News

Election Win! WFSE Votes Save Jobs and Future Raises

Our hard work paid off this election year. WFSE voters took down three anti-worker initiatives, which would have resulted in job loss, income stagnation, and fewer services for Washingtonians and elected labor-friendly representatives that we'll need to vote to fund our contract. With a budget shortfall on the horizon, we need all hands on deck.

Worried about the Budget Crisis? Here's the latest

If you're worried about the pending budget shortfall, here's what you need to know.

We’ve known about the budget crunch since June, and here’s the good news. We’re ahead of the game.

Fund our Contracts and Jobs: Register for your 2025 WFSE Lobby Day

During contract negotiations., our employers didn't want to spend a dime on compensation given the budget shortfall. We walked out for Washington won great contracts. Now we need to convince our elected officials to fund our contract.

During Walkout for Washington, Thousands of WFSE Members Walk Out for Fair Contract

On Tuesday, September 10, thousands of WFSE members at over 130 worksites walked out of their jobs to draw attention to the need for a fair contract.

Two days following the walkouts, tentative agreements for 2025-27 contracts began rolling in. 

Food Banks and Frustration: University of Washington Workers Demand Better

Months into bargaining with the University of Washington, WFSE members feel disrespected by UW’s resistance towards better pay and benefits for the staff that keep the university clean, safe, and functioning.

“Meeting with management, talking about kind of how things are done, management isn’t on the same page about how things are done at the medical center versus the main campus,” said Erik Hellen, a food service worker at UW and WFSE bargaining team member.

Vote NO on Initiative 2109: Protect Our Raises and Our Schools

Return to WFSE Votes landing page

We need to defend our ability to secure raises and our state’s childcare and schools.

Vote NO on Initiative 2117: Protect Jobs and the Climate Commitment Act

Return to WFSE Votes landing page

Heroes of the Gray Fire: WFSE Members Hold the Line

When a fast-moving fire threatened hundreds of residents at two state-run hospitals, WFSE members stepped up and saved lives. This kind of selflessness and dedication defines our members’ work but requires well-staffed facilities and pay that keeps these workers on the job.

Not a WFSE member? Join our union here!

From “Hopeless and Helpless” to Empowered

As a new DCYF employee, Michele Anslow was dismayed when her entire unit was dissolved and employees were reassigned to less than ideal roles and offices. By working together with her union siblings, Anslow successfully advocated for herself and her coworkers to have a say in the process. And thanks to a title review process instigated by her union, Anlow received a pay raise.

DOC Raises, Grievance Wins and a Call to Action

WFSE members have been hard at work making DOC a safer and better place to work.

WFSE DOC employees keep communities safe. They deserve respect, fair pay, and safe working conditions. From shop stewards who educate, support, and advocate for their fellow members to activated members getting petitions signed, DOC members are making concrete positive change.

Download the flyer to share with your co-workers

Federal funding to help vulnerable Americans in danger of getting cut

Federal money for programs and services that help millions of vulnerable Americans and employ many AFSCME members could be in jeopardy next year.

AFSCME is teaming up with allies to fight drastic cuts proposed by right-wing lawmakers. More draconian proposals are likely if Donald Trump is elected president in November and his allies seize control of Congress.