WA state workers plan walkout to spotlight intensifying contract talks

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Tens of thousands of state employees will stage a walkout next month in a united demonstration of frustration with the tenor of negotiations on a new two-year contract, including a wage offer they consider “disrespectful.”

Leaders of the Washington Federation of State Employees are urging their members statewide to walk off the job at noon on Sept. 10 to demand livable wages and safe staffing levels. Members will use their lunch time or scheduled vacation for the walkout, according to the union.

“We’re doing this for ourselves and our families, for each other, and for the folks who depend on our work. A fair contract can’t wait,” reads a post on the union website. The union is encouraging walkouts “at every worksite, every employer and every WFSE contract.”

The federation is negotiating 2025-2027 contracts on behalf of several bargaining units that collectively represent 50,000 state government, higher education and public service employees.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/08/20/wa-state-workers-plan-walkout-to-spotlight-intensifying-contract-talks/

[caraher]

1. They need to move the needle for sure

As a non-classified employee of a state agency I look at what my unionized colleagues are being paid and it's woefully inadequate - nowhere near a living wage in many cases for skilled employees. They gave up a lot in lean years that they never got back, to which you add recent inflation and rapidly-shrinking availability of affordable housing - something has to change, and fast.