WFSE Fights Back at 51st Biennial Convention

Patrick Sugrue

Oct. 24, 2025

Collage of pictures from members at convention

Earlier this month, 400 WFSE members representing nearly 50 local unions and tens of thousands of workers gathered for our union 51st biennial convention.

We reflected on our wins, celebrated our activism, elected our leaders, and charted a course forward.

Setting our Union's Priorities

The main purpose of convention is for delegates to debate and vote on resolutions.

That’s the nitty gritty business of why we get together every two years

What is a convention resolution?

A resolution is an official declaration or an intention for our union to do something. They are submitted by WFSE’s local unions before convention and then voted on by delegates.

Resolutions set the priorities that our union will undertake over the next two years, until the next convention.

Debate over whether to pass, reject, or amend resolutions went on for hours over multiple days. Emotions ran high, and for good reason. The stakes are high. Public services and workers’ rights are under attack across the country.

Our union’s 52,000 members have real power to stand up and fight back against these attacks. How we decide to use that power is important.

In the end, delegates also understood the need to come out of convention united and focused on what we will achieve together going forward.

Read Complete Convention Resolutions

WFSE’s Executive Board, which will be elected next month, along with WFSE staff will be responsible for ensuring the resolutions are implemented.

Electing our Union's Leaders

When we say members are our union, we mean it.

WFSE has four council officers – president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer – that are elected at convention every two years.

This year, multiple members ran for every position. When members take part in the governance of our union, we’re stronger for it.

Thank you to everyone who ran and congratulations to our council officers!

Meet Your Council Officers

Where do we go from here? We organize. We train. We build. We fight. We win. Because when the working class is under attack—what do we do? Stand up, fight back."
Mike Yestramski, WFSE President, Western State Hospital

"When our agencies and our services were threatened when cuts, closures, and furloughs loomed because of state budget deficits we didn’t back down.
We stood shoulder to shoulder and made it clear: we will not allow austerity measures or any other attempt to balance budgets on the backs of workers."
Ashley Fueston, WFSE Vice President, Employment Security Department

"I’m incredibly excited to hopefully start getting our treasurers organized and having strong locals with strong financials and confident local leaders.
I really thank Paula for all her years of service."
Jeanette Obelcz, WFSE Treasurer, DCYF

"The last two years have been defined by powerful action and incredible successes.
The greatest fear of anti-worker extremists is that we will continue to stand up for ourselves and each other. We must continue to Stand Up! Fight Back! because when we are united, we win."
Tracy Stanley,WFSE Secretary, Lower Columbia College

Thank you, Paula

WFSE’s previous treasurer Paula Lukaszek, a plumber at the University of Washington and president of Local 1495, received a standing ovation from delegates as her term ended.

We thank Paula for her years of work on behalf of our members, and know she's not done fighting for our members at UW!

Convention Awards

The Medal of Valor was awarded posthumously to Colleen Bass (Local 782), a security guard who courageously gave her life to protect her union siblings, coworkers, and patients at Eastern State Hospital. The award was accepted by Dianne Womack, president of Local 782 at Eastern State Hospital.

Celebrating Kevin Allen of WFSE Local 843

We celebrated Kevin Allen's (Local 843) upcoming retirement and recognized him for his many years of dedicated, selfless service to WFSE, his union siblings, and the labor movement. Kevin's work has advanced racial and gender equity in Washington and beyond.

"Even in this time where there’s trouble all over the place, be steadfast and unmovable," Allen said. "Know that your labor in labor is not in vain."

Howard Ocobock Awards

Tazia Duncan (Local 491) and Jim Furchert (Local 1060) were awarded the Howard Ocobock Awards. Duncan fought the proposed closure of Rainier Valley School tirelessly, using her voice to save this critical institution.

Furchert was recognized for his leadership in building the WFSE Conversative Caucus and in advocating for WFSE DOC members.

Rosella Charvet Leadership Award

Shauna Lowery (Local 1221) was awarded the Rosella Charvet Leadership Award for stepping into leadership, showing up, and standing in solidarity with migrant siblings in her community.

Job Action of the Year Award

Amy Conklin (Local 948) was awarded the Job Action of the Year Award for her work spearheading the campaign to secure much-needed raises for support staff in our contract. Amy was not in attendance and the award was accepted by fellow members at DCYF.

Partner in Public Service Award

The first ever Partner in Public Service Award was given to attorney Ed Younglove (left), who has spent decades fighting for public employees, from our landmark comparable worth case to protecting the safety and privacy of public employees who are survivors of domestic violence.

Convention Speakers

In progress. Check back soon!

Workshops and Panels