1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

Nearly 50,000 public service workers in Washington State, represented by AFSCME Council 28, plan to strike on September 10 to demand fair wages, safe staffing levels, and better working conditions. Contract negotiations between the union and the state's Office of Financial Management have stalled on key issues like compensation and staffing. The state's proposed terms amount to an effective pay cut for the 2025-27 contracts, despite evidence of a staffing crisis with 40% turnover in the last eight years due to resignations alone. Workers are leaving these critical public service jobs in droves due to insufficient pay and benefits. The strike, branded as "Walkout for Washington," will impact state agencies, community colleges, and universities across 130 worksites statewide. Significant walkouts are expected at major facilities like the Department of Labor and Industries headquarters, the University of Washington, and Western State Hospital. This collective action aims to secure a contract that respects and protects these essential workers and the communities they serve. Fair compensation and staffing levels are crucial to maintaining vital public services like behavioral health, transportation, juvenile rehabilitation, and education.