LOCAL

Walkout for Washington

Washington state public service workers to walk off the job for a fair contract

OLYMPIA, WA (September 6, 2024) – On Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 12 p.m. PT, AFSCME Council 28/WFSE-represented public service workers at state agencies, community colleges and four-year universities will Walkout for Washington to demand livable wages, safe staffing levels, and respect for the Washingtonians that depend on their services. Public workers organized in other unions are also joining these walkouts in a show of solidarity.

Contract negotiations between the state and 50,000 public service workers with AFSCME Council 28 have been underway since April, with little movement on core issues like compensation and staffing. Workers at 130 worksites have declared their intent to walk out.

Public employees rallying in Olympia in August. Photo: WFSE/AFSCME Council 28

These public service workers have been at the bargaining table with Office of Financial Management (OFM) for months 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. Workers are demanding fair wages and benefits that will prevent more essential workers from leaving and recruit more qualified individuals to these critical jobs.

Despite the data and testimonials AFSCME members have presented at the bargaining table, OFM has essentially proposed a pay cut for members’ 2025-27 union contracts. Since the state is not taking this crisis seriously, AFSCME members are taking action. They are walking off the job across the state to win a contract that will respect and protect them and our communities.