Statewide Executive Board Committee Appointments

Statewide Executive Board Committee appointments have been made. Board members will soon receive appointment letters. In addition, I have invited rank and file members to participate on committees. Those appointments will be added as requests and appointments are made. Never has our work been more important. If you receive an appointment and cannot serve, please contact me as soon as possible so that I can adjust appropriately. We must use our time effectively because this year we must deal with a tough legislative session and an intense bargaining session. These promise to drain our energy and our resources. Thank you to each of you who have made the commitment to our membership. Due to your leadership and your efforts we will successfully involve and represent the membership. We will move our union and the labor movement as a whole forward. We will fight and we will win!

Higher Ed Member Opportunity

The Statewide Executive Board relies on its committees to research issues and develop plans. There is currently one vacancy on each of the following committees:

Members Only


If you are interested, please contact me at carold@wfse.org

Labor and Industries Committee Opportunity

The Executive Board relies on the work of its committees to make decisions and to develop plans. There is currently one vacancy on each of the following committees:

Retirement
Steward
Collective Bargaining
Legislative and Political Action
External Organizing
Internal Organizing
Education and Training


If you are interested, please contact me at carold@swfse.org

Opportunities for Natural Resources Members

The Executive Board relies on the work of its committees to advise and inform them on important issues and to develop plans. There is one vacancy currently on the following committees:

Internal Organizing
External Organizing
Steward
Communication
Collective Bargaining
Members Only

If you are interested, please contact me at carold@wfse.org

Looking For DOT Members To Drive The Union Forward

The Statewide Executive Board relies on the work of its committees to make decisions and develop plans. There is currently one vacancy on each of the following committees:

Steward committee
Next Wave
Education and Training
Legislative and Political Action
Internal Organizing

If you are interested in participating, please contact me at carold@wfse.org

Calling All DOC Members

The Statewide Executive Board relies on the work done by committees to make decisions about important issues and to develop future plans. Each committee has a stated purpose and goals. There is one vacancy on each of the following committees:

Communications
Next Wave
Education and Training
Internal Organizing
External Organizing

If you are interested in participating at the statewide level, please contact me at carold@wfse.org

The New Year Brings New Challenges- Get Involved!

As we say farewell to 2009 and face the challenges of 2010 it is important that each of us be involved in our union. The budget deficit the state faces has made us especially vulnerable. The legislators that represent you will be asked to consider further lay offs, contracting out due to inadequate staffing, and further cuts to our healthcare package. As a result, we will have to be an even stronger union. No member can afford to sit idly by. We need all hands on deck to take on the battles ahead. IF we all participate we CAN turn this around.

In the last legislative session we were able to stop a number of potential program and facility closures. We will have to work even harder this session. The good news is that the session is short. From January 11th until it ends in March, we need every member to take the time to write letters, e-mails, make calls and visit legislators. The WFSE Newsletter contains a section that identifies the legislators. Please keep it handy. Call April Sims at 1-800-562-6002 to schedule visits to your legislators. Notify your Council Representative about what you are willing to do to help the cause.

To demonstrate what we are facing and how important it is to get involved, a number of correctional and DD facilities are scheduled for closure, Children's Administration is fighting contracting out, the Department of Ecology is pushing legislation to contract out work due to inadequate staffing, and our healthcare package and step increases are threatened. Activists across the state have been mobilizing and working to turn this around. They cannot do it without you. Please put yourself forward today and join the movement that makes a difference every day.

December 2009 DSHS Union Management Meeting

These are the notes I took at the December 10, 2009 DSHS Union Management Communication Committee Meeting:

For the Union: Cecil Tibbetts, Carol Dotlich, Kathy Andruss, Gayle Chamberlain-Smith, Craig Gibelyou, Eric Kjesbu, Sandra Reynolds, Greg Davis, Patty Erhardt, Steve McGillis, Chevy Zarate, Daniel D’Haem, Steve Fossum, Julianne Moore

For Management: Jennifer Swogger, Linda Rolf, Nikki Barnard, Peggy Pulse, Jess Jamison, Troy Hutson, Cathy Leitch, Glen Christopherson, Richard Kellogg, Denise Revels Robinson, Susan Dreyfus, Doug Porter, Kelly Rupert, May Jo Nelson, David Stillman, John Clayton, Gary Robinson, Lisa Buccarelli, Terry Beck

FMLA forms and change in process. Members report that management is putting people on FMLA when they have used 3 days of leave for an illness or when their sick leave balance is low. Due to the way the new form is being implemented, the members are now put into reasonable accommodation absent their request. Members are required to pay doctors $25 to fill out the new form plus the co-pay and supervisors are requiring members to do this process. This is the opposite of what Susan Dreyfus said about how we would deal with H1N1. Previously, members were allowed to ask for FMLA or reasonable accommodation. Management states the forms were not intended to change the process. If that is happening, they will correct it in Region 2, Yakima Valley School and any others identified. Specific instances should be brought forward to Glen Christopherson.

Supervision of Social Workers by FSS5s. Management says the supervision is administrative and not a practice issue. Union asked for a letter clarifying what management means by “site management” and indicating which Social Worker Supervisor each SSW is professionally supervised by. The parties agreed to a future meeting to discuss the specific locations and supervisors involved.

Children’s Administration Ad Hoc committee. The parties agreed to a continuation of the committee. It will no longer be focused on the Brahm lawsuit but will deal with workload. Recommendations are due October 15, 2010. Later in the meeting, Susan Dreyfus clarified that Brahm discussions are not precluded from the agreement on the Children’s Administration Ad Hoc UMCC agreement prepared for signature today. Composition of the committee is already established as 6 – one from each region and this is a continuation of the current committee.

The HRSA Provider One committee remains the current team as well and will also continue.

Application of Skills and Abilities During Layoff Process. Management referred to contract language and explained the process using a specific example from WSH. T WSH, the senior Forensic Therapist received an option to the same job class at ESH. The member refused the option. The second most senior member in the same class was offered Institutional Counselor at WSH which is a demotion and was not given the ESH option. The members did not understand why the ESH option was not provided to the second most senior Forensic Therapist. Nikki Barnard explained that the most senior member had not held permanent status in the IC job class so as they looked for options within the county, then within the region, the statewide option was the only one available to this member. The second member had held permanent status in other job classes so was not offered the Forensic Therapist statewide and that member’s option became a demotion to a class where the member had previously held permanent status.

Court Ordered Staffing Plan in Forensic Service Unit at Eastern State Hospital. Greg Davis expressed frustration at being unable to address this issue successfully at the local level. Management expressed frustration that this has not been resolved through all these years. Management called a caucus to discuss the item with Mental Health administrators. Management stated in a sidebar that they agree the wards at ESH/WSH must be staffed safely but this item requires negotiation with LRO present. Union will decide to file a grievance or demand to bargain. Jess Jamison said he will review unsafe staffing level reports as soon as he returns to WSH. Outcome: Parties will engage to resolution. Susan Dreyfus clarified that when mental health staff report to work and it is unsafe, it must be reported immediately and go up the chain of command. Susan Dreyfus will shadow staff on the night shift in January.

Improper use of Job Classifications In Mental Health. Office Assistants, Food Service staff , Mailroom staff, etc. are being used to teach patients in the treatment mall at Eastern State Hospital. This issue was brought to local UMCC without resolution. Mental Health Tech 5s at Eastern State Hospital are assigning overtime and assigning overtime to themselves. Local UMCC at ESH have been unable to work it out. A meeting will be scheduled in early January for ESH.


Skimming of Bargaining Unit work at WSH A specific example was provided.

CSD Rollout Schedule
CSD Processing Times for Non-TANF & Non-LEP Applications
CSD Call-In Procedure for Unplanned Leave
DCS of the Future

For the CSD issues on the agenda (identified above) the union requested 2 UMCCs w/12 CSD activists allowed to participate on state time. Management will identify dates by the end of the week. The issue of TANF clients doing clerical work and supplanting permanent clerical workers was raised. Troy Hutson said management has been very transparent. He proposed that the conversations regarding DCS of the Future and Service Design Review be considered ESA conversation. Management reminded the Union that there is a Demand To Bargain on DCS of the Future.

During the union caucus the following members were identified as member representatives for CSD:

Gayle Chamberlain Smith (Dist 2), Daniel D’Haem (Region 4), Chevy Zarate (District 1), Billy Malcolm (Region 1), Russell Glatt (Region 2), Randy Kurtz (District 3), Chrys James ( Region 3), John Lindsey (District 4), Debbie Durkee (Region 5), Karen Mork (Region 6), Rod Sauer (District 6), Judith McMahon (Region 5)

For DCS the following member representatives were identified:

John Hoodenpyle
Carol Trisko
Eric Kjesbu

The parties agreed that two separate Ad Hoc committees will be established: one for CSD and one for DCS and that the committees will meet starting in January. Peggy Pulse and Debbie Brookman will work on setting up dates.

Susan Dreyfus commented that the changes in DCS are a permanent resetting of the way we do the work. The union clarified the expectation that labor designated representatives would be engaged and involved in the discussions.

Troy Hutson stated that for administrative reasons Leo Ribas is reassigned to HRSA during investigation. A notice has gone out via e-mail. Union asked if commitments made by Leo Ribas will be upheld. Troy Hutson said he did not know all of the agreements made but Leo Ribas was representing management when the commitments were made so the answer is yes. Babs Roberts will be stepping in on an interim basis.

CSD Staff Taking Rest Breaks The union asked for written or e-mail communication from management to supervisors that workers be provided adequate opportunity for rest and lunch breaks. Troy Hutson agreed to send out the memo.

Union asked if 2% ESA reduction had already occurred. Management said it was still in process. Union asked about the impact on the Office of Financial Recovery. Union asked if there will be reduction impacts on revenue agents, accountants and office assistants. Management stated it is too early to say. There is a Demand To Bargain pending on this issue with a March timeframe.

Management items on the agenda:

One Department Framework

Budget: Management provided a budget handout. Susan Dreyfus stated that the Governor will try to find 700 million dollars to support her stated goals. In JRA and DDD, management will try to satisfy home and community based desires. In DDD, a SOLA for children is a goal. In response to a question Cathy Leitch said there will be three children in a house and the timeframe is in the last fiscal year of this biennium. Some institutions are needed but some will close. Rainier will close one cottage and the facility will close in 2014. Francis Haddon Morgan will close in 2011. The strategy for JRA and DDD is to move quickly and management wants to engage employees now in the redesign. The Governor has directed the Secretary of DSHS to take any cut that can be taken without legislative action. She is to do it now. The things that require legislative action will be put forward in the upcoming session. The FTE reduction net number in DSHS after calculating in the increases and reductions is 258. The costs associated with caseload increase is calculated in. Denise Revels Robinson stated that in Children’s Administration, reduced time outside of the home is the goal. John Clayton said there will be some double bunking in JRA for kids considered minimal risk. There will be one cottage closure at Maple Lane and two at Green Hill school. Susan Dreyfus said she is looking for a talent management model from Human Resource department.

Ad Hoc Committees – agreements were prepared and signed off.

HANDOUTS:

Job Class and Duties Issues During Bad Economic Times

During these days of economic crisis and lay off of valued state employee members, a lot of issues surface in the classification and duties arena. Valued state workers in one job class are eliminated and the work gets added to a different job class. This creates numerous issues for members. There is no one size fits all answer to all the questions these issues pose. However, it is worth sharing a few thoughts from a wise woman we all know who works with classification and pay issues.

“ On one hand, management has the right to assign work. On the other hand, historically additional work being assigned is supposed to be within the scope of the job or job series, and usually of a higher level as long as it's not over 51% of the time.”

As management tries to accomplish the mission of the agency with fewer and fewer staff, it becomes ever more attractive to assign work outside the job class and hope members and stewards will say nothing. Members should not risk being insubordinate but neither should they remain silent when the work assigned is inappropriate. Here are some ideas that members may use to work with their stewards and union staff to address the issue in a manner that may net results. As always, no guarantees but if nothing is ventured nothing is gained.

1. Members may request a new PDF with the additional duties they have been given, signed by their supervisor.
2. Members may request that the supervisor provide to them, in writing, the new duties they are assigned.
3. Members may ask the steward or union staff to help them analyze the duties against the job specifications to see whether they believe it falls within the scope of the job at the current level or, perhaps a higher level.
4. Members may work with stewards and union staff to see if they can identify either a reallocation issue or the possibility of assignment pay for doing duties outside the scope of their job.

Whether or not the effort results in a change in assignments or compensation, if membership is diligent about the assignments, management will be aware that members are continually looking at the issue. That in itself will cause them to be more cognizant about assigning unrelated duties to the job class.

Classification and compensation are contract issues. While we are dedicated state employees committed to accomplishing the work of the agencies for Washington state citizens, we expect our contract to be respected and upheld by management.

Thank you to Kathy Andruss and our dedicated WFSE staff representatives for assistance with this issue.

Governor Gregoire Book 1 Budget Release Tomorrow

Governor Chris Gregoire is scheduled to release her statutorily required no-new-revenues 2010 supplemental operating budget proposal Wednesday morning this week at a 9:00 am press conference.

The Governor’s Health and Human Services Budget and Policy team will provide a preview of the major components of the health and human services portions of the budget at 8:00 am in the Columbia Room in the Legislative Building on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.

All of the budget documents will be available on-line through the Office of Financial Management website (http://www.ofm.wa.gov) following the Governor’s 9:00 am press conference.

It is clear that this budget will contain devastating cuts to all state services. The Governor is required under the law to produce a balanced budget. Absent a revenue generation effort, the citizens of Washington state and those of us who work to provide those services face a very bleak future. The Governor, the legislature and all of us must do everything possible to prevent the potential damage to our state programs and our state citizens.

Please contact April Sims at www.wfse.org to find out what you can do to prevent this harm. Don't wait - act today.

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we all prepare to spend time with family and friends enjoying turkey, football, and other delights, I wanted to take a few minutes to tell each member what a gift you provide when you participate in the activities of the union. Your time, your voice, your phone calls and letters to legislators on behalf of state employees make a real difference for all the citizens of Washington state. The quality of life we all enjoy is directly attributable to the work that you do, both on duty and off duty. This Thanksgiving Day I am thankful for each and every one of you.

In solidarity,

Carol

DSHS DTB Inclement Weather Policy Outcome

DSHS made changes to Administrative Policy No. 18.32. Our union issued a demand to bargain, concerned about the impact on union represented state employees. The union argued that the policy had to comply with Article 16 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and was successful at working out most of the problems with the new policy.

The impact on Article 16 is the addition of the following language: Page 5 of the policy "#4. When any employee is released with no loss of pay as a result of facility closure, the Secretary or designee may require the employee to remain available by telephone or email during regularly assigned work hours in order to respond to questions regarding work assignments or to receive direction about return to work or reassignment to another work location."

Glen Christopherson, DSHS Human Resources stated clearly at the table with LRO representative present that they do not intend to use this language in a blanket approach - that it would be used only as necessary in order to have questions answered regarding client services, etc. The conversation centered around the potential impact of a Green River flooding event and severe snow storms in Eastern Washington.

He stated that management would be trained on the policy and if the policy is used inappropriately, he asked that the union bring it to his attention and he would address it. I am asking members to contact union representatives if management does not honor the intent of the agreement.

The new policy:



Administrative Policy No. 18.32

Subject: Inclement Weather

Information Contact: Human Resources Division

Authorizing Sources: Chapter 41.06 RCW
Chapter357-31 WAC
WFSE Collective Bargain ing Agreement Article 16
SEIU 1199 Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 21
Coalition Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 16
Secretary’s Winter Storm Travel Expenses Memo

Effective Date: July 1, 2005

Revised: November 9, 2009


Approved By: ___________________________________________
Senior Director, DSHS Human Resources

Sunset Review Date: November 9, 2011

______________________________________________________________________________

Purpose

This policy provides appointing authorities and employees direction regarding employee leave and facility closure during inclement weather.


Scope

This policy applies to all Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) employees.


Definitions

Facility closure: Preventing some or complete access and use of a facility, building, or section of a building. Full or partial closure of a facility does not automatically result in suspended operations. For a facility closure, appointing authorities are required to consider alternative staff assignments to assure continued service delivery. Appointing authorities have delegated authority to implement facility closure.

Non-Emergency positions: Positions not identified as providing or supporting a vital service. The appointing authority may re-designate non-emergency positions as emergency positions in the event of unanticipated circumstances or changes in scope.

Suspended operations: Stopping service provision of the entire agency or any portion of the organization. Only the Secretary has the authority to direct suspension of operations.


Policy

A. Employee Leave Due to Inclement Weather

1. DSHS employees are responsible for arranging how they travel to work and/or return home from work during an inclement weather event.

2. Employees who report to work late will be allowed up to one (1) hour of paid time. Employees will not be allowed to use the one hour of paid time at the end of the workday or shift.

3. The following applies to employees during a period of inclement weather:

a. For employees covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) between the State of Washington and the Coalition, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1199, or Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) should refer to their specific CBA for instructions regarding:

i. Using leave during inclement weather
ii. How leave will be charged
iii. Optional use of leave without pay
iv. One (1) hour of paid time during inclement weather

b. For non-represented employees:

i. If a work location remains fully operational but an employee is unable to report to work or remain at work because of severe inclement weather or conditions caused by severe inclement weather, the employee's leave will be charged in the following order:

a) Any earned compensatory time or previously accumulated exchange time
b) Any accrued vacation leave
c) Any accrued sick leave, up to a maximum of thre e (3) days in any calendar year
d) Leave without pay

c. Although the types of paid leave will be used in the order listed above, and each type of paid leave will be exhausted before the next is used, employees will be permitted to use leave without pay rather than vacation or sick leave at their request.

4. When severe inclement weather prevents an employee in official travel status from returning to their official duty station or residence, the employee will remain in official travel status. The employee must notify his or her supervisor of the inability to return from travel status. Reimbursement for travel related costs will be made in accordance with DSHS and Office of Financial Management (OFM) travel policies.

5. Appointing Authorities have delegated authority to authorize reimbursement of costs for lodging and per diem for employees who are asked to stay close to their work site during severe inclement weather.

6. The local administrator, or designee, may allow employees to either telecommute or work from home, if appropriate for the employees’ job functions. It is managements’ responsibility to ensure continuous and effective operations to meet business needs.

B. Facility Closure

1. Unless ordered by the Secretary or designee, inclement weather alone is not a justification to close a DSHS office.

2. Appointing authorities have delegated authority to close an office or work location when inclement weather poses actual or potential health or safety hazards at the worksite, including: facility or building system failures, building inaccessibility, or intolerable worksite environmental conditions for a reasonable person.

When making a decision to fully or partially close a facility, appointing authorities are responsible for the following:

a. Assess need and determine justification to partially or fully close a facility.
b. In a facility occupied by multiple administrations, a recommendation to close an office must be communicated with the appointing authorities from each of the impacted administrations, prior to an office closure.
c. Consideration of alternative staff assignments, including work locations, scheduling, or work performed to assure continued service delivery.
d. Provide timely notification and direction to affected staff.

i. Each DSHS office or facility must have a worksite emergency management plan that includes staff communication procedures and alternative service delivery contingency plans.
ii. Each administration must provide the status of facility operations to the Secretary or designee on a daily basis at a minimum. Updates should be posted on the DSHS Employee Information Line – 1-866-DSHS-EMP (1-866-374-7367) and Web site link: http://exec.dshs.wa.lcl/commdiv/emergency.html. Organizations may also maintain a local source of information.

e. Provide a written briefing of the closure to the Secretary’s Office, the Office of Leased Facilities, the respective Assistant Secretary, the DSHS Communications Office, and the DSHS Emergency Management Coordinator, including the reasons for the closure and plans for continuity of operations. Work with the DSHS Communications Office to inform local media of facility operations.

If the facility closure results in a need to suspend operations, the appointing authority must obtain approval of the DSHS Secretary or his/her designee prior to suspending operations. In the event of disrupted communication with the Secretary, his or her designee, and the Assistant Secretary, the Appointing Authority may make the decision based on emergent health and/or safety concerns.

3. The following applies to employees during a period of facility closure:

a. For employees covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) between the State of Washington and the Coalition, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1199, or Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) should refer to their specific CBA for instructions regarding:

i. Reassigning Non-emergency employees
ii. Releasing Non-emergency employees
iii. Temporary reduction in work hours or temporary layoff of non-emergency employees

b. For non-represented employees: If the Secretary or designee decides that an office or work location is non-operational due to severe inclement weather, conditions caused by severe inclement weather, or other emergency circumstances, the following will apply:

i. Non-emergency employees may be reassigned to similar positions at locations within a reasonable driving distance from the non-operational location during the disruption of services. Reimbursement for mileage will be in accordance with the office of financial management travel regulations.
ii. Non-emergency employees may be released with no loss of pay during the disruption of services.
iii. At the discretion of the employer, non-emergency employees may be subject to a temporary reduction of work hours or temporary layoff.

4. When any employee is released with no loss of pay as a result of facility closure, the Secretary or designee may require the employee to remain available by telephone or email during regularly assigned work hours in order to respond to questions regarding work assignments or to receive direction about return to work or reassignment to another work location.

5. Employees on leave that was approved prior to the partial or complete closure of a facility will continue in his or her leave status. The hours of leave that occurred during the closure will not be reinstated.

DSHS UMCC Meetings Scheduled

Statewide DSHS UMCC meetings are scheduled for December 10, 2009 and April 22, 2010.

The following topics are on the agenda for December 10th:

Union Items:

FMLA Forms
Supervision of Social Workers by FSS5
Children’s Administration Ad hoc
Application of Skills & Abilities During Layoff Process
Court Ordered Staffing Plan in Forensic Service Unit at Eastern State Hospital
Improper Use of Job Classifications in Mental Health
Skimming of Bargaining Unit Work
CSD Rollout Schedule
CSD Processing Times for Non-TANF & Non-LEP Applications
CSD Staff Taking Rest Breaks
CSD Call-in Procedure for Unplanned Leave
CSD Ad Hoc
ESA 2% Reduction
DCS of the Future

Management Items:
One Department Framework
Budget
Ad Hoc Committees

All member comments on these topics are invited. Please submit your comments.

Conservative Caucus Update

AFSCME is preparing to send out a questionnaire to Presidents and Executive Directors of Councils to determine interest in having a Conservative Caucus at the International level. We should have information back about the results after the first of the year.

November Policy Committee Meeting Update

Some of you have heard and are very concerned about the impacts of the potential flooding in the Green River Valley. WFSE has about 800 member families living in the area and they work in almost every agency and sub-division that we represent. Should the repairs to the Howard Hansen Dam fail, the flooding could close Highway 167 and portions of I-5. The amount of water flowing is estimated in the tens of thousands of cubic feet per second. They are counting on the ability to predict a "pineapple express" weather event to determine emergency evacuation instructions. I have been very alarmed about the potential impact to our members and the programs citizens depend upon and that we provide. Some of the agencies have moved offices out of the way. Others are considering back up plans for services. As you know sandbagging and other methods are being used to try to mitigate any potential damage. There is a sewage plant, major storage warehouses, farms, and vital traffic routes potentially overwhelmed by the flood waters. Supply routes, drinking water, emergency housing, one can only scratch the surface of the issues our members could face.

DSHS has had an informational meeting on this topic at the statewide level. In addition, Sue Henricksen, Daniel D'Haem, Gordon Ely, and I were allowed to attend a management emergency table top exercise on response to the potential crisis.

As a result of the statewide meeting, Sue Bush has agreed to come to Saturday's Policy Committee meeting to provide information to our members. Sue Bush is working with Emergency Management and DSHS to help prepare for an emergency event related to the dam failure.

Sue Bush is also helping to prepare for the potential impacts of the Swine Flu pandemic in Washington State. The combination of lay offs, cut backs, and the number of workers potentially out sick with this flu may very well create a different kind of crisis. Management in every agency is looking at how to protect their workers, how to identify and accomplish the vital services, and what to do if schools and day cares close due to the pandemic. Management will have to determine what work must get done and what work can be reduced or eliminated. We must learn how to protect ourselves and how to prepare our families.

The presentation will be held in the main room at 9 am prior to the Plenary Session of the Policy Committee Meeting. All members are welcome to attend this portion of the Policy Committee group.

DSHS Travel Policy Demand To Bargain

Back in September, both the old and new DSHS Travel Policy were posted on this site and comments were requested. On November 12, 2009, the Federation met with LRO/Management to discuss the recent changes in the policy. DSHS made changes to Administrative Policy 19.10.06 without proper notification to the union per Article 38 of the General Government Contract.

Specific changes that will effect membership are found in travel advance limitations and requirements, #6a. Travel advances are limited to 75% of the estimated travel expenses. This is a change from the 90% advance offered to employees in the past.

Management acknowledged that they failed to notify the union prior to implementation of this change and stated that this mistake will not be repeated. Managment will now notify the union of any change in agency policy that will impact WFSE members working conditions prior to implementation.

The Federation argued that the new TEMS system is difficult to understand. Many members are frustrated with the system and consistently have reimbursement requests returned. The Federation asked that management provide members with in depth training. Feedback from members indicate that the current video training for TEMS has not helped them navigate the system and many are not receiving full reimbursement for travel expenses.

Management agreed that the new TEMS system is complex and difficult to navigate. Management stated that the TEMS system has a help desk and are hoping members will call this help desk and the help desk will walk a member through their reimbursement request. OFM currently offers indepth training on the TEMS system. This training can be found on the OFM website. Training is held in Olympia and employees will need to travel to Olympia to receive the training thus having to complete another TEMS request. (humor intended)

The Federation asked if management could offer an indepth training via a GO TO Meeting so members in Eastern Washington or remote locations could also receive appropriate training. Management will look into this and report back to the Federation. 

Article by Sue Henricksen, Vice-President

Read the new travel policy below:

Governor's Response - step forward with ideas

Governor's Response

Longtime State Employee and Union Activist Laid Off

Last week I attended an exit interview with a member who has 24 years seniority and has been a day shift shop steward lead for many years. This member asked me to go with her to meet with the Secretary of HRSA.

She wanted an opportunity to talk about her experience as a state employee and to take to the highest level ongoing concerns about the kind of management she had witnessed through these years up to and including current events.

This member is forced to leave state employment because management is eliminating her job class as well as others in an attempt to meet the budget reductions. She suspects the decision to eliminate the job classes is based in part on her union activities and in part to reach senior state employees. The job option offered her would require her to sell her home and small farm and move to the other side of the state away from her significant other and her friends. Everything she has worked for is here.

She spoke passionately about the events she has witnessed and the work she has done to try to right the wrongs she had seen - both for patients and for union members. She talked about the low morale, the stress, the failure to provide a safe work environment, the seemingly preferential treatment provided to some who have had jobs created for them in order to prevent the consequences of reduction in force while our bargaining unit members face the dire consequences of the budget shortfall. She spoke about the dollars spent to provide salary upgrades to a handful of folks while others lose their jobs. She talked about the heavy handed way local management is dealing with the union stewards and leadership. She asked that these issues be examined.

She spoke frankly because she felt she had nothing more to lose and the members have something to gain. Going out the door, not knowing what will happen to her, she still stood strong for the membership she had served all these years. She did it with class and she did it with integrity - asking nothing for herself and her situation. I'm proud of her. I hope you are too. She's a WFSE steward through and through. Please remember to thank your own stewards for the hard work they do and the risks they take as they fight for justice and enforce the contract.

Representative Chris Hurst Statement About DD Institutions

Proposed Rainier School Closure Ill-Informed, Ill-Advised
By State Representative Christopher Hurst
Once again in Washington State, there is another move to reduce or eliminate capacity of our state’s facilities for the developmentally disabled. These are our Residential Habilitation Centers (RHC’s) and there are five, strategically located in Buckley, Bremerton, Shoreline, Spokane and Yakima. They are home to some of our state’s most fragile and vulnerable citizens.
Attempts to close our RHC’s are always presented as a way to save the state money and provide more services to those thousands in our state so desperately in need of the very services our RHC’s provide. The facts, however, overwhelmingly support keeping existing capacity at our RHC’s. Existing needs actually support increasing our RHC’s ability to provide respite for those families at the very verge of collapse because of the pressures at home with a loved one, who demands everything from everyone. As an aging population with loved ones at home becomes desperate for loving care for their family members, demands for long term care increase and RHC’s offer an ideal setting for those who need the kind of loving sheltered environment offered at facilities like Rainier School in Pierce County.
Many still refer to our state’s RHC’s as institutions. That is simply not the case. Institutions for the developmentally disabled were deinstitutionalized in the early 1980’s and current facilities now offer secure campus like settings with individual cottages. Rainier School, in our own community, is typical of the state’s RHC’s with cottage homes, secure streets, a snack bar with easy access to those who are barely ambulatory, a recreation hall available to all, a gym, a swimming pool for therapeutic swimming, a dental clinic (many dentists in the community simply are not able to deal with this population) a medical clinic, and there is even a chapel for those who choose to attend worship services. Employment is available through various opportunities on site and off site.
The options for those residents who reside at Rainier, should it close, are pretty dismal. Most would be virtual prisoners in their apartments. The need for 24 hour care would severely restrict the ability of the resident to come and go. Many other services now available like dental care and a place to go to work just do not exist in most community settings. The Court decided years ago in the landmark Olmstead decision that residents should be given the choice of where they live so long as the professionals and the individual or their guardian agreed and that there is a suitable alternative place to go. The most desirable living arrangements should be those that are the least restrictive and the most integrated. In their zeal, advocates for closure of the RHC’s have dropped “least restrictive” and are only concerned with “most integrated.” The cost of providing the quality of life for the residents of our RHC’s in a setting without benefit of economies of scale would be so prohibitive that the state would be forced to cut services. In some cases those reductions in services would seriously impact not only the quality of life, but would impose serious safety and health threats as well. Many of these residents would be easy targets for victimization if they were forced to move from the Rainer School.
So, instead of seeking to restrict the services available to our most vulnerable and fragile neighbors, we should look to expand our ability to fill those voids currently existing in our community settings. RHC’s should be utilized to provide needed, and in many cases, missing services. Most notably these could be medical and dental clinics open to anyone on Medicaid because of developmental disabilities, therapeutic swimming programs, and training sites for students in medical school and other professional services, and outreach classes in self-reliance. Respite care to provide relief for families striving to care for loved ones at home, but unable to rest or recuperate is a desperately unfilled need. And finally, there should be someplace where people can live in safety and fulfillment, secure in the knowledge that their home is safe and will be there for them. Their home would not be lost because of zoning laws change or because their adult boarding home or apartment is placed on the auction block because of change in ownership. It is a moral imperative that the Rainier School remain open.
State Representative Christopher Hurst represents the 31st Legislative District, and worked as a police detective for 25 years.
hurst.christopher@leg.wa.gov
360-786-7866

Convention - Making Our Voices Heard

Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you to those who attended the 43rd Biennial Convention of the Washington Federation of State Employees. Thank you to the members who elected representatives to carry their voice to the convention.

As you know from reading the WFSE hotline, Rosemary Sterling, Lee Novak, and I were re-elected. Thank you for the honor of representing you. Sue Henricksen was elected Vice-President. Congratulations to Sue. We all look forward to serving together and are committed to representing the membership to the best of our ability.

I want to take a moment to thank those who ran for office. It takes courage and commitment to run for office at the statewide level. They are very demanding jobs and these are tough times for all our membership.

The governor of the state of Washington attended the convention and we hosted “a conversation with the governor”. Our members directly addressed her on the issues we face today. It was important to do that. We must never allow ourselves to be ignored or sidelined as we walk through this historic economic recession. The citizens of Washington count on us as much as they do the governor and the legislature. We are required directly to carry out the programs and changes the governor and legislature mandate. We are the ones carrying the load of too little money, too much workload. At the same time, we face our own economic hardships and fears of job loss. More than that, those of us who care deeply about our programs and our clients/customers worry about the impacts on those programs and clients/customers. We are the voice for those who need our voices most – the vulnerable, the environment, public safety, and more.

In addition to the voices she heard that day, the governor left with letters written by our membership. The letters were raw, uncensored, and unread by anyone but the governor and the people with whom she shared them. The conversation at the convention was at times uncomfortable but these are uncomfortable times. We cannot be numbers on a page or data in a bank. We are citizens of Washington and we need to be heard. There are administrations that do hear our members and there are administrations that do not. The governor and the legislature will hear us. We will not stand by and be ignored.

The upcoming legislative session will be rough. We must actively engage with our representatives and senators now and throughout the session. The hotline, the newspaper, the blogs on the website at www.wfse.org will be important resources for getting information out to the membership. Please check them frequently so that each of us can take up the cause effectively to succeed at maintaining our programs, our jobs and the quality of life in Washington state.

We are already on the move. Let’s make sure that we are united, strong and active. Wherever the job action, whatever the activity – Be there! Take part! Support one another. We are WFSE warriors and the battle is now!

Welcome To The WFSE 43rd Biennial Convention

Welcome Delegates, Alternates and Guests to the 43rd Biennial Convention of the Washington Federation of State Employees, AFSCME Council 28!


If you are reading this, you are a member who enjoys being in the know and you are very likely actively engaged in the life of your union, your community, your country and your world. We all owe you a debt of gratitude because you are the people that make each generation better than the last and the world a better place.

Unions and their members are the reason working conditions for all people improve over time – in this country and others. They are the warriors for the working class everywhere. These improvements came at a high price. Some people paid with their lives and still do. That’s why it’s important to organize new groups of workers and to activate as many people within our bargaining units as possible. Our power is in the rank and file membership.

Due to activism and direct action, we are able to prevent a lot of bad things from happening to good people. We are also, in significant part, the reason good things happen for our members and the community at large. We partner at times with various groups in the community on issues of shared concern. We need these allies and they need us. For example, the Developmental Disability Parents groups have worked hard with us to prevent the closure of Yakima Valley School, Rainier School and others. In Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration, Naselle Youth Camp activated their entire community to stop the closure of their program. We saw the same activism in the fight to save Green Hill and Maple Lane. The loss of these facilities would have severely damaged the communities and the quality of life for the families who need these services. The battle to save the Fish Hatcheries goes on. If not for the activism in Parks and the community interest, we may have seen parks in our state turn into havens for drug activity and worse. In other battles, we have saved entire job classes in state service from being eliminated. The increase in the minimum wage for all workers, assault benefits for injured workers, and a whole host of other legislation is due in large part to efforts by the labor community.

Direct action can take many forms and the talents of our members continually move the union forward in new ways. From those who create stories in song, to cartoon drawings depicting work conditions, to those who simply show up for actions in support of issues. Each member has something important to offer. Often they are willing to share their talent if we only take the time to ask them.

On this blog, I try to take you with me to experience some of the events I attend and share some of the things that I see and hear. Thank you to those who are here at convention and thank you to those reading this from home.

In solidarity,

Carol

AFL-CIO Convention Senator Specter/President Obama

Excitement was in the air as delegates passed through security lanes today. Soon after convention opened, Senator Arlen Specter addressed the convention. He holds the senior position on the Appropriations Committee. Delegates support healthcare reform with a public option. They cheered as Senator Specter predicted "a very good bill within 60 days" and expressed his support of a robust public option.

Convention business continued through lunch and into the afternoon. Some time after 1pm, it was obvious security for the President had arrived. He is a true orator. His words electrified the crowd. I could never do his words and his style justice. There were television cameras so I believe there will be opportunities for members to view it. He said that healthcare costs have grown three times faster than wages in the past ten years. He pledged support for Healthcare Reform with a public option. He addressed the misinformation and fear mongering being spread in an effort to stop the conversation and the bill.

President Obama spoke in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. He conveyed a deep understanding of how important unions are to maintaining a healthy middle class which is essential to a healthy and successful United States of America.

AFL-CIO Convention Fun Quote Of The Day

Jim Wasser, representing the Veteran's Council spoke passionately at the convention today about the power of workers to change the course of the country. This may not be an exact quote but I believe it is close. Fun Quote: "You've heard of weapons of mass destruction? Well, here's a weapon of mass instruction - VOTE!"

AFL-CIO Caroline Kennedy Remembers

Caroline Kennedy addressed the AFL-CIO convention today. Speaking tenderly of the friendship between her uncle, Senator Ted Kennedy, and AFL-CIO President Sweeney, she told those gathered at the convention that Senator Kennedy and all of labor shared a vision. "We have an opportunity to change American lives for the better." Senator Kennedy spent his career working for healthcare reform. He helped create the Employee Free Choice Act and introduced it. He believed that any worker should have the ability join a union if they want, free of harrassment by the employer. She spoke of the plan for the Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. It will be union built and unions will help with the fundraising efforts in honor of the commitment Senator Kennedy made to working people.

AFL-CIO Have You Been To Jail For Justice?

Representative Chu Poses With Paparazzi!

Have you been to jail for justice? California Representative Judy Chu has - standing up for workers in the hotel industry. This picture was taken after her inspiring speech to the AFL-CIO Convention.

AFL-CIO Convention - Secretary Of Department Of Labor

The day began with Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis addressing the AFSCME caucus prior to the opening of the convention. Arlene Holt-Baker, Executive Vice President of the AFL-CIO also addressed the group over breakfast.

More than a thousand delegates and alternates attended representing 55 unions, 48 state federations, and 4 direct affiliates. 43% of delegates are women/people of color.

The United Steelworkers announced that for the first time in a very long time, the laws of this country were enforced to prevent the improper loss of jobs in the United States. President Obama stopped the illegal import of Chinese tires. The members of the Steelworkers union were credited with sending 72,000 letters asking for enforcement.

Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis addressed the convention. With an unemployment rate of 9.7%, and 23% of them youth, Secretary Solis made a commitment to work with the White House to “export products not paychecks”.

• She said women now earn, on average, eighty cents for every man’s dollar. Seventy per cent of the disabled do not participate in the workforce. Acknowledging the problems the American workforce faces, Secretary Solis focused on what has been accomplished since the new administration took office and on the investments made in the future.
  
  
• She talked about the 500 million dollars being invested in green jobs as well as other programs. She said, “We will leave no vet behind just as they leave no warrior on the battlefield.” She talked about programs like, “Helmets to Hardhats”.
  
  
• She spoke in support of project labor agreements for federally funded projects. She said US workers will get first dibs at jobs and she will work for changes in the H2A program.

“It’s not a good job unless it’s a safe and secure job,” said Solis. She said the Department of Labor is “back in the enforcement business”. With more than 670 investigators hired (returning the department to a level not seen since 2001), 689 inspections have occurred since July 2009. Quoting President Obama, who said, “Labor is not the problem – labor is the solution”, she committed to work with the White House to make the strongest possible argument in favor of the Employee Free Choice Act. As AFSCME President McEntee eloquently stated this morning, “When workers in the private sector suffer – workers in the public sector suffer as well.”

Members are encouraged to call their Senators in support of EFCA.
Learn more at employeefreechoiceact.org.

AFL-CIO Diversity Summit

AFL-CIO Convention Events

The Diversity Summit began Sunday at 9 am. Thornton Alberg, Paulette Thompson, Jacquie Jones-Walsh, and Rodolfo Franco represented Council 28. I spent the morning at the summit prior to attending the AFSCME caucus for AFL-CIO delegates.

AFL-CIO President Sweeney addressed the Diversity Summit, stating that after 14 years of service in that role, he would be stepping down from Presidency of the AFL-CIO but stepping up to perhaps an even greater role as Labor Warrior At Large. He spoke about how important it is to engage those who are members of unions but not full participants in the union, particularly younger workers. He honored the commitment and dedication of AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Bill Lucy.

In 2005, Resolution 2 passed at the AFL-CIO convention and brought about significant change in the make up of Central Labor Council leadership across the nation. Through this resolution, the labor movement made a commitment to full participation and inclusion of all members regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, faith, age, sexual orientation, disability or immigrant status.

Clayola Brown, President of APRI, brought the crowd to its feet as she spoke of the changes in the labor movement since that time. She told the group that opportunities created in the efforts to achieve full inclusion in leadership for people of color, women, disabled, and LGBT had resulted in this wonderful rainbow of people attending the Diversity Summit.

Members were encouraged to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act by contacting Congressional Representatives. It is under consideration now and stands a good chance of passing if it is well supported now. One of the speakers said that in 38 states it is still legal to fire a worker based on gender identification or because there is a picture of their gay, lesbian, transgender partner on their desk. Please make the call and help end discrimination in our country.

AFL-CIO Interfaith Service

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney addressed a labor gathering of members of many different faiths Sunday morning. Justice and Unity were the themes.

Natural Resources Taskforce Met To Prepare For Release of Reform Government Study

WFSE DNR Task Force Meeting September 11, 2009

The multi-agency DNR Taskforce members met to discuss the upcoming study ongoing about the potential consolidation of agency functions pursuant to the Governor’s effort to “reboot” state government.

In her second Inaugural speech, she stated, “We have three agencies managing natural resources each with its own scientists standing in the same stream. We need to reform and we will.”

Robin Arnold Williams, the Governor’s policy director said, “Clearly people do say why do I need to go to four different agencies for this?” Although Arnold-Williams says this focus on natural resources is not primarily about cutting costs and says it’s more about improving customer service and streamlining the permitting process for individuals and companies, members have genuine concerns about the process and want voice in the decisions made.

Whether cost saving or streamlining is the motive, decisions around these issues will certainly impact our membership. It is unknown what the impacts may be since there are allegedly approximately 110 ideas afloat in the upcoming study document. The study is due out on Monday.

The study can be accessed on the WFSE.org on Monday, September 14th after 10 AM (following the press conference).

The group met with Marty Brown, Director of Legislative Affairs – Office of the Governor. Mr. Brown emphasized that this study is just a list of ideas from the agencies. The next iteration will include feedback from stakeholders including this union membership. He states this could be a long term process although there is interest in any improvements that can be passed in the 60 day session. Mr. Brown stated the Governor is interested in ideas our members have in mind. Legislative committees will meet in October and the study is provided to them.

Because the impact of the study and ideas from our own membership will have repercussions across agencies and bargaining units, members are asked to send their comments and thoughts in through our own website at www.wfse.org rather than through other means.

This will allow staff and membership to assess the impact of the ideas on the various bargaining unit members and inform the decisions we, as a union of affected members, make in developing a formal position as a union. Other methods of communication and feedback loops are under discussion/development.

Conversation With The Governor

Meeting With The Governor And Her Staff

This afternoon, Greg Devereux and I met with Governor Christine Gregoire and her staff. The topics we touched on were the selection of a Children’s Administration Director, working condition changes in Children’s Administration, potential institution closures, barriers to good customer service, natural resources issues, mental health, and the issues resulting from what occurred with our contracts last year.

We asked about the Natural Resources study and were told that the study is virtually a list of all ideas, good and bad, in order to allow for public comment on all of it. We were told there will be no “vetting” of ideas by officials prior to public release. We were told the public will be given ample time to provide comments and no group will be given advanced copies of the study.

Pierce County Mental Health RSN plans to release patients prior to October 1st. Prior to this meeting, we were told that current residents in that program will need to be housed at Western State Hospital temporarily until the new vendor has facilities in place. The impacts of that arrangement need to be discussed because of the manner in which DSHS has contracted for those services. Those discussions have not yet occurred. We requested the meeting be held timely.

The Children’s Administration Director decision has not been made. The Governor is, as yet, unaware of any major changes in working conditions at Children’s Administration due to HB2106. We shared information provided by members with her. Please make comments about changes you see in Children’s in the comment box below.

We only had one hour to raise our concerns with her and as you all know – our concerns would take longer than an hour to express. However, we did cover a wide range of subjects, sharing your issues with her.




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Local Union Picnics - Fun for The Whole Family

AFSCME Council 28 Locals around the state hosted picnics for members and their families. Each year, the picnics and fun events for members and their families get bigger and better. I was fortunate to have been invited to several. The family members, young and old, were treated to good food, raffle prizes, and dessert contests and games. One Local provided tickets for children to the IMAX theater. In another, live music was provided all day.

Missed these events? Went to a picnic but still in the mood for summer fun? The Howard Ocobock Memorial Union Camp Outs are coming up this month. There's still time to sign up!

E-Mail Tim@wfse.org or visit www.wfse.org for more information. Next camp date is September 26-27 at Camp Delany. Deadline to sign up is September 14th. See you there!

Farewell To E-Recruiting

Members began celebrating as soon as the radio news picked up information that E-Recruiting was shutting down, soon to be replaced by a third party host system. While I'm not sure what all that means yet, party is the operative word for members who have felt frustrated by the system and who believe they have lost promotional opportunities due to the failures of the current system. Ever the skeptic, I called Human Resources to find out what I could. In fact, E-Recruiting will hang around for about a year. The request for bid will go out in about a month and there is hope that a vendor will be selected by the end of this year. It is yet unknown if information already contained in the current system will be able to cross over to a new process.

Now that the general public has heard the news, I'm told DOP will soon send out the information to the state's workforce.

Because of all the information and problems reported by the membership, the General Government Contract Bargaining Team was able to negotiate language in the contract to mitigate some of the adverse impacts of E-Recruiting. General Government Contract 2009-2011 Article 4.2 states, "Agencies that use the Department of Personnel's E-Recruiting system will accept and process agency- defined paper forms. Upon request, agencies will assist employees through the application process."

Your thoughts about the impacts of the DOP decision are welcome. I look forward to hearing from you.

DSHS Travel Policy Changes - Your Comments Needed Now

A demand to bargain has been filed due to the potential impact of management changes to the DSHS Travel Policy. The following message sent on behalf of Karen Kegley DSHS/FSA prompted action by the union:

ATTENTION: Travelers and Approving Manag ers

Administrative Policy 19.10.06 has been updated with the following changes:


· The time period a Travel Advance can cover has been reduced from 90 days to 30 days.

· The amount of estimated travel expenses that can be paid with a Travel Advance has been reduced from 90% to 75%.

Please contact the Travel Helpdesk if any questions.
Traveldesk@dshs.wa.gov or 360-664-5545.

We have heard the changes to the policy were initiated to deal with an overpayment problem. The Demand To Bargain Meeting is scheduled in Tacoma on September 16th. This policy applies to all of DSHS so has wide impact. If you will be impacted by these changes, please provide your comments and concerns so that your representatives can present them well at the upcoming meeting. There is a comment box on this blog that can be used or you may contact Randy Lorello directly at 1-800-442-8618.

View old policy here:

Changes Afoot In Pierce County Mental Health

Yesterday, August 20th, I received a call asking for a meeting with Secretary of DSHS, Susan Dreyfus to discuss what is happening in Pierce County.

As you may or may not know Pierce County RSN, as well as mental health services in general, have long struggled with lack of adequate funding to care for this very complex population of citizens. One of the figures I’ve read is that one in five families is impacted by someone with mental health issues whether it is themselves, family, friends or neighbors. The truth is, we are all impacted in some way by mental illness and the effectiveness and availability of treatment and housing options.

According to the information I received in the meeting, Pierce County will close down most of its mental health services by October 1st this year.

Frankly I was stunned that the county failed to win its bid to provide those services and very concerned for these citizens and families who have relied on the services provided. Many of the workers in the RSN system are represented by unions (not WFSE) and the impact on approximately 130 of them is alarming as well.

The state apparently believes that it can recover about 3.5 million in Medicaid dollars by contracting with OptumHealth. OptumHealth is a for profit company that administers Pierce County mental health services for the state.

How does this impact the Washington Federation of State Employees? An e-mail was sent to Western State Hospital Employees yesterday from Doug Porter, Assistant Secretary of HRSA:

Dear Employees of Western State Hospital,

You will likely be hearing media reports about a change in the providers of crisis triage, and evaluation, and treatment services for Pierce County. Optum Health will be announcing tomorrow two new contractors who will be providing these services effective October 1st.

WSH will play a limited supporting role in the transition by leasing space in the PALS unit to Optum for the provision of these services on a temporary basis, while the contractors search for permanent sites.

I want to be clear that our role is limited to leasing existing space and utilities. Optum’s contractors will be responsible for staffing that space, making any needed tenant improvements at their expense, and maintaining that space.

It is my expectation that no WSH staff will be called upon to support these new contractors in any way. It is my further expectation that the new revenue generated by these lease payments offset staff reductions we would otherwise be obliged to take absent that revenue.

The e-mail goes on to direct WSH staff questions to a question collector.

New revenue generated to support state mental health services is always welcome and sorely needed. The commitment to use the lease payments to offset staff reductions at the state hospital has value both for patients and staff at Western State Hospital, provided there is no shell game afoot.

DSHS and the state have serious obligations to its citizens and its workforce. State employees are dedicated to providing quality work to meet the demands. Commitments made to these employees, whether verbally or in e-mails, must be upheld.

During the meeting, a number of immediate questions came to mind and I shared a couple of them at the meeting.

• At Western State Hospital, all employees, no matter job duties, must pass a background check to be on the campus due to the vulnerable population. Will the same requirements be met when this for profit is temporarily housed on the campus?
  
• If campus security is currently provided by the hospital and cannot provide security at that facility which is on the campus – what is the protocol when security is required?
  
• Does the money currently provided for the Lakewood Police Department response to Western State Hospital get used to respond to the for profit vendor?
  
• Patients at the hospital go outdoors and one would think that the for profit contractor would provide outdoor breaks to their clientele as well. Again a security question naturally follows.
  
• Unexpected things happen. Some patients will be coming into Western State Hospital during the transition period. The number is unclear. Typically, as the bad weather moves in, there is a natural influx of patients. Will there be enough beds to serve these citizens without creating overcrowded and dangerous wards.
  

I know these questions barely scratch the surface. Members at Western State Hospital will have many more and will be asking them of Local 793 leadership. Members may also ask them here and they will be forwarded to the local president.

Thank You WFSE Warriors !

Thank you to all who came out in support of Local 793's rally and job action. Not only did Local 793 members come out en masse but they were joined by brothers and sisters from Eastern State Hospital Local782, by DOC brothers and sisters, Council officers and staff, and Senator Mike Carrell. King 5 news captured the action when Local 793 provided a gift box of cost saving ideas to the Western State Hospital CEO. These ideas were offered to help prevent the loss of 65 workers at Western State Hospital who provide care to mentally ill citizens of Washington State. The closed door attitude by management at Western State Hospital is symbolized by the locked door to the administrative wing where the CEO and others have offices. It was memorialized in a cartoon that tells the story of the workers there.
The rally pressure succeeded in that management now has agreed to come to the table to discuss issues raised by the membership. Again thank you one and all! Solidarity!

View Hotline coverage of the rally here.

A rally at Western State Hospital has been scheduled. The new CEO at Western State Hospital refuses to engage in discussions with Local 793 prior to implementing substantive changes at the hospital. Repeated attempts to establish communication have resulted in multiple demands to bargain at the facility.

This hospital employs more than a thousand of our members. Currently, the CEO has announced via e-mail lay offs that have not been discussed with the local union. Furthermore, members have individually been told verbally that they will be laid off with no discussions with the local leadership. The local has put in a demand to bargain and a meeting is scheduled after the notification has gone out and the decisions made. Despite the fact that there are three other unions on campus, the real people facing lay off are our members.

I believe this is an attempt to divide our union and strike fear in the hearts of our activists at Local 793. If you are available to attend the rally at Western State Hospital, your presence and the presence of other members of your local would be deeply appreciated.

Western State Hospital is located at 9601 Steilacoom Boulevard SW in Lakewood near Tacoma.

The job action is on Thursday, this week from 11am-1pm.

Thank you in advance.

In solidarity,

Carol Dotlich

WSLC Convention Continues

Kent Wong, Director of UCLA Labor Center joined us today to celebrate the increasing diversity we are seeing in government today: the election of President Obama, Hilda Solis as Labor Secretary and now Sonia Sotomayer confirmed as Supreme Court Justice. He encouraged unions to continue to challenge and defeat racism in this country. The labor movement has played a significant role and must continue to work for social justice for working people. “We must forge real multi-racial unity in this country.”

Kelli Zimmerman, Assistant to the Self-Insured Ombudsman and member of Local 443 at LNI did a presentation on the changes in the law that creates worker advocacy as the mission and goal. Injured workers who work for self-insured employers now have an advocate to help them get through this complex system.

Bill Daley, Health Care Policy Expert with Washington /Community Action Network, spoke on the discussions occurring around National Health Care Reform. He detailed the public option piece, expected to cost less than the insurance company offerings. Keeping people from using emergency rooms and EMTs for issues that could be resolved by primary care physicians should generate significant savings. The Senate Finance committee remains an obstacle to success and it is unknown what will occur there. The House bill is the one that contains most of what we need. There is a well-financed attack on health care reform that is vicious and has at times become violent. Please attend the town hall meetings and encourage your representatives to support a good health care reform bill. Legislators are facing these hostile attacks rather than being able to explain and discuss the issues with their constituents. We cannot allow health care reform to be destroyed by those who profit from the suffering and the financial ruin that the current system allows. This issue comes down to “What will happen to me?” We must answer that question with a determined fight for real healthcare reform with a public option. The list of town hall meetings is on the Washington State Labor Council website on Today’s Events.

Congressman Jay Inslee Joined us today and gave a great speech that aligned with the theme of the convention, “Bring Change Home”. He spoke to these priorities:

1) Grow a new clean energy economy, using American companies with American labor and developing American trechnology
2) Healthcare Reform
3) Employee Free Choice Act

“Each of us are players on this stage. Please stand up and do your part. Join the President and join me ,” said Inslee.

Washington State Labor Council Convention In Session Now

Washington State Labor Council Convention August 6, 2009


Delegates from Council 28 Locals all around the state gathered early in the morning to discuss the issues that they will vote on during the Washington State Labor Council Convention beginning at 9am today and wrapping up on Friday August 7th.

The keynote Speaker was Arlene Holt Baker, AFL-CIO Executive VICE President, an AFSCME sister. Delegates of Locals affiliated with Council 28 served as her escort committee. Since I was with her as part of the escort committee, I was unable to capture parts of her speech which I had hoped to do. One of the memorable statements she made is : “The road to success can be found at the intersection of Preparation, Perspiration and Inspiration.”

Greg Devereux, Executive Director, gave a report on Initiative 1033. The “Taxpayer Bill of Rights” passed in Colorado some years back and it set an arbitrary cap on revenue that strangled the economy of Colorado. It was later overturned by the citizens of Colorado who had suffered under its impact. Initiative 1033, a TABOR style concept, is now before the citizens of Washington State. The revenue will be set on our current economy which is a 9 billion dollar deficit. The impact will go far beyond the damage done in Colorado in those years. The entire labor movement must unite with firefighters, police, teachers, college faculty and staff, as well as state, county and city employees to fight the passage of Initiative 1033. The Washington State Labor Council has taken a strong stand against Initiative 1033.

A panel gave a presentation on Cap and Trade to educate delegates on the topic. On Carbon Pricing Policies a government carbon tax/fee is used to change behavior. The price of Carbon-intensive goods goes up. It puts a cap on carbon emissions. Every company that emits carbon has to buy a carbon allowance and each year that allowance goes down. If it doesn’t reduce the emissions, it must buy the allowance from government or another company. There are a number of controversial issues that will affect labor. Among them, the impact of the emissions on our planet and our future and the potential loss of American jobs in the metals industry, pulp and paper mills, cement and others. There was discussion of making green jobs good outlining a strategy for success. That brings us close to lunch break. More later.

Message From Rosemary Sterling, Treasurer

Message from Treasurer Rosemary Sterling To All Members:

If you get or have already received a check from the union go ahead and cash it! The State charged us dues when we got the one time payment of $756.00. WFSE looked into this and decided that the dues and fees should not have been taken out of the $756. 00. So, we are all getting the dues and fees taken out of our checks returned to us based on the dues and fees we paid on the $756. I apologize that this has been so confusing. No letter was included with the checks. However, it has 756 on the check stub. In the future we will make sure that letters or at least a clearer notation is added. Rosemary Sterling

Welcome To Newly Elected Vice President of Council 28

On Saturday, July 18th, the Statewide Executive Board elected Vice President Bill Copland to serve out the remainder of the term of office. Bill is an active member within DOC, currently serves as local president and is a member educator. The role of Vice President is an important one and I know I speak for all of us when I say we deeply appreciate the members who put themselves forward in service to the membership.

Imagine And Act Now!

Imagine being able to negotiate wages without playing guess what the healthcare package is going to cost. Each time we bargain a contract, we must factor in what we think and what the state thinks the healthcare package will cost, not just for our represented people, but for all state employees. Those costs cast a shadow over the talks and have a direct impact on what we are able to do.



Imagine a world where people can actually afford to retire. Without real healthcare reform and a viable public option, the costs incurred by healthcare insurance premiums prevent those who would otherwise leave state service from retiring. In times like these, as members face lay off, imagine the impact that could occur if those who are eligible for retirement could actually do it and not lose the homes and lives they've spent all these years building.


Imagine a world where our co-workers can take all their medicines and treatments instead of choosing which one(s) they'll skip this month. What would the quality of life be for these members?


The "Make America Happen" healthcare campaign may be the most important issue our generation faces. It will change the face of America for future generations and dramatically change future collective bargaining.


We can win this. We must act now. This issue is not for members only. This issue is for all of America and if we are to win, everyone must participate. Take five minutes of personal time and "Make America Happen." Using your personal cell phone on your personal time, call 1-888-460-0813 and tell your Senators and Representatives that you support the current House bill for healthcare for all Americans.

Executive Director Greg Devereux "Scrammied"

As I read the “Schrammie” award given to Executive Director, Greg Devereux, the faces of the state employees represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees were foremost in my mind. State employees do some of the most difficult jobs in the state. I remember a social worker, attacked with a machete, who, when union members began to collect money among themselves to help her, sent word back that any money collected should be used for the family she was trying to help when she was so viciously attacked. I’m reminded of the workers who spend every day helping the citizens and the businesses of Washington state. The men and women who keep the passes clear in the winter, the workers who care for our most vulnerable citizens, those who make sure that workers in the private sector have a measure of safety on the job and benefits when they’re injured, those who keep the communities we live in safe at no small risk to themselves. How easy it is to malign them in these difficult times.

These state workers, union members, used their own vacation leave to attend legislative hearings to try to keep programs like Basic Health in place. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Too often paid more than 25% less than the job should pay according to the state’s own salary survey, clearly these state employees care about more than their paycheck – and they prove it every day. These workers are also losing their jobs and those still employed are being asked to pick up a workload that was already difficult to manage due to hiring freezes that were already in place.

These workers spent union dues money to negotiate a contract that now contains no cost of living adjustment. The healthcare package was the most important issue for them because every Washington citizen needs that safety net. Does anyone really believe that the losses state employees suffer don’t reverberate throughout the economy in the same manner the losses in the private sector do?

When times are tough for some of Washington’s citizens, they are tough for all of us and no one is spared except those who caused the problems in the first place and they are not represented by a union.

Greg Devereux did what he should do – speak up for state employees. Given an opportunity to help unite Washington’s citizens and to encourage them to help one another through this financial crisis, Ken Schram, while asserting status as a union member, chose to divide people and use their fear and grief to benefit himself. It takes little effort to tap into the worst in people. It takes someone with real character to tap into what is best in them.

Ken Schram, take your own advice and get off your high horse. You’re the one who doesn’t have a clue. I like Greg Devereux with his BVDs in a bunch over the damage done to state workers. When he receives that “Schrammie”, I will make sure it is displayed prominently in our building and that he knows how much his efforts on our behalf are appreciated.

Letter from AFSCME International to All WFSE Members

The following e-mail was sent to the e-activist network today by the International Union. I wanted to share it with all of you because the message is so important. Here, with a couple of minor edits, is the message:

Yesterday, the folks in Washington put forth their best effort on health care reform. America's Affordable Health Choices Act is a plan we can, and must, support. Now, we need to get this plan enacted.

Join me, your fellow AFSCME members and thousands of people around the country who are sick and tired of being sick and tired, and support this bill. Let's get this done. It can't happen soon enough.

The bill that the U.S. House of Representatives presented yesterday provides a uniquely American solution to the health care crisis. It builds on what works best in our health care system and protects middle-class Americans from an unnecessary tax increase on the health benefits they fought hard to earn. Please make a call today.

Urge your federal representative to support this bill. If you haven't already heard the details of the bill, I am glad to say that it represents much of what you have told us that you and your family need. It would offer a choice of options, you won't lose coverage if you change jobs (or lose your job) and it would prevent insurance companies from denying coverage because of a pre-existing medical condition.

The next few weeks and months will not be easy. We are up against formidable opponents who are ready to do anything to keep the status quo — and their massive profits — in the health care system. In fact, the health care industry is spending $1.4 billion to lobby against the bill. We plan on spending every minute of every day working to stop them. Join the fight. Call your representative today and ask them to support this bill: http://www.unionvoice.org/afscme/health_care_bill_house.html

In solidarity,

Tracey ConatyAFSCME e-Action Network

Call To Action Let's Make America Work For All Of Us

On Tuesday, July 14th, I participated in a conference call with International President McEntee. He provided an update on AFSCME’s efforts to support President Barack Obama’s strong attempt to reform healthcare in our nation. The plan we support includes a real public option to provide competition to the private providers. It does not tax health benefits provided by employers - a benefit we have all fought hard to keep. President McEntee asks that we ramp up our mobilization of the membership towards this goal and increase the pressure on our federal Senators. Currently, the House of
Representatives bill is the one AFSCME supports. International staff will be deployed to some states to help with the worksite campaigns. Our state is one of them.

Each generation provides the foundation for improvements for the next. This is our opportunity to pave the way for a better life for ourselves, our children, and their children. We must succeed. Every Local in this Council must make this effort a priority. The campaign timeline is short. Our efforts must be immediate and sustained if we are to be successful. I ask each of you to help coordinate worksite activities in every Local in the state. We need members to make phone calls, send e-mails and letters. This is our time to turn the system around and make “America Happen”.