THE STATE BUDGET & YOU: The budget's done. Now the real hard work begins.

The actions of Washington state's governor, legislators, Office of Financial Management, and Labor Relations subsequent to the conclusion of bargaining and re-bargaining this year certainly put the truth to Woody Guthrie's words,

"Some men rob you with a six-gun, others rob you with a fountain pen."

Have Federation members ever experienced such a legislative session? We faced attacks on all sides and from almost every angle. And through it all, state employees continued to serve the citizens of this state, providing the services they need and expect.

The state budget is completed and now we face an even more difficult task - that of bargaining the impacts of these draconian cuts.

It will take the creative and insightful thoughts of all of our members to navigate these waters. We must engage every member in this process. Fewer workers means management may try to balance the workload on the backs of those who remain in state service.

A single worker cannot be expected to shoulder the load of two or more workers. The workload issues must be addressed at every agency.

Opportunities for job share, educational leave, and voluntary retirement can be explored but it will take direct conversations between the workers and their stewards and representatives. These discussions must be handled with care. We want to know that the dollar savings save jobs and programs.

Seniority of individual members must be checked for accuracy. If members have special needs under the law or are being reasonably accommodated - that should be factored into the equation.

The really hard work lies ahead. We are prepared for these challenges and we will bargain the impacts one by one 'til we're done.