RSVP to support state employees at Invest in WA rally Aug. 31

OLYMPIA (July 28, 2016) — Join a coalition of unions representing state employees led by the Washington Federation of State Employees, AFSCME Council 28 and community supporters of quality public services at the Invest in Washington Rally at the State Capitol at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Participants will urge Governor Jay Inslee to stop the revolving door for state employment and invest in his workforce to keep Washington working for our communities.

There are one million more residents in Washington who need services today than in 2001, but 3,000 fewer state employees to serve our communities. Some more facts:

●  Of the 60 children’s social workers working in Kent, more than 90% have left in the last three years. These are the people in our community on whom we rely to keep our children safe.

●  It takes two years and costs the state $210,238 to train Occupational Safety and Health professionals, but one in three hired since 2008 have left after two years, resulting in millions of dollars to train their replacements. These are the people in our community on whom we rely to keep our workplaces safe.

●  About 600 state employees leave state service every month, often due to low pay and workload.

●  Fully 99% of state employees are paid below market rate.

Washington residents deserve and expect quality services. Union contract negotiations are underway including for compensation. YOU can urge the governor to support meaningful raises for state employees, ensure no more out-of-pocket costs on health insurance, and provide immediate relief of short staffing and workloads. Your voice urging him to invest in Washington will make a difference. RSVP today!

More event details (speakers, parking, etc.) to come.