State employees planting seeds for growth of WFSE union

OLYMPIA (July 31, 2023) — The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE)/AFSCME Council 28 is celebrating the unions’ new contracts that went into effect on July 1, and planting seeds for future growth of union.

Literally.

This week, WFSE members have begun receiving special postcards that are filled with wildflower seeds. The instructions: “You can stick the whole postcard right in the ground. Add a little solidarity (and water) and they will bloom!”

This #GrowWithWFSE campaign is intended not only to celebrate the wage increases and other advancements in the 2023-2025 union contracts that just went into effect, but also to begin getting members’ input about the next contract.

The postcards’ seeds are a native wildflower blend from Botanical PaperWorks and were procured through Grays Harbor Stamp Works, a third-generation family-owned and operated business in Aberdeen whose employees are members of the Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO. These seeds grow in harmony with various environments to ensure no disruptions to established biodiversity.

WFSE members are being urged to show their solidarity blooming by sending pictures of their seed planting and then sending updates as they begin to sprout and bloom. They can also post them directly on social media and tag with #GrowWithWFSE.

The seed postcards should arrive on doorsteps between now and Aug. 9. If you didn’t get yours, the union may not have your current mailing address on file. WFSE Field Offices across the state will have a supply of the postcards soon and you will begin seeing them at worksite events. Check events near you here, or contact your local Field Office to get your hands on one.

Are you a state employee but not yet a WFSE member? Click here to grow with the union!