Pictured above Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell speaking.
On Friday, our members stood silently with backs turned as the Governor addressed the crowd at the rally to support the re-election of Senator Patty Murray. Members could scarcely remain silent as the Governor talked about healthcare. Our healthcare bargaining is stalled with the Governor proposing increased costs that our members simply cannot afford. She touched on a number of topics including support of the middle class. State employees have historically received less in compensation than their peers in the community. They have weathered a four year wage freeze which will likely continue. The Governor's bargaining team has proposed nothing but take backs and have not significantly moved on working conditions issues. The benefits that once attended state employment have eroded. Our backs are against the wall.
On Friday, our members stood silently with backs turned as the Governor addressed the crowd at the rally to support the re-election of Senator Patty Murray. Members could scarcely remain silent as the Governor talked about healthcare. Our healthcare bargaining is stalled with the Governor proposing increased costs that our members simply cannot afford. She touched on a number of topics including support of the middle class. State employees have historically received less in compensation than their peers in the community. They have weathered a four year wage freeze which will likely continue. The Governor's bargaining team has proposed nothing but take backs and have not significantly moved on working conditions issues. The benefits that once attended state employment have eroded. Our backs are against the wall.
When asked by a reporter why we turned our backs to her while she spoke, a member stated simply, "She's turned her back on us."
Christine Gregoire once articulated values that we supported. We endorsed and supported her. We once believed that state employees would be treated with respect and dignity. What we currently experience leads us in a different direction.
As Governor, she refused to forward our last contracts to the legislature for approval using her own Office of Financial Management to state they were not economically feasible. Her Labor Relations Office negotiated those contracts and LRO reports to the Office of Financial Management. We were in uncharted territory then and we are in uncharted territory now.
Senator Murray stands up for Washington state. She stood up for Boeing Machinists. She stood up for working families. Senator Maria Cantwell stood up for Washington citizens. These women stand up and stand out.
When is this Governor going to stand up for state employees and the citizens we serve? When will this Governor support our working families and maintain the safety net all citizens rely upon? When will she support affordable healthcare for her own employees?
We are undaunted. We live our values. We make Washington happen. We stand solid and we stand strong. We are AFSCME.
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