Collective bargaining agreement represents a victory for public health and due process
Olympia, Wash. – Members of the Washington Federation of State Employees/AFSCME Council 28 (WFSE) ratified an agreement with the state addressing the effects of Governor Inslee’s vaccine mandate. The vote concluded Thursday night with more than 80 percent casting their ballot in favor of ratification.
More than two-thirds of poll respondents – 68% – approved of labor unions. That means a clear majority of voters views labor unions favorably. Among adults 18-34 years of age, 77% approve of unions. Support is also high among those with annual household incomes under $40,000.
We are excited to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement with the state regarding the effects of the governor’s vaccine mandate. This agreement is a result of our demand to bargain (DTB) and represents a victory for both public health and due process.
According to the proclamation, "employees must show proof of vaccination by October 18, 2021. State employees may work with their agency’s human resources office if they need a reasonable accommodation for medical or religious reasons. Private sector employers may choose a different process."
