STATE GOVERNMENT
Rally Wednesday to support state workers
OLYMPIA — Washington state employees and their unions will join with community allies on Wednesday, Aug. 31 to rally at the State Capitol for fair contracts that end the growing trend of public servants driven out of public service by non-competitive pay.
Washington state’s recent salary survey showed that 99 percent of state employees are paid below market rate, an alarming trend because the State of Washington is the largest employer — public or private — in the state. The state employees’ coalition will call for competitive pay, safe staffing and workload relief at Wednesday’s rally.
TAKE A STAND! Make plans to attend the “Invest in Washington” rally, beginning at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at the State Capitol rotunda in Olympia. Join thousands of state employees, their supporters, and speakers including state Sen. Pramila Jayapal. RSVP today!
The rally comes at a critical time. State employees’ contracts, which are now being negotiated, must be ratified by an Oct. 1 deadline. If funded by the Legislature, they’d take effect July 1, 2017.
The competitive pay gap has caused a revolving-door crisis where it’s getting harder and harder to attract and keep state employees. That crisis threatens the services provided by employees of the state, including: law enforcement; safe and clean college campuses; direct care for veterans, disabled, mentally ill and at-risk children and adults; keeping our roads safe and maintaining our highway infrastructure; safeguarding health and safety in the workplace and public utilities like drinking water; and protecting our natural resources.
The unions sponsoring the rally include: American Federation of Teachers Washington; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Professional and Technical Employees Local 17; Retired Public Employees Council of Washington/AFSCME; SEIU Local 775; SEIU Local 925; Teamsters Local 117; the Washington Education Association; the Washington Federation of State Employees/AFSCME; the Washington Public Employees Association; and the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
They’re joined by coalition partners including OneAmerica and WashingtonCAN.
Washington residents deserve and expect quality services. 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 our state to invest in Washington will make a difference. RSVP today!
CHECK OUT THE UNION DIFFERENCE in Washington: higher wages, affordable health and dental care, job and retirement security.
FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN TOGETHER with your co-workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and a voice at work. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!
