Governor Inslee: It’s time for a fair COLA!

Below is the text from a petition to Governor Jay Inslee, initiated by Washington Public Employees Association. Other unions representing state workers are also planning actions, and strategizing on how to stop the austerity and concessions that the Washington State Legislature has imposed on public employees, since at least 2008. State workers are being told to tighten their belts at a time that huge corporations are raking in record profits. Let’s remember that Gov. Inslee helped Boeing get $8 billion in tax breaks! Please go to the link at the bottom of this page and sign the petition.

PETITION TO GOVERNOR INSLEE

The facts are clear: Classified state employees have not received an across-the-board salary increase in more than six years, and during part of that time they sustained a 3% salary reduction. Also during this period, health care premiums were increased by 25% and the Consumer Price Index rose by more than 12%.

The conclusion is obvious: Classified state employees need a fair cost of living adjustment (COLA) along with stable health care costs.

Governor Inslee: It’s time for a fair COLA along with stable health care costs for classified state employees.

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/governor-inslee-its-time-1

 

 

Don’t Outsource Thurston County

The latest battle front in the war against privatization and outsourcing moves to Thurston County, Olympia — in the capitol of Washington State. County Commissioner Karen Valenzuela wants to outsource low-paying custodial jobs to an even lower-paying private contractor.

The good news is that American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees are collaborating with Washington Public Employees Association to picket Valenzuela’s first campaign event for her re-election. See the Events listed on this website for details. Valenzeula was originally endorsed by labor, and it is heartening to see that now unions are mobilizing to picket her, in an effort to stop this betrayal. Keep an eye on Thurston County. No outsourcing of custodial jobs!