Washington Federation of State Employees • AFSCME Council 28

A Member Orientation and Resource Guide

All About WFSE

v. 3/2011

We Make Washington Happen!

JOIN AFSCME PEOPLE TODAY Protect
For public employees, the people we elect determine the quality Your Job
of our lives and our livelihood. Our wages, benefits, working
conditions, health and safety, and even whether we have jobs at all, are in the
hands of officials who influence our future. Our activism in politics is Preserve Your
incredibly important because politicians are in a real sense, the employers of
our members. How can we play a part in electing worker-friendly bosses?
Health Care
Join AFSCME PEOPLE today.
Provide for
WHAT IS AFSCME PEOPLE? Your Family
It is our national union’s Political Action Committee, funded entirely by
members’ voluntary contributions.
Secure
Your Pension
WHY DO WE NEED AFSCME PEOPLE?
Politics is part of AFSCME’s DNA. Federal election law and some state laws Safeguard
prohibit using dues for campaign contributions and other political activities.
AFSCME PEOPLE enables our union to be strong politically and help enact Your Work
legislative programs that protect our jobs. Environment

WHO CAN GIVE? Prevent

AFSCME PEOPLE can accept contributions only from AFSCME members Privatization
and their families.

Join PEOPLE today! Return the authorization card found between pages 6 and 7.
By joining AFSCME PEOPLE you have a direct impact on the political process
and the people who represent you. No other group of employees has such
a direct connection to politics as AFSCME members.
Politicians will make decisions that have a great impact on
you - from retirement to job security - with or without your
input. Make your voice heard by joining with other
members in AFSCME PEOPLE.

AFSCME PEOPLE, we make POLITICS happen.

For information on joining PEOPLE and making voluntary contributions, contact Diana Whitmore at 800-562-6002 or diana@wfse.org.
Table of Contents
WELCOME:
Vision, Mission, Core Values..................................................................2
Welcome letter from Council President, Carol Dotlich..........................3
We are WFSE/AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO....................................4

UNION BASICS:
Structure and governance
Who runs the union?...............................................................................6
WFSE Locals .........................................................................................7
Council Policy Committees....................................................................8
Council Executive Board .......................................................................9
Political involvement
Legislative and Political Action (LPA).................................................10
LPA activists make WFSE happen!......................................................11
Our accomplishments............................................................................12
Conservative Caucus.............................................................................13.
Public Safety Employees Caucus..........................................................13
We build power with PEOPLE.................................... front inside cover
Representation, Rights and Membership
Collective bargaining............................................................................14
Your rights.............................................................................................15
Building a strong union.........................................................................16
Membership dues, non-member options & nonassociation..................17
Communications...................................................................................19
Get Involved
Member activities and trainings............................................................20
Stewardship ..........................................................................................22
Organize for power ..............................................................................23

RESOURCES:
Locals guidebook..................................................................................24
Northwest AFSCME ............................................................................27
WFSE organizational chart...................................................................28
Office locations and contact information .............................................29
Retired Public Employees Council of Washington...............................29
Members Only Benefits poster................................................ Centerfold

All About WFSE is a product of WFSE/AFSCME’s Communication Committee. The 2007-2009 committee was:
Sue Henricksen (chair), Larry Flue, Cheri Garrett, Don Hewitt, Sherry Hewitt, Kandy Kraig, Tom McArthur,
Julianne Moore, Shellie Savage and Carol Dotlich (president).

WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org 1

 VISION STATEMENT

WFSE is an efficient, dynamic, member-driven and diverse organization that

supports and empowers public service employees. We achieve this through
organization, training and education in all public forums and political levels
with activism, integrity, pride and coalition-building. We build public support
and trust. Our membership is inclusive in nature, seeking uniform fairness
with strong ethical standards to protect public interests.

MISSION STATEMENT

WFSE’s purpose is to organize and empower individuals to create a powerful

collective voice, respond to the needs and directions of the membership,
achieve and maintain excellent wages, benefits and working conditions, ensure
the union is a positive force in workers’ lives, families and communities and
unite the locals of WFSE/AFSCME for mutual protection and advancement
of workers.
CORE VALUES
• DEMOCRATIC: Membership-driven, members connected and essential
to the process
• RESPECT: Ideas, diversity, perspectives, public respect, dignity,
compassion.
• INTEGRITY: Honest, ethical, courageous, doing what’s right, mean what
you say, trust but verify.
• FAIRNESS AND EQUITY: Representation without bias to include
political action. Diversity in ideas, behavior and differences.
• PROFESSIONALISM: Mentoring, responsiveness, accountability,
continuous improvement, education and training.
• BETTERMENT OF WORKERS’ LIVES AND FAMILIES: Wages,
benefits, working conditions, healthcare and safety.

2 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!

Dear Colleague,

Welcome!
All About WFSE is a Member Orientation and Resource Guide designed to introduce you to
the union that represents you, and to help you find the answers you might have on how our
union works for you.

This booklet should also help you find out about how to get involved in union activities -
shop stewardship, contract negotiations, workplace activism, grassroots lobbying, political
action and other areas.

We hope you will get involved - because you truly are the union and being an active mem-
ber is the best way for you to get the most out of union membership and representation.

Together, let’s make a difference - to improve our jobs and the public services we provide.

We Make Washington Happen!

Carol Dotlich
President
You can contact me at WFSE/AFSCME Headquarters!
Follow me on my blog at http://wfsec28-president.blogspot.com

P.S: I want to remind you that we are committed to buying union-made in the
USA products. That includes printing material at union print shops. If it doesn’t
carry a union label, we fail in our mission to support those union workers we want
to support us. Plus, when it’s union-made in the USA, you’re assured that shirt
with your local logo on it wasn’t made by child labor in some sweat shop over-
seas. You can read the policies on union-labeling online at WFSE.org > Com-
munications Center > Communications Policies. For help in finding a legitimate
union vendor or print shop or help printing with a union label, direct inquiries to
Tim Welch, Director of Public Affairs, 800-562-6002 or info@wfse.org.

WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org 3

We are WFSE/AFSCME Council 28 • AFL-CIO

WFSE/AFSCME Council 28 AFL-CIO and WSLC NW AFSCME

The Washington Federation of
State Employees is Council 28 of
AFSCME, the American Federa-
tion of State, County and Munici-
pal Employees.
WFSE/AFSCME proudly
represents nearly 40,000 state
employees in Washington. Our
members, because of the jobs they
do, make Washington happen
everyday.
AFSCME is the largest public
employees union in the United
States with more than 1.6 mil-
lion members. AFSCME is a
member of the AFL-CIO.
wfse.org | afscme.org
The AFL-CIO (American Fed- Today, the Pacific Northwest is a
eration of Labor and Congress hotspot for AFSCME, with active
of Industrial Organizations) is members and energetic organiz-
commonly known as the “union ing campaigns across Washington,
of unions.” This federation of Oregon, Alaska and Montana.
America’s unions represents AFSCME International Vice
more than 9 million working Presidents, Greg Devereux from
men and women. Council 28 (Washington), and
The AFL-CIO’s mission is Ken Allen from Council 75
to bring economic and social (Oregon) are proud to represent
justice to our nation by enabling union members as AFSCME
working people to have a voice Regional Vice Presidents.
on the job, in government, and nwafscme.org
in a changing global economy
-but most critically, in our own
communities.
In Washington, these goals are
achieved through the Wash-
ington State Labor Council
(WSLC) and local central labor
councils, where many WFSE
members play an active role.
afl-cio.org | wslc.org

Our union’s proud history and the

strength of our members give us
tremendous hope as we head further
into the 21st century.

4 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!

WFSE/AFSCME is the leader in representing
state employees and workers in the public service.

Why is representation important? Why do I need a union?

With WFSE, you’re empowered Because you deserve to be heard;
with the most effective representation and all by yourself, it’s hard to be
available for state employees. heard.
WFSE/AFSCME provides repre- Rules made by people you never
sentation on individual concerns see and don’t know leave state
and on concerns shared by you and employees without a voice unless
your co-workers. WFSE/AFSCME they organize.
represents state employees: Through WFSE/AFSCME, state
• In negotiations on collective employees in Washington have a
bargaining agreements; voice - one that is heard - on the
• On grievance actions; job, before the Public Employ-
ment Relations Commission, with
• Before the state’s personnel- the Department of Personnel, at the
related boards; bargaining table, in the Legislature,
• Before the state Legislature; and before boards and commissions.
and
• With the heads of individual
agencies and institutions of
higher education and other
agency management.
The union helps members with day-
to-day problems, as well as realloca-
tion requests, classification and pay
issues, and monitoring contracting-
out efforts.

All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity

and importance and should be undertaken
with painstaking excellence.
Martin Luther King Jr.

WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org 5

Who runs the union? You do!
Structure and governance
Members and locals
Every member belongs to a local
and has a vote in local elections.
Elections determine local officers
and local executive board mem-
bers. Elections are also held to
determine delegates and alternates
to council-level policy committees,
Council’s biennial convention, and
AFSCME’s International conven-
tion.
Council Policy Committees
WFSE’s Constitution calls for
nine policy committees made up
of delegate-members who work in
a particular area of state govern-
ment. Their mission is to define
and work through issues unique
to their area before forwarding
requests for action (resolutions) to
the council-level executive board.
The nine policy committees are:
Corrections, Employment Security,
Human Services, Institutions, Insti-
tutions of Higher Education, Labor
and Industries, Miscellaneous, Natu-
ral Resources, and Transportation.
Council Policy Committees elect
representatives from their commit-
tee to the council-level Executive
Board.
6 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!
Council Executive Board
The Council Exective Board is the
body that is charged with carrying
forward the resolutions approved at
the convention and conducting the
business of the membership be-
tween conventions.
The Executive Board meets at
least three times a year, but may
schedule special meetings to deal
with urgent matters.
Committees of the Executive
Board are appointed to study cer-
tain issues or topics and to make
recommendations to the board.
• Collective Bargaining
• Communications
• Education and Training
• External Organizing
• Finance
• Health and Safety
• Internal Organizing
• Legislative & Political Action
• LGBTQI - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, Questioning, Intersex
• Medal of Valor
• Members Only Benefits
• Next Wave
• Personnel
• Retirement
• Steward
• Women’s & Equal Partners
• Workforce Diversity &
Human Rights
WFSE Convention
WFSE’s highest governing body
is the convention of the member-
ship, held in odd-numbered years.
It was last held October 2009 in
SeaTac, and will be held in Spo-
kane in 2011.
WFSE Locals elect members, as
delegates and alternates, to the con-
vention to elect the union’s officers
(president, vice president, secretary
and treasurer), to formulate policies
for the next biennium, and consider
any amendments to the Council 28
constitution.
Read WFSE’s Constitution at
WFSE.org > Council 28
AFSCME International Convention
The highest governing body of
the union is AFSCME’s convention
of the membership. It is held in
even-numbered years and will be
held in 2010 in Boston, Mass.
AFSCME’s Locals from across
the country convene to elect offi-
cers, formulate policies and con-
sider resolutions and amendments
to the International constitution.
Read AFSCME’s Constitution at
AFSCME.org > Publications
 WFSE LOCALS & ASSIGNED FIELD OFFICES
WFSE Locals Olympia Field Office
(360) 786-1303
Structure and governance (800) 624-0256
Local 443 - Oly/Thu/Mason
Did you know - Local 881 - F&W
Local 970 - GH/Pacific
• Each WFSE Local has its own constitution, Local 1463 - Pt Angeles
Local 1466 - Parks
its own regular membership meetings, its own
Local 1556 - Pt Angeles
elected officers, executive board and stewards. Local 2753 - FishHat 1,2
• Your local is the first level of governance in Local 2964 - FishHat 3,4
the union. This is where members have the
strongest impact.
Tacoma Field Office
• From the local level, members are elected to (253) 581-4402
policy committees, representing members in (800) 924-5753
council governance. Local 53 - Tacoma
Local 482 - Retsil
Local 491 - Rainier School
Don’t know which local is your local? Local 793 - WSH/CJTC/OGH
Local 1181 - Kitsap
• One of WFSE/AFSCME’s Field Offices is Local 1466 - Parks
assigned to each local, linking members to their Vancouver Field Office
representatives. Find out by contacting the (360) 735-1115
closest field office. (800) 967-9356
Local 313 - Vancouver
Local 716 - Skamania/Klickitat
Connect online with your local. Local 862 - Chehalis
Local 970 - Long Beach
• The majority of WFSE Locals are providing Local 1225 - WSSD/WSSB
members with online communications. To find Local 1290 - Chehalis DOT
out if your local is one of them, go to Local 1400 - LongView/Kelso
WFSE.org > Locals; or Local 1466 - Parks
Local 1984 - Raymond DOT
• Consult the Local Guidebook on pages 24-26. Local 1926 - Maple Lane
Local 2263 - Naselle
Local 2559 - Van DOT
WFSE.org > Locals Yakima Field Office
(509) 452-9855 (800) 439-9855
Local 330 - CWU
Local 396 - Walla Walla
Local 1291 - Pasco DOT
Local 1253 - Tri-Cities
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org
Seattle Field Office
(206) 525-5363
(800) 924-5754
Local 304 -Seattle
Local 308 - KC Comm Corrections
Local 341 - Fircrest
Local 378 - Sea DOT
Local 435 - King ESD
Local 843 - King HumSrv
Local 976 - King L&I
Local 1466 - Parks
Local 1488 - UW/HMC
Local 1681 - EchoGlen
Smokey Point Field Office
(360) 659-4333
(800) 967-3816
Local 476 - SedroWoolley
Local 948 - Sno HumSrv
Local 1466 - Parks
Local 1020 - Everett
Local 1060 - Skagit/Whatcom
Local 1381 -WWU/WCC
Spokane Field Office
(509) 326-4422
(800) 442-8618
Local 504 - Spokane DOT
Local 573 - Lakeland Vlg
Local 782 - Medical Lake
Local 931 - EWU
Local 1054 - Colville
Local 1066 - WSU
Local 1221 - Spokane
Local 1300 - Colfax
Local 1466 - Parks
Local 1208 - Davenport DOT
Local 1299 - Wenatchee
Local 1301- Ellensburg
Local 1326 - Yakima
Local 1466 - Parks
7
Council Policy Committees
Structure and governance
WFSE/AFSCME’s nine Policy
Committees ensure that you have
a voice for the work-related issues
unique to the kind of work you do.
They meet to discuss, debate and
set policy on issues unique to the
employees within the jurisdiction
of their Council Policy Committee.
Council Policy Committees are
made up of delegates selected by
Local Unions. If you’re interested
in learning how to become a del-
egate to a council policy commit-
tee, contact your local leadership.
Council Policy Committees usu-
ally meet three times a year. Every
two years, following the biennial
convention, they elect representa-
tives to the Council Executive
Board.
Every Council Policy Committee
is allotted one board seat for
every 500 members (or portion
thereof), and each is guaranteed at
least two seats.
WFSE.org > Council 28
8 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!
• CORRECTIONS
Community Corrections, Pre-Release, Work Release, Ahtanum View Correctional Com-
plex, and Pine Lodge Corrections Center for Women.
• EMPLOYMENT SECURITY
Employment Security Department.
• HUMAN SERVICES
Department of Social and Health Services bargaining units, except Institutions,
Vocational Rehabilitation Division and the Community Services Section of Juvenile
Rehabilitation Administration.
• INSTITUTIONS
Institutions run by the Department of Social and Health Services and Department of Vet-
erans Affairs, including DD Field Services, SOLA (State-Operated Living Alternatives),
DSHS Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration, and Juvenile Rehabilitation Group Homes.
• INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Four-year institutions (UW, WWU, CWU, EWU, WSU, TESC), community col-
leges (Bellevue, Centralia, Everett, Green River, Peninsula, Lower Columbia, Seattle,
Shoreline, South Puget Sound, Spokane, Tacoma and Whatcom) and one technical
college (Renton Technical College).
• LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Department of Labor and Industries.
• MISCELLANEOUS
State agencies not covered by other Policy Committees, including the Arts Commis-
sion; Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals; Department of Commerce; Criminal
Justice Training Commission; DSHS Vocational Rehabilitation Division and the Com-
munity Services Section of Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration; General Admin-
istration; Health; Health Care Authority; Horse Racing Commission; Human Rights
Commission; Information Services; Insurance Commissioner; Licensing, Lottery;
Military Department; School for the Blind; School for the Deaf; Secretary of State;
State Patrol; Utilities and Transportation Commission, and others.
• NATURAL RESOURCES
Agriculture; Ecology; Fish and Wildlife; Natural Resources; Parks and Recreation; and
Recreation and Conservation Office.
• TRANSPORTATION
Department of Transportation.
Council Executive Board
Structure and governance
The Exective Board is the body
that is charged with carrying
forward the resolutions approved
at the convention and conducting
the business of the membership
between conventions.
The Executive Board meets at
least three times a year, but may
schedule special meetings to deal
with urgent matters.
WFSE OFFICERS:
PRESIDENT
Carol Dotlich, Local 793
Western State Hospital
VICE PRESIDENT
Sue Henricksen, Local 53
DD Field Services (Tacoma)
TREASURER
Rosemary Sterling, Local 1381
Whatcom Community College
SECRETARY
Lee Novak, Local 1400
Corrections, SW Region
WFSE.org > Council 28
Corrections Institutions of Higher Education
Bill Copland (SE Reg) Paul Bentson (UW)
Tim Foley - (NE Reg) Lin Crowley (TESC)
Alice Rogers - (SE Reg) Jesse Dailey (UW)
Rodolfo Franco (Seattle CC)
Employment Security
Cherilyn Flynn (Olympia) Cathy Green (EWU)
Loretta Gutierrez (Renton) Rick Halverson (CC-Spokane)
Todd Henderson (Green River)
Steve Pointec (Olympia)
John Miller (UW)
Shelly Swanson (Seattle)
Nellie Reynolds (EWU)
Human Services Jim Ritter (UW)
Gayle Chamberlain-Smith (CSD)
Daniel D’Haem (CSD)
Greg Streva (WSU)
Brandon Taylor (WWU)
Cheri Garrett (CSD) James Stephan Wilson (UW)
Tim Hughes (DCS)
Kandy Kraig (DCS) Labor & Industries
Randy Kurtz (CSD) Thornton Alberg (Tumwater)
John Lindsey (CSD) DeFrance Clarke (Tumwater
Patricia Loving (CSD) Terri Hall (Tumwater)
Kay Halpain (Spokane)
Steve McGillis (DCS)
Karen Mork (CSD) Miscellaneous
Katie Nelson (DCS) Patsy Albrecht (HCA)
Dan Petruso (DCS) Marsha Ballentine (DEL)
Heather Schjeldahl (CA) Bing Bristol (GA)
Tom Tveit (CA) Yousef Fahoum (DOH)
Carol Van Arnam (DCS) Valdene Kneisly (WSSB)
Natasha Pranger (WSP)
Institutions
Dolly Adeyemi (Fircrest School) Shellie Savage (OIC)
Greg Davis (Eastern State Hospital) Cheryl West (DOL)
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas (Fircrest School) Natural Resources
Craig Gibelyou (Western State Hospital) Brenda Buckmiller (AG)
Gabe Hall (Green Hill School) Kathleen Conaway (ECY)
Rick Hertzog (Western State Hospital) Kerry Graber (ECY)
Don Hall (Parks)
Sherry Hewitt (Rainier School)
Lyn Hofland (Retsil) Terri McCullough (Parks)
Lee Malinda (Lakeland Village) Tim Young (FW)
Steve Marll (Consolidated Support Serv) Transportation
Julianne Moore (Yakima Valley School) Domingo Avila (Everett)
Mike Murphy (Rainier School) Sue Dinneen (Pasco)
Chad Raish (Green Hill School) Larry Flue (Seattle)
Michele Stelovich (DDFS) Don Hewitt (Seattle)
Dianne Womack (Eastern State Hospital) Kathryn Rogers (Mt. Vernon)
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org 9
 Dennis Eagle, Legislative and Political Action Director

Legislative and Political Action (LPA)

Political involvement

Political Action Program Legislative goals

The legislative and political
Mission Statement action process is crucial for state
Purpose: The purpose of the political action program of the Washington Fed- employees. Many decisions that
eration of State Employees/AFSCME is to promote the legislative goals of affect our jobs and working condi-
our union at the state and national level and to provide support for the legisla- tions are made by the Legislature.
tive goals of the Washington State Labor Council and the national AFL-CIO. WFSE/AFSCME works the legisla-
tive process to win and maintain
Strategic Goals our rights and benefits.
Members set the union’s legisla-
1. Effectively lobby policy-makers regarding issues of importance to tive goals. Elected delegates meet
our members. every two years at the convention
i. Emphasize member-based lobbying efforts to the greatest to decide the legislative aims, goals
extent possible. and policies of the union. When
ii. Use member-based lobbying activities to help build the the convention is not in session and
union. additional decisions on legislative
2. Implement a political action program that helps advance our public goals need to be made, the respon-
policy agenda. sibility falls to the Council Execu-
i. Make political contributions in a manner that effectively raises tive Board.
the awareness of our public policy agenda. In both processes, it is the mem-
ii. Emphasize member-based political action programs that help bers who determine the legislative
build the union. goals of the union.
3. Manage WFSE’s endorsement process.
i. Ensure as many voices as possible are heard during the Does the union get involved in
endorsement process. politics?
ii. Educate members about whom WFSE has endorsed and why. Any union representing public
4. Build the PEOPLE program. employees and workers in the pub-
i. Continue merchandise sales and other visibility opportunities lic service must have an effective
to recruit sign-ups. political and legislative program.
ii. Work with AFSCME to develop a comprehensive PEOPLE WFSE/ AFSCME has such a pro-
plan. gram, with many politically active
members participating. The reality
is that public employees and public
service workers are funded with
public money controlled by elected
10 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen! officials.
 That’s why WFSE/AFSCME’s
membership-driven endorsements
process evaluates and chooses candi-
dates who understand state employee
and public service issues.
How and what basis does WFSE
endorse candidates?
WFSE/AFSCME’s member-
driven endorsements are based
solely on state employee and
public service worker issues: pay,
benefits, contracting-out, working
conditions, etc. The endorsements
process is democratic and partici-
patory.
Incumbant politicians are evalu-
ated based on their voting record
on our issues. An interview by
WFSE/AFSCME members is typi-
cally held prior to an endorsement
vote for new candidates, or for in-
cumbents for whom we have some
concerns.
Endorsements for legislative,
congressional and statewide of-
fices, and of statewide ballot
measures, are normally decided at
a WFSE endorsements conference.
These conferences are held in the
spring of even-numbered years,
and delegates are chosen from each
local.
After the endorsements confer-
ence, endoresements may still be
made either by the Council Ex-
ecutive Board, Council Executive
Committee or by a vote of Local
Presidents.
Does the union back one
political party over another?
No. WFSE/AFSCME bases its
endorsements solely on state em-
ployee and public service worker
issues. Our endorsements include
candidates for state offices from all
parties.
Join PEOPLE today!
Learn more about the AFSCME PEOPLE on the
front inside cover. Sign up using the card found
between pages 6 and 7.
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org
LPA activists
make WFSE happen!
Unlike most other workers, state
employees get to vote for their
bosses - from the governor to other
elected agency heads to the Legis-
lature.
WFSE/AFSCME political action
volunteers help to make sure that
candidates and elected politicians
from all parties understand state
employee issues.
LPA activists:
• Serve on local political action
committees.
• Evaluate candidates.
• Phone bank.
• Wave signs for WFSE-endorsed
candidates.
• Lobby lawmakers about the
good work state workers do.
Lobby Training:
WFSE offers a one-day training
for members who are interested in
learning how to lobby the Legisla-
ture on state employee issues. It is
offered near the beginning of each
legislative session.
Contact Diana Whitmore, LPA
Administrative Assistant, at 800-
562-6002 or diana@wfse.org for
more information.
Check WFSE.org > Legislative &
Political Action for details.
11
We have a solid record of winning legislation
Political Involvement
Since 2005, WFSE/AFSCME
members won: funding for the first
master collective bargaining agree-
ments; safety bills for children’s
services workers, park rangers and
mental hospital employees; repeal
of contracting out highway sign
work in the Department of Trans-
portation; a state employee privacy
bill heavily pushed by Corrections
members; workplace communica-
tions; voluntary payroll deductions;
increased higher education bid lim-
its; and legislation saving jobs and
programs in Employment Security,
Parks, the Horse Racing
Commission, and state institutions.
12 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!
Legislative victories
Here are are just some of WFSE/AF-
SCME’s key legislative victories:
• Full-scope collective bargain-
ing for state employees (2002).
Negotiated pay and benefits; in-
dependent grievance arbitration.
• Funding of comparable worth
settlement (1986). Some $482
million in pay equity for tens of
thousands of women and men in
jobs historically performed by
women.
• Health benefits for state employ-
ees (1965).
• Unemployment insurance for
state employees (1971).
• Social Security coverage (1957).
• Sick leave cashout (1979).
• Assault pay for workers in Cor-
rections (1984, 1988), Veterans
Affairs (1987), Institutions
(1986), and Transportation
(2002).
• Washington Management Service
“Transparency” Law requiring
mandatory, annual reports on the
number of WMS and exempt em-
ployees and the size and cost of
any bonuses they receive (2009).
• Scientific Integrity Law expanded
Whistleblower Law to protect
state employees expressing their
scientific opinions (2008).
• Saved state parks with the “Opt-
Out” funding bill to create an
ongoing stream of revenue from
a voluntary $5 fee included in
license renewal fees (2009).
• General Law enforcement
authority for Fish and Wildlife
enforcement officers (2002).
• Service Credit bill (2009).
• Shared leave (1989, 1996, 2003,
2007).
• Tuition waivers (1990).
• Indemnification law (1989).
• Pension funding and improve-
ments.
• Forty-hour workweek for insti-
tutions workers (1953).
• Early collective bargaining law
(1967) allowing members to ne-
gotiate contracts covering non-
economic, workplace issues.
• Stopped mandatory parking fees
(1995).
 A right delayed is a right denied.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Other victories
The union has also defeated numer-
ous attempts to expand
contracting out, reduce collective
bargaining and civil service rights
and strip away seniority rights.
The union has also won in the
courts and at the bargaining table:
• First full-scope collective bar-
gaining agreements bring first
pay raises in four years (2005).
• Thousands more state employ-
ees win contract rights through
union organizing (2002-05).
• WFSE/AFSCME’s first-ever
strike (2001) mobilizes thou-
sands of members, forces Leg-
islature to back down, grant pay
raises, and other improvements.
• Preserving step increase dates
(2005).
• $30 million common class
(Shroll) lawsuit settlement
(2006).
• $55 million health funding
settlement brings $756 lump
sum payments (2007).
• Capped successful campaign with
anti-bullying language added to
most contracts (2008).
• $1 million pay equity settlement
for DD Case Resource Managers
(2007).
• Settlement preserving negotiated
medical/dental flexible spending
accounts (2007).
• Domestic partner benefits
(2000).
• Settlement of lawsuit increasing
life insurance benefits (1999).
• Settlement of WFSE/AFSCME’s
comparable worth pay equity
lawsuit against the state (1985).
• Supreme Court victory for
union’s anti-contracting out law-
suit (1978).
• Passage of WFSE/AFSCME-
sponsored State Civil Service
Initiative 207 (1960).
• Right for state employees to join
unions (1941) and right to union
representation (1971).
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org
Conservative Caucus
- members working to strengthen
the voice and contributions of con-
servative members.
The Conservative Caucus was
created by the union’s Execu-
tive Board as part of the council’s
successful legislative and political
action program.
It aims to include the views of mem-
bers who identify themselves as a
conservative.
The Conservative Caucus brings
WFSE/AFSCME’s values on fair
pay, contracting out, and budget-
ing, to conservative politicians and
policymakers.
Mission Statement
Develop an ongoing and meaningful
network by which the conservative
voice becomes included. We are a
unified entity, contributing to all parts
of the WFSE political process.
Goals and Principles
Goal #1: To strengthen the union
by increasing conservative
participation and political
diversity.
Goal #2: We are committed to work-
ing effectively within the
union’s rules, processes,
and structure.
Contact Diana Whitmore at 800-
562-6002 or diana@wfse.org for
more information.
13

Collective Bargaining
What is collective bargaining?
Collective bargaining is the right
to negotiate on issues important to
you - including your pay, benefits,
seniority, and grievance procedures.
Who negotiates our contract?
A team of WFSE/AFSCME union
members elected from their bargain-
ing units negotiate each contract,
with WFSE staff serving as chief
negotiators.
A Committee of the Executive
Board, the Collective Bargaining
Committee (CBC), makes recom-
mendations regarding the bargaining
structure to the Executive Board for
approval.
Read more about bargaining team
structure on WFSE.org > Bargain-
ing Center.
Collective Bargaining Agree-
ments (CBA)
Our first master contracts, or col-
lective bargaining agreements
(CBA), which went into effect on
July 1, 2005, were the FIRST to
be negotiated under the Personnel
System Reform Act of 2002 which
gives state employees the right to
bargain over wages and health care
benefits, as well as working condi-
tions. The contracts have a duration
of two years.
14 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!
The contracts include articles
on wages, hours of work, protec-
tions against contracting out and
other terms and conditions of
employment, including: hiring and
appointments; overtime; training
and employee development; licen-
sure and certification; holidays and
leave; safety and health; discipline;
privacy; and grievance procedures.
To read more about what can and
can’t be bargained, refer to RCW
41.80.020, Scope of Bargaining.
Contract proposals
Members submit contract propos-
als in the summer and fall of odd-
numbered years in preparation for
bargaining in even-numbered years.
Proposals are submitted through the
local unions and policy commit-
tees, online at WFSE.org, and by the
Council 28 Executive Board.
Bargaining team
Each bargaining team, with staff
assistance, produces a final package
that is presented to their respective
management team as each team’s
initial contract proposal.
The General Government (GG)
Bargaining Team and the Higher
Education (HE) Coalition Bargaining
Team bargain with the Governor’s
Labor Relations Office (LRO).
Washington State University, Uni-
Cecil Tibbetts, Negotiations Director
versity of Washington, and UW Po-
lice Management bargain with their
respective administrations. Renton
Technical College also bargains
with their administration but under
a different state law.
By law, health benefits are negoti-
ated by a coalition of all unions
representing state employees in
Washington. The agreed upon
health language is then inserted
into each CBA.
Contract Ratification
When negotiations are complete,
members vote to accept the con-
tract. This “ratification” vote takes
place after contracts are success-
fully negotiated and prior to being
forwarded to the governor’s Office
of Financial Management.
How can I get a copy of my
contracts?
WFSE.org > Contract Center
Contracts are also posted on the
state’s LRO website: http://www.
ofm.wa.gov/labor/agreements/
Read more about WFSE’s
bargaining structure and follow the
bargaining process at
WFSE.org > Bargaining Center

Your rights
As an employee represented by
WFSE/AFSCME, your rights are
protected under a U.S. Supreme
Court decision called Weingarten.
Weingarten Rights
If you are called into a meeting
with a management representative
and you have reason to believe that
disciplinary action against you may
result, you have the right to have a
steward present during this meet-
ing. Read the statement below to
the management representative, and
contact your steward immediately.
Read this statement to management:
“If this discussion could in any
way lead to my being disciplined or
terminated, or affect my personal
working conditions, I request that
my union representative, officer, or
steward be present at the meeting.
Without representation, I choose
not to answer any question.
What’s the difference between
represented and unrepresented
state employees?
Union-represented state employees
enjoy many benefits because they
work in a position that is covered
by a WFSE/AFSCME contract.
Represented employees can be ei-
ther members of the union or non-
member “fair share” fee payers.
Employees covered by a contract
are encouraged to participate in
the democratic governance of our
union by first becoming a WFSE/
AFSCME member.
Non-represented state employees
are those state employees not cov-
ered by a contract.
How do I know if I am represented
under a WFSE/AFSCME contract,
also called a collective bargaining
agreement?
If you work in a position that is
included in a WFSE/AFSCME
bargaining unit (a group of employ-
ees where WFSE is their exclusive
bargaining representative) you are
covered by a bargaining agreement.
The Public Employment Relations
Commission (PERC) is charged
with determining bargaining units.
Your agency’s Human Resource or
Payroll representatives can tell you
whether your position is in a WFSE
bargaining unit. Or email us at
contactus@wfse.org.
How can my steward help?
Your shop steward is trained to
understand the provisions of your
contract and help you if you think a
violation of the contract has
occurred.
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org
Laurie Merta, Field Services Director
How to contact your shop steward:
If your steward roster is not posted
on your union bulletin board, call
your field office. They can help.
What is a grievance?
In general, a grievance is an al-
legation by an employee or group
of employees that there’s been a
violation of the contract. But the
specific definition of a grievance
may vary from contract to contract;
consult your particular contract for
the specific definition that applies
to you.
What is the grievance process?
There are many ways the union
empowers you to resolve problems
with your employer. But if those
fail and you need to file a griev-
ance, you need representation
- someone to prepare and present
your case.
WFSE/AFSCME’s trained stew-
ards give you that representation.
WFSE/ AFSCME has bargained
strong grievance procedures to
which management must respond
promptly and fairly.
When you’re part of a strong union,
representing the overwhelming
majority of workers, your employer
has to listen to you.
15

Building a strong union
As part of the largest union for
state agency and higher education
employees, WFSE/AFSCME mem-
bers speak with a proud and strong
collective voice. Union member-
ship is the key to accessing that
pride and strength.
WFSE/AFSCME is a highly demo-
cratic union. Union members
make important decisions - from
setting priorities for contract nego-
tiations and endorsing legislative
candidates to planning job actions
and changing the way the union
itself is organized.
That’s why union membership is the
first step in making the most out
of WFSE representation. Member-
ship allows state workers to take
part in the decisions that steer the
union.
Union membership is personally
empowering; it also connects
state employees to the worldwide
historical movement of working
people standing up for their right to
negotiate for fair wages and work-
ing conditions.
If you’re not a WFSE member, we
invite you to come on board.
16 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!
Where does our dues money go?
Our monthly dues are divided
among four sectors:
• Our statewide organization -
WFSE Council 28, approx. 65%;
• Our national organization -
AFSCME, approx. 25%;
• Our locals - approx. 9%;
• Our local central labor councils -
AFL-CIO, approx. 1%.
What support do we receive from
each sector?
WFSE/AFSCME Council 28 is
your union. Full-time staff repre-
sent you before the state Legis-
lature, in negotiations with state
agencies, before boards and com-
missions (PEBB and PERC), and in WFSE Locals serve to connect
grievance procedures.
Representatives assist you in your
work-related problems. The union
provides resources on public af-
fairs, classification and pay issues ters and websites for their members.
and in combating contracting-out.
AFSCME International, based in
Washington, D.C., coordinates the
union’s actions on major national
issues such as privatization, health
care and work safety.
Greg Devereux, Executive Director
The International carries out certain
national functions such as repre-
senting us in the U.S. Congress and
coordinating political activities for
federal elections. It also provides
resources and expertise in areas
such as collective bargaining, po-
litical action and organizing.
AFSCME’s Power to Win plan
represents an effort to build more
member participation; hold politi-
cians accountable; increase our
membership; expand the organi-
zational capacity of our affiliates;
make affordable health care uni-
versal; and project a proud, bold
image for public services and our
union.
members and provide the platform
for members to bring their issues
to Council 28 as resolutions. Local
unions provide mailings, newslet-
They support collective bargain-
ing, organizing and other job action
activities.
AFL-CIO, through Local Central
Labor Councils, is where members
at the local level work with other
AFL-CIO affiliated unions on issues
affecting all working women and
men.

Membership Dues, Non-Member Options & Nonassociation
What’s the difference between
being a WFSE member and being
a “fair share” non-member?
As a state employee represented
by WFSE, you can either join the
union as a member or choose to
be a non-member. Whichever you
choose, you retain full rights of
representation and all the benefits of
the contract.
But as a member, you also get a
voice in the development of con-
tracts, deciding how the union is
run and other key union activities.
Most of the approximately 40,000
employees represented by WFSE
- more than 34,000 -- chose full
dues-paying membership.
How much are dues?
In accordance with the WFSE
Constitution, Article VI, Section
1, membership dues are 1.5% of a
union member’s monthly salary,
capped at $76.50 per month as of
January 1, 2009. The cap increases
in proportion to general wage
increases.
How is the amount of each deduc-
tion determined?
Salary earned during the first half
of the month (1st - 15th) is paid on
the 25th of the month. Your dues
on this payday will be your wages
paid times the rate of 1.5%, not to
exceed the cap.
Salary earned for the latter half of
the month (15th - end of month), is
paid on the 10th of the following
month. Your dues on this payday
will be your wages paid times the
rate of 1.5% but when combined
with the dues amount paid on the
first half of the month, will not
exceed the cap.
Who decides how much the dues
are?
WFSE’s dues structure is estab-
lished constitutionally by our
members. Every two years, local
union members send delegates to
represent them at the convention to
make decisions.
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org
Liz Larsen, Administration Director
How do I get a WFSE Payroll
Deduction Authorization (PDA)
Card?
WFSE Payroll Deduction
Authorization cards are available
in most payroll offices and from
any WFSE office.
You may request a PDA card by
calling us at (800) 562-6002 or
sending an email to us at info@
wfse.org.
I want to continue to be a mem-
ber but I object to my dues be-
ing spent on political activities.
What are my options?
As a member you may apply for a
rebate of the amount of dues spent
on partisan political or ideological
purposes.
Information regarding this can be
found in Article IX, section 14 of
the AFSCME constitution: www.
afscme.org/publications/1920.cfm.
Are union dues tax deductible?
Under the Federal Budget Reconcili-
ation Tax Act of 1987, dues, contribu-
tions or gifts to WFSE/AFSCME are
not deductible as charitable contribu-
tions for federal income tax purposes.
Dues, however, may qualify as busi-
ness expenses and may be deductible
in limited circumstances subject to
IRS restrictions.
17
Options for bargaining unit
employees choosing not to join
WFSE
All state employees covered by
a WFSE-negotiated contract are
required to either join WFSE and
pay member dues or choose a Non-
Member status and pay fees. Non-
members and members alike are
represented under the contract by
WFSE, but only members partici-
pate in the democratic governance
of our union.
What is union security?
Union security refers to provisions
in our contract that allow WFSE
to collect dues from employees
who become members as well as to
collect fees from employees who
benefit from union representation
but do not join the union.
The non-member fees (Representa-
tion Fee or Non-Association Fee)
recognize that everyone in a union-
represented workplace benefits
from the pay increases, stabilized
health care costs and other pro-
visions of the union-negotiated
contract.
It’s fair to all covered employees
for everyone to share in the costs
that protect the union’s ability
to provide meaningful employee
representation. That’s why Non-
Member fees are often called “fair
share” fees.
Why do I have to pay a fee?
Negotiating contracts is very ex-
pensive for the union. The union
must bargain every two years for
the roughly 40,000 workers it
represents. The costs of prepara-
tion, research and actual bargaining
18 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!
teams’ expenses are formidable.
Additionally, the fees pay for: the
support you receive from the union
both on a day-to-day basis under
the contract and over the long term;
in on-going contract development
and negotiations to continue to im-
prove our ability to do our jobs; in
representing individuals to resolve
conflict in the workplace; and to be
a collective voice on issues em-
ployees care about, at the bargain-
ing table, in the Legislature and in
agency/institution forums.
Representation Fee status
Employees choosing non-member
status will be considered Represen-
tation Fee payers. Representation
fee payers, as they are commonly
known, currently pay fees at a rate
determined as the pro rata share of
expenditures for purposes germane
to the collective bargaining pro-
cess, to contract administration,
or to pursuing matters affecting
wages, hours, and other conditions
of employment as set through the
annual WFSE Hudson calculation
process. The monthly rate can vary
among locals, with the maximum
rate of 1.04% effective 7/1/2010.
Representative Fee rates change
annual based on annual union ex-
penditures.
Nonassociation status
According to RCW 41.80.100 (2),
“An employee who is covered by a
union security provision and who
asserts a right of nonassociation
based on bona fide religious tenets,
or teachings of a church or reli-
gious body of which the employee
is a member, shall, as a condition
of employment, make payments
to the employee organization, for
purposes within the program of the
employee organization as desig-
nated by the employee that would
be in harmony with his or her indi-
vidual conscience. The amount of
the payments shall be equal to the
periodic dues and fees uniformly
required as a condition of acquir-
ing or retaining membership in the
employee organization minus any
included monthly premiums for
insurance programs sponsored by
the employee organization. The
employee shall not be a member
of the employee organization but
is entitled to all the representation
rights of a member of the employee
organization.”
Employees granted nonassociation
status pay fees at the rate of 1.5%
with a cap of $76.50. The cap
increases in proportion to general
wage increases. If you qualify for
non-association fee status, you can
designate that your fee go to one
of five charities: American Heart
Association; American Cancer So-
ciety; Children’s Hospital Founda-
tion; Second Harvest Food Bank of
the Inland Northwest; or Thurston
County Food Bank.
If you would like to apply for
non-association status, please
contact WFSE at 800-562-6002
and request a nonassociation form
or download the form at WFSE.
org > Main Menu > Dues & Fees >
Non-Member Fees. Complete the
form and return it to WFSE Head-
quarters.
Membership is posted online at
WFSE.org > Member Info

Union Communications
WFSE uses many different
platforms to communicate
with its 40,000 members and
represented employees, and
to make it easier for them to
communicate with each other.
Washington State Employee:
LaborWeb site:
Subscribe to the Federation
HOTLINE
The HOTLINE e-news service is
our quickest, most basic way of
staying informed about union news.
Released several times a week as
needed, Hotlines provide up-to-the
minute updates on the Legislature,
contract negotiations, or worksite
issues, as well as information on
contracting out and shared leave
requests.
Subscribe to the HOTLINE at
WFSE.org > News & Info
The HOTLINE is also available on
WFSE.org, LaborWeb Local webs,
Facebook FanPage (WFSEc28), or
via phone: (800) 562-6102.
Website: WFSE.org
Our website provides a wealth of
information for WFSE/AFSCME
members, including regular news
updates, information on contracts,
events, and contact information.
LaborWeb Local websites
Locals connect with LaborWeb -
integrated websites for locals that
include information and news from
WFSE and AFSCME. It’s a one-stop
information source for members.
WFSE.org > Locals.
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org
Tim Welch, Public Affairs Director
Newspaper: Washington State
Employee
The Washington State Employee is
our union’s “newspaper of record.”
Printed and mailed at least 10 times
a year, the Washington State Em-
ployee’s articles and photos cover
WFSE members working for their
rights on the job, as well as union
organizing ventures, legislative
campaigns, and other union news.
Each issue also includes a list of
WFSE-represented employees in
need of shared leave. Read WSE
online at WFSE.org > News & Info
WFSEc28 on social network sites
Connect with us on these networks:
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/
user/WFSEc28
• Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/
wfse/sets/
• Facebook Fanpage: search
Facebook for “WFSEc28.”
Our View cable show on YouTube
Our View is WFSE’s monthly
television production, broadcast on
community access cable channels
across the state and viewable online
on WFSEc28’s YouTube channel.
www.youtube.com/user/WFSEc28
19
Member Activities and Trainings
Get involved!
WFSE offers its members many
opportunities to get involved in
helping make the union the very
best it can be, on the job and at the
local and statewide levels.
Here are a few ways members can
become more involved:
20 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!
Local volunteers cial disclosure laws, financial
reports, and records retention.
Each local offers volunteer opportuni-
ties. WFSE Locals consist of state • Communicators Conference.
Local communicators have
employees brought together by
their location or their type of work. access to training through
WFSE’s Communicators
Each local elects its own president,
Conference. Tips on how to do
vice president, secretary and trea-
local and bargaining unit news-
surer, as well as representatives to
letters, websites, blogs and bul-
statewide committees.
letin boards are provided along
Locals may also run their own side emerging technologies.
newsletter, website, or other proj- Contact Laura Reisdorph,
ects providing union members op- Public Affairs Assistant, at 800-
portunities to share their skills and/ 562-6002.
or develop leadership abilities.
• LaborWeb Editor Training.
Attend a local meeting or contact Many WFSE Locals are shar-
your local union officials to find ing information online with
out more. their members through their
Training Opportunities: LaborWeb website. LaborWeb
editors have access to training
• Local Union Executive
through evening webex train-
Board Leadership Academy.
ings and have access to contin-
WFSE offers this state of the
ued education. Editors must
art training designed to help
have the authorization from
local unions develop the skills
their local to register.
they need to fight to win in the
Contact Laura Reisdorph,
current difficult economic and
Public Affairs Assistant, at 800-
political environment.
562-6002.
• Secretary-Treasurer Training.
This training helps local trea-
surers, secretaries and trustees
maintain financial records, fill
out required forms, become
familiar with different finan-
 Member Activities and Trainings
Get involved!
Next Wave activists
Next Wave activities motivate
WFSE/AFSCME members un-
der age 35 to become active. The
activities help overcome barriers
to participation and help explain
union structure, political activity,
and bargaining.
Contact April Sims, LPA Field Co-
ordinator, at 800-562-6002.
LGBTQI activists
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Questioning, and Intersex employees.
We support legal equality and fair
treatment for all employees. We
fight to provide protections in con-
tracts to support the gain of medi-
cal benefits for state employees in
same-sex domestic partnerships,
and we lobby for and support do-
mestic partnership laws in the state
of Washington.
Public Safety Employees
NW AFSCME hosts a confer-
ence annually just for AFSCME’s
Pacific Northwest Public Safety
Employees.
More information is available at
WFSE. org > Calendar and at
WFSE.org > Blogs.
Union Management Communication
Committee (UMCC)
Union-Management Communica-
tion Committees allow employee
and employer representatives to
meet and discuss the administration
of our union contracts.
UMCC’s are held agency-wide and
locally in the General Government
CBA. Higher education CBA’s may
use slightly different names, but the
purpose is the same.
Contact your council representative
for more information.
Member Action Teams
Member Action Teams are groups
of about 10 employees in a work-
site who work as communicators
with co-workers, coordinate work-
site actions, and take on other roles
to build the union in the workplace.
MAT Training:
• This two-hour training focuses
on building and maintaining
member action teams in the
workplace.
Contact your nearest field office to
request more information.
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org
Bargaining teams
Before each period of contract negotia-
tions, WFSE members elect represen-
tatives to serve on statewide bargaining
teams (see page 14 for more informa-
tion about collective bargaining).
Employees of Community Colleg-
es, Central Washington University,
Eastern Washington University,
The Evergreen State College, and
Western Washington University
elect a single coalition team. There
are separate teams for the Univer-
sity of Washington, UW Police
Management, Washington State
University, Renton Technical Col-
lege and General Government.
Bargaining team members receive
training on negotiations, scope of
bargaining, and analyzing issues,
proposals and counterproposals,
Learn more about WFSE’s bar-
gaining structure at WFSE.org >
Bargaining Center.
Other volunteer opportunties:
LPA Activists - page 10
Stewardship - page 22
Volunteer Member Organizers
- page 23
21

Stewardship
Get involved!
Shop stewards play a crucial role
in the day-to-day experience of
union representation. Stewards are
the first ones employees turn to for
help or information.
Stewards help their union co-work-
ers solve work-related problems,
including filing grievances if neces-
sary, and maintain contact with
union staff representatives.
WFSE’s steward training program
is second-to-none-and is a great
way of finding out how union rep-
resentation works!
Stewardship:
The careful and responsible
management of something
entrusted in one’s care.
22 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!
Shop Stewards are the eyes and
ears of a union. They make sure
that the contract is enforced fairly.
If there are problems, it is up to the
Shop Steward to file a grievance or
resolve the problems through other
means.
Shop Stewards are not only im-
portant to the daily operations of
the union, they are also co-workers
who care deeply for worker rights.
They are usually the first people to
learn of a member’s grievance.
Shop Stewards take time out of
their busy schedules to attend union
meetings, to study your contract so
they are skilled at interpreting it,
and to meet with union staff.
Shop Stewards receive valuable
training. and are well experienced
in conditions of work, job descrip-
tions, safety and health, salary clas-
sifications and the benefit package.
How can I become a steward?
You must be a WFSE/AFSCME
member, complete training, and be
appointed by the council president.
For full details on how to become
a steward, contact your field office.
Laurie Merta, Field Services Director
Training Opportunities:
• Stewards In Action Training-
Stewards In Action (SIA) train-
ing is a two-day training cov-
ering the basics of grievance
handling, with an emphasis on
workplace actions. WFSE field
staff lead this course in partner-
ship with member educators.
This training is held as needed.
• Continuing Steward Education:
Member Mobilization
This CSE is a one day course
for stewards focusing on con-
ducting workplace actions.
• Continuing Steward Education:
Grievance Handling
This CSE is a one day course
for stewards who have com-
pleted the SIA training. This
course focuses on aspects of
grievance writing.
• Contract Training
A four-hour training is provided
to all stewards when a new
contract goes into effect.
Find more information at
WFSE.org > Steward Center.

Organize for Power
Get Involved!
WFSE’s Organizing Department
has one goal: Organize for power.
• Only by organizing--growing
our membership-- will we gain
power at the bargaining table
and in the ballot box.
• Only by growing our union will
we have the power to protect
our standards and win improve-
ments with the state.
• Only by organizing new mem-
bers- in state service, higher
ed and within private nonprof-
its-- can we protect our current
standards and win the power to
bargain for better.
866-820-2291
organize@wfse.org
Over the past 20 years, union mem-
bership nationally has declined
sharply. This decline has resulted in
a shrinking of the middle class, and
caused a loss of power for employ-
ees at work, at the bargaining table,
and in the political arena. This loss
of power for working families has
had a profound impact : real wages
and benefits are at a historic low—
while big business executives are
earning more than ever.
We must have a bigger, stronger
union—a more powerful collective
voice—to strengthen the working
class. It is time to organize and
fight back. This is the only way to
protect ourselves, our future, and
that of our children.
Organizing for power will help us:
• Fight contracting out.
• Stop non-union employers
from undercutting our pay and
benefits
• Empower public service em-
ployees who receive lower pay
and lack benefits.
• Make sure that state employee
voices are heard in state gov-
ernment.
• Build bargaining power to im-
prove conditions.
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org
Megan Parke, Organizing Director
• Protect current wages and ben-
efits for state employees.
It’s time to organize for more
power - but we cannot do this
without you:
1. Become a Volunteer Member
Organizer (VMO).
2. Identify people and groups
that need a union. Encourage
them to take a stand and form a
union.
3. Contact the Organizing depart-
ment so we can follow up and
help them organize!
Training Opportunity:
Volunteer Member Organizers (VMO)
We are recruiting member activists
who:
• believe in the union and want to
build the union movement;
• can inspire others to stand up
for change; and
• want to build a powerful voice
for working families.
To learn more, contact Pam Carl,
VMO Coordinator, at (360) 951-
5791 or pamc@wfse.org
23
WFSE Locals Guidebook

Local 53 Local 378 Local 491

Tacoma area DOT D1, Seattle Rainier/SOLA/DD Field
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local53 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local378 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local491
Email: local53@wfselocal.org Email: local378@wfselocal.org Email: local491@wfselocal.org
Field Office: Tacoma Field Office: Seattle Field Office: Tacoma

Local 304 Local 396 Local 504

Seattle area Walla Walla area DOT D6, Spokane
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local304 Web: Web:
Email: local304@wfselocal.org Email: Email:
Field Office: Seattle Field Office: Yakima Field Office: Spokane

Local 308 Local 435 Local 573

Community Corrections, King Co. ESD, King County Lakeland Village/SOLA/DD
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local308 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local435 Web:
Email: local308@wfselocal.org Email: local435@wfselocal.org Email:
Field Office: Seattle Field Office: Seattle Field Office: Spokane

Local 313 Local 443 Local 716

Vancouver area Olympia/Thurston/Mason Skamania/Klickitat counties
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local313 Web: www.wfselocal443.org Web: www.wfsec28.org/local716
Email: local313@wfselocal.org Email: president@wfselocal443.org Email: local 716@wfselocal.org
Field Office: Vancouver Field Office: Olympia Field Office: Vancouver

Local 330 Local 476 Local 782

CWU, Ellensburg Sedro Woolley area Medical Lake area
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local330 Web: Web: www.wfsec28.org/local782
Email: local330@wfselocal.org Email: Email: local782@wfselocal.org
Field Office: Yakima Field Office: Smokey Point Field Office: Spokane

Local 341 Local 482 Local 793

Fircrest/SOLA/DD Field Veteran’s Home, Retsil WSH/CSTC/Oakridge
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local341 Web: Web: www.wfsec28.org/local793
Email: local341@wfselocal.org Email: Email: local793@wfselocal.org
Field Office: Seattle Field Office: Tacoma Field Office: Tacoma

24 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!

WFSE Locals Guidebook

Local 843 Local 976 Local 1208

Human Services, King County L&I, King County DOT D6, Davenport
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local843 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local976 Web:
Email: local843@wfselocal.org Email: local976@wfselocal.org Email:
Field Office: Seattle Field Office: Seattle Field Office: Spokane

Local 862 Local 1020 Local 1221

Chehalis area Everett area Spokane area
Web: Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1020 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1221
Email: Email: local1020@wfselocal.org Email: local1221@wfselocal.org
Field Office: Vancouver Field Office: Smokey Point Field Office: Spokane

Local 881 (Statewide) Local 1054 Local 1225

Fish & Wildlife Colville area State Blind & Deaf schools
Web: Web: Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1225
Email: Email: Email: local1225@wfselocal.org
Field Office: Olympia Field Office: Spokane Field Office: Vancouver

Local 931 Local 1060 Local 1253

EWU, Cheney Northwest Washington area Tri-Cities area
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local931 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1060 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1253
Email: local931@wfselocal.org Email: local1060@wfselocal.org Email: wfselocal1253@hotmail.com
Field Office: Spokane Field Office: Smokey Point Field Office: Yakima

Local 948 Local 1066 Local 1290

Human Services, Snohomish Co. WSU, Pullman DOT D4, Chehalis
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local948 Web: www.wfselocal1066.org Web:
Email: local948@wfselocal.org Email: webmaster@wfselocal1066.org Email:
Field Office: Smokey Point Field Office: Spokane Field Office: Vancouver

Local 970 Local 1181 Local 1291

Grays Harbor/Pacific counties Kitsap area DOT D5, Pasco
Web: Web: Web:
Email: Email: Email:
Field Office: Olympia Field Office: Tacoma Field Office: Yakima

WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org 25

WFSE Locals Guidebook

Local 1299 Local 1463 Local 1984

North Central Washington area Clallam/Jefferson counties DOT D3, Raymond
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1299 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1463 Web:
Email: local1299@wfselocal.org Email: local1463@wfselocal.org Email:
Field Office: Yakima Field Office: Olympia Field Office: Vancouver

Local 1300 Local 1466 (Statewide) Local 2263

Whitman County, Clarkston Parks Naselle Youth Camp
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1300 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1466 Web:
Email: local1300@wfselocal.org Email: local1466@wfselocal.org Email:
Field Office: Spokane Contact the nearest Field Office Field Office: Vancouver

Local 1301 Local 1488 Local 2559

Ellensburg area UW/HMC, Seattle DOT D4, Vancouver
Web: Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1488 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local2259
Email: Email: local1488@wfselocal.org Email: local2259@wfselocal.org
Field Office: Yakima Field Office: Seattle Field Office: Vancouver

Local 1326 Local 1556 Local 2753 (Statewide)

Yakima area DOT D3, Port Angeles Fish Hatchery Specialist 1,2
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1326 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1556 Web:
Email: local1326@wfselocal.org Email: local1556@wfselocal.org Email:
Field Office: Yakima Field Office: Olympia Field Office: Olympia

Local 1381 Local 1681 Local 2964 (Statewide)

WWU/Whatcom CC Echo Glen, Snoqualmie Fish Hatchery Specialist 3,4
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1381 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1681 Web:
Email: local1381@wfselocal.org Email: local1681@wfselocal.org Email:
Field Office: Smokey Point Field Office: Seattle Field Office: Olympia

Local 1400 Local 1926

Longview/Kelso area Maple Lane, Grand Mound
Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1400 Web: www.wfsec28.org/local1926
Email: local1400@wfselocal.org Email: local1926@wfselocal.org
Field Office: Vancouver Field Office: Smokey Point

26 Council 28 AFSCME • We Make Washington Happen!

Northwest AFSCME
WASHINGTON • OREGON • ALASKA • IDAHO • MONTANA

As your Northwest Region International Union Vice Presidents, we have

been strong advocates for the Northwest during one of the worst down-
turns in our nation’s history. We have been your voice on the International
Executive Board to insure that we remain a strong union fighting for our
members’ future.

We both lead vibrant, active Councils dedicated to organizing, building real

political power, and promoting the value of member involvement. We are
dedicated to helping all the affiliates in the Northwest Region receive the
resources they need to attain the goals set by the 21st Century Committee.
Both of us have participated in organizing drives across the region, have
walked picket lines and have contributed to strike funds at other Councils
and Locals in the region. All of us must redouble our efforts to protect public
pensions, fight for fair wage agreements, and work at the state and national
level for a real solution to skyrocketing health costs.

The Northwest Region is the fastest growing region in AFSCME. We want

to continue that trend. Our Councils and Locals take organizing, political
action, and empowered members seriously. Working together throughout
the region we can protect our members and bring the benefits of collective
bargaining to the unorganized.

We thank you for all of your hard work and activism. There is much to do to
meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

Greg Devereux Ken Allen

International Vice President, NW Region, AFSCME International Vice President, NW Region, AFSCME
Executive Director, WFSE/AFSCME Council 28 Executive Director, Oregon AFSCME Council 75
Washington Oregon

WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org 27

 WFSE/AFSCME Members

Biennial Elected D
elegates
ates
53 Locals Elected D
ele
and Altern gates
ates 9 Policy
and Altern
Convention Committees
tes
ega
d Del ates
cte rn
Ele d Alte
Council 28 Executive Board an

WFSE/AFSCME Executive Director

Greg Devereux

WFSE/AFSCME Staff
HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Kathy Andrus Sue Keller

FIELD SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS ADMINISTRATION PERC ACTIVITIES LEGAL COUNSEL

DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR ATTORNEY

Laurie Merta Cecil Tibbetts Liz Larsen Gladys Burbank Anita Hunter

FIELD SUPERVISOR FIELD SUPERVISOR FIELD SUPERVISOR ADMIN ASST EXEC ASST PERC SPECIALIST
Bob Keller Randy Lorello Kurt Spiegel Gena Anderson Deb Gregory Herb Harris
MEETING & TRAVEL
ADMIN ASST ADMIN ASST ADMIN ASST LABOR ADVOCATES
COORDINATOR
Jean Backman Shari Coffman Bobbie Reed Olympia:
Pam Herrick LEGISLATIVE &
Amy Achilles (t) PUBLIC AFFAIRS
POLITICAL ACTION
OLYMPIA SPOKANE SEATTLE Debbie Brookman
OFFICE MANAGER
COUNCIL REPS COUNCIL REPS COUNCIL REPS Sherri-Ann Burke DIRECTOR DIRECTOR
Mary Donnelly
Judy DeVoe Kandys Dygert Anne-Marie Cavanaugh Debbie Lippincott (t) Tim Welch Dennis Eagle
Tana Goforth Electra Jubon James Dannen INFO & NETWORK
Seattle: SYSTEMS ADMIN
Perry Gordon Rick Nesbitt Gabe Hargrove PUBLIC AFFAIRS ADMIN ASST
Banks Evans Renee Hunter
Lynnette Knight Dale Roberts Heather Kafton ASSISTANT Diana Whitmore
Judy Lumm Britt Kauffman Spokane: COMPUTER Laura Reisdorph
ASSOCIATES
Amy Murphy Joe Kendo Desiree Desselle DESKTOP SUPPORT
Joan Ahl LOBBYISTS
Dave Pardy Robin Ledbetter Mike Dyson Matt Zuvich
Judy Hines
Robyn Steacy Addley Tole Alia Griffing
DATA SPECIALIST ORGANIZING
ASSOCIATES YAKIMA Tiffany Korn LPA FIELD COOR
HE STRATEGIC COOR
Nancy Agan COUNCIL REPS April Sims
Rod Palmquist SENIOR PRINTER DIRECTOR
Cam Nguyen Marcelo Garcia
Brandon Day Megan Parke
Marlene Rucshner Gus Gonzalez ASSOCIATES
Phedra Quincey Meghen Elliot ASSOCIATES
TACOMA Tesia Roland Dawn Baker ADMIN ASST
ASSOCIATES Angelina Clement Irene Smith
COUNCIL REPS
Linda Hancock Christine McGill
Amy Achilles SMOKEY POINT ORG SUPERVISOR
Joeann Pulliam Mary Nelson
Steve Chenoweth COUNCIL REPS Elizabeth Turnbow
Sean Dannen Phyllis Jean Alexander Tom Wharton
Gary Hill Phyllis Naiad FINANCIAL MGR JOURNEY
Susan Hughes ORGANIZER
ASSOCIATES
Diane Blowers
Dawn Dearinger HEADQUARTERS SR ACCOUNTANT
Sarah Clifthorne
Carolyn Angers David Snellgrove
CLASSIFICATION CONTRACT (t) = temporary
ACCOUNTING ORGANIZERS
VANCOUVER MANAGERS COMPLIANCE (a) = acting
ASSISTANT Lauren Berkowitz
COUNCIL REPS Vacant MANAGER
Vacant Nicki Miller
Joan Gallagher Jeanine Livingston
Becky Stephens ASSOCIATE VMO COOR
Lorena Houser Pam Carl
Nevin O’Donnell as of 3/1/2011
WFSE/AFSCME Office Locations Retired
Public Employees
HEADQUARTERS OFFICE (800) 562-6002
Council of
1212 Jefferson Street SE, #300. Olympia WA 98501 www.wfse.org
(360) 352-7603 | (360) 352-7608 fax | info@wfse.org Washington
Federation HOTLINE: (800) 562-6102 or WFSE.org
Organizing Department
(360) 943-9160 | (360) 352-4730 fax | organize@wfse.org

SPOKANE FIELD OFFICE (509) 326-4422

316 W Boone Avenue, Suite 353, Spokane WA 99201
(800) 442-8618 | (509) 326-4424 fax

YAKIMA FIELD OFFICE (509) 452-9855

3804 Kern Road, Suite B, Yakima WA 98902-7801
(800) 439-9855 | (509) 457-1939 fax
If you’re close to retirement, you
still need a strong advocate on pen-
sion and health insurance issues.
SEATTLE FIELD OFFICE (206) 525-5363 That’s where the Retired Public
444 NE Ravenna Blvd, #108, Seattle WA 98115 Employees Council of Washington
(800) 924-5754 | (206) 525-5366 fax /AFSCME Retirees Chapter 10 can
help.
SMOKEY POINT FIELD OFFICE (360) 659-4333 By becoming an RPEC member,
16710 Smokey Point Blvd, #308, Arlington WA 98223 you will join more than 9,000
(800) 967-3816 | (360) 657-3336 fax non-federal public retirees who
are working to protect hard-earned
benefits.
OLYMPIA FIELD OFFICE (360) 786-1303 To request an RPEC membership
906 SW Columbia Street #500, Olympia WA 98501
packet, send an e-mail to info@
(800) 624-0256 | (360) 786-1338 fax | olympia@wfse.org rpecwa.org, providing your name,
address and phone number, or call
TACOMA FIELD OFFICE (253) 581-4402 1-800-562-6097.
6003 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma WA 98409 www.rpecwa.org
(800) 924-5753 | (253) 581-4404 fax | olympia@wfse.org

VANCOUVER FIELD OFFICE (360) 735-1115

3305 Main Street, #109, Vancouver WA 98663
(800) 967-9356 | (360) 735-1121 fax | olympia@wfse.org

WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES www.wfse.org 29

 Washington Federation of State Employees
Headquarters: 1212 Jefferson Street SE, Suite 300, Olympia WA 98501
(360) 352-7603 fax (360) 352-7608

www.wfse.org
(800) 562-6002
Seattle Field Office Olympia Field Office Spokane Field Office
(206) 525-5363 (800) 924-5754 (360) 786-1303 (800) 624-0256 (509) 326- 4422 (800) 442-8618

Smokey Point Field Office Tacoma Field Office Yakima Field Office
(360) 659-4333 (800) 967-3816 (253) 581-4402 (800) 924-5753 (509) 452-9855 (800) 439-9855

Vancouver Field Office

(360) 735-1115 (800) 967-9356