This is the Weekly Federation Hotline updated April 20.
Workers Memorial Day events planned throughout the state
Each year on Workers Memorial Day, April 28, working people throughout the world remember those who were hurt or killed on the job, and renew our struggle for safe workplaces.
Events are set for April 25 in Seattle and Everett, April 26 in Tumwater, April 27 at Western State Hospital (Lakewood) and Bellingham and April 28 in Spokane. The Workers Memorial event at the Department of Transportation took place April 4 in Olympia.
“Workers Memorial Day is a solemn but important time to reflect on the lives lost at worksites throughout Washington state,” said Jeff Johnson, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “
Although we’ve made great progress over the years in making workplaces safer, there is much more to be done. And we must remember, the progress we’ve made didn’t just happen because laws were passed. It happened because workers joined together and their unions organized and demanded action from their employers and government.”
Here’s the schedule of Worker Memorial Day events next week (more details at: http://www.thestand.org/?p=65892
SEATTLE — Wednesday, April 25 at 11:30 a.m. — Join the M.L. King County Labor Council and the University of Washington Dept. of Environmental & Occupational Research Sciences for a Workers Memorial Day commemoration to honor those who died from a work-related injury or illness in the past year in King County. It will be at the Lyceum Room, Husky Union Bldg., UW Seattle Campus.
EVERETT — Wednesday, April 25 at 5 p.m. — The Snohomish County Labor Council will hold its annual Workers Memorial Observance at the Workers Memorial in the Mission Courtyard at the corner of Wetmore and Pacific in Everett.
OLYMPIA/TUMWATER — Thursday, April 26 at 2 p.m. — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries will conduct its annual commemoration at L&I’s central building, 7273 Linderson Way S.W. in Tumwater.
WESTERN STATE HOSPITAL - TACOMA/LAKEWOOD — Friday, April 27 at 11 a.m. — The Pierce County Central Labor Council will join WFSE/AFSCME Local 793 for their annual Workers Memorial Day observance on the grounds of Western State Hospital, 9601 Steilacoom Boulevard SW in Lakewood. All PCCLC affiliates are invited to join them for a complimentary BBQ, followed at Noon by speakers and a solemn reading of the names of the Pierce County workers who died in the last year.
BELLINGHAM — Friday, April 27 at Noon — The Northwest Washington Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO will conduct its annual Workers Memorial Day commemoration by the Workers Memorial Monument on the lawn of the Bellingham Library, 210 Central Ave.
SPOKANE — Saturday, April 28 at 11 a.m. — The Spokane Regional Labor Council, AFL-CIO will host its 29th Annual Workers Memorial Day Ceremony in Mission Park in Spokane. The ceremony will be followed by a picnic.
Bargaining update: Community College Coalition gears up for negotiations
The WFSE/AFSCME bargaining team for the coalition representing some 3,500 members at 12 Community Colleges across Washington spent a second-day of preparation work Friday (April 20) in Olympia. The team said they’re working for a new contract with fair pay, benefits, working conditions – and justice.
Here is the latest update from the 2019-2021 Community College Coalition Bargaining Team:
Our statewide bargaining team met Thursday (April 19) and Friday (April 20) to discuss contract proposals and develop new contract language in preparation for negotiations with management.
We need your help prioritizing our proposals by completing a short survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wfseccc19_21). You can also download a copy (https://ccc.wfse.org/news/bargaining-priorities-survey). This survey Is critical for all members to fill out so we know what improvements are most important to you!
During negotiations we will focus on attaining a contract that enables our Colleges to:
- Ensure safe, stable working conditions. Are you experiencing safety problems on your campus? Please share your story so we can bring it to the bargaining table.
- Create enforceable policies related to evaluation, professional development and workload. Are you an over-time exempt classified staff person who works excessive hours? Please share your story so we can bring it to the bargaining table.
- Recruit & Retain high quality staff by establishing competitive salaries
- Provide a path to permanence for our part-time brothers and sisters
- Create a respectful & inclusive workplace for all
Our first day of negotiations with management is on Wednesday, May 9. Show your support for our bargaining team by wearing your green shirt on May 9. If you need a shirt contact your council representative or our Member Connection Center (MCC) at 833-MCC-WFSE or [email protected]
If you have any questions regarding negotiations, or if you have a story to share please email [email protected].
“Day of Giving” on dental benefits for veterans tomorrow in Olympia
For WFSE/AFSCME members who are veterans of the armed services in the South Sound:
Our Members Only Benefits partner Bright Now! Dental is holding one of its “Heroes Days” this Saturday, April 21, at its Martin Way Office in Olympia.
On this day, Bright Now! is offering pro-bono dental work for veterans and their dependents.
This “Day of Giving” will provide to veterans and their dependents: x-rays and exams; fillings; extractions; cleaning and fluoride treatments; and sealants.
A limited number of appointments are available, so schedule yours today: (360) 350-6486. Please bring your Veteran’s ID, DD214 or military ID.
The Bright Now! Dental Martin Way office is at 4210 Martin Way E., Suite 101, Olympia WA 98516.
Shared leave requests:
IN NEED OF SHARED LEAVE: Lynn Rivera, a custodian 1 with the Department of Enterprise Services in Olympia and a member of Local 443, has been approved for shared leave through May 16. To help with a donation of eligible unused annual leave or sick leave or all or part of your personal holiday, please contact Bailey Ramsdell at (360) 407-8414.
IN NEED OF SHARED LEAVE: Maria Guevara, a fiscal analyst 1 with the Department of Labor and Industries in Tumwater and a member of Local 443, is in need of shared leave as she battles Stage 3 breast cancer. To help with a donation of eligible unused annual leave or sick leave or all or part of your personal holiday, please contact your human resource office.
IN NEED OF SHARED LEAVE: Jonathan Gullard, a security guard 2 at the DSHS Maple Lane – Forensic Mental Health Services in Centralia and a member of Local 862, is in need of shared leave. To help with a donation of eligible unused annual leave or sick leave or all or part of your personal holiday, please contact Richele Schoening at (253) 617-6267 or by e-mail at [email protected].
IN NEED OF SHARED LEAVE: Colleen Pease, a secretary senior with DSHS in Seattle and a member of Local 843, has been approved for shared leave. To help with a donation of eligible unused annual leave or sick leave or all or part of your personal holiday, please contact Cynthia Soares at (425) 793-5789, or your own human resource office.
IN NEED OF SHARED LEAVE: Theresia “Tess” Rieman, a secretary senior with DSHS in Everett and a member of Local 948, has requested shared leave donations to help cover the time she will miss while she is out for another round of her surgery and recovery. To help with a donation of eligible unused annual leave or sick leave or all or part of your personal holiday, please contact Danielle Gallen at (206) 361-3584 or your own human resource office.
That’s it for now.