Public workers walk out in show of force

‘We will not go back’ vow energized workers demanding fair pay and respect in contract negotiations with the state

SEATTLE, WA (September 11, 2024) — A steady stream of workers walked out of their job sites Tuesday afternoon, gathering together in over 130 locations across Washington State. The workers, uniting together across job class and union, are showcasing the power of more than 50,000 state employees fighting for the contract they deserve.

These public service workers have been at the bargaining table with the Office of Financial Management (OFM) since the spring, fighting to stem a staffing crisis that is negatively impacting key public services including behavioral health, transportation, juvenile rehabilitation, and education. Nearly 40 percent of the state workforce has turned over in the last eight years due to resignations alone.

Public service workers at the University of Washington in Seattle pose for a photo after marching on the boss. 

At the University of Washington in Seattle, workers left their job sites and gathered in Red Square, taking turns sharing their reasons for walking out over a megaphone before entering Gerberding Hall to deliver their message directly to management.

As workers spoke, a common theme emerged; public service workers care about their jobs, and they care about the communities they serve. They just want to see that care returned in their contract.

Workers are demanding fair wages and benefits that will prevent more essential workers from leaving and recruit more qualified individuals to these critical jobs. But OFM is offering peanuts at the bargaining table, putting forward COLAs as low as one percent. Meanwhile, the actual cost of living has skyrocketed. If the workers accepted what OFM is currently offering, it would amount to a pay cut.

“We will not go back on our pay,” said Shareatha Escobar, a member of SEIU 925, as she addressed the crowd at UW. “One percent is not going to cut it.”

Workers packed Gerberding Hall to deliver their demands for a fair contract directly to management.

Subpar pay has lasting impacts on both public workers and the thousands of Washingtonian who rely on public services. Workers are stuck in an endless cycle of training new hires, as low wages fail to retain employees long-term. When this cycle is unsustainable, both the workers and the community members who use these services suffer.

As one WFSE member speaking at the UW rally said of their current workload, “they are working us to the bone.”

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler speaks with the workers at UW in Seattle.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joined the workers at UW, sharing a message of solidarity from the more than 13 million union workers who make up the AFL-CIO. “We are stronger together,” said Shuler.

With an October 1 deadline looming for an approved contract, public service workers will continue to bargain with OFM in the coming weeks. Backed by the support of the broader labor movement, the workers are pushing forward for a contract that respects their worth — and pays it.

Previously at The STAND: “2% is milk, not a COLA”