6/19/20 Update:
95% voted yes to proceed with the GG MOU limiting the impact of furloughs. In the coming days, we'll be providing resources to help guide members through this process.
Public service workers, small businesses and communities have sacrificed plenty through the pandemic. Now, to prevent future service and job cuts, we must call on Washington lawmakers to require the super-wealthy (like Jeff Bezos) to start paying their fair share in taxes. It's time for legislators to finally address the nation's most regressive tax structure. Take action now.
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Everyone knows times are tough. In May, America lost 585,000 public jobs. In Washington State, things are dire. If current predictions hold true, the losses could make the Great Recession look comparatively mild.
WFSE secured this memorandum of understanding (MOU) to limit the impact of furloughs. Read on to learn more.
Estimated Impact of Partial Furloughs for Washington State Employees
How to Vote on the MOU
Watch a Zoom Info Session
What About My Raise?
What Is the Shared Work Program?
Am I eligible for Shared Work?
Clarifying Note On the Governor's One-Furlough-Per-Month Directive
OFM: Frequently asked questions about the 20-08 directive on furloughs and general wage increases
Estimated Impact of Partial Furloughs for Washington Employees
As you see below, workers that use the Washington SharedWork Program are likely to enjoy a net increase in their pay.
Please note that if this MOU is passed, your employer will "work with the Employment Security Department to arrange for educational guidance and assistance with the application process for the SharedWork program" and assist you in applying for "any unemployment benefits for which [you] may be eligible."
Also please note that the one-week waiting period to collect unemployment insurance has been suspended through July 1, 2020 or until the termination of the COVID-19 State of Emergency, whichever occurs first.
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How to Vote on the MOU
Members will be able to vote on whether to accept or reject the MOU—please check your email for voting instructions, and contact the Member Connection center at [email protected] or 833-MCC-WFSE (1-833-622-9373) if you need assistance. To vote on the MOU, please visit vote.wfse.orgEligible voters received a username and password in their email.
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Watch the Zoom Informational Sessions
We held two Zoom calls on June 18 to discuss the furloughs and hear your questions and concerns.
Information Session 1: June 18, 2020, 12 pm
What about my raise?
As a union, we successfully preserved the 3% raises provided under our current contract.
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What is the SharedWork Program?
Am I Eligible for SharedWork?
There is some confusion regarding who is eligible for the program. Some are saying that you are not eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) if you make more than $790/week. This is incorrect.
The reference to $790/week is the maximum benefit under UI in the State of Washington. Those who are eligible for the full $790 would ALSO get the $600 a week through the CARES Act for a total of $1390 maximum benefit through July 25th, after which the maximum benefit reverts to $790 due to the expiration of the CARES Act.
For more information, check out the SharedWork FAQ for Claimants and the SharedWork Payment Calculation Chart.
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Clarifying Note on Governor's 1 Furlough Per Month Directive
clarifying_note_from_ofm_on_the_governors_1_furlough_per_month_directive.pdf
