State Employee
VOL. 37 NO. 7
SEPTEMBER 2009
FACTS & MYTHS ABOUT HEALTH CARE REFORM
Gaining back some of the $1 billion in
economic sacrifices to be major focus
of next round of bargaining in 2010
Union advocates sup-
plemental bargaining
For first time, members
can directly submit
contract proposals
The latest contract has
just kicked in, but prepara-
tion for negotiations on the
next, 2011-2013 contracts has
begun with a focus on regain-
ing some of the more than $1
billion in economic sacrifices
made by WFSE/AFSCME
members in 2009.
The union will also
advocate for supplemental
bargaining. The procedure ad-
opted by the WFSE/AFSCME
Gainsharing lawsuit hearing set for Oct. 30
The legal wheels con-
tinue to move on the union’s
lawsuit to overturn the
Legislature’s 2007 decision
to end gainsharing for PERS
3 and PERS 1 retirement
State Convention Oct. 2-4, SeaTac
Details: www.wfse.org > Convention 2009
WASHINGTON
Smaller groups of members (like Parks, above) could enter into agency-specif-
ic supplemental bargaining under the union’s 2011-2013 bargaining structure.
Executive Board Aug. 30 sets
that foundation.
And for the first time
members can directly submit
ideas for the new collective
bargaining agreement.
WFSE/AFSCME mem-
bers will be able to submit
contract proposal ideas
directly to the union. Locals,
system members.
A summary judgment
hearing has been scheduled
for Oct. 30 in King County
Superior Court.
See SUIT, page 8
policy committees, the State-
wide Executive Board and the
union executive director can
still submit proposals.
Contract proposal forms
and statewide bargaining
team nomination forms were
to be mailed out Sept. 10.
Contract proposals must
be in by Oct. 31. Nominations
for the respective bargaining
teams must be in by Oct. 5.
Ballots listing nominees
for the respective bargaining
teams will go in the mail the
week of Oct. 22.
The bargaining structure
See 2011-2013, page 4
If you’re a represented non-member
fee payer and you don’t wish to
receive this publication, e-mail us
at wfse@wfse.org, or write: WFSE/
AFSCME, 1212 Jefferson St. S.E.,
Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501
The official newspaper of the
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE
EMPLOYEES/AFSCME Council 28•AFL-CIO
And what you
can do
to make it
happen.
Details, page 6.
ALSO INSIDE:
See page 5.
Tim Eyman’s latest, Initiative 1033, is already a proven failur
why a broad coalition including the Washington State Labor C
Food and Commercial Workers Local 21, Washington Educat
many others are opposed to I-1033.
I-1033 will make it harder for working
families to dig out of the recession. The
national recession has already cost our state thousands
of jobs and forced billions in cutbacks to important
local services, like education and health care.
I-1033 will force deeper cuts and lock them in for
years – meaning more job losses, more hard times for
Washington families, and a longer delay before our
economy to recover.
I-1033 threatens education, health care,
and other basic services. This year we’ve
slashed school funding by $1.5 billion, and as many as
3,000 teachers and education employees are facing
layoffs. The Eyman TABOR plan will take even more
resources away from Washington’s classrooms – and
Washington’s kids.
And despite a growing senior population, funding for
nursing homes, in-home care and adult day health
She gets it--why doesn’t management?
services are being cut – and 40,000 Washington
residents are losing their Basic Health Plan coverage.
Under I-1033 these cuts would become permanent.
The daughter of a Western State Hospital Local 793 member joins in the Aug.
13 rally against a new roundThe
of Office
ward closures, layoffs
of Financial and contracting
Management out. “. . .
says that:
Details, page 2. the initiative reduces state general fund revenues that
support education; social, health and environmental
Supplemental bargaining moves in DOC
services; and general government activities by an
estimated $5.9 billion by 2015.”
The supplementalI-1033
bar- is misleading
froze bargaining on DOC- Limiting expe
and complicated.
gaining process has started specifi
population growth andcinflation,
issues Eyman’s latest initiative falls
for Department of Correc-
health care, educationTheand DOC
otherSupplemental
basic services. While I-1033
tions members over someway will haveBargaining
many unintended Team met Aug.
consequences.
agency-specific issues that 27 and was set to meet again
couldn’t be negotiated in the of Washington,
Sept. 17.
I-1033 is opposed by: AARP Washington, American Federation of Teach
Network Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Group H
current, 2009-2011 contract. Stay up Sierra
Parenthood Votes! Washington, to date atWashington
Club, www. Education Asso
This spring’s unsuc-Income wfse.org > WFSE Blogs > Cor-
Housing Alliance, Washington State Hospital Association, Washi
Washington Senior Citizen's Lobby, Microsoft, Washington Association o
cessful decertification effort rections BU.
Paid for by the No on 1033 Committee. 603 Stewa
INSIDE:
Members-only benefits update -- 7
Family Fun Page -- 8
Shared leave requests -- 2

At Western State
Hospital, members
march against layoffs
The grassroots effort to
take charge against the targets
on their backs stopped at
Western State Hospital Aug.
13.
More than 100 people
attended a rally there to
support employees facing
layoffs. WSH managers have
announced layoffs in response
to the governor’s directive to
agencies to cut 2 percent that
will affect about 65 jobs. Em-
ployees, through their local
union, Local 793, have offered
suggestions of how to cut
costs without cutting jobs.
The entire physical ther-
apy clinic and all recreation
and athletics specialists (RAS)
1 and 2 are at risk. Recreation
and athletics 3 and 4 will be
retained, but the cuts mean
“more time left idle,” said
Gordon Monk (RAS2).
“This cut will impact pa-
tients’ quality of care direct-
ly,” Monk said. “Recreation
allows for positive outlets and
improves skills - progress is
measurable through testing.
The direct contact helps reveal
the patients’ needs and fears.
More idle time will increase
UNION NEWS
Second in a series
State Sen. Mike Carrell supports
Local 793 picketers.
the danger to self and others.”
Arthur Wayne Simonson
has been employed for 35
years, and is currently safe
from the threat of layoff as
an RAS3, but he has concerns
Members march past the administration building at Western State Hospital in Lakewood Aug. 13.
about the impact to patients.
“It’s a safety issue,” Simonson
said. “Less hands at the train- issues is impaired. I’m afraid staff the clinic. “A supervisor and it’s about safety – for
ing session, means we can do the solution will involve TV informed us that they would employees and for patients,”
less for patients.” and DVDs and less interac- begin contracting out the said Sean Dannen, WFSE/
“This will leave a single tion.” work. I’m not sure how that AFSCME council representa-
staffer with 15-20 in a group Rodney Stanley, a is supposed to save the state tive.
session,” added Dee Foster, a therapy assistant in the money,” Stanley added. Another rally took place
25-year veteran. As an RAS2, Physical Therapy Clinic, “We need more mental Sept. 2 on layoffs—and a new
she is directly impacted by the said, “closing the clinic won’t health services, not less,” Sen. proposal to bring in a private
layoff. “Whether it’s arts and remove WSH’s obligation to Mike Carrell, R-28th Dist., told contractor to shared half the
crafts, a walk or organized ex- provide physical therapy. It’s the crowd. building housing the Program
ercise, the direct contact and required under Medicaid.” “Today’s rally is about for Adaptive Living Skills
ability to address individual Four employees currently respect, it’s about process, (PALS).

Natural Resources Task Force meets Child Welfare steering

The union’s Natural
Resources Task Force was
scheduled to meet Sept. 11 to
continue its watchdog work
as the state continues its leg-
islatively mandated study of
consolidating natural resource
services.
The task force includes
members from Ecology,
Natural Resources, Fish and
Wildlife, Parks and Recreation
and several other agencies
that perform natural resource
services.
SHARED LEAVE
REQUESTS
committee meets key
The Legislature this year
ordered the governor to con- lawmaker
vene a workgroup to recom-
mend consolidations. The union’s steering
The WFSE/AFSCME committee on privatization
Natural Resources Task Force pilot projects in DSHS Child
will meet to review the state’s Welfare Services meet with
research, develop a strategy Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-32nd Dist.,
to get member feedback and Aug. 15 in SeaTac.
craft any sensible alternatives. Kagi, chair of the House
The chair is Scott Mallery, Early Learning and Children’s
an Ecology member from Spo- Services Committee, listened
kane Local 1221, who chairs to concerns about the legisla- From left: Jeanine Livingston, WFSE/AFSCME’s director of contract compli-
the union’s Natural Resources tively mandated move to set ance; Kagi; Connie Drake, Local 1253, Tri-Cities; Joe Mienko, Local 53,
Policy Committee. up two privatization pilots over Tacoma; and Larry Crumet, Local 1221,Spokane.
the next six years.
If you’ve been approved to receive off the job at least six months. Contact: of Local 843, has an ongoing medical
shared leave by your agency or institu- JoAnn Wutschik at (206) 543-2805. condition and has exhausted all leave.
tion, you can place a notice here. Once She is in dire need of shared leave. Con-
you’ve been approved by your agency Sharon Gray, a secretary supervisor tact: Marilyn Nichol at (425) 590-3048.
or institution, WFSE/AFSCME can place with the Department of Corrections

State Employee
WASHINGTON
Washington State Employee (USPS 981-
200) is published monthly, except February
and July, for $5.08 per year by the Washing-
ton Federation of State Employees/AFSCME
Council 28 • AFL-CIO, 1212 Jefferson St. S.E.
Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501. Affiliated with
the American Federation of State, County
and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
Periodicals postage paid at Olympia, WA
and at additional offices. Circulation:
40,000.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Washington State Employee, 1212 Jefferson
St SE Suite 300 Olympia WA 98501-7501
Carol Dotlich, President
Greg Devereux, Executive Director
Editor Tim Welch
e-mail: tim@wfse.org • Internet: www.wfse.org
Member, ILCA
Page 2
your shared leave request here and on-
line. E-mail the editor at tim@wfse.org.
Or call 1-800-562-6002.
• The following could use a donation
of eligible unused annual leave or sick
leave or all or part of your personal
holiday:
Robert Steele, an information technol-
ogy specialist 3 with DSHS in Olympia
and a member of Local 443, is suffering
from Morton’s Neuroma, a condition that
prevents him from walking without pain.
He has used up all his leave. Contact:
Gayle Hatfield at hatfiga@dshs.wa.gov
or Judi Rogers at rogerja3@dshs.
wa.gov.
Gary Jefferson, a truck driver 2 at the
University of Washington and a member
of Local 1488, is undergoing treatment
for stomach cancer. He is on extended
leave for surgery and continued radiation
and chemotherapy treatments. He will be
WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee
at RAP/Lincoln Park Work Release in
Tacoma and a member of Local 53, is
continuing cancer treatments following
recent surgery. Contact: Tracy Wynder at
(360) 486-2218.
Shawnte Papac, a fiscal analyst 1 with
DSHS in Olympia and a member of
Local 443, is battling a sudden medical
condition and she needs shared leave
to support her family as a single parent.
She will be off the job at least another
three months. Contact: Liz Fuller at (360)
664-5926.
Dorothy Brown, an attendant counselor
1 at Fircrest School in Shoreline and a
member of Local 341, is on extended
medical leave and is in need of shared
leave. Contact: Theresa McHale at (206)
361-3015.
Daphnee Thompson, a secretary senior
at the DSHS Kent South Division of Chil-
dren and Family Services and a member
Luana Gilley, an unemployment insur-
ance specialist 3 with the Employment
Security Department at the King County
Telecenter in Seattle and a member of
Local 435, has been hospitalized and
will be having surgeries and then recov-
ery. Contact: Kathleen Young at (360)
902-9413.
Rodney Shaw, a psychiatric security
attendant at Western State Hospital in
Lakewood and a member of Local 793,
has been approved for shared leave.
Contact: Dave Wiggen at (253) 761-
3366.
Allison Curry, a program coordinator
at Eastern Washington University in
Cheney and a member of Local 931, is
still in need of shared leave because of
migraines and is caring for her husband
who is awaiting a kidney transplant.
Contact: The EWU payroll office at (509)
359-4810.
September 2009
 PRE-BARGAINING 2011-2013
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES
AFSCME COUNCIL 28, AFL-CIO
BARGAINING STRUCTURE FOR
2011-2013 NEGOTIATIONS
STATE OF WASHINGTON
(General Government and Institutions of Higher Education)
The Washington Federation of State Employees Executive Board has established
the following structure for bargaining and ratification of master agreements with
the State of Washington and the Institutions of Higher Education. The Executive
Board has the specific power to call a strike, following a strike authorization vote,
and to order a return to work from a strike.
BARGAINING TEAMS
Only WFSE members in the appropriate bargaining units will be eligible to nomi-
nate and/or vote in the election of any bargaining team member. Members must
be current state employees and members in good standing of WFSE to serve on
any bargaining team.
Responsibilities: The bargaining teams will develop the initial bargaining proposal
to be presented to the employer, and then negotiate with the State of Washington
or the respective Institution of Higher Education. The bargaining teams approve
final contract language for membership ratification or recommend rejection of the
tentative agreement or final employer offer. The bargaining teams at the table
have the power to alter, modify, change, or concede on all issues to obtain the
best possible language, and reach a tentative agreement, or declare that the team
has reached an impasse. The bargaining teams have the power to refer specific
issues to supplemental committees. The responsibilities of the bargaining team
members are to be accountable, be committed to the process, be open-minded
and realistic, be available, and to identify experts or specialists in specific agency
issues, contracting, classifications, and other subject matters.
Voting on the bargaining teams will be one (1) vote for each bargaining team
member present.
The four (4) Council officers will be automatic members of their respective
bargaining team, with a voice and a vote. The Council officers may attend
bargaining sessions of any other bargaining team, as the Council President
deems necessary.
The Council President may remove any bargaining team member who, after
careful investigation, is determined to have violated the bargaining team’s rules
of conduct or the AFSCME International Constitution (see Article X, Section 2),
or who has acted inappropriately as a bargaining team member. Any bargaining
team member removed from a bargaining team may appeal the decision of the
Council President to the Council Executive Committee plus one bargaining team
member chosen by the appellant’s bargaining team.
ELECTION OF BARGAINING TEAM MEMBERS
Higher Education: WFSE members in all WFSE bargaining units in each In-
stitution of Higher Education bargaining in a coalition will elect bargaining team
members to the coalition bargaining team(s) based on the number of bargaining
unit employees in each institution as follows:
Number of Bargaining Number of Team
Unit Employees Members
1-100 1
101-300 2
Over 300 3
WFSE members in all WFSE bargaining units in each of the other Institutions
of Higher Education, except the University of Washington, will elect up to nine
(9) bargaining team members to their institution-wide bargaining team. WFSE
members in bargaining units at the University of Washington will elect their
bargaining team in accordance with the Local 1488 constitution.
Each institution should have at least one representative at the table. The Council
President may appoint bargaining team members to any Higher Education
bargaining team from any bargaining unit within that Higher Education institution
not represented on the elected team or to fill vacant seats.
In preparation for supplemental bargaining, members from each Higher Education
Institution or appropriate sub-unit will nominate and elect up to 6 representatives
from each bargaining unit or appropriate sub-unit to serve as supplemental
bargaining team members. Any Institutions who have representatives on the
coalition or institution-wide bargaining team will be part of the supplemental team
as well.
General Government: WFSE Members of all WFSE General Government bar-
gaining units will elect bargaining team members to the statewide General Gov-
ernment bargaining team from each General Government Policy Group, based on
as follows:
September 2009 WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee
Number of Bargaining Number of Team
Unit Employees Members
1-1,999 1
2,000-3,999 2
4,000-5,999 3
6,000 or more 4
In preparation for supplemental bargaining, members from each general govern-
ment bargaining unit or appropriate sub-unit will nominate and elect representa-
tives from each bargaining unit or appropriate sub-unit to serve as supplemental
bargaining team members. Any agencies who have representatives on the
bargaining team will be part of the supplemental team as well.
Team members will be nominated and elected by the WFSE members in the
bargaining unit(s) encompassed by each Policy Group. For the Miscellaneous
and Natural Resources Policy Groups, not more than one team member will be
elected for any one agency. For the Institutions Policy Group, not more than one
team member will be elected for any one institution or group (i.e. SOLA). Ties
will be decided by run off. Election of the team members will be completed no
later than January 15, 2010. The Council President may appoint additional
members to the team as required.
Should a member of the bargaining team need to be replaced, the position will
be filled. The replacement team member will be the next runner-up from the
original election. If there is no runner-up, the Council President will appoint the
replacement.
If WFSE is certified to a bargaining unit representing more than 100 employees
in a new agency after the bargaining team is elected, but before bargaining is
concluded, an additional member of the bargaining team will be elected by the
WFSE members in that agency’s bargaining unit(s) following the same process as
in the original elections.
The Collective Bargaining Committee (CBC) will review and approve all election
processes for all bargaining teams.
HEALTH CARE COALITION
The Council President will serve on the Health Care Coalition bargaining team.
In addition, each of the Higher Education bargaining teams will select one (1)
member, and the General Government team will select three (3) members. If
there is no member willing to serve from one (1) or more of the Higher Education
bargaining teams, the Council President may appoint a member from the
associated Higher Education bargaining team institution(s).
PROPOSALS
Contract proposals may be submitted by: a member, locals; policy commit-
tees; the WFSE Executive Board, and the WFSE Executive Director. Council 28
bargaining teams and staff will use surveys of the bargaining unit employees as
needed during bargaining.
Contract proposals must be submitted to the WFSE Headquarters office by 5:00
p.m. October 31, 2009. Proposals must be submitted on the WFSE contract
proposal form, which will be accessible on the WFSE website, and must include:
(1) the contract article and section to be changed, or an indication that it is a new
concept; (2) documentation to support the proposal; (3) the problem the pro-
posal is meant to address; and (4) the proposal and (5) the name and local of the
member or the number/name of the subordinate body submitting the proposal.
Each contract proposal form will be assigned a tracking number so that it can be
followed through the negotiating process. Contract proposal forms must be filled
out completely.
WFSE staff will assess contract proposals for legality and consolidate duplicate
proposals. The resulting proposals will then be passed on to the appropriate
bargaining team(s) for debate, possible revision, and a vote to support or reject.
COMMUNICATION WITH MEMBERS
Informing and involving bargaining unit employees during the bargaining process
will be key to winning support for a strong contract and ratification of a final agree-
ment.
A communication strategy will be developed involving frequent dissemination
of information from each bargaining team to a wide net of activists including
stewards, MAT leaders, local officers and board members, Council executive
board members and committee members. The e-mail network, website and
hotline will be available to provide immediate communication. Mailings will
be used, especially as the pace of bargaining picks up during negotiations on
economic issues, final tentative agreements and throughout ratification. When
necessary, staff may distribute a press release to the mainstream media.
Council 28 Field Offices and Headquarters will be hubs for distribution of
information materials and tools for job actions.
At the conclusion of negotiations, a system will be developed to allow the
disposition of all proposals to be communicated back to the members.
At the conclusion of bargaining, a debriefing will occur with bargaining team mem-
bers and at the supplemental team levels to discuss the process. A copy of this
document will be made available prior to the debriefing for members to propose
amendments to be submitted to the CBC for consideration.
Page 3

2011-2013, from page 1
and nomination/election
procedure appear on pages 3
and 4 of this newspaper. The
documents are also available
online at www.wfse.org >
Bargaining 2011-2013.
Actual bargaining would
likely start in late winter or
early spring of 2010.
The teams from the last
round of bargaining will be
invited to a pre-convention
debriefing Oct. 1. That infor-
mation and advice will be
used to develop an intensive
training program for the next
bargaining teams.
Submitting proposals
For the first time, mem-
bers can send in their contract
proposals directly to the
union. In the past, members
had to submit ideas first to
their local or policy commit-
tee.
A proposal form is due in
the mail to you with a post-
age-paid return envelope.
You can also submit ideas
PRE-BARGAINING 2011-2013
electronically at www.wfse.
org > Bargaining 2011-2013.
You can also log on there to
download additional forms.
The deadline for mem-
bers, locals, policy commit-
tees, the Statewide Executive
Board and executive director
to submit proposals is 5 p.m.,
Saturday, Oct. 31.
Statewide bargaining team
elections
The number and for-
mula for team size in Higher
Education remain the same
for the respective statewide
teams (except possibly for the
University of Washington,
which will elect according to
the procedures in the Local
1488 constitution).
A nomination form is due
in the mail to you in the same
packet with the bargaining
proposal form.
You can also go online at
www.wfse.org > Bargaining
2011-2013 to download addi-
tional nomination forms.
The deadline for nomina-
tions to be received in WFSE/
AFSCME Council 28 Head-
quarters is 5 p.m., Oct. 5, 2009.
For the next round of bar-
gainig, the General Govern-
ment team will be streamlined
with a formula allotting seats
by the number of bargain-
ing unit employees in each
of the union’s eight General
Government policy groups.
Under that formula, the team
size will be 20 (but it could
change if numbers increase or
decrease in a respective policy
group). Statewide officers
from General Government
would also sit on the team.
Currently, that’s three. Del-
egates to the union conven-
tion in October elect the four
officers.
Under the formula in
the bargaining structure, the
General Government team
will have the following repre-
sentatives (assuming numbers
of bargaining unit employees
remain current):
Corrections – 1
Employment Security – 2
Human Services – 4
Institutions – 4
Labor and Industries – 2
Miscellaneous – 3
Natural Resources – 2
Transportation – 2
Here are the major dead-
lines for nominations and
elections (see procedure docu-
ment below for full details):
• Call for nominations
mailed no later than Sept. 10.
• Deadline for nomina-
tions: Oct. 5.
• Ballots mailed week of
Oct. 22.
• Ballots must be returned
by Nov. 13.
• Ballot counting starts
Nov. 16 and winners notified
by Nov. 23.
• Ties will be decided by
a run-off election that must be
finished by Jan. 15, 2010.
Supplemental bargaining
The union laid the
groundwork for supplemen-
tal bargaining for the next
contract.
Supplemental issues are
those affecting employees
in one bargaining unit or
agency or institution or other
subgroup, not necessarily the
general membership.
The idea is to have
smaller groups bargain those
supplemental issues away
from the main tables. That
would allow the bargaining
teams to focus on economic
and other issues affecting all
those covered by the con-
tracts.
Supplemental bargain-
ing would be handled by
smaller teams elected from
each higher education institu-
tion (or appropriate sub-unit)
and each general government
agency (or appropriate sub-
unit).
Supplemental teams
The WFSE/AFSCME
Executive Committee and
Collective Bargaining Com-
mittee were to meet Sept.
10 to craft nomination and
election procedures for the
smaller supplemental bar-
gaining teams.

GENERAL GOVERNMENT AND HIGHER EDUCATION 2011-2013
NEGOTIATING TEAMS NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS PROCEDURE
13) Ballots will include voting instructions and names of eligible nominees, in al-
Elections for statewide general government and higher education coalition and
institution-wide bargaining teams will be by mail ballot in accordance with the fol-
lowing procedures. A local may determine a different election procedure for any
higher education bargaining team where all eligible voters are members of one
local.
1) Those eligible for nomination will be members in good standing and currently
employed in a General Government or Higher Education WFSE bargaining
unit.
file as of October 22, 2009.
phabetical order, Policy Group and agency/institution within that Policy Group
for General Government. Ballots for Institution of Higher Education, except the
University of Washington, will include voting instructions and names of eligible
nominees, in alphabetical order. Ballots for the University of Washington will
include voting instructions and names of eligible nominees, in alphabetical
order. Included with the ballots, but on separate paper, will be factual informa-
tion on each nominee, if provided by the nominee. Also included will be an
envelope for the ballot and a postage-paid envelope for return to Council 28
Headquarters.

2) Nominations will be accepted from any WFSE member eligible for nomination.
Eligible WFSE members may nominate themselves or another eligible WFSE
member in the same Agency/Institution of Higher Education (except UW). Eli-
gible members employed by the University of Washington will nominate and
elect in accordance with the Local 1488 constitution.
3) Call for nominations will be mailed to all eligible members no later than Sep-
tember 10, 2009
4) Nomination forms must be filled in completely and must include the nominator
and nominee names, agency/institution and contact phone numbers. Nomina-
tions received without the required information will not be accepted.
5) Information on the nomination form must be legible.
14) The election of negotiating team members by general government Policy Group
and Institution of Higher Education, except the University of Washington, shall
be determined by the highest number of votes cast per nominee and shall not
require a majority of the votes cast. The University of Washington process
will be in accordance with the Local 1488 constitution. In those Policy Groups
where only one team member may be from an agency, institution or group,
subsequent team members shall be by the highest number of votes cast in a
different agency, institution or group. Ties will be decided by run off. Alternates
shall be ranked by the number of votes cast per nominee in the election.
15) If there are fewer nominees than team positions for a general government Policy
Group, Institution of Higher Education or University of Washington bargaining
unit/off-site location then no balloting will be required, and the nominees will
be declared elected by acclamation.

6) Nominations must be received, in writing, at Council 28 Headquarters no later
than 5:00 pm on October 5, 2009.
7) An attempt will be made to contact each nominee (unless self nominated) to
give him/her the opportunity to decline the nomination. If the nominee cannot
be reached or does not respond, his/her name will be placed on the ballot. If
the nominee declines the nomination, his/her name will not be placed on the
ballot.
8) Nominees may provide factual information not to exceed 75 words regarding
themselves for use during the election process. This information must be re-
ceived at WFSE Headquarters no later than 5:00 pm, October 13, 2009.
9) Elections for each general government Policy Group or Institution of Higher
Education participating in mail ballot elections will be held separately and
nominees will be placed on the ballot and be eligible for election from the gen-
eral government Policy Group, Institution of Higher Education or University of
Washington bargaining unit/off-site location in which WFSE has record of their
employment.
10) If a nominee becomes employed in a different agency covered by a different
general government Policy Group, Institution of Higher Education or University
of Washington bargaining unit/off-site location and wishes to be considered a
nominee from the new area, the nominee must request and provide documenta-
tion of employment to WFSE Headquarters by 5:00 p.m. October 13, 2009.
16) Ballots will be mailed the week of October 22, 2009.
17) The deadline for ballots to be received in the WFSE Headquarters office will be
5:00 p.m. on November 13, 2009. Ballots will be counted beginning November
16, 2009 until completed.
18) All ballots will be in two envelopes so each person voting can be verified dur-
ing the count and any invalid ballots can be easily identified while maintaining
confidentiality of the ballots. The outside envelope must bear the voters full
name and address.
19) Nomination forms for bargaining team members will be available at the Council
28 Biennial Convention in Sea-Tac. For on-site voting, members without picture
identification or whose names do not appear on a membership list may vote a
challenged ballot.
20) Individuals elected without run-off will be notified in writing by November 23,
2009. The results of the elections will be published by Council 28 and sent to
all members eligible to vote. Results will be available for inquiry at Council 28
Headquarters prior to publication.
21) Any candidate whose name is to appear on the ballot may have an official ob-
server present of her/his own choosing (who must be a member of the WFSE)
in the location ballots bearing her/his name are to be counted. The candidate
shall notify Council 28 Headquarters of his or her choice of observer.

11) Those eligible to vote will be the same as those eligible to be nominated. 22) Any protest concerning the conduct of the election must be received, in writing,
at Council 28 Headquarters addressed to the Council 28 Elections Committee
12) Ballots will be sent to all members eligible to vote at the address WFSE has on by 5:00 pm December 7, 2009.
Page 4 WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee September 2009
 NO ON 1033!

Why Initiative 1033 is a bad

Tim Eyman’s latest, Initiative 1033, is already a proven failure. It’ll make times even harder for working families. That’s
why a broad coalition including the Washington State Labor Council, Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, United
Food and Commercial Workers Local 21, Washington Education Association, Washington State Nurses Association, and

idea for you and your family

many others are opposed to I-1033.

I-1033 will make it harder for working

families to dig out of the recession. The Eyman’s TABOR Plan is already a
national recession has already cost our state thousands proven failure
of jobs and forced billions in cutbacks to important
local services, like education and health care. In 1992 Colorado became the only state in the nation to

Initiative 1033 is Tim

impose a revenue limit like the one in I-1033. By 2005
Just the facts...
Get involved:
I-1033 will force deeper cuts and lock them in for things got so bad that Colorado voters - led by a bi-

Eyman’s latest attempt

years – meaning more job losses, more hard times for
Washington families, and a longer delay before our
partisan coalition of business leaders, teachers, seniors,
healthcare providers, and firefighters - voted to suspend
The wording of the I-1033 ballot title on the Nov. 3 General
to choke off revenue
economy to recover. the law for five
state.
Election to
years stop the deterioration of their
Ballot: You can help win the fight
against I-1033.
forthreatens
I-1033 the vital state health
education, ser- care, Ballot Title
Call April Sims in the WFSE/
andvices you
other basic provide.
services. This year we’ve 1033-like spending limits Initiative
forced Measure
Colorado No.consistently
to 1033 concerns
AFSCME Legislative and
under-fund key public services. state,
Forcounty and
example: city revenue.
Political Action Department @
3,000Your
teachersWFSE/AFSCME
slashed school funding by $1.5 billion, and as many as
and education employees are facing
• FundingThis measure
for K-12 would limit
education growth of certain state, county
plummeted, 1-800-562-6002 to volunteer
Statewide Executive for phone banks, doorbelling
layoffs. The Eyman TABOR plan will take even more
dropping and city
Colorado revenue
to 49 to
in annual
the inflation
th
nation and population
in education
resources away from Washington’s classrooms – and and more.
funding. growth, not including voter-approved revenue increases.
Board on July 18 voted to oppose
Washington’s kids. Revenue collected above the limit would reduce property
tax levies.
And I-1033. Here’s what you fundingneed to • The
I-1033 is
proportion of low-income children who lack
despite a growing senior population, for
health insurance in Colorado doubled, as it
know about declined Should this measure be enacted into law?
cut – andwhy
40,000I-1033
Washingtonis a bad

✓
nursing homes, in-home care and adult day health
nationwide.
opposed by:
N !
services are being
deal for state employees:
residents are losing their Basic Health Plan coverage.
Under I-1033 these cuts would become permanent.
• At one pointYes Colorado
[] had to suspend the
requirement that children had to be fully
The I-1033
Office ofwill makeManagement
Financial it harder says
for working
that: “. . .families to
immunized before enrolling in school, because • Washington
Federation of
there were not enough state funds to buy vaccine.
dig out of the recession. The nationalthat
the initiative reduces state general fund revenues recession has
already cost our state thousands of jobs and forced
support education; social, health and environmental Ballot Measure Summary State Employees/
services; and general government activities by an This measure would limit growth in state revenues de-
billions
estimated $5.9inbillion
cutbacks to important local services, like
by 2015.” posited in funds subject to the state expenditure limit, and AFSCME
education and health care. limit growth in county and city revenues deposited into the
I-1033 is misleading and complicated. Limiting expenses through acounty and arbitrary
rigid and city current expense
formula funds.
based on The limit would be • Microsoft
I-1033growth
population will force deeper Eyman’s
and inflation, cuts andlatest
lockinitiative
them infalls
forfar short of being
adjusted
ablebased
to fundoneven
annual
our growth
currentinlevels
inflation
of and popula- • Washington State La-
years
care, –education
meaning andmore
other job
basiclosses,
services.more hard times
mayforsound good on the surface, limiting spending in this transferred out
tion. The limit also would apply to revenues
health While I-1033
of these funds. The limit would exclude voter-approved bor Council
way Washington
will have manyfamilies,
unintendedand a longer delay before our
consequences.
revenue increases. Revenues above the limit would reduce • Greater Seattle Cham-
economy to recover. property tax levies. ber of Commerce
I-1033 is opposed by: AARP Washington, American Federation of Teachers, Children’s Alliance, Climate Solutions, Community Health
Network of Washington, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Group Health Cooperative, King County Corrections Guild, Planned • AARP Washington
I-1033Votes!
Parenthood threatens
Washington,education, healthEducation
Sierra Club, Washington care, and otherWashington
Association, 315,444 signatures
Environmental were
Council, turned inLow
Washington on July 2, 2009. A ran-
• American Federation of
dom check was performed andAssociation,
the initiative was statistically
basic Senior
Washington services.
Citizen'sThis
Lobby,year we’ve
Microsoft, slashed
Washington schooloffund-
Income Housing Alliance, Washington State Hospital Association, Washington State Labor
Association
Council,
Churches, Washington
Washington
found toConversation
State Nurses
have sufficient
Voters,signatures.
and many more. Teachers
ing by $1.5 billion, and as many as 3,000 teachers • Children’s Alliance
and education
Paid for byemployees areCommittee.
the No on 1033 facing layoffs. The St.,
603 Stewart Ey-#819. Seattle, WA 98101. (206) 200-8969. • Climate Solutions
man TABOR plan will take even more resources away that support education; social, health and en- • Community Health Net-
from Washington’s classrooms – and Washington’s vironmental services; and general government work of Washington
kids. activities by an estimated $5.9 billion by 2015.” • Group Health Coopera-
tive
And despite a growing senior population, funding for I-1033 is misleading and complicated. Limiting • King County Correc-
nursing homes, in-home care and adult day health expenses through a rigid and arbitrary formula based tions Guild
services are being cut – and 40,000 Washington on population growth and inflation, Eyman’s latest • Planned Parenthood
residents are losing their Basic Health Plan coverage. initiative falls far short of being able to fund even our Votes! Washington
Under I-1033 these cuts would become permanent. current levels of health care, education and other • Sierra Club
basic services. While I-1033 may sound good on the • Washington Education
The Office of Financial Management says that “. . . surface, limiting spending in this way will have many Association
the initiative reduces state general fund revenues unintended consequences. • Washington Environ-
mental Council
• Washington Low In-
Eyman’s I-1033 Plan is already a proven failure come Housing Alliance
In 1992 Colorado became the only state in the nation to impose a revenue limit like the one in I-1033. By 2005
• Washington State Hos-
things got so bad that Colorado voters - led by a bi-partisan coalition of business leaders, teachers, seniors, pital Association
healthcare providers, and firefighters - voted to suspend the law for five years to stop the deterioration of their • Washington State Nurs-
state. es Association
1033-like spending limits forced Colorado to consistently under-fund key public services. For example: I-1033 • Washington Senior
• Funding for K-12 education plummeted, dropping Colorado to 49th in the nation in education funding.
Citizen’s Lobby
• The proportion of low-income children who lack health insurance in Colorado doubled, as it declined nation- •Washington Association
wide. of Churches
• At one point Colorado had to suspend the requirement that children had to be fully immunized before en- • Washington Conversa-
rolling in school, because there were not enough state funds to buy vaccine. tion Voters
...and many more.

www.wfse.org
September 2009 WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee Page 5
 HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA NOW!
FACTS & MYTHS ABOUT HEALTH CARE REFORM
FACTS: Percent increase in premium shares versus COLAs and inflation
for state employees 2000-2010
Health care reform will reduce health care costs for AFSCME
members. MYTH:
Today, the cost of uncompensated care received by uninsured workers is shifted Do state employees have a generous health plan that is
onto those who have coverage. As a consequence, the premium for family cover- already affordable and available?

543%
age is an average of $1,100 higher each year. AFSCME members and their em-
ployers are paying this extra cost. But if everyone has health coverage, these costs
will no longer be shifted onto us and our employers. FACT:
No. Since 2000, the average premium share paid by state
The House bill (HR 3200) and the Senate HELP Committee bill also include a employees has skyrocketed 543% (the Uniform Medical
public health insurance option that will create more competition in the market Plan has jumped 1,130%, Group Health “Classic” 659%).
place. The more competition for insurance companies means lower costs and bet- That doesn’t even cover increases in deductibles, co-
ter quality for all us. pays, office visit co-pays and other out-of-pocket costs.

Reduced costs for health care means that there will be more money at the bargain- Meanwhile, the number of plans available to state employ-
ing table for wages. ees has declined from seven to four (UMP, GHC [Classic
and Value], Aetna and Kaiser ]Classic and Value]).

Health care reform will reduce pressure to privatize our jobs. State employee pay measured by cost-of-living adjust-
ments hasn’t kept up with inflation, let alone health costs.
Today, many companies try to take our jobs, arguing that they can do our work
more cheaply than we can. And this is often true because they do not provide SOURCES: PEBB; State Revenue & Forecast Council
their workers with benefits. If private contractors are required to help pay for
health coverage for their workers, it will raise their cost of business. They will be

26.6%
less able to do our work more cheaply.

Health care reform will benefit retirees.

Responsible employers who provide retiree care to people age 55 to 64 will get a
16.7%
subsidy to protect those retiree benefits.
Average Inflation COLAs
The House bill closes the doughnut hole in the Medicare prescription drug benefit
for low- and moderate-income seniors, saving them thousands of dollars a year. premium (Seattle CPI) (Cost of Living
shares Adjustments)
The House bill cuts subsidies to the private plans that operate along side tradi-
tional Medicare. Cutting these subsidies will reduce monthly premiums paid by
all retirees and make Medicare more financially sound.
insurance plan.

The bill will end insurance company abuses.
Insurance companies will be better regulated. They will no longer be able to deny
you coverage, refuse to cover a pre-existing condition or charge you more because
of your occupation, health condition or gender.
To stop insurance companies from overcharging, individuals and small employ-
ers will be able to combine their buying power (through a “health insurance
exchange”), enabling them to pay much less for coverage.
Insurance companies will have to compete against a public health insurance op-
tion for people under 65 that will be similar to Medicare. More competition for
insurance companies means lower costs and better quality for all of us.
Will I lose my choice of doctor?
No, your choices will remain the same. AFSCME negotiated health plans will
not change except through bargaining. If a family member or friend is uninsured
they will get covered and have more affordable choices.
Does HR 3200 have “death panels”?
No, there are no death panels. The bill allows the Medicare program to reimburse
doctors who spend time counseling seniors about living wills, hospice care or
other end of life issues before there is a medical crisis. The counseling is volun-
tary and no patients are required to get counseling.

MYTHS: Does HR 3200 provide coverage to undocumented workers?

No, the bill does not require coverage to those who are in the country illegally.
Will the bill result in a government takeover of health care?
No, most Americans will keep their current employer plan. Small employers will
be able to offer their workers a choice between private plans and the public health

Act now for health care for America!

What you can do:
1. Call your member of Congress at
1-888-460-0813 and ask to stand firm
for affordable, available health care
reform.
2. Register at http://www.makeameri-
cahappen.com/resources-and-more/
to receive updates on how to stay
involved.
3. Stay up to date on efforts here in
our state. Go to the WFSE/AFSC-
ME website: www.wfse.org > Action
Center.
4. Visit two other helpful online
resources:
http://healthcareforamericanow.org/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/reality-
check/

Page 6 WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee September 2009


SCHOLARSHIP ALERT
AFSCME Family
Scholarship
Applications are now
available for the AFSCME
Family Scholarship Pro-
gram.
The AFSCME Family
Scholarship is an ongo-
ing program of scholar-
ships available to children
and financially dependent
grandchildren of AFSCME
members.
Under the program in
2010, 10 scholarships of
MEMBERS ONLY BENEFITS UPDATE
$2,000 each will be awarded
annually to the winners select-
ed from the applicants who
meet eligibility requirements.
Once awarded, the schol-
arships will be renewed for
$2,000 each year for a maxi-
mum of four years, provided
the student remains enrolled
in a full-time course of study.
To be eligible, the student
must:
• Be a graduating high
school senior in 2010 who
is a daughter or son of an
AFSCME member (or whose
legal guardian or financially
responsible grandparent is an
AFSCME member);
• Be enrolled in a full-time
degree program at an accred-
ited four-year institution (or at
a two-year institution that will
transfer credits to a four-year
institution); and
• Have taken the SAT or the
ACT.
The scholarship may be used
for any field of study.
1625 L Street, N.W.
Applications for the
AFSCME Family
Washington, DC 20036-
5687
Scholarships
must be postmarked • DEADLINE: Dec. 31,
2009.
no later than
Dec. 31, 2009.
CRIPPEN GRANTS
Stacy Lang, Local
782, Eastern State Hos-
pital, Medical Lake, is
To download an application: the recipient of a Neville
Log onto http://www.afscme. B. Crippen Grant-in-Aid
org/members/880.cfm. Award for Summer Quar-
ter 2009.
Or get an application by mail. The grants help mem-
Send request to: bers advance their educa-
tion or improve skills.
AFSCME Family Scholarship Applications at www.
Program wfse.org > Members Only
c/o AFSCME Advantage Benefits > Scholarships.
Or call 1-800-562-6002.

For the college student

in your family~
A new MEMBERS ONLY BENEFIT for WFSE/AFSCME members and their families! Help managing credit cards and
student loans:
WFSE member now have a powerful partner in http://www.youcandealwithit.
maintaining their dental health. com/
Bright Now! Dental is proud of our 30-plus year partnership with this

Financial Wellness
nation’s unions. We’re especially proud to offer WFSE members –
“the people who make Washington happen” – the benefit of quality
full-service family dentistry. A new MEMBERS ONLY BENEFIT for WFSE/AFSCME members and their families!

Dental care is not a luxury. That’s why your union is offer-

ing you this benefit. According to the U. S. Surgeon General, “Oral FREE FINANCIAL WELLNESS COURSES
health is integral to general health.”* Bright Now! Dental is the per-
fect partner to help you take care of your smile. Take advantage of free financial wellness courses
from Washington State Employees Credit Union.
Begin with the basics – Brushing and Flossing – This is Under a financial outreach and education partnership between WSECU and the
Washington Federation of State Employees, members have the opportunity to
the most important thing you can do for your teeth every day. brush up on common financial issues.
WFSE/AFSCME members do not need to belong to WSECU in order to enjoy this
Regular Checkups – Dental care at home isn’t enough. free service. The financial wellness courses include:
Regular visits to your Bright Now! Dental office, including an exam, s Financial Stress Management
X-rays and cleaning, can help you avoid conditions like gingivitis s Identity Theft – When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name
and other gum disease. s Money Matters – How to Keep Yours Secure
s Credit Reporting 101

Guard against Gum Disease – Gingivitis is the earliest
form of gum disease, and it affects 50% - 80% of Americans! If left
untreated, it can cause more serious health problems. Periodontal
disease is a more serious gum condition. It has been linked to other
illnesses, such as diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease. This
often silent disease affects more than one in three people over age
30.
WSECU also provides budgeting and debt consolidation information, as well as
one-on-one financial counseling from trained WSECU financial wellness staff.
Schedule a class today. Educators will come to your worksite or local meeting.
Groups of at least 15 participants preferred, but there are exceptions. For more
information, or to schedule a class call 800.562.0999, ext. 10101.
wsecu.org | 800.562.0999

Oral Cancer Screens Provide Protection – Oral cancer is

on the rise. Early detection is vital to maintaining your health. Bright
Now! Dental includes oral cancer exams as part of your routine Real Estate Benefits Program
checkup.
A new MEMBERS ONLY BENEFIT for WFSE/AFSCME members and their families!
Take advantage of these money-saving offers: Important reminder on
20% OFF Treatment Plans the $8,000 tax credit for
first-time home buyers.
Limit one per person. Offer not valid on diagnostic, preventive or orthodontic
services. Offer coordinated with insurance and applicable state laws is subject to
change and expires on 12/31/09. For more information, go to union-
homeservices.com.

T
No-Charge Consultation
$750 OFF Braces - offer applies to full orthodontic case and does not include he $8,000 tax credit for first-
records and retainers. Valid for one cash patient on initial visit only. Offer can not time home buyers runs out Nov.
be combined, is subject to change and expires on 12/31/09. 30. A “first-time home buyer” is
anyone who has not owned a home in
Call 1-888-BRIGHT NOW or log on to www.brightnow.com to the last three years. A first-time home
find one of the 11 convenient offices near you. buyer has to close on a home before
Nov. 30.
BUT…banks are moving very
*Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General slowly on mortgage approval. It’s now
taking 45 to 60 days to close on a
home.
The best rule of thumb: Don’t wait
until the last minute or you may lose
out on the $8,000 credit.
First-time home buyers need
to be in a contract on their home
by the end of September or very
early October to allow enough time
to close on the home before the
Nov. 30 expiration of the $8,000 tax
credit.
Contact Union Home Services to
find out about a possible down pay-
ment assistance program for first time
home buyers.

September 2009 WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee Page 7


Gail Nixon, one of
the founders of OIC
bargaining unit, dies
IN MEMORIAM: Gail Nixon,
one of the founders of
WFSE/AFSCME bargain-
ing unit at the Office of the
Insurance Commissioner,
died suddenly June 27 while
tending to one of her beloved
Siberian Huskies.
The Local 443 member
and shop steward was 63.
She’d been with OIC for
more than 20 years.
She is survived by two
Contract training
at TESC
Local 443 stewards at The Ever-
green State College in Olympia
gathered for training on their new,
2009-2011 contract Aug. 25. Among
the attendees were (from left): Laura
Carpenter, Linda Mae and Lin
Crowley.
Got a question? E-
mail: tim@wfse.org
Q. In the new General
Government Contract,
what is the difference
between Personal
Holiday and Personal
Leave Day?
A. In the 2009-2011 General
Government contract, you
are entitled to one Personal
Holiday (Article 10.3) dur-
FAMILY FUN PAGE
Cool
labor
website
http://www.artists4workerschoice.org/
whoweare.cfm
The stars align for the
Employee Free Choice Act.
Log on for a video from acclaimed
artists from TV, movies, theater and
music who tell why now is the time for
the Employee Free Choice Act.
Page 8
daughters, a grandson and
sister.
In lieu of services, the
family suggested donations
to: SOS-Siberspace Rescue
Fund, P.O. Box 25773, Port-
land, OR 97225.
Karen Gorini, Local 313
activist dies, dies
IN MEMORIAM: Karen
Gorini, a longtime social
worker 3 with the Department
of Social and Health Services
in Vancouver and a member
of Local 313, died Aug. 5 after
ing each calendar year (Jan.
1-Dec. 31).
In addition, you are entitled to
one Personal Leave Day (Ar-
ticle 17.8) during each fiscal
year (July 1-June 30). Some
limitations apply (see your
contract).
Both of these must be used
during the specified time
frames or you lose them:
WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee
UNION NEWS
a long illness. She was 69.
The WFSE/AFSCME
shop steward was also a
well-known social activist
with the American Civil Liber-
ties Union, local food drives,
the YWCA, the NAACP, the
League of Women Voters,
among others.
A celebration of her life
took place Aug. 20.
Remembrances in
Karen’s name can be made
to the League of Women Vot-
ers, ACLU, NAACP, YWCA
or the Democratic Party.
• Your personal holiday for
this calendar year must be
used by Dec. 31, 2009. For
2010, by Dec. 31, 2010.
• Your personal leave day for
this fiscal year must by used
by June 30, 2010. For 7/1/10-
6/30/11, by June 30, 2011.
(Council Rep. Robin Steacy
developed this information)
Solution
Where’s this worksite?
Can you guess where the worksite above is and what WFSE/AFSCME
members work there? Send your guesses by e-mail to tim@wfse.org
or regular mail: Editor, 1212 Jefferson St. S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA
98501. Include your name and mailing address. Deadline: Sept. 30.
The first 10 readers with the correct answer who include their name and
mailing address will receive a prize.
Answer to August’s ‘Where’s this worksite?’ in next issue (this
issue went to press before the end of the contest deadline):
SUIT, from page 1 date could change depending
on what happens in the sum-
A new trial date has been mary judgment hearing pro-
set for Dec. 1. However, that cess, including any appeals.
IT Shared Services group meets
The union’s work group tion Services when it made
following the state’s infor- sense.
mation technology shared The WFSE/AFSCME
services initiative met Sept. 1. workgroup on IT shared ser-
The Legislature asked that vices wants to make sure the
the IT functions in agencies be interests of IT workers and
brought under the umbrella public services don’t suffer.
of the Department of Informa-
One tangible result of recent job actions….
Recent job actions on a wide array of issues at Western
State Hospital have yielded a tangible result for our members in
Mental Health.
The Department of Social and Health Services has with-
drawn its proposal to reallocate psychiatric security nurses to the
licensed practical nurse classification. The news came Aug. 18.
A demand to bargain meeting had been set for Aug. 31.
The withdrawal came after pushback at a recent rally at
Western State Hospital and solid historical data presented to the
state.
Labor Day Kids’ Crossword
CLUES: DOWN
ACROSS 1 Saturday and Sunday
3 Worker holiday
2 Laborers 4 Punch to get paid
5 Month celebration falls in 6 Monday through Friday
7 Day with time off from 8 Eating lunch outside
school and work
9 Day of week this celebra- Solution at left.
tion falls on
10 Meals outside over fire Puzzle from sunniebunniezz.com
September 2009