Thousands of state workers held walkouts across 125 locations yesterday in a regional show of solidarity for a new contract. Demonstrators picketed at multiple sites, including Bellevue, the University of Washington and UW Medical Center, demanding higher pay and improved working conditions.
The walkouts represent more than 50,000 state employees seeking to put pressure on Gov. Ferguson during contract negotiations. Labor leaders cite critical understaffing across agencies as a primary concern, while state officials navigate a steep budget deficit.
Employees with the Department of Child, Youth and Families gathered in Bellevue, holding signs and chanting as part of the regional action. Michele Blackwell, a social worker with DCYF, stressed the necessity of fair compensation for state personnel.
“The work doesn’t stop it keeps going and we’re just here asking for a fair contract and to be paid what we’re worth,” Blackwell said.
Staffing shortages have placed severe burdens on remaining personnel, according to union leadership. DCYF is currently short 400 employees, leaving staff members overwhelmed by heightened caseloads.
Jeanette Obelcz, a union representative and child welfare supervisor with DCYF, detailed the strain workers face in maintaining child safety across the state.
“We’re talking about workers who are out here right now who have triple quadruple the workload they’re supposed to have they’re committed to this work they’re committed to keeping the kids of Washington state safe what they’re saying is we need some support from our governor to be able to do that safely for ourselves and for the community,” Obelcz said.
She added that retaining skilled staff remains essential during contract discussions.
“We want people with experience out there serving the people of Washington… that’s why we’re here and that’s what we want him to think about when he’s negotiating our contract,” Obelcz said.
The governor’s office released a statement responding to the demonstrations and addressing the ongoing fiscal constraints. “The governor is focused on preserving core services for the most vulnerable people in our state,” the statement read. “In working to accomplish that goal, the governor will face many difficult choices and understands not everyone will be happy with his decisions.”
Contract negotiations between the state and labor unions remain ongoing. Both sides are working toward a deadline of Oct. 1 to agree on a new deal.
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