VOL. 43 NO.

www.discoverpass.wa.gov

APRIL 2015

State Employee
INSIDE: Award nominations. See 2, 6, 7.
2015 Howard Ocobock campout info. See 8.

The official newspaper of the

WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE
EMPLOYEES/AFSCME Council 28AFL-CIO

WASHINGTON

Now good on either

of two vehicles!

TAKE ACTION: wfse.org/fund-our-contracts/

Why its time to act

Local 1060 in Bellingham

joined members across
the state in spreading
the word we need a final
state budget that respects
state employees and our
contracts.

UNCONSCIONABLE!
See 4 & 5

How Sen. Sharon Nelson described the Senate budget SCHEME that would REJECT and REDUCE our negotiated
contracts and DUMP 20,000 state employee spouses off
health insurance.
See 4 & 5

-- Merriam-Websters Dictionary and Thesaurus

OUR VALUES MATTER: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CLASS STUDY

IT members voices heard

hanks to persistence by the

Washington Federation of State
Employees/AFSCME, the state
is undertaking a major job classification study of information technology
(IT) job classes.
This study is due,in large part, to
discussions between Gov. Jay Inslee
and WFSE/AFSCME President Sue
Henricksen and Executive Director
Greg Devereux about recruitment and
retention issues within the IT classes.
The union is in complete agreement with this class study, Henrick-

sen said. It is long overdue.

The union also pushed for the
IT class study because of the noncompetitive salaries that the state pays
compared to private industry.
IT members have also voiced concerns about the lack of training made
available to our IT members training
would eliminate much of the need to
outsource IT members work.
The Office of Information Officer
(OCIO) and the Office of Financial
Management Human Resources are
conducting the IT class study.

study meetings.
All agencies and higher education
institutions received comprehensive
class study packets that should have
been passed along to all IT staff. The
packet included information about the
study, the need for new IT position description forms, a description of IT job
families, and more.

Currently, WFSE/AFSCME staff

take part in the ongoing classification

Updates on the IT class study will be posted on the unions website: http://wfse.org/
get-involved/it-solutions/
More information on this class study and
possible answers to IT members questions:
http://hr.wa.gov/CompClass/CompAndClassServices/Pages/ITClassStudy.aspx

Focus on WFSE/AFSCME shop stewards

These recent graduates of a WFSE/AFSCME Stewards in Action training for

Central Washington University are just some of the thousands of stewards who
stand with members at the worksite to protect our voice at work our collective bargaining and legal rights. This years WFSE/AFSCME Shop Steward
Conference is June 6-7 in Seatac (details, page 3).
From left at the March 21-22 Stewards in Action training in Ellensburg (CWU
Local 330): Chris Everett, Robert Paul, Skip Jensen, Kerry Neubauer,

Betty Hawkins, John Beasley and WFSE/AFSCME Council Rep. Phedra

Quincey.
Three current Local 330 stewards got a refresher and three new stewards received their initial training.
ALSO INSIDE: Local 330 members win against outsourcing of their jobs at
CWU. See page 8.

WFSE/AFSCME CONVENTION HONORS 2015

Nominations now being accepted for three awards that recognize

service of members above and beyond the call of duty
Award nomination criteria

WFSE/AFSCME Medal of Valor/Meritorious Service/Lifesaving Awards

Medal Of Valor Awards

Medal of Valor Awards recognize WFSE/
AFSCME members who have demonstrated bravery and valor.
Recognition may be given to a member where
the evidence presented to
Use this form
the Medal of Valor Committee
to submit
shows that he or she demonnominations for
strated bravery and/or heroall three awards: Medal
ism by knowingly performing
of Valor, Meritorious
conspicuous acts of courage
Service and Lifesaving
under life-threatening circumstances so that others might
live.

In no case shall recognition be given where it

appears that the action performed was merely in the
performance of normal duties.

Combined nomination form

STATEMENT OF FACTS

I, , nominate

Person submitting nomination

Name of nominee

for the Medal of Valor, Meritorious Service and/or Lifesaving Award.

Nominees address:

____________________________________________________________
Work phone: ( ) _______________________________ Home phone: (
) ___________________
Number of local:
How long a member: __________________
Agency: _____________________________________________________________________________
Current job class: _____________________________________________________________________
INDICATE WHICH AWARD YOURE SUBMITTING NOMINEE FOR:
Medal of Valor - Public Safety Officer
Medal of Valor - Non-Public Safety Officer
Meritorious Service Award

Lifesaving Award

Description of why nominee should be considered for the award(s). Include specific example(s) of
valor, meritorious service or lifesaving between Aug. 5, 2013 and Aug. 3, 2015 (criteria at left; attach
additional sheets if needed):

Two Medal of Valor Awards may be conferred.

One award is earmarked for a Public Safety Officer
member of Council 28 and one is open for a nonPublic Safety Officer member of Council 28. Nominees must have demonstrated bravery and valor in a
specific situation or situations between Aug. 5, 2013
and Aug. 3, 2015.
The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 3,
2015.

If this form is not completed in its entirety, the nomination may not be considered.
Date:

Nominators name:

Nominators best contact information: PHONE

Meritorious Service Award

Meritorious Service Award recognizes a
members significant or outstanding act
of service of exceptional character.
Recognition may be given to a member where
the evidence presented to the Medal of Valor Committee shows that a significant or outstanding act of
service of exceptional character was performed. The
action taken need not involve attempts of rescue
or risk to self, but should exhibit behavior far above
and beyond the expectations of their position in the
service of others.
In no case shall recognition be given where it
appears that the action performed was merely in the
performance of normal duties.
Nominees must have demonstrated this meritorious service in a specific situation or situations
between Aug. 5, 2013 and Aug. 3, 2015.
The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 3,
2015.

State Employee
WASHINGTON

Washington State Employee (USPS 981200) is published monthly, except February

and July, for $5.08 per year by the Washington Federation of State Employees/AFSCME
Council 28 AFL-CIO, 1212 Jefferson St. S.E.
Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501. Affiliated with
the American Federation of State, County
and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
Periodicals postage paid at Olympia, WA
and at additional offices. Circulation:
42,000.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Washington State Employee, 1212 Jefferson
St SE Suite 300 Olympia WA 98501-7501
Sue Henricksen, President
Greg Devereux, Executive Director
Editor Tim Welch
e-mail: tim@wfse.org Internet: www.wfse.org
Member, ILCA

Page 2

Person submitting nomination

E-MAIL

Send completed nomination forms to: WFSE/AFSCME Medal of Valor Award Committee,
1212 Jefferson Street S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501.
Nominations must be received by Aug. 3, 2015.
opeiu8

Lifesaving Award

resourcefulness and to demonstrated skill in rescue

methods.

Lifesaving Award to recognize a member

who took action during an emergency
with the intent of saving a life or helping
the injured.

In no case shall recognition be given where it

appears that the action performed was merely in the
performance of normal duties.

Recognition may be given to a member where

the evidence presented to the Medal of Valor Committee shows that he or she took action during an
emergency with the intent to save a life, or help the
injured. The committee will give consideration to
These awards are overseen by the WFSE/AFSCME Medal of Valor Committee.
These awards may be conferred every two years
at the unions biennial state convention. This years
awards will be handed out at the WFSE/AFSCME
Convention Oct. 2-4 in Seatac.
The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 3,
2015.
ELIGIBILITY: Locals, individual members and staff
may nominate union members.
NOMINATION: Submit written nomination (you may
use the printed nomination form on this page) with
the information listed on the nomination form printed
on this page.
Send completed nomination forms to: The Medal
of Valor Award Committee, 1212 Jefferson Street

Nominees must have demonstrated this lifesaving service in a specific situation or situations between Aug. 5, 2013 and Aug. 3, 2015.
The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 3,
2015.
S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501.
Nominations must be received by Aug. 3, 2015.
All written nominations must include a statement of
the required facts listed on the nomination form on
this page.
REVIEW: The Medal of Valor Award Committee,
made up of members appointed by the WFSE/AFSCME president, will review the nominations and
select the recipients of the Medal of Valor, Meritorious Service and Lifesaving awards.
If this form is not completed in its entirety, the
nomination may not be considered.
AWARD: The awards will be presented at the WFSE/
AFSCME Convention Oct. 2-4 in Seatac.
ONLINE: http://wfse.org/medal-of-valor-award/

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OPTION. If youd like to save paper and postage, you can receive this newspaper electronically. Go to www.wfse.org and hover
over NEWS & INFO, located in the top menu bar. Select from the drop-down list: WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYEE - Newspaper. Use the form
on this page to register for the electronic version. Or e-mail us at info@wfse.org, or write: WFSE/AFSCME, 1212 Jefferson St. S.E., Suite 300,
Olympia, WA 98501. If youre a represented non-member fee payer and you dont wish to receive this publication in any format, e-mail us at contactus@wfse.org, or write: WFSE/AFSCME, 1212 Jefferson St. S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501.

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

April 2015

THE CORNER PAGE

SAFETY
CORNER
Yardwork
safety tips

Another
in a series
of Safety
doesnt happen by
accident memes.

The WFSE/
AFSCME Health
and Safety
Committee has
these yard and
garden safety
tips for spring:
Lawmower safety
Dress for
success:
wear eye
protection
long pants
study shoes.
No flip flops!
Absolutely NO
bare feet!

while it is going.
If you follow
these simple
instructions,
your feet, hands
and toes should
remain intact.
Gardening health
and safety tips

Do not let
children under
age 12 use a
power mower.
Make sure you
push/drive the
mower forward
only.
Never reach
under the mower

Gardening can
be a great way
to enjoy the
outdoors, get
physical activity,
beautify the
community, and
grow nutritious
fruits and
vegetables.
If you are a
beginner or
expert gardener,
health and safety
should always be
a priority.

SAFETY TIPS or your QUESTIONS on

workplace safety!
Please e-mail your questions or
tips to:
c28SafetyTips@gmail.com.
The WFSE/
AFSCME Health
and Safety
Committee has
a link to safe
gardening tips
on its web page:
http://wfse.org/
get-involved/

SHOP STEWARD CORNER

All about 2015 Shop Steward
Conference, June 6-7
This years WFSE/AFSCME Shop Steward Conference will
be June 6-7 at the Seatac Doubletree Hotel. Here are four things
to keep in mind as the conference approaches:

REGISTER ONLINE

The 2015 WFSE/AFSCME Shop Steward Committee

includes workshops on topics you may have been asking
for, such as, but not limited to, workplace mistreatment,
bullying, and discrimination and your rights. The popular
Arbitrator Panel will be Saturday morning, June 6. The deadline for registration, housing and travel requests is May 13.
WFSE/AFSCME picks up travel costs, lodging (room and
tax) and parking for Saturday night, June 6 only; other lodging or meal requirements are a personal expense or at the
expense of the attendees local. The first 250 stewards who
register get into the conference.
To register online, go to: wfse.org/shop-steward-conference/

health-safety/

Safety essay contest announced

the unions
convention
in October in
Seatac.
Submit a short

Yes, back by popular demand.

Submit short videos (2 minutes max) of your shop
steward actions, education or meetings.
Your digital short could end up being used in a video
compilation on WFSE.org or at the Steward Conference
in June.
Be creative. Have fun.
DEADLINE: April 30.
TO SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO:
Go to http://www.youtube.com.
Sign-in using the login wfsec28pa@gmail.com and
password StewardC28.
Select UPLOAD.
Use Select files (from your computer/device) to upload.
Give your video a name and description.
LOG OUT.
View your uploaded video here:
https://www.youtube.com/user/WFSEc28ShopStewards/
videos
NEED HELP? Contact Laura Reisdorph at laurar@wfse.
org.

TELL US YOUR STORY

Every steward has a narrative. The

WFSE/AFSCME Shop Steward Committee wants to hear them. If youre a
steward, please submit a short essay
of 250 words or less on what being a
shop steward means to you. DEADLINE: April 30.
Online form: wfse.org/shop-stewardconference/

LAURIE MERTA SHOP

STEWARD OF THE YEAR

Fill out nomination form online, or

use the form that came to you in
the last edition (March 2015) of the
Washington State Employee. DEADLINE: April 30.
You can also download form online at:
wfse.org/shop-steward-conference/

STEWARD
CENTER
wfse
.org

took place at the same time at

the Machinists Hall in south
Seattle.

From left: Brenda Williams, Maria Britton-Sipe and Gwen Rench (all
RPEC); Jackie Boschok, WA State Alliance for Retired Americans; Steve
Kofahl, AFGE; and Mac McIntosh and Robby Stern, Puget Sound Advocates
for Retirement Action.

essay on How
do you keep
safe at work?
and submit it at:
C28safetyTips@
gmail.com.

Safety Corner is a project of the WFSE/AFSCME

Health and Safety Committee.

VIDEO SHORTS RETURN!

Online: rpecwa.org

April 2015

Safety-related
prizes will be
awarded to
winners at

Or go directly to
the website of
the Centers for
Disease Control:
http://www.
cdc.gov/family/
gardening/

RPEC
CORNER
Members of the Retired
Public Employees Council
of Washington/AFSCME
(RPEC) joined with WFSE/
AFSCME members and other
advocates to take part in the
White House Council on
Aging stop in Seattle April 2.
A forum calling attention
to retirement security issues

essay contest.

The WFSE/
AFSCME
Health
and Safety
Committee
is running an

Pensions in this country

should not be a race to the
bottom, WFSE/AFSCME
Executive Director Greg
Devereux said in an address
to the forum.
We should not be taking
away from public workers to
line someone elses pockets.
We should all work to
establish an appropriate floor
above Social Security that
would allow everyone to have

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

retirement security.
Across town at the White
House Council on Aging
conference, delegates heard
from U.S. Labor Secretary
Thomas Perez and U.S. Sen.
Patty Murray, among others.
This conference was
one of several taking place
across the country to discuss
what policies and issues are
the most important to the
aging community. Their
recommendations will be
forwarded to the White
House.

Page 3

THE FACTS: FUND OUR CONTRACTS

A tale of two budgets

The House (and Governor) want proposed budgets

that fund our contracts
But the Senate rejected our contracts -- and thats
only the start.
Its important to know the differences as legislators
and the governor try to work out a final budget compromise by the April 26 end of session. Otherwise, its
on to special session and more uncertainty.

HOUSE
HB 1106
Funding our
contracts

Funds negotiated and

ratified General Government and Higher Education contracts.
For most, that means
raises of:
7/1/15 - 3%
7/1/16 - 1.8%
Also other specific salary adjustments and
many provisions to move
lower-paid members as
close as possible to $15
an hour.

Health Care
Agreement

Funds negotiated Health

Care Agreement that:
Keeps your share of premium costs at 15%
Holds the line on outof-pocket costs. Point
of service costs for the
Uniform Medical Plan
will not change for the
purpose of cost-shifting
onto state employees.

What you need to

know about the
process of funding
our contracts:
The House and Senate recently voted on very different approaches to funding (or not funding our contracts).
You played an important role last summer standing up
for fair contracts during negotiations by your elected
bargaining teams. And then members ratified all contracts.
Those were important steps but not the only steps
on the road to winning a new two-year contract that
would take effect July 1, 2015.
Page 4

SENATE
SB 5077
Rejects all General
Government and Higher
Education contracts.

Delegation of Everett CC members came to Olympia March 24 and added their

voices to the effort to fund our contracts. From left: Laura Little, Max Phipps,
Judy Thomas, Shelley Weyer and Glorianne Bora.

What youre saying

WFSE/AFSCME members, friends
and neighbors wasted no time
weighing in on Facebook and
wfse.org with their opinions on the
Senates rejection of our contracts.
Heres a sample.
Al Papas What (a) slap in the faces to state employees
and their families.

Dictates renegotiations
on pay -- then reduces
the funds available by
more than a third.

Dino Mayo It never ceases to amaze me how the vast

majority of Republicans (but not pragmatic Pam Roach)
somehow manage to not value the sacrifices all state
employee endured within the past ten years without an
appreciable raise, two years of furloughs, reduction-inforce, increase in workload, withdraw tuition reimbursement program, and decrease in promotional opportunities as a result of the deep effects of economic recession
between 2008 and 2013. I am tired of balancing the
budget on the backs of state employees! State employees love to serve and protect our neighborhoods. All we
ask in return is that our elected officials acknowledge
this when considering monetary compensation.

Applying their formula,

that would dictate reduced raises of:
7/1/15 - 1.9%
7/1/16 - 1.1%
Perpetuates income
inequality
In effect rejects our
negotiated Health Care
Agreement.

Mike Rogers After so many years of not receiving a true

pay raise, it is unimaginable that the Senate Republicans
can reject such a modest cost of living adjustment.

Significantly reduces
necessary funding.
Dumps 20,000 state
employee spouses off
health care (if spouses
who have other options
for health care, no matter
how good or bad).

Dottie Stecker Balancing the budget on the backs of

state employees again. Who would have thought?

wfse.org
STEP 3: The governors
budget office, the Office of
Financial Management, in
December deemed the economic parts of all Federation
contracts to be financially
feasible. That step made
contracts eligible to be included in the governors budget
proposal.

To review, here is whats

happened and what still
needs to happen.
STEP 1: WFSE/AFSCME members in General Government
and Higher Education last
summer negotiated contracts
with pay and health benefits
that would take effect July 1,
2015 and run through June
30, 2017. Those tentative
agreements then went to a
vote of each respective group
of members.

STEP 2: WFSE/AFSCME
members in General Government and Higher Education
in September ratified each
respective contract. That sent
each ratified tentative agreement to the governors budget
office by Oct. 1, as specified
in law.

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

STEP 4: Gov. Jay Inslee on

Dec 18 issued his budget
proposal that called for full
funding of our
negotiated contracts. But the
governors plan
is basically
just a recommendation to
the Legislature.
The governor
has much influence over the budget process
-- a final budget cant become
law without his signature. The
Legislature writes the budget,
including whether or not to
fund our contracts.

April 2015

THE FACTS: FUND OUR CONTRACTS

Poster of the month
Its time to stand up against the phony
Senate Republicans budget
The Senate budget rejects our negotiated contracts and pay
raises
The Senate budget directs us to renegotiate the raises with a
Itsthird less money, and
time to stand up against the phony
Senate
Republicans budget
The Senate budget dumps 20,000 state employee spouses off
of health insurance.
The Senate budget rejects our negotiated contracts and pay
The
Senate Republicans in their budget proposal (passed April
raises our negotiated contracts. Instead, they used a phony
6) rejects
The Senate budget directs us to renegotiate the raises with a
formula to reduce the pot of money for raises by more than a third
third less money, and
(according to budget documents). And they dump state employee

The Senate budget dumps 20,000 state employee spouses off
spouses off health insurance; that would affect about 20,000 state
of health insurance.
employee spouses, according to the Health Care Authority.
The Senate Republicans in their budget proposal (passed April
To recap:
6) rejects our negotiated contracts. Instead, they used a phony
We negotiated and the governor and House both endorsed
formula to reduce the pot of money for raises by more than a third
our lawfully bargained contracts that would bring pay raises
(according to budget documents). And they dump state employee
of 3% this year and 1.8% this year. For most, these would be
spouses off health insurance; that would affect about 20,000 state
the first pay raises in seven years.
employee spouses, according to the Health Care Authority.

But under the Senate Republicans budget scheme, they first
To recap:
reject our contracts and those pay raises - then they illegally
We
negotiated and the governor and House both endorsed
dictate that we go back and negotiate lower raises based on
our
lawfully bargained contracts that would bring pay raises
the smaller overall pot of money they set aside A THIRD
of 3% this year and 1.8% this year. For most, these would be
LESS MONEY FOR RAISES!
the first pay raises in seven years.
On top of that, they in effect reject our negotiated health
But under the Senate Republicans budget scheme, they first
care agreement by dumping 20,000 spouses off the rolls.
reject
our contracts and those pay raises - then they illegally
The Senate Republicans want to remove from coverage
dictate that we go back and negotiate lower raises based on
20,000 spouses who have other options for health care, no
the smaller overall pot of money they set aside A THIRD
matter how good or bad.
LESS MONEY FOR RAISES!
Remember, the pay raises and other economic parts of our con
On top of that, they in effect reject our negotiated health
tracts arent final until funds are approved by both the House and
care agreement by dumping 20,000 spouses off the rolls.
Senate and signed into law by the governor. And right now, they
The Senate Republicans want to remove from coverage
dont all agree.
20,000 spouses who have other options for health care, no
But it doesnt have to be this way.
matter how good or bad.
The Senate Republican majority plan is only the final word if
we do
Remember, the pay raises and other economic parts of our connothing.
tracts arent final until funds are approved by both the House and

What theyre saying

Senate pay plan is wrong solution
The Olympian editorial, 4/3/15

wfse.org/fund-our-contracts
Click on the image or TAKE ACTION link to
access the action page. Provide your contact
information here before clicking Start Writing.

wfse.org/fund-our-contracts
Click on the image or TAKE ACTION link to
access the action page. Provide your contact
information here before clicking Start Writing.

Lawmakers would be wise to follow the lead of House Democrats whose budget plan, like that of Inslee, fully funds the
contracts.

Contact us at website@wfse.org if you

have any trouble.

Contact us at website@wfse.org if you

have any trouble.

So we need to TAKE ACTION to make sure its not the final

The
time to act is now.

The time to act is now.

wfse.org/fund-our-contracts/

word.

wfse.org/fund-our-contracts/
The time is now to urge legislators to OPPOSE the Senate budgets phony scheme that rejects and reduces our negotiated pay
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES | AFSCME COUNCIL 28 | AFL-CIO
raises and dumps 20,000 spouses off our health plans.

opeiu8/aflcio

800-562-6002 WFSE.org

The time to act is now.

opeiu8/aflcio

wfse.org/fund-our-contracts/

WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES | AFSCME COUNCIL 28 | AFL-CIO

STEP 5: The House Democratic majority on March 27

issued its budget proposal. It
respected WFSE/AFSCME
members by including monies to
fully
fund
our
negotiated
contracts.
The House approved that
good plan (HB 1106) April 2
on a vote of 51-47.
STEP 6: The Senate Republican majority on March 31
issued its budget proposal. It
would reject our negotiated
contracts and pay raises,
reduce our contracts with
a third less money for salaries, and dump 20,000 state
employee spouses off of
health insurance. The Senate leaders rigged the vote.
They changed the rules so
an amendment to fund our
contracts would need a super-

April 2015

I would say they are interested in the politics of resentment

pitting workers against each other. Just like the playbook of
pitting private sector worker against public sector workers, said
Greg Devereux, executive director for the Washington Federation of State Employees, the largest state-worker union. Its
intended to be divisive. Its very clever.
Devereux has a point.

So we need to TAKE ACTION to make sure its not the final

Senate and signed into law by the governor. And right now, they
word.
dont all agree.

The time is now to urge legislators to OPPOSE the Senate budBut it doesnt have to be this way.
gets phony scheme that rejects and reduces our negotiated pay
The Senate Republican majority plan is only the final word if we do
raises and dumps 20,000 spouses off our health plans.
nothing.

The Legislature has no right to impose terms or dictate what

raises should be. Rather, if lawmakers failed to ratify or accept
the contracts, Inslee and unions would go back to the table and
negotiate all over again. In the meantime, terms of old contracts
which had no pay raises would remain in effect....

This is like running a business, you gotta be able to hire

people.
-- Rep. Ross Hunter,
at 3/27/15 press conference
on why House budget funds our
contracts

Sen. Cyrus
Habib (4/2/15)
credited state
employees at
the Washington
State School for
the Blind and
the Department
of Services for the Blind with
helping him go from Braille to
Yale.

800-562-6002 WFSE.org

They
(WFSE/
AFSCME
and other
state employee union
members)
deserve that (fully funded
contracts)....Ill be looking for
that in the final budget....
We shouldnt be taking spousal insurance from our state
employees.
-- Sen. Pam Roach,
Senate budget debate, 4/6/15

Senate Republicans reject

and reduce scheme on
contracts a grave disappointment.
-- Sen. Karen Fraser
Senate budget debate, 4/6/15

majority of 30 Yes votes to

pass, not the standard 25.
That good amendment by
Sen. Jim Hargrove had majority support; but with 29 yes
votes, it fell one vote short under the rigged rules. Later, the
Senate along party lines OKd
their budget bill (SB 5077)
April 6 on a vote of 26-23.
The law says the Legislature
can accept or reject the compensation and health benefits
portions of the contracts but
cant alter them.

A rule change rigged the vote to

thwart the majority of the Senate
who supported amendment by Sen.
Jim Hargrove (above) to fund our
contracts.

Department of Transportation members at DOT Lobby Day March 27.

Regardless, the pay raises
and other economic parts of
our contracts arent final until
funds are approved by both
the House and Senate and
signed into law by the governor. And right now, they dont
all agree.
STEP 7: With the differences
on the budget and status of
funding of our contracts, the
House, Senate and governor
must now work out a compromise. The goal is to get done
by the scheduled end of the
2015 legislative session on
April 26. But a special session
or sessions may be in the
cards.

OUR NEXT STEP: We must act

to make sure the final budget
that reaches the governors
desk funds our negotiated
contracts and respects the
work we do and recognizes
the sacrifices weve made.

commitment to negotiating
reasonable, fiscally responsible contracts that recognize
the valuable work we do and
the sacrifices we made in The
Great Recession to save the
state.

To sum up: You were right

when you negotiated and
ratified these contracts.
The governor was right to
endorse them in his budget
recommendations. The House
Democratic majority was right
to include them in its budget
proposal. The Senate Republicans reject and reduce
scheme doesnt value state
employees. It disrespects our

TAKE ACTION: wfse.org/fundour-contracts/

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

Page 5

HOWARD JORGENSON ORGANIZING AWARD

Nominations are now being accepted for the
Howard Jorgenson Organizing Award to recognize
a WFSE/AFSCME member who has demonstrated
outstanding skills in the area of organizing.
The award is named after its first recipient, Howard Jorgenson, WFSE/AFSCME president from 1972
to 1997.
The Jorgenson Award is conferred every two
years at the unions biennial state convention. This
years award will be handed out at the WFSE/AFSCME Convention Oct. 2-4 in Seatac.
The deadline to submit nominations is Aug.
3, 2015. For more, see the details below and in the
nomination form at right.

WFSE/AFSCME Howard Jorgenson Organizing Award Nomination Form

STATEMENT OF FACTS
I, , nominate

Person submitting nomination

Name of nominee

for the Howard Jorgenson Organizing Award.

Nominees address:

ONLINE: http://wfse.org/organizing-award/

Work phone: ( )
Number of local:
Agency:
Current job class:
Union offices held:

ELIGIBILITY: Locals, individual members and staff

may nominate union members, shop stewards,
statewide and local officers, staff and other activists.
Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding
skills in the area of organizing.

Description of why nominee should be considered for the award. Include example(s) of: organizing
activities; building unity within a bargaining unit or Local Union; improving the unions community
image; encouraging other members to participate; working for group welfare and unions goals, etc.
(attach additional sheets if needed):

NOMINATION: Submit written nomination (you may

use the printed nomination form at right) with the
information listed on the nomination form printed at
right.
Send completed nomination forms to: The Howard Jorgenson Organizing Award Selection Committee, 1212 Jefferson Street S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA
98501.
Nominations must be received by Aug. 3, 2015
The award will be presented at the WFSE/AFSCME
Convention Oct. 2-4 in Seatac. All written nominations must include a statement of the required facts
listed on the nomination form at right.
REVIEW: A committee, appointed by the WFSE/
AFSCME president, will review the nominations and
select the recipient of the Howard Jorgenson Organizing Award.
If this form is not completed in its entirety, the
nomination may not be considered.

If this form is not completed in its entirety, the nomination may not be considered.
Date:

Locals and individual members may nominate

union members, shop stewards, statewide and local
officers, staff and other activists. Nominees must
have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills.
NOMINATION:
Submit written nomination (you may use the
printed nomination form at right) with the information listed on the nomination form printed at right.
Send completed nomination forms to: The
Rosella Charvet Leadership Award Selection Committee, 1212 Jefferson Street S.E., Suite 300, Olympia,
WA 98501.
Nominations must be received by Aug. 3, 2015.
All written nominations must include a statement of the required facts listed on the nomination
form at right.

E-MAIL

Send completed nomination forms to: WFSE/AFSCME Award Committee,

1212 Jefferson Street S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501.
Nominations must be received by Aug. 3, 2015.

ROSELLA CHARVET
LEADERSHIP AWARD

ELIGIBILITY:

Nominators name:

Nominators best contact information: PHONE

AWARD: The award will be presented at the WFSE/

AFSCME Convention, Oct. 2-4 in Seatac.

Washington Federation of State Employees/

AFSCME Council 28 AFL/CIO

Home phone: (
)
How long a member:

WFSE/AFSCME Rosella Charvet Leadership Award Nomination Form

STATEMENT OF FACTS
I, , nominate

Person submitting nomination

Name of nominee

for the Rosella Charvet Leadership Award.

Nominees address:
Work phone: (
)
Local union number:
Agency:
Current job class:
Union offices held:

Home phone: (
)
How long a member:

Description of why nominee should be considered for the award. Include examples of: active union
participation building consensus; unity and solidarity; teamwork; inspirational acts; improving
unions community image; encouraging other members to participate; defending workers rights;
working for group welfare and unions goals, etc. (attach additional sheets if needed):

ONLINE: http://wfse.org/leadership-award/
REVIEW:
A committee, appointed by the WFSE/AFSCME
president and approved by the Executive Board will
review the nominations and select the recipient of
the Rosella Charvet Leadership Award.
If the nomination form is not completed in its
entirety, the nomination may not be considered.
AWARD:
The award will be presented at WFSE/AFSCMEs Convention Oct. 2-4 in Seatac.

Page 6

If this form is not completed in its entirety, the nomination may not be considered.
Date:

Nominators name:

Nominators best contact information: PHONE

E-MAIL

Send completed nomination forms to: The Rosella Charvet Leadership Award
Selection Committee, 1212 Jefferson Street S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501.
Nominations must be received by Aug. 3, 2015.
WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

April 2015

JOB ACTION OF THE YEAR AWARD

JOB ACTION OF THE YEAR AWARD

WFSE/AFSCME Job Action of the Year Award Nomination Form

Washington Federation of State

Employees/AFSCME Council 28 AFL/CIO

Nominations are now being accepted for the

Job Action of the Year Award to recognize a
WFSE/AFSCME member or members who organized the most creative and effective job action since
the last convention in October 2013.
The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 3,
2015.
For more, see the details below and in the nomination form at right.
ELIGIBILITY:
Locals, individual members and staff may
nominate a WFSE/AFSCME member or members
who who organized the most creative and effective
job action since the last convention in October 2013.

STATEMENT OF FACTS
I, , nominate

Person submitting nomination

Name of nominee

for the Job Action of the Year Award.

Nominees address:
Work phone: ( )
Number of local:
Agency:
Current job class:

Home phone: (
)
How long a member:

Description of why nominee should be considered for the award. Include specific example(s) of
creative and effective job actions organized by the nominee (or nominees) since the last convention
in October 2013 (attach additional sheets if needed):

NOMINATION:
Submit written nomination (you may use the
printed nomination form at right) with the information listed on the nomination form printed at right.
Send completed nomination forms to: Job Action of the Year Award Selection Committee, 1212
Jefferson Street S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501.
Nominations must be received by Aug. 3, 2015
The award will be presented at the WFSE/AFSCME
Convention Oct. 2-4 in Seatac. All written nominations must include a statement of the required facts
listed on the nomination form at right.
ONLIJNE: http://wfse.org/job-action-award/
REVIEW:
The selection committee will review the nominations and select the recipient or recipients of the
Job Action of the Year Award.
If this form is not completed in its entirety, the
nomination may not be considered.
AWARD:
The award will be presented at the WFSE/AFSCME Convention Oct. 2-4 in Seatac.

SHARED LEAVE
REQUESTS
Bill Turlington, an information technology specialist 4 at
Eastern Washington University in Cheney and a member
of Local 931, has been diagnosed with a life-threatening
disease and is requesting
shared leave. Contact: EWU
Human Resources, (509) 3594300, or our human resource
office.
Sibylle Oatney, a forms and
records analyst 3 with the
Department of Health in Tumwater and a member of Local
443, has been approved for
shared leave. She has been

IN MEMORIAM
Leigh Anna Lana
Grover, who worked at Rainier School in Buckley for 25
years, died of cancer March
29 in Buckley. She was 50.
She was an adult training
specialist 3.
A memorial service took
place April 11 in Buckley.
Lana was a very vocal union member of Local
Links to online scholarship
applications:

Scholarships with 4/30/15 application

deadline:
Norm Schut Scholarships: http://wfse.org/
norm-schut-scholarship-award/

April 2015

If this form is not completed in its entirety, the nomination may not be considered.
Date:
Nominators name:
Nominators best contact information: PHONE

E-MAIL

Send completed nomination forms to: WFSE/AFSCME Job Action of the Year Award Selection Committee, 1212 Jefferson Street S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501.
Nominations must be received by Aug. 3, 2015.

diagnosed with a serious

illness and has used all her
available sick, vacation and
personal leave. She will be
away from work for an undetermined time. Contact: Traci
Black, (360) 236-4160, or
your human resource office.
Christine Wheeler-Sinclair,
a social service specialist 3
with DSHS in King County
and a member of Local 843,
has been approved for shared
leave. Christine needs to take
time to care for her wife, who
has stage 4 cancer. Christine
has used all her available
sick, vacation and personal
leave. She will be away from
work for an undetermined
time. Contact: Sandra Gump,
(206) 341-7246, or your hu491 and will be missed, said
WFSE/AFSCME Council Representative Dave Pardy, a former Rainier employee.
She was always a breath
of fresh air to me and had an
amazing smile, said another
Rainier School colleague,
Joy T. Cage. We seemed to
have a small party amongst
ourselves every time we met. I
cannot wait to see her again in
heaven. We will have a party
one more time.
Younglove & Coker Scholarship: http://
wfse.org/younglove-coker-scholarship/
Summer School for Trade Union Women
Scholarships: http://wfse.org/summerinstitute-union-women-scholarship/

man resource office.

Jeanne Robinson, an attendant counselor at Fircrest
School in Shoreline and a
member of Local 341, is on a
nine-month medical leave and
is in need of shared leave.
She has inflammatory breast
cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. After
chemo ends in July, she will
have a double mastectomy
and radiation. Recovery will
be lengthy. She has exhausted all leave. Contact: Susan
Nelson, (206) 361-3005, or
your human resource office.

Locals in action

WFSE/AFSCME President Sue Henricksen (right) administers oath of office

to Jeffrey Wheeler, the newly elected treasurer of Statewide Parks Local
1466.

To place approved shared leave

requests: tim@wfse.org, or 1-800562-6002. Online: http://wfse.org/
shared-leave/

Officers and Policy Committee delegates take office at Local 948, State Human Services offices in Snohomish County. Front (from left): Randy Kurtz,
Policy Committee delegate (along with all others pictured); Angela Guadamuz, Policy Committee delegate; Brenna Schimpf, secretary; Theresa
Ludwick, treasurer; and John Randolph, president. Back (from left): Julie
Johnson, E-Board; Darlene Espinoza, trustee; Sue Martinez, E-Board;
Rhonda Nichols-Riggle, vice president; and Ty Mosley, E-Board.
Lana Grover
Scholarship with 7/31/15 application
deadline:
Althea Lute Memorial Scholarship: http://
wfse.org/althea-lute-memorial-scholarship/

Newly elected officers of Local 491 (Rainier School, Buckley). From left: Kellie
Klimczak, president; Julie Montgomery, secretary; Dave Middlekauf, vice
president; and Joanne Kicken, treasurer.

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

Page 7

UNION NEWS
JOB
ANNOUNCEMENT

WFSE/AFSCME Howard Ocobock Memorial

FAMILY CAMPOUT

Union Organizers
(Internal Organizing)
Note: Closes 5 p.m. 4/24/15.
Info online: http://wfse.org/
recruitment-organizers/
The Washington Federation of
State Employees (WFSE) is recruiting to fill up to six positions with
experienced Organizers committed
to helping workers win social and
economic justice by organizing
and strengthening our union in the
workplace. These are non-permanent, temporary appointments for
up to six months in duration and
may be assigned statewide.
These positions will be focused on
internal organizing, recruiting and
building teams of activists; conducting one-on-ones and union visibility events; preparing campaign
literature, holding workplace union
meetings, running issue and direct
action campaigns; strengthening
union membership and leadership;
helping union members build a
stronger and more effective union
in the workplace.
WFSE Organizers are responsible
for all aspects of an organizing
campaign including talking oneon-one with workers at work sites
and in their homes, recruiting and
developing member activists, research campaign prep, house calls,
organizing committee development,
mentoring and inspiring union
members, running worker meetings, and developing workplace
actions.
Desirable Qualifications: Must
have at least six (6) months of organizing experience on union campaigns (internal or external) and/or
community organizing campaigns;
professional experience doing oneon-one grassroots organizing work
is a plus
Demonstrated commitment to
activism and mobilization work
Must be relational, comfortable
talking to people
Have a passion for social and
economic justice
Ability to work long hours, including possible evenings and weekends and travel throughout the
state
Can work independently and have
strong record keeping and organizational skills
The successful candidate must be
able to empathize and build relationships with members in many
sectors including social service
jobs, childcare, law enforcement,
higher education, technical IT,
regulatory, and general state service positions. They must be comfortable talking to low wage and
professional workers in a variety of
settings. Required to be a member
of OPEIU/Local 8.
Must have a valid drivers license,
use of personal vehicle, and valid
vehicle insurance. Release of driving record required prior to interview. Out of state candidates must
provide drive record at the time of
interview. Benefits include annual
and sick leave, $150 cell phone allowance. Salary will be determined
commensurate with experience.
Open until 5 p.m. on April 24, 2015.
Send cover letter and resume to:
Kathy Andruss, HR Director
Washington Federation of State
Employees
1212 Jefferson St. S.E., Suite 300
Olympia, WA 98501
OR e-mail to: resume@wfse.org
OR Fax to: 360-705-9493

Page 8

Sept. 11-13, 2015

Cornet Bay Environmental Learning/Retreat Center

Cornet Bay at Deception Pass is set on
a saltwater bay, offers access to hiking
trails and freshwater lakes nearby.

at Deception Pass State Park

The park is outstanding for breath-taking

views, old-growth forests and abundant
wildlife. http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/

Check-in begins on Friday at 1pm.

Cabins have been reserved. WFSE/AFSCME will pay the $11.23 per night camp fee for
members; members pay for any family or guests. Cornet Bay has 14 cabins that sleep 10,
one that sleeps four, one that sleeps nine, the duplex that sleeps 28.
Lodge and recreation hall with fully equipped kitchens available for meals. Bring your own
food for breakfast, lunch and Friday evening dinner.
Saturday night BBQ with hotdogs, hamburgers, condiments and chips provided. Each
family should bring one main dish to serve eight, plus a salad or dessert.
What is not provided: sleeping bags or bedding materials; kitchen linens and dishwashing
supplies; firewood; first aid equipment; recreational equipment.
Activities: fishing on lakes; kayaking and canoeing; hiking; horseshoes; golf course and
rifle range nearby; interpretive center; lighthouse and gun batteries at Fort Casey State
Park located 15 miles away.
No pets are permitted.
Boat ramps: The park provides five saltwater and two freshwater boat ramps, plus 710
feet of saltwater dock and 450 feet of freshwater dock. All motors are prohibited on Pass
Lake, and only electric motors allowed on Cranberry Lake. Watercraft launching permits
for $7 and a trailer dumping permit for $5 may be purchased at the park.

Deadline to register:
Aug. 21, 2015

QUESTIONS? Contact Tavie Smith at 1-800-562-6002 tavies@wfse.org

REGISTER ONLINE at WFSE.org/family-campouts/ or mail this form to WFSE HQ*

Deadline to register: Aug. 21, 2015

This campout requires a minimum number of campers. In the event the minimum isnt reached, you will be refunded your money.

The WFSE/AFSCME Members Only

Benefits Committee and the WFSE/AFSCME Statewide Executive Board invite
all WFSE/AFSCME members and their
families to come to this fun, overnight
get-together at one of the most beautiful
state parks maintained by members of
Parks Local 1466.

If you register and need to cancel, please do so by the Aug. 21 deadline so those on the waiting list can take your place.

LOCAL#:

NAME
Street
(

Home phone

City

State

Zip

Cell Phone

What activities are you interested in?

Home e-mail address

How many family members or guests will you

be bringing? ____________

Hiking

Birdwatching

Fishing on lakes

Interpretive Center

Basketball

Baseball

Horseshoes

Kayaking and canoeing

Volleyball

Soccer

Please be prepared to pay $11.23 for each participating family member/guest when you arrive at the campout.

*Mail this form to: WFSE/AFSCME Campouts, 1212 Jefferson St SE #300, Olympia WA 98501

Washington Federation of State Employees AFSCME Council 28 AFL-CIO www.wfse.org

opeiu8/aflcio

CWU found guilty of unfair labor practice

Central Washington University has been found guilty
of illegally outsourcing the
work of Local 330 maintenance mechanics.
A state hearing examiner
ruled that CWU violated the
contract when in the summer of 2013 it outsourced
work replacing the roof on
a walkway at the university
presidents residence. CWU
shipped out the work to a private company when the Local
330 members could have and
should have done the work,
the examiner ruled.
The size and scope of the

project is in line with the type

of work regularly performed
by the bargaining unit, the
examiner ruled March 31.
That constitutes a refusal
by the university to bargain
a right the CWU members
have under their contract.
The examiner also determined the university didnt
provide relevant information
requested by the union during its investigation of the

incident.
This victory came because
of the alertness of Local 330
members and the importance
of protecting their collective
bargaining rights and voice
at work.
The hearing examiner ordered CWU to cease and desist from refusing to bargain
with the members over outsourcing and to not interfere,
restrain or coerce employees

WE NEED EXAMPLES OF

when it comes to exercising

their bargaining rights.
The notice that CWU
committed this unfair labor
practice must also be read at
a meeting of the universitys
Board of Regents.
The hearing examiner is
with the state Public Employment Relations Commission.
The Local 330 members
were assisted by WFSE/AFSCME Council Representative
Phedra Quincey and WFSE/
AFSCME Labor Advocate Desiree Desselle.

OUTSOURCING

http://wfse.org/get-involved/outsourcing-watch/

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

Outsourcing Watch is a project of the

WFSE/AFSCME Skilled Labor and
Trades Committee.
http://wfse.org/whats-happening/skilled-labor-and-trades/

April 2015