee meeting! We cannot believe how much was accomplished, thank you!
There is a lot going on so here is what you need to know right now:
Secretary Series Disaster:
OFM agreed to secretary series pay increases through reallocation to the admin assistant series. OFM is now trying to rob those workers of their immediate pay increases and lifetime earning potential by reallocating lower than they agreed to.
They are also doing the same thing to paralegals.
WFSE has filed a grievance on behalf of all secretary series and paralegal workers and an Unfair Labor Practice.
We need YOU to keep up pressure on Governor Ferguson as he has the power to order OFM to just honor the contract.
Let OFM and Gov. Ferguson know the importance of our support staff and demand they honor bargaining now.
You can send multiple emails a day using this template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_ww8J3IsT0ezl3bjvLJLv5kbWXGMvnANVsSy8W3ceF8/edit?tab=t.0
Send a letter to the Governor: Honor Support Staff Pay Increases
Call Gov. Ferguson every day to demand action at 360-902-4111.
Make sure to share with friends, family, and coworkers!
WFSE Wednesday for Support Staff:
Starting Wednesday 8/6/2025 we need you to wear green every Wednesday and show your support for support staff because support staff support us all.
We will be doing a big push on social media so send us your pictures to post [email protected].
See the flyers below for more info and to help spread the word!
Workload Subcommittee
At the meeting we discussed concerns including SSS2 workloads and lack of training, vacancies, abuse of PIPs/workplans, and more.
We want to reduce the shame and stigma around being behind because literally everyone is AND it encourages putting down other workers, offices, and regions and competition.
It’s time for solidarity because we are all in this sinking ship together.
As this is just so much to tackle, we have formed a workload subcommittee to plan future job actions and campaigns. If you have ideas or want to be part of the committee email [email protected].
Bargaining!
Yes, the 2025-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) changes just went into effect July 1 and that means it’s right around the corner to start bargaining again!
Bargaining happens every two years. The WFSE bargaining team negotiates with the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and management to make changes to our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The CBA outlines the rights and responsibilities of management, the rights and responsibilities of employees, pay, hours of work, and time off.
We are part of the general government CBA which is made up of most of the state agencies.
Bargaining teams are elected based on policy committees. You don’t have to be a delegate to be on the bargaining team or vote for who represents us on the team, but our membership strength determines how many seats we get on the bargaining team.
Nominations normally happen around August with elections occurring in the fall.
This morning, we started determining what proposals we will be focusing on as a policy committee. We will continue collecting proposals and emailing them out until December when the collection of proposals for the next CBA ends.
See our full list Bargaining Proposals List.
You can submit our list of proposals, submit some or all with changes, and make your own proposals on the WFSE website right now! You do not have to use contract language or know the article number to submit a proposal.
Respect Our Schedules Petition
The policy committee voted to extend the deadline for the Respect Our Schedules petition by 30 days.
Remember this is not just about converting on holiday weeks. Our ultimate goal is to end the end practice of ending discussions and making blanket changes based on “business need” that is never defined.
Everyone deserves transparency. If a schedule change has to occur based on performance, staffing issues, or because the actual nature of the work management should have an honest discussion don’t shut it down by saying “business need.” Sign the petition now!
Respect our Schedules Petition
Keep kicking ass! We are stronger together!
In Solidarity,
WFSE DCYF Policy Committee
Jeanette Obelcz, Chair DCYF Policy Committee
Reef Landrum, Western WA Vice Chair
Shauna Lowery, Eastern WA Vice Chair
Learn more about our policy committee here: DCYF Policy Committee
Not a member yet? Join today! Sign up here