washington state employee 11/2014

8/10/2019 Washington State Employee 11/2014

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The ofcial newspaper of the

WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE

EMPLOYEES/AFSCME Council 28AFL-CIO

VOL. 42 NO. 9

NOVEMBER 2014

WASHINGTON

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MEMBERS ONLY BENEFITS UPDATEPages 6-7

INSIDE8

WSU Skilled Tradesmembers vote 2-1 toretain union, strong con-tract.See page 2.

ITS ABOUT OUR STRONG CONTRACTSA CLOSER LOOKAregular series onhow members aregoing beyond thebargaining tableto advocate forstrong contracts.This month,the ef-fort to win a fair rst

contract for StudentSupport Staff at Ta-coma CommunityCollege.

You mightask: Haventall Federationcontracts beenwrapped up andratied? Well theones for MedicalInterpreters,ABHS, General

Government andHigher Educationhave. But the TCCStudent SupportStaff bargain undera different collectivebargaining law. Sothe time frames aredifferent.

Members to Tacoma CC

administration: Quit

stalling and agree to a

fair contract now!It shouldnt take nearlythree years for a fair rstcontract for the dedicatedTacoma Community CollegeStudent Support Staff.

Way too long, saidCristy Yanos, an academicadvisor who said she yearnsfor that rst contract.

I dont know whytheyre dragging their feet.

Yanos, other StudentSupport Staff colleagues andallies from other WFSE/AFSCME locals, the American

Federation of Teachers-Washington and the PacicNorthwest Labor HistoryAssociation took the historicstep of going public with theshameful stalling tactics of theTCC administration.

On Oct. 16, they tookto leaeting students andinterested motorists nearcampus.

Were standing up forthe rights of our staff, saidRachael Schurman, anotheracademic advisor

The group of Federationadvocates then marched

a petition past a buildingnamed after TCC PresidentPam Transue to thepresidents ofce. She wasntthere, but she and her staffknew about the publicspotlight that the StudentSupport Staff had brought toher administrations actions.

The foot-draggingis affecting morale andincreasing the loss of qualitystaff.

Ive been at the collegefor 8 years, Im highly

educated, come with lots ofexperience and I have thesame pay since Day 1, Yanossaid.

I see lots of peoplelooking for otheropportunities, she added.Weve had almost half of ourdepartment staff leave thedepartment. Were having toreplace them so were veryshort-handed now.

Marching with themwas Ross Rieder, who saidhe was stunned by the

Health Care BenetsAgreement: Your 15% share ofhealth premiums wontgo up; Point of service costsfor UMP will not changefor the purpose ofcost-shifting onto stateemployees.Details on this andother ratied contracts,see page 8

See TCC, page 3

Voting matters!

Vote by Nov. 4!

INSIDE8

WFSE/AFSCMEs Last-Minute VotersGuide

Focus: Supreme Court races showimportance of experience

WFSE/AFSCMEs endorsed candi-dates

Proles in courage: Ones a Demo-crat, the other a Republican. Bothsupport our values in key swingdistrict.

See pages 4-5.

Academic advisor Cristy

Yanos says its time for a

fair, rst contract.


2/8


3/8

RPEC

CORNER

8MORE ONLINE

rpecwa.org

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State EmployeeNovember 2014 Page 3

ITS ABOUT OUR STRONG CONTRACTS

The Retired Public EmployeesCouncil of Washington had its 43rdAnnual Convention in Wenatchee on

Sept. 10th. The serious nancial chal-lenges to the state were discussed andas a result, RPEC came out with an ag-gressive list of legislative priorities.

Convention attendees learned thatthere is a $1 billion gap between staterevenues and expenditures, withoutthe Washington Supreme Courtsdecision in McCleary (costing $4 bil-lion), and there will be higher pensioncontribution rates for employers andcurrent employees due to longer lifespans and changes in the expectedrates of return.

Those issues will force lawmakers

to closely examine how they spendevery dollar.

Therefore, it is more importantthan ever for public employees andretirees make sure that the state up-holds their contract and fully fundthe employer contribution rates to the

pension plans.In addition, attendees acknowl-

edged that some legislators will alsouse the money woes to push for a Plan4 pension, so retirees made it a priorityto oppose any efforts to create a new

TCC administrations disregard forbargaining.

Rieder is president of the laborhistory association but also the

retired president of what is now AFT-Washington when TCC faculty formeda union in the 1970s.

More than 40 years later, Transuesadministration should be ashamedto deny the same basic rights to theStudent Support Staff, he said.

Im stunned as can be franklythat these people are stuck up innegotiations over some of the most

basic parts of any contract that are noteven arguable....

Justice is justice and justicedenied is just that. Its so irritating.

The latest wave of actions cameafter TCC management abruptlycancelled October bargaining dates,delaying until at least Thanksgivingany hope of a nal contract.

Keep updated on any new fair rstcontract actions at wfse.org.

TCC,from page 1Clockwise from upper left:

Bargaining team member Kari Two-

good passes by building named for

TCCs current president.

From left: TCC academic advisors

Theresa Harris, Rachael Schurman

and Cristy Yanos at Oct. 16 event.

Patrick McDonough, Local 793, wasone WFSE/AFSCME member out in

support.

Marching for a fair rst contract.

Rieder

retirement plan, which would under-mine the current pensions by divertingfunds out of the collective pool invest-ed by the State Investment Board.

Delegates were also frustrated andangry about the Washington SupremeCourts recent decision against a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Plan 1retirees. As a result, they passed a res-olution to work on restoring a COLA

for Plan 1 retirees.A full list of RPECs 2015 Action

and Legislative Priorities can be foundon their website at: www.rpecwa.org.

SHOP STEWARD

CORNER

AT RIGHT: Members of Spokane

Local 1221 and Eastern Washington

University Local 931 completed a

Continuing Steward Education/Ad-

vanced Grievance Writing class Oct.11. WFSE/AFSCME Council Reps

Rick Nesbitt and Kandys Dygert

instructed.At recent Steward in Action Training at Aberdeen Local 970, from left, Burt Reynolds (DSHS),

Debra Moran (L&I), Demerick Wipple(DSHS), Jane Moore(DSHS) and Amy Herring(DSHS).


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Profles in courage:

Page 4 WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee November 2014

WFSE/AFSCME LAST-MINUTE VOTERS GUIDE 2014

Meet endorsed candidatesWFSE/AFSCME as the largest state employees union has an obligation to evaluate candidateson lunchbox issues important to public employees. This month, meet two more candidatesendorsed by members in priority races, in this case the 17th District. The district includes easternVancouver and other parts of southwest Clark County east of I-205.

Our choice is clearFor the State Supreme Court

Charles Johnson(Nonpartisan)

SUPREME COURT, POS. 4

Debra Stephens(Nonpartisan)


Mary Yu(Nonpartisan)


Mary Fairhurst(Nonpartisan)


Recently appointed to

the court, Justice Yuis running for a 2-year

unexpired term. She is

running unopposed.

Justice Fairhurst is run-

ning for a third, 6-year

term on the high court.She is running unop-

posed.

Justice Johnson has

been on the SupremeCourt since 1991. He

has a solid record:

Associate Chief Justice Charles Johnson, the StateSupreme Courts most experienced member, hasworked 24 years protecting individual rights, balanc-ing the scales of justice for those less privileged, andimproving court efciency. For 15 years he taught

Washington Constitutional Law at Seattle UniversityLaw School. He remains distinguished jurist in resi-

dence at the school.

IN CONTRAST:His opponent, Eddie Yoon, cant match Justice

Johnsons experience. He teaches law classes in South Korea

and he and his wife help run a hotel there. The Columbian: Yoon

is not mounting an active campaign and the public would be bet-ter served if ( Johnson and the other incumbents) faced equally

qualied challengers.

Justice Stephens has

been on the SupremeCourt since 2008. She

has an impressive

record:

She says: Since becoming a Justice in 2008, I havededicated myself to serving the people of this stateand upholding the rule of law. As the only currentJustice from Eastern Washington, I bring an impor-tant perspective to the Court. As a longtime consti-tutional law professor, I respect legal traditions. Andas a mom, former school board member, and com-

munity volunteer, I understand how court decisionsimpact Washington families.

IN CONTRAST: Her opponent, John (Zamboni) Scannell, is a

disbarred lawyer. The Stranger: Case law, however, strongly

suggests that a disbarred lawyer cannot sit on the Washington

State Supreme Court....such a person shouldnt be eligible forthat kind of seat.

In crucial 17th District House races, WFSE

members back Democrat, Republican

17th DIST. HOUSE, POS. 1

Monica Stonier

17th DIST. HOUSE, POS. 2

Paul Harris

Rep. Monica Stonier is a self-professed soccer mom whoshuttles kids to games and

practices after her day of teaching isdone.

Stonier, a Democrat, said the nextLegislature faces a tough task in thewake of the court-mandated schoolfunding decision.

Its even more important to havea teacher there now, Stonier said.

I think thats what drew me tothe position in the rst place. Thatconviction has only grown.

As a public employee, she said sheknows the value of collective bargain-ing rights.

The collective bargaining pro-cess is reective of relationships inthe community between workers andmanagement, Stonier said.

Those who try to minimize thoserights usually are people not in-volved in that process, she said.

On funding of our negotiated pay

raises: If we want to continue to have

a strong workforce, we have to havestrong wages.

Preserving dened benet pensions:401(k) plans were never intended to

be a pension or retirement plan. Outsourcing: As a state, we know

its far more expensive to contract outthan invest in our own workforce.

Rep. Paul Harris is a grandfa-ther, small business owner andformer UFCW union member

who views the 17th District as some-what unique.

This is a swing district and I be-lieve this district represents our stateas a whole, said Harris, a Republican.

As a legislator, I want to hear allsides of the issues. I have an open doorand listen. Good legislation representsall groups.

As a former union member, Harrissupports collective bargaining rights.

I think its important that publicemployees be able to collectively bar-gain... he said

Workers have the right to assem-ble and negotiate. Absolute right.

He adds: Were not going to bal-ance the (state) budget on the backs ofstate employees and teachers.

On pensions: I believe membersshould have the right to choose a ben-et plan. With that said, my job is toensure that if we offer a plan that it be

adequately funded; that we honor thecommitment.

Health care:I dont thinkchanging employee health care will

be a focus during the 2015 Legisla-tive session. Lack of access to healthcare, like mental health care, will be afocus.


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WFSE/AFSCME LAST-MINUTE VOTERS GUIDE 2014

Voting matters!

Vote by Nov. 4!

More of the information you asked for!Here are more side-by-side comparisons so you can see for yourself the differences between

our endorsed candidates and the alternatives.

Produced by the Washington Federation of State Employees

for voting education.

Vote in the General Electionby Nov. 4!

Nov.

4

Gene

ralHere is the l ist of WFSE/AFSCMEsendorsed candidates as of press timeSept. 18. An asterisk (*) indicates anincumbent. A pound sign (#) indicatesan incumbent House member runningfor state Senate. More endorsementsmay follow. Updates online: http://www.wfse.org/endorsements-2014/

U.S. CONGRESS

Congressional District 1: SuzanDelBene (D)*CD 3: Bob Dingethal (D)CD 6: Derek Kilmer (D)*CD 7: Jim McDermott (D)*CD 8: Jason Ritchie (D)CD 9: Adam Smith (D)*CD 10: Denny Heck (D)*

STATE SUPREME COURT

Pos. 1: Mary Yu (NP)*Pos. 3: Mary Fairhurst (NP)*Pos. 4: Charles Johnson (NP)*Pos. 7: Debra Stephens (NP)*

STATE LEGISLATURE

STATE SENATELegislative District 6: Rich Cowan (D)LD 7: Brian Dansel (R)*LD 21: Marko Liias (D)*

LD 26: Judy Arbogast (D)LD 28: Tami Green (D)#LD 29: Steve Conway (D)*LD 30: Shari Song (D)LD 31: Pam Roach (R)*LD 32: Maralyn Chase (D)*LD 33: Karen Keiser (D)*LD 34: Sharon Nelson (D)*LD 35: Irene Bowling (D)LD 36: Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D)*LD 37: Pramila Jayapal (D)

LD 38: John McCoy (D)*LD 42: Seth Fleetwood (D)LD 45: Matt Isenhower (D)LD 46: David Frockt (D)*LD 48: Cyrus Habib (D)#

STATE HOUSE OFREPRESENTATIVESLD 1 (Pos. 1): Derek Stanford (D)*LD 1 (Pos. 2): Luis Moscoso (D)*LD 2 (Pos. 1): Greg Hartman (D)LD 3 (Pos. 1): Marcus Riccelli (D)*LD 3 (Pos. 2): Timm Ormsby (D)*LD 8 (Pos. 2): Larry Haler (R)*LD 10 (Pos. 2): Dave Hayes (R)*LD 11 (Pos. 1): Zack Hudgins (D)*LD 11 (Pos. 2): Steve Bergquist (D)*

LD 12 (Pos. 2): Brad Hawkins (R)*LD 15 (Pos. 1): Bruce Chandler (R)*LD 17 (Pos. 1): Monica Stonier (D)*LD 17 (Pos. 2): Paul Harris (R)*LD 18 (Pos. 1): Mike Briggs (D)

List of WFSE/AFSCMEs General Election endorsed candidates

LD 18 (Pos. 2): Maureen Winningham(D)

LD 19 (Pos. 1): Dean Takko (D)*LD 19 (Pos. 2): Brian Blake (D)*LD 21 (Pos. 1): Strom Peterson (D)LD 21 (Pos. 2): Lillian Ortiz-Self (D)*LD 22 (Pos. 1): Chris Reykdal (D)*LD 22 (Pos. 2): Sam Hunt (D)*LD 23 (Pos. 1): Sherry Appleton (D)*LD 23 (Pos. 2): Drew Hansen (D)*LD 24 (Pos. 1): Kevin Van De Wege(D)*LD 24 (Pos. 2): Steve Tharinger (D)*LD 25 (Pos. 1): Dawn Morrell (D)*LD 25 (Pos. 2): Hans Zeiger (R)*LD 26 (Pos. 1): Nathan Schlicher (D)LD 26 (Pos. 2): Larry Seaquist (D)*LD 27 (Pos. 1): Laurie Jinkins (D)*LD 27 (Pos. 2): Jake Fey (D)*

LD 28 (Pos. 2): Christine Kilduff (D)LD 29 (Pos. 1): David Sawyer (D)*LD 29 (Pos. 2): Steve Kirby (D)*LD 30 (Pos. 2): Roger Freeman (D)*LD 31 (Pos. 1): Mike Sando (D)

LD 32 (Pos. 1): Cindy Ryu (D)*LD 32 (Pos. 2): Ruth Kagi (D)*LD 33 (Pos. 1): Tina Orwall (D)*LD 33 (Pos. 2): Mia Gregerson (D)*LD 34 (Pos. 1): Eileen Cody (D)*LD 34 (Pos. 2): Joe Fitzgibbon (D)*LD 35 (Pos. 1): Kathy Haigh (D)*LD 35 (Pos. 2): Drew MacEwen (R)*LD 36 (Pos. 1): Reuven Carlyle (D)*LD 36 (Pos. 2): Gael Tarleton (D)*LD 37 (Pos. 1): Sharon Tomiko Santos(D)*LD 37 (Pos. 2): Eric Pettigrew (D)*LD 38 (Pos. 1): June Robinson, (D)*LD 38 (Pos. 2): Mike Sells (D)*LD 39 (Pos. 2): Charles Jensen (D)LD 40 (Pos. 1): Kristine Lytton (D)*LD 40 (Pos. 2): Jeff Morris (D)*LD 41 (Pos. 1): Tana Senn (D)*LD 41 (Pos. 2): Judy Clibborn (D)*LD 42 (Pos. 1): Satpal Sidhu (D)LD 43 (Pos. 1): Brady Walkinshaw (D)*LD 43 (Pos. 2): Frank Chopp (D)*LD 44 (Pos. 1): Hans Dunshee (D)*LD 44 (Pos. 2): Mike Wilson (D)LD 45 (Pos. 1): Roger Goodman (D)*LD 45 (Pos. 2): Larry Springer (D)*LD 46 (Pos. 1): Gerry Pollet (D)*LD 46 (Pos. 2): Jessyn Farrell (D)*LD 47 (Pos. 1): Chris Barringer (D)

LD 47 (Pos. 2): Pat Sullivan (D)*LD 48 (Pos. 1): Ross Hunter (D)*LD 48 (Pos. 2): Joan McBride (D)LD 49 (Pos. 1): Sharon Wylie (D)*LD 49 (Pos. 2): Jim Moeller (D)*

http://www.wfse.org/get-involved/people-power/

25th Dist. House:

WFSE/AFSCME endorses Morrell, Zeiger

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Dawn Morrell(Prefers Democratic Party)

Melanie Stambaugh(Prefers Republican Party)

Hans Zeiger(Prefers Republican Party)

. I

, ,. .

HOUSE, POS.1

HOUSE, POS. 2We want labor champions in the

House who will stand with us on

what we call lunchbox issues im-

portant to public employees. Stood with us for improved pen-sions for high-risk state Institutionsjobs. Helped save historic PuyallupTrout Hatchery.

100% Right voting

record;voted for morescrutiny for outsourcing,tax loopholes.

A known champion for veterans;earned the Veterans Legislator of the YearAward. A critical care nurse who works with seniorsevery day, she has reduced property taxes forseniorson xed incomes.

Stambaugh is just 23-years-old,doesnt own a home or payproperty taxes, and lives with herparents.

We need a state representative who understands whatregular families go through, not someone who doesnthave much real life experience.

SOURCES: WFSE/AFSCME voting records;

dawnmorrell.org; www.facebook.com/melanieno-tinthehouse; Washington State Employee, 11/12.

26th Dist. House:WFSE/AFSCME endorses Schlicher, Seaquist

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Nathan Schlicher(Prefers Democratic Party)

Jesse Young(Prefers Republican Party)

Larry Seaquist(Prefers Democratic Party)

Michelle Caldier(Prefers Republican Party)

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HOUSE, POS.1

HOUSE, POS. 2

Former state senator with

100% Right voting re-cord for working families.Emergency room physician

who stood with us on health careand pensions.

Priority: Using hard-earned tax dollars to create jobshere, not overseas.

Young wants to allow big health

insurance companies to deny cover-age for basic services,like mam-mograms, cancer screenings andautism.Young works for a company thatoutsources jobs to India.Young wants to hit Middle Class families with a new tax onessentials, while cutting taxes for millionaires.

90% career Rightvoting recordon issuesimportant to Middle Classworkers. Voted for greater

scrutiny of outsourcing and tax loop-holes. Led successful drive bringing

accountability to the Washington Management Service.Seaquist voluntarily cut his own legislative pay by 5%,refuses taxpayer-funded health care and a pension.

Caldier is a political opportun-ist who will do anything to getelected. In fact, shes running as

a Republican, but was recentlya Democrat -- and a delegate forHillary Clinton in 2008; she recentlymoved to Port Orchard so that she can run for ofce.

Caldier opposes a healthcare bill that would createWashington jobsand help the poor and elderly.


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WFSE/AFSCME Washington State EmployeePage 6 November 2014

MEMBERS ONLY BENEFITS UPDATE

Scholarships available from our national union for you and your familyAFSCME offers a number of scholarship opportunities. Those deadlines are near. They can make a bigdifference in the face of rising tuition. And they offer career development for members.At the state level, WFSE/AFSCME offers a number of scholarships with later deadlines.For all scholarship opportunities, go to: http://www.wfse.org/member-benets/scholarship-info/

The William Lucy LaborScholarship is an annualscholarship grant coveringtuition and housing coststo enable a rank and leAFSCME leader to attendthe Harvard Trade UnionProgram. The scholarshipseeks applicants with a

William Lucy Labor Scholarship Fund

http://www.afscme.org/members/scholarships/william-lucy-labor-scholarship-fund

MORE ONLINE8

AFSCME ADVANTAGE SCHOLARSHIP GUIDE

AFSCME Family ScholarshipApplication deadline: Dec. 31

Are You Eligible?

To be eligible, you must: Be a graduating highschool senior whose parent,legal guardian or nanciallyresponsible grandparent is

Knowledge Is Power

Looking for nancial support for college? Each year theAFSCME Family Scholarship Program provides ten $2,000scholarships to high school seniors that will be renewed

for $2,000 each year for a maximum of four years, providedthe student remains enrolled in a full-time course of study. Thescholarship may be used for any eld of study.

a full dues-paying AFSCMEmember;

At the time the scholarshipis awarded, be enrolled ina full-time degree programeither at an accredited four-

year institution or at a two-yearinstitution that will transfercredits to a four-year institution;and

Have taken the SAT or theACT.

How to ApplyTo apply, you mustmeet all eligibilityrequirements as identiedabove. Make sure yourcomplete application, withall support documentation(essay, transcripts, letters

of recommendations, SATor ACT scores, proof ofAFSCME membership, etc.),is mailed together in oneenvelope, POSTMARKED NOLATER THAN DEC. 31, to:

AFSCME Family ScholarshipProgramAttention: AFSCMEAdvantage1625 L Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20036

If you have any questions,please call us at (202) 429-5066.

http://www.afscme.org/members/scholarships/afscme-family-scholarship

MORE ONLINE

Application deadline: Nov. 15

commitment to William Lucysmission of connecting laborissues and civil rights reectedin his work as foundingpresident of the Coalitionof Black Trade Unionists,as well as to his heritage ofinternational labor solidarityas founder of the Free South

Africa Movement.

The Harvard Trade UnionProgram (HTUP) is a six-week executive programdesigned to provide laborleaders with outstandingeducation and training inthe political, economic, andorganizational challengesconfronting labor unions.Founded in 1942, the HTUPhas counted among its

faculty former U.S. Cabinetofcials, preeminent publicintellectuals, and leadingpractitioners of labor lawand economics.

Money Management Educators newest WFSE/AFSCME Members Only Beneft

Since 1989, Money Management Educators hasbeen providing interactive seminars for groupsacross the United States both large and small.Staffed with volunteer instructors, MME is aneducation only company. MME is passionateabout nancial wellness education and itsinstructors are committed to teaching others how totake ownership of their nancial future.

MME provides our educational services for free.Its group seminars and individual employeeeducation sessions have proven to help employeesimplement real change in their lives througha better understanding of time-tested wealthaccumulation and protection principles and howthese can impact their overall health and well-being.

WFSE/AFSCMEs newest

Member Only Benet aims toimprove your wellbeing withfree nancial education.

The WFSE/AFSCMEMembers Only Benets Com-mittee on Oct. 4 approvedMoney Management Educators(MME) as the latest benet youget for being a full, dues-pay-ing member of the union.

Current representationfeepayers who are not mem-

bers of the union, can takeadvantage of this and the en-tire menu of Members OnlyBenets by paying a little moreto become full members ofWFSE/AFSCME.

Money Management Edu-cators (MME) is a non-prot,educational corporation that

has been providing nancialeducation services through on-site workshops and personaleducation sessions to employ-ers since 1989. There is gener-ally no cost to the company ortheir employees.

Machinists 751 members

at Boeing have used MoneyManagement Educators foryears to increase membersnancial power throughknow-how and planning.

MME is able to offer thisservice through the coop-eration of a network of localnancial services profes-sionals across the countrythat pay dues to support

the program and volunteera portion of their time toMMEs educational services.Because MME focuses exclu-sively on high quality nan-cial education, not particularproducts or services, there isnever the risk of a sales-pitch

often found with nancial in-stitutions.

MME provides multiplelevels of service tailored toeach organization and its spe-cic benets. Programs rangefrom cost-free local Lunchand Learn workshops to cost-effective customized memberinteraction with a high-touchemphasis. Workshops arehighly interactive using work-

books that attendees completethemselves for maximum in-formation retention.

For additional questions orto arrange a seminar in yourarea, contact Sharon Webbat 425-269-4629 or [email protected].

FOR MORE INFO.:8


7/8

MEMBERS ONLY BENEFITS SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH


AFSCME members are eligible to apply for the Gerald W. McEntee Scholarship. Awarded in

honor of former AFSCME Pres. Jerry McEntee, the $5,000 scholarship will go to the candidate

who best exemplifies President McEntees commitment to strengthening our union through

organizing, building political power for working families, defending workers rights, and

supporting public services. President McEntee served at the helm of AFSCME for 31 years and

grew our union to 1.6 million members while helping defeat efforts to privatize Social Security

and change Medicare.

The Gerald W. McEntee Scholarship will be awarded annually to an AFSCME member for use

towards higher education expenses. It is a one-time scholarship and may not be awarded twice

to the same member.

How to Apply

1. Applicants must first apply for the *Union Plus Scholarship.

Visit www.afscme.org/scholarships then click Union Plus Scholarship. (The Union Plus

Scholarship application also serves as the application for the Gerald W. McEntee

scholarship). Applications must be completed on-line.

2. In the essay portion of the application members will be asked to write an additional

essay for the McEntee scholarship. Answer yes to the question, Are you an AFSCMEmember? Members will be asked to write an essay of no more than 500 words

describing their commitment to the work led by President McEntee in areas such as new

organizing, political power for working people, and support for public services.

Scholarship applications are judged by a committee of impartial post -secondary educators.

*Union Plus Scholarship awards range from $500 to $4,000.

Application Opens: June 15th

Closes January 31st

Winners announced May 31st

http://www.afscme.org/members/scholarships/gerald-w-mcentee-scholarship

MORE ONLINE 8

Gerald W. McEnteeScholarship

The Union PlusScholarship program,sponsored by the Union

Plus Education Foundation,helps union members andtheir families defray the cost ofhigher education. Since 1992,the program has awarded over$3 million to deserving students.

How to ApplyMore information online: http://

www.afscme.org/members/scholarships/union-plus-scholarship

Application deadline: 12:00pm (noon, Eastern Time),Saturday, January 31, 2015.

Eligibility for Scholarships

Current and retired membersof unions participating in anyUnion Plus program, theirspouses and their dependentchildren (including fosterchildren, step children, andany other child for whom the

individual member providesgreater than 50% of his or hersupport) can apply for a UnionPlus Scholarship. (Participatingunion members from PuertoRico, Canada, Guam and VirginIslands and U.S. citizens areeligible.) Members do not haveto purchase any Union Plusprogram product or participatein any Union Plus programs toapply for the scholarships andscholarship awards are notbased upon participation in aUnion Plus program.

Union Plus ScholarshipApplication deadline: Jan. 31

The individual must beaccepted into an accreditedcollege or university,community college orrecognized technical ortrade school at the time

the award is issued. Note:Graduate students are noweligible.

Evaluation criteria

The scholarship programis open to studentsattending or planningto attend a college oruniversity, a communitycollege, or a technicalcollege or trade school.Applicants for scholarshipsare evaluated accordingto academic ability, socialawareness, fnancial need

and appreciation of labor.

Scholarship applicationsare judged by a committeeof impartial post secondaryeducators.

Scholarship awardamounts

The amount of the awardranges from $500 - $4,000.

Application deadline:Jan. 31

A MEMBERS ONLY BENEFIT for WFSE/AFSCME members and their families!

Questions? [email protected] 253-405-4547

Every Reason to SmileG e n e r a l S p e c i a l t y O r t h o d o n t i c s

Bright Now! Dental Save a minimum of 35% onout-of pocket costs with Exclusive Member Pricing

1-888-BRIGHT NOW(274-4486) www.brightnow.comBright Now! Dental benefits apply to individuals receiving general dental care in these offices only and not to services referred to specialists. Pricing is subject to the limitations of your plan. Specialty services are not offered in all locations. Fees will vary for specialty care.

Most dental benefits dont roll over to the next year and unused dentalbenefit dollars may be lost. So dont delay if you need dental care.Call a Bright Now! Dental office today!

USE WISELY

CHOOSE WISELY State open enrollment in November is a great time to choose the dental option

that makes the most sense for you and your family. Bright Now! Dental is availableto those in the Uniform Dental Plan (UDP) or Delta Care. (The Willamette option

cannot be used at a Bright Now! Dental office.)

before your dentaldollars expire

during openenrollment

I want to sincerely thank Barbara and Robin at AFLAC for all their help in processing my disability claim. I would have been in dire

straits if not for AFLAC and their help while off work for surgery and recovery. I cannot thank you enough for making it easier and less

nancially stressful while off work for four months -- I ran out of sick leave and my cash on hand did not last long. The Duck really

came through for me and I truly appreciate AFLAC! I would not have nancially survived without this help! -- Chevy Zarate, Local

1299

AFLAC, one of our Members Only Benets Partners. CONTACT: Barbara Dickson, (425) 827-8397 [email protected]

See all our Members Only Benets: www.wfse.org/member-benets/


8/8

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State EmployeePage 8 November 2014

ITS ABOUT OUR STRONG CONTRACTS

All nine WFSE/AFSCME contracts and the HealthCare Agreement for 2015-2017 were ratied bymembers in online voting that ended Sept. 30.These are contracts bargained under the PersonnelSystem Reform Act of 2002.

Here are the results:

Central Washington University RATIFIED 51-13

Community College Coalition(of 12 CommunityColleges) RATIFIED (format of results reportingdetermined by the bargaining team)

Eastern Washington University RATIFIED 97-73

General Government RATIFIED 3,698 481

The Evergreen State College Classied StaffRATIFIED 52-4

University of Washington RATIFIED 524-144

University of Washington Police ManagementRATIFIED 8-0

Washington State University RATIFIED 45-1

Western Washington University RATIFIED 136-4

Health Care Agreement RATIFIED 4,546-368NOTE: The Health Care Agreement vote by members had the result of ratifying thatagreement for all state employee unions because as the two-thirds majority member ofthe coalition, the WFSE/AFSCME vote was determinative. The Federation vote on theHealth Care Agreement included all the contracts covered above (those authorized by thePersonnel System Reform Act of 2002) plus two higher ed groups with contracts underother bargaining laws: Renton Technical Collegeand the TESC Student SupportServices Staff Union.

All contracts ratifed!

The tally was certied by the Council 28

Election Committee of (from left): Gabe

Hall(Green Hill School) representing

General Government; Bryce Flexer

of Western Washington Universityrepresenting the four-year higher

education institutions; and Alanna Gehr

of South Puget Sound Community College

representing the Community College

Coalition.

CWU

Tentative agreements online:

http://www.wfse.org/ratication-ash/

Tentative agreements:

Major gains in tough economic times

All nine contracts ratied (see box at right)achieved major goals in tough economictimes. Heres a summary:

Central WashingtonUniversity:

3% increase in 2015; 1.8%increase in 2016. A guaranteed me-too withGeneral Government and awage re-opener clause. Two new personal leavedays. Call back pay extended toLaw Enforcement Ofcers. Increase shift premium payto $1.25 per hour.

COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Community College Coalition:

3% increase in 2015;in 2016 employees willreceive the greater of 1.8%or 1% plus about $.11/hr.

Employees will receivethe initial 1% and then theadditional .8% or about $.11/hr. This language achievesa larger increase for thoseemployees in classicationsassigned to pay ranges below$15.00/hr.

FIRST TIME EVERSALARY INCREASESFOR PART-TIME HOURLYMEMBERS:2% in 2015 and2% in 2016. Additional 2.5% salaryincrease for specic jobclassications listed in thecontracts Appendix X. TWO additional PersonalLeave days added for a totalof FOUR. ONE additional day ofBereavement Leave for a totalof FIVE. Double-time and a half-pay for those working during

suspended operations. New language on hiringpart-time hourlies. New language on additionalsafety training.

EWU

Eastern WashingtonUniversity:

3% increase in 2015; 1% in2016 and a signing paymentof $150 on 7/25/15. Guaranteed increases forthose making less than $15per hour. 2-step pay increase aftertwo consecutive days ofperforming duties at a higherclassication. A guaranteed me-too withGeneral Government and awage re-opener clause. Two new personal leavedays. Call back pay increased to 3hours. A 2-step increase is addedfor those who work a oatingschedule.

New language for parentalleave.

GENERAL GOVT.

General Government:

3% increase in 2015;in 2016 employees willreceive the greater of 1.8%or 1% plus about $.11/hr.

Employees will receivethe initial 1% and then theadditional .8% or about $.11/hr. This language achievesa larger increase for thoseemployees in classicationsassigned to pay ranges below$15.00/hr. At least a 2.5% increase forspecic classications listedin Appendix X this bringsadditional increases to over4,500 employees. Permanency given topersonal leave days sunsetclause removed. Call back pay expanded tonon-shift employees. Many new or increasedassignment pay rates. Mandatory Subjectslanguage changed from

bargaining the impacts of achange, to bargaining overthe change in accordancewith law.

TESC

The Evergreen State CollegeClassied Staff:

3% increase in 2015; 1% in2016. A guaranteed me-too withGeneral Government and awage re-opener clause. Step M becomes apermanent step to which

employees covered by thecontract would move one yearafter Step L. Preserved both personalleave days and removedsunset language. Callback pay eligibility forlaw enforcement employees. 5% additional compensationfor Campus Police Ofcersassigned FTO/PTO duties. Increased vacation leaveaccrual rates for employeeswith 20 through 24 years and25 years and beyond. Paid time off in additionto 1 1/2 times penalty pay

for employees required towork the during rst day ofsuspended operations.

UW

University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center:

3% increase in 2015; 2% in2016. Guaranteed increases forthose making less than $12per hour.

Additional increases for sixclassications FMLA problem solved!Employees who receive timeloss may elect to receive timeloss exclusively without beingrequired to take accrued paidleave.

UWPM

UW Police Management:

3% across the boardincrease effective 7/1/15; 2%across the board increaseeffective 7/1/16. Added an additional step. Annual tness incentive andincentive pay. Increased longevity pay by1%. Increased standby pay from$2.75 to $3.75

WSU

Washington State University

3% increase in 2015; 1.8%in 2016. Promotions to the entry step

or two step increase not toexceed Step M, whichever isgreater. Elevation to the entry stepor two step increase not toexceed Step M, whichever isgreater. Reallocation position salaryto be set at a minimum 2steps or entry step whicheveris greater. Salary following layoffif current salary exceedssalary range of new position,employee will be placed in

Step M. Status quo on PerformanceEvaluations. New language for parentalleave.

WWU

Western WashingtonUniversity:

3% increase in 2015; 1%in 2016; signing payment of$250 on 7/25/15. Wage re-opener clause

should the 2015 Legislaturenot fully fund the salary

increases. If General Governmentreceives compensation at ahigher level than agreed to byWWU and the union, WFSErepresented employeeswill receive the same; thisincludes implementation ofthe salary survey results. Commitment to continue topay a $15 minimum [step inrange closest to $15 an hour]. Shift Premium increasedfrom $.65 per hour to $1.00per hour.

Your 15% share of healthpremiums wont go up.Theagreement continues theexisting levels where the statepays 85% of premium costsand employees pay 15%;

Point of service costs forUMP will not change for thepurpose of cost-shiftingonto state employees:Point-of-service costs likeco-pays and deductibles inthe Uniform Medical Planwont change for the purposeof shifting costs on to stateemployees.However, the state can makechanges only in two narrowlydened areas: Steer members towardslower cost health care

HEALTH CARE AGREEMENT

Health Care Agreement,2015-2017(affects costs in calendar years 2016

and 2017)

services that have provento be of higher quality.These are so-called value-based plan design reasons,such as raising co-pays forunnecessary emergency roomuse; and

To comply with any newfederal legal requirements,for example if the federalgovernment mandates that

a particular preventativeprocedure should be no cost.

ALSO: The state continuespaying the entire premiumcosts for your basic life, basiclong-term disability and dentalinsurance coverage.

These were important goalsyour Health Care CoalitionBargaining Team set out toachieve so that costs arentsimply shifted onto you.

washington state employee 11/2014

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