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WFSE Corrections Employees Win Multi-Million Settlement | AFSCME Council 28 (WFSE)

WFSE Corrections Employees Win Multi-Million Settlement

Three union grievances, hundreds of letters, and a statewide petition result in $2k cash payment for all employees in 2023 and a retention bonus of 3% in 2024 for those deemed “essential” by DOC.

Download the settlement flyer here.

The proposed closures would negatively impact those who are in most need of these services , result in increased recidivism (a 2007 study showed Washington’s reentry centers lead to at least a 2.8% reduction in recidivism), cost the state more money (research conducted by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy indicates that reentry programs have a positive cost/benefit impact; for every dollar spent, $3.82 is returned to the state.), and threaten the capacity of our community custody system when the need for more capacity is rising.

On December 12th, DOC Leadership met with management for the Statewide Union Management Communication Committee (SUMCC).

If these cuts are implemented by the legislature, the colleges will decide how to implement them. Furloughs are on the table and have been utilized in the past. We need to speak up and demand the rich begin paying their fair share.
After a hard fight, WFSE members received an arbitration opinion vindicating our nine Department of Corrections members who teach Defensive Tactics courses who had been unfairly excluded from receiving assignment pay.
As you may have heard, the governor's proposed budget includes the closure of Yakima Valley School and Rainier School. We can't lose these crucial community resources for Washingtonians who need them. Read on for actions you can take to stand with vulnerable community members and dedicated WFSE members and stop the closures.

This year, we took on many challenges to become stronger as a union, protect our jobs, and ensure our families have the best futures possible. We aren't stopping there.

Our current $12 billion budget crisis is in large part a result of our state’s inequitable tax code that relies on those with the least to pay the most. It's inefficient and it's unfair.

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. 

Return to WFSE Votes landing page

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

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!