News

Remembering George Masten, a Giant in WFSE (and WA) History

When George started his career in state service, workers were routinely laid off en masse and replaced by loyalists, friends and family members of newly elected governors in the so-called "spoils system" of political patronage. By the time Masten retired as Executive Director in 1984, our members had just taken the entire State of Washington to court alleging systemic gender-based wage discrimination and won the largest settlement in state history, equivalent to $1.5b today.

Remembering George Masten, a Giant in WFSE (and WA) History

"Open the Books!" at Seattle Colleges, say WFSE Local 304

WFSE Local 304 members inside and outside the Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees Meeting on April 9th asked why they have their pay cut and go through rounds of layoffs rather than the folks who mismanaged the budget in the first place.

"Open the Books!" at Seattle Colleges, say WFSE Local 304

Bargaining Kickoff April 15th! Contract Fight Starts Now

Whether you work remote, in person, at the University of Washington or knee-deep in an estuary – there’s a way you can support your bargaining team every bargaining day. Plus, see locations for several campaign kickoff events on April 15th at 5:30pm statewide.

Bargaining Kickoff April 15th! Contract Fight Starts Now

2026 WFSE Legislative Victories

A year after we prevented attacks on our healthcare and compensation during the largest budget shortfall in state history, we made history again.

2026 WFSE Legislative Victories

Women's History Month: Learn About WFSE's Victory for Gender Pay Equity

WFSE has fought gender discrimination since its earliest days.

In 1957, we defeated a plan to restrict state employment to only one member of a household, a ban that would inevitably have taken jobs away from many working wives.

Women's History Month: Learn About WFSE's Victory for Gender Pay Equity

WFSE Celebrates a Century of Black History Month

Pst… Don’t miss:I AM Podcast: MLK and AFSCMEon a strike that rocked a city and altered our history

WFSE Celebrates a Century of Black History Month

Big Win for Support Staff – with Back Pay

After a long fight to ensure administrative staff receive the respect and compensation they deserve, we have reached an agreement with the state that achieves everything

Big Win for Support Staff – with Back Pay

Disaster Relief from the Foundation for Working Families

The Foundation for Working Families is a hardship and disaster relief program overseen by the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC). 

Disaster Relief from the Foundation for Working Families

Choose Your Bargaining Team for Our 2027-29 Contracts

Who will represent you at the table with your employer? It’s time to decide. The power of our union is in solidarity: the strength and influence we have when we join forces as WFSE members to protect our jobs, families and communities. That’s what bargaining is all about.

Choose Your Bargaining Team for Our 2027-29 Contracts

Meet the 2025-2027 WFSE Executive Board

WFSE has a new Executive Board, the statewide body of members that conduct the business of our union between conventions. When convention is not in session, it is the highest governing body of our union.

Meet the 2025-2027 WFSE Executive Board

WFSE DCYF Update - November 6, 2025

Subject: DCYF Ad-Hoc Policy Committee Meeting Updates

Hello WFSE DCYF Members,

Thank you to all of those who were able to make it to the first policy committee meeting of the new term! Below are all the updates and more!

WFSE DCYF Update - November 6, 2025

WFSE DCYF Update - October 31, 2025

Hello WFSE DCYF Members,

We are days away from our first policy committee meeting of the new term, and we already have updates for you!  

Bargaining

WFSE DCYF Update - October 31, 2025