News

Statewide Silent March Scheduled for June 12

Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County is calling for a statewide day of action in support of all Black lives in Washington State on Friday, June 12th.

Statewide Silent March Scheduled for June 12

Amid Historic Layoffs & Fraud, Unemployment Workers Are Determined to Help WA Residents

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, a quarter of the U.S. labor force, close to 43 million people, have filed for unemployment benefits. Washington state has been the hardest hit. Between a surge of fraudulent claims originating overseas as well as a record number of legitimate claims, the equivalent of 30 percent of the workforce has filed for unemployment insurance. Employees at the Washington state Employment Security Department (ESD) like Beth Toms, an Intake Specialist in the Spokane office who serves as the Secretary Treasurer of WFSE Local 1221, have been working around the clock to process unemployment claims.

Amid Historic Layoffs & Fraud, Unemployment Workers Are Determined to Help WA Residents

WFSE Releases Statement Condemning Murder of Black Americans

Olympia, Wash.—The Washington Federation of State Employees (AFSCME Council 28) Executive Committee released the following statement condemning the recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd:

WFSE Releases Statement Condemning Murder of Black Americans

‘Every Day is Sign-a-Card Day:’ How One Local is Growing During COVID-19

Even in the best of times, organizing can be tough work. Add in a global pandemic, and growing your local union can seem impossible. Yet over the last few months, a group of interpreters in Washington state hasn't let the COVID-19 crisis slow them down.

‘Every Day is Sign-a-Card Day:’ How One Local is Growing During COVID-19

Hazard Pay Victory! Local 304 Members Make History in Washington State

Essential workers at several community colleges in King County fought for and won hazard pay, but there's work to do at Bellevue College. Sign the petition!

Hazard Pay Victory! Local 304 Members Make History in Washington State

WFSE Wins: Furlough Protections at UW Medicine

When UW Medicine announced they would be furloughing staff, our union took action to ensure that any reductions would be minimal and applied fairly. Our team negotiated into early Saturday morning and secured the following:

WFSE Wins: Furlough Protections at UW Medicine

WFSE Legislative Victories: HB 1888 and More!

When we speak up together, we win!

WFSE Legislative Victories: HB 1888 and More!

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Please visit our new and improved COVID-19 Response page at https://wfse.org/covid19.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Welcome WFSE’s New Executive Director, Leanne Kunze

Leanne Kunze began serving as the union’s executive director this February after being selected by the AFSCME Council 28/WFSE Executive Board in January. She is the fifth person and first woman to hold the position.

Welcome WFSE’s New Executive Director, Leanne Kunze

Did You Miss the Tele Town Hall?

Thousands of public employees from across the state called in for a tele town hall on January 30 hosted by President Mike Yestramski and Vice President Andrea Vaughn.

Did You Miss the Tele Town Hall?

Thank You, Greg Devereux

Executive Director and International Vice President Greg Devereux retired in January after nearly 40 years in the labor movement.

Thank You, Greg Devereux

Feb. 6 Rally for Safety & Privacy

Join WFSE members and community on February 6 in Olympia to rally for our privacy and safety!

Feb. 6 Rally for Safety & Privacy