VOL. 40 NO.

10

DECEMBER 2012

Health care matters...

State Employee
INSIDE:
A gift for you: Unwrap your new wfse.org! See pages 3-6.

The official newspaper of the WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES/AFSCME Council 28AFL-CIO

WASHINGTON

t press time, WFSE/AFSCME and other state employee union co-

alition partners were planning meetings with outgoing Gov. Chris Gregoire and incoming Gov.

Jay Inslee to discuss outstanding issues in the 2013-2015 Health Care Agreement that is still in

negotiations. This would affect premiums and benefits starting Jan. 1, 2014 (because health benefits run on a calendar-year basis; the current health care agreement covers

benefits in Calendar Year 2013). Keep up-to-date on any developments online at wfse.org or call the unions Hotline at 1-800-562-6102.

Help for holidays

Port Angeles Local 1463 once again dug deep to help the less fortunate during the holidays. Local members Annie Carver (left) and Lourene OBrien-Hooper (right) donate checks totaling $1,250 for Thanksgiving and Christmas to Salvation Army Major Kathleen.

Nearly $5,000 collected for fired KTSS Workers Relief Fund

Locals and union members are digging deep to help workers at Kitsap Tenant Support Services whove been fired for standing up for their rights. Some $4,907 has been collected so far. Locals and members who want to contribute should make checks out to the Foundation for Working Families and send to: KTSS Workers Relief Fund c/o WFSE Organizing Dept. 1212 Jefferson St. S.E., Suite 300 Olympia, WA 98501 ATTN: Irene Smith

Locals/unions that have donated so far:

Yakima Local 1326 -- $1,500 Everett Local 1020 -- $500 WSLC Organizing and Defense Fund -- $2,500 WFSE/AFSCME Policy Committee delegates -- $407 KTSS fight goes on. See story below

Chorus of concern over KTSS

growing chorus of criticism and concern over quality care has engulfed Kitsap Tenant Support Services (KTSS). Bremerton City Councilmember Leslie Daugs and Edmonds City Council member Adrienne FraleyMonillas joined some 50 advocates for developmentally disabled citizens who took to several locations on Bainbridge Island Nov. 17 to urge community support for quality care and accountability for residents under the care of KTSS.

Advocates take fight for quality care to CEOs doorstep; meanwhile, a new report says for-profit outfits like Kitsap Tenant Support Services pose unacceptable risks to disabled clients

They urged Bainbridge Island residents to contact the KTSS chief executive officer, Mike Closser, an island resident. They held a brief noontime rally near Clossers home. They then leafleted several locations on Bainbridge Island. In the wake of an Aug. 22 Bremerton forum with legislators, the advocates are concerned about how taxpayer

See KTSS, page 8

About 50 advocates, including dozens of WFSE/AFSCME members from around the state, gathered outside KTSS CEO Mike Clossers Bainbridge Island mansion Nov. 17.

Judge upholds unions victory for UW members special pay

King County Superior Court Judge Richard Eadie Dec. 7 upheld the Federations earlier victory in whats become known as the University of Washington special pay case. The UW could appeal Eadies decision. The UW earlier this year appealed to Superior Court a state Public Employment Relations Commission decision in favor of the union on special pay provisions for a number of custodial and Trades classes. This comes even though the UW had agreed to the special pay provisions and even paid for several months. 2009-2011 contract, both graveyard shift custodial staff went from 65 cents an hour to $1 an hour on July 1, 2008. In bargaining the next, 2009-2011 contract, both sides agreed to a provision building on those increases. Thirty days after ratification of the contract, certain Skilled Trades employees received a wage increase, and all employees who were not receiving a $1 shift differential got an increase to a $1 shift differential. Both those took effect Nov. 1, 2008. But in the face of the Great Recession and a financial infeasibility ruling by the state budget office, the UW unilaterally withdrew the wage increases as of Jan. 31, 2009. That sparked the legal action with the latest union victory before Judge Eadie.

Victorious UW Local 1488 members Dec. 7 outside King County Superior Court where Judge Eadie upheld their special pay. With them are (front) Local 1488 President Paula Lukaszek, WFSE/AFSCME PERC Activities Coordinator Gladys Burbank and union attorney Ed Younglove. WFSE/AFSCME Labor Advocate Banks Evans is in back. This goes back to 2008. As a result of a negotiated market survey, the shift differential pay for swing shift and graveyard shift custodial staff went from 65 cents an hour to $1 an hour on July 1, 2008. In bargaining the next,

UNION NEWS; WFSE/AFSCME JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

Judge rules in WFSE/AFSCMEs favor on lawsuit over PERS 1 Uniform COLA
A judge has ruled in favor of the Federation and against the repeal of the uniform cost-of-living adjustment for those in PERS 1 who worked after 1995. Thurston County Superior Court Judge Chris Wickham on Nov. 9 granted the Federations motion Labor Advocate Olympia Headquarters
This position is the field technical expert of the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), AFSCME, Council 28. These staff are primarily responsible for grievance arbitrations and contract and mid-term negotiations. Advocate/negotiators perform advanced representational work for the organization. Represent the WFSE in presentation of grievances to Pre-Arbitration Review Meetings (PARM) or Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) mediation; represent WFSE in all aspects of grievance arbitration for disciplinary and non-disciplinary cases including selection of arbitrators, obtaining evidence, conducting research, preparation of pleadings, oral presentation of the case, brief writing, and possible settlement agreements; investigates, prepares, and presents grievance-related Unfair Labor Practice complaints before the PERC; attends and presents representational matters related to Personnel Resources Board (PRB) hearings; represents WFSE in agency-wide Union Management Communication Committee meetings; acts as Chief Negotiator in biennial contract negotiations and represent WFSE in mid-term mandatory subjects negotiations with full decision-making authority. Desired Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with relevant course work in labor relations, law, social sciences or allied field. Substantial paid work experience in related field may be substituted for education. Knowledge of principles and procedures of negotiation, arbitration, and administrative hearings; working knowledge of general management principles, state and federal laws related to labor and public employment, and Washington Administrative Codes. Outstanding oral and written advocacy skills; excellent judg-

Devereux named to Inslee transition committee

WFSE/AFSCME Executive Director Greg Devereux has been named to Gov.-Elect Jay Inslees 34-person transition committee as the incoming chief executive fills cabinet positions, builds a staff and turns his campaign agenda into legislative and executive action.
mail merge labels, envelopes and letters. Experience using formulas in Excel. Must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Release of driving record required prior to interview. Excellent benefits package provided. Salary: $33,638 - $41,115 annually. Open until 5 p.m. January 6, 2013. Send cover letter clearly indicating the position you wish to apply for, and your resume, to: Kathy Andruss, HR Manager Washington Federation of State Employees 1212 Jefferson St. S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501 OR e-mail to: resume@wfse. org OR FAX to: (360) 754-9228

for summary judgment in what is commonly referred to as the UCOLA case. The judge agreed with the union that the Legislatures repeal of the uniform PERS 1 COLA amounted to an illegal impairment of contract. The state is expected to appeal.
(Journey Organizer). Knowledge of public and private sector labor laws; strong computer skills a must and bilingual in English/Spanish is desirable. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills; a track record of moving individuals and groups to take action to solve problems or advance a cause; must have a strong commitment to social and economic justice, be a self-starter and able to work independently and in a fast-paced environment. Strong recordkeeping and organizational skills is a must. Required to work weekends and evenings and travel throughout the state, depending on the campaign; must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Release of driving record required prior to interview. Includes excellent benefits package. Salary is $40,000-$47,500 annually (Organizer); $50,250-$59,250 annually (Journey Organizer). Open until 5 p.m. on January 13, 2013. Send cover letter and resume to: Kathy Andruss, HR Manager Washington Federation of State Employees 1212 Jefferson St. S.E., Suite 300 Olympia, WA 98501 OR e-mail to: resume@wfse. org OR FAX to: (360) 754-9228

ment and discretion, ability to compare and evaluate possible courses of action, interests of members, and the WFSEs strategic goals. Ability to prioritize work; evaluate and solve problems; work independently and as a team; be reliable in completing work and meeting deadlines is critical. Must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Release of driving record required prior to interview. Position is permanent, full-time, overtime exempt, and often requires work beyond a 40-hour work week. Includes an excellent benefits package. Salary is $66,165-$78,850 annually. Open until 5 p.m. January 13, 2013. Send cover letter clearly indicating the position you wish to apply for, and your resume to: Kathy Andruss, HR Manager Washington Federation of State Employees 1212 Jefferson St. SE, Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501 OR e-mail to: resume@wfse. org OR FAX to: (360) 754-9228

tarial or general administrative work. Knowledge of political process is a plus. Must have knowledge/experience in office machines, Microsoft Word, Excel, knowledge of business management practices, research methods, communication and correspondence practices. An ideal candidate must work independently, is highly organized and capable of juggling multiple projects simultaneously; is diplomatic and has strong communication skills; is able to function well in a sometimes stressful environment; is resourceful; and is a strong supporter of the mission and goals of the union. Must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Release of driving record required prior to interview. Excellent benefits package provided. Salary: DOQ $41,469 - $48,005 annually. Open until 5 p.m. on January 13, 2013. Send cover letter and resume to: Kathy Andruss, HR Manager 1212 Jefferson St. SE, Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501 OR e-mail to: resume@wfse. org OR FAX to: (360) 754-9228

Associate (Accounting Department) Olympia Headquarters

This position processes dues receipts, transaction preparation/data entry; document and reconcile reports; maintain other accounting data; correspond with members, staff, and state agencies. Minimum Qualifications: One year of professional accounting experience including accounts receivable; strong Excel, 10key and computer proficiency; excellent analytical ability; professional verbal and written communication skills and sound judgment. Database and Human Resources experience are desired. Must successfully complete screening test administered by WFSE before being considered a viable candidate. Must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Release of driving record required prior to interview. Excellent benefits package provided. Salary: $33,368-$41,115 annually. Open until 5 p.m. on January 6, 2013. Send cover letter clearly indicating the position you wish to apply for, and your resume, to: Kathy Andruss, HR Manager Washington Federation of State Employees 1212 Jefferson St. S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501 OR e-mail to: resume@wfse. org OR FAX to: (360) 754-9228

Organizer/ Journey Organizer Olympia Headquarters (2 positions)

Organizers and Journey Organizers build union power by organizing new members into the union and mobilizing workers to take action. This requires one-on-one communication with non-workers through worksite visits and home calls; inspiring, encouraging and teaching people to take action; identifying, developing and directing organizing committees; developing leadership; leading organizing campaigns and facilitating worker trainings and/or workplace actions. Organizers/Journey Organizers are responsible for a variety of aspects of an organizing campaign including: campaign planning; data management; implementing strategy and tactics; organizing committee development; house calling; research; identifying campaign issues, opportunities and leaders; directing workplace actions; other organizing duties as assigned. Desired Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of one year experience in union or community organizing (Organizer); three years experience in union or community organizing

Data Associate Olympia Headquarters

This position writes reports and queries using either Access, SQL or another database interface program. Imports and exports tables and files in Access. Uses Word and Excel to mail merge labels, envelopes and letters. Works closely and communicates with internal and external customers to research and process a variety of requests involving multiple customer databases. Must be able to learn quickly, problem solve, and exhibit strong critical thinking qualities, and successfully handle difficult or stressful situations. Minimum Qualifications: Two years experience writing queries using either Access, SQL or another database interface program. Must have an understanding of table joins, select filtering as well as using aggregate and grouping functions. SQL knowledge ideal but query writing experience is a must. One year of experience importing and exporting tables and files in Access as well as report and query writing. Experience formatting and handling different file types. Experience using Word and Excel to

Administrative Assistant Legislative & Political Action Department Olympia

This position works under the direction of the Director for Legislative & Political Action, and provides support to the director, lobbyists and field coordinator; as well as to union members, officers and committees. Typical duties include: Scheduling for department staff and member lobby visits; organizing, planning and executing meetings and events both large and small; tracking department expenditures and filing reports with the Public Disclosure Commission; ensuring all department payroll and expense reports are accurate when submitted; managing and organizing all departmental activities; and general correspondence and administrative duties. Desirable Minimum Qualifications: Five years of progressively responsible experience in office/clerical, secre-

State Employee
WASHINGTON

Washington State Employee (USPS 981200) is published monthly, except February and July, for $5.08 per year by the Washington 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: 42,000. 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

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OPTION. If youd like to save paper and postage, you can receive this newspaper electronically. Go to www.wfse.org and hover over NEWS & INFO, located in the top menu bar. Select from the drop-down list: WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYEE - Newspaper. Use the form on this page to register for the electronic version. Or e-mail us at info@wfse.org, or write: WFSE/AFSCME, 1212 Jefferson St. S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501. If youre a represented non-member fee payer and you dont wish to receive this publication in any format, e-mail us at contactus@wfse.org, or write: WFSE/AFSCME, 1212 Jefferson St. S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501.

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WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

December 2012

WFSE.org
WFSE/AFSCME has a new, improved website!
WFSE/AFSCMESs new website is more interactive, more engaging and easy to use. Quickly share content through your social network or email accounts; leave comments; join forums - or just visit to get updated news. Use the Main Menu to view the news through a filter that best fits your union experience.

User Guide
Go to This Union Works for Me! to read stories inspired by the many ways our union helps individual members; read Organizing News to catch up on the efforts of workers to organize and the fight for workers rights; Focus On breaks down the news by worksite or bargaining unit. Finally, join the conversation by leaving comments, joining forums or following us on social network sites.

SPECIAL 4-PAGE PULLOUT SECTION

New Features Explained!

WFSE.org on the go!

MOBILE ACCESS
Find WFSE.org on your mobile device. On your smart phone, scroll down to the bottom of the feed to switch back to website view (or to switch from website view to mobile feed) for the full graphic experience. We have mobile access maximized for both basic and advanced phones with access to the web.

Menus/Organization
Explore: TOP MENU
This menu contains basic information about the Washington Federation of State Employees/ AFSCME Council 28, contact information for our 52 locals, Shop Stewards resources, Bargaining Team information and a dynamic Calendar of events.
Click on HOME to travel back to the home page whenever you want. Our Locals: Action begins at the local level. Get connected here. Collective Bargaining: Find your bargaining teams roster, schedule, contact information, and updates

Contact Us: Find all of our phone numbers and an email form to send a message.

Council 28: Learn about our structure and governance, history, and more.

Steward Center: Find the Toolbox, order business cards, and link to Grievance Tracking.

Calendar: Check out the latest WFSE/AFSCME events.

Login: Create a User Account to access special features, leave comments. Login NOT REQUIRED to view site content.

Explore: MAIN MENU

This is the sites major portal to news and information encouraging members to get informed and get involved.
Get Informed: So much - all in one spot. Bargaining team updates, leadership reports, staff reports, lawsuit information, legislative updates, newspaper features . . . Take Action: At times, we must unite to fight for workers rights. Find calls to action and sign-up for text messaging alerts here. Member Resources: Rights, benefits, shared leave requests, scholarship info, and more.

FOCUS ON: **NEW! Information organized by Agency/worksite and Council 28 Policy Committees. Find related news and meeting notes.

Join Our Union: Learn more about the fight for workers rights, our history and organizing campaigns.

Get Involved: This union is member-driven. There are many ways to be a active. Learn more!

The Federation HOTLINE - WFSE/AFSCMEs source of official union news.

Our Contracts: Find information about our current contracts here.

Note: Find information on negotiations and tentative agreements in Collective Bargaining (Top Menu)

Articles/Information
Search Bar
Use this area to search for articles by subject, key words, tags, etc. Click Go after typing your search criteria to reveal the search results.

Recent Articles
Were constantly updating our website with important, pertinent information. Check out RECENT ARTICLES area located toward the bottom of the HOME page and in the right sidebar of most articles to scan new content.

HOTLINE Signup Area

Enter your email address and click Go to sign up for our Hotline. Stay up-to-date on our most important issues!

Federation HOTLINE
The official news source for WFSE/AFSCME - Find the news feed linked to the Main Menu; call 1-800-5626102 to hear an audio report of the news; or sign-up to receive our email version.

December 2012

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

Page 3

December 2012

Top Menu

Get information on how the union works for you. Get tools for stewards, connect with your local.

The new WFSE.org

OT E list: Join the HdateLINd current s an p
Get regular u SE/AFSCME. news from WF le. Enter your Sign-up is simp Youre done. email. Thats it.

Main Menu

Get Informed, Get Involved, Get Organized, Take Action - the Main Menu seeks to engage. Explore content and get active today.

Create a counts: u Then yo ser account with u can se us! tu and pos t comme p Favorites nts.

User Ac

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

Flash:

issues and Top news, tion calls to ac

Sec sca and upda n featur tions : bar to fin tes. Clic ed news k on d mo the t re. itle

Feat Eas ured ily

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December 2012

HOTLINE and Upcoming Events:

Scan feeds from the Federation HOTLINE and Calendar.

Recent Articles:

Scroll through Recent Articles to quickly see new content.

N Join u s on F ECTED: a follow ing us cebook and on Tw itter. wfsec 28

GET CO N

FORUMS

Want to talk about it? We added a forums area! Participate in the discussion.

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

es: avoriite pages My F vor t

t ur fa neien Tag yo for convie ts or pos s! acces

Browser Compatibility:

Email us at info@wfse.org to report site issues.

USER GUIDE Learn more about using new features and content on WFSE.org. SITE MAP View the organization of the site. REPORT WEBSITE ISSUES Report broken links, poor performance or make suggestions. ACCESS FORMER WFSE.org Find our old site at http://archive.wfse.org

We did our best to opitmize this site to perform well for all users.This site has been optimized for viewing in the latest versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Opera browsers. If youre having issues while using Internet Explorer, try using compatibility view to help solve display problems.

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New Features Explained

User Accounts
User Account
Create a User Account to leave comments, create a personal favorites page, and participate in forums. 1. Click the LOGIN link located on the far right of the top menu. 2. Click on the REGISTER link below the Log In box. 3. Add a USER NAME and EMAIL, click Register. 4. Check your email for a confirmation link. Click on the link in the email to activate your account. Youll be prompted to select a password at this point and to add other optional information. 5. LOGIN to WFSE.org using your new username and password. ***NOTE: Each login to WFSE.org brings you to a USER DASHBOARD. Locate the WFSE/AFSCME link in the top left corner to return to the site.

WFSE.org
Social Media
Facebook and Twitter Feed
Also featured in the side bar area of the home page, the Facebook and Twitter feeds are a great way to quickly gain access to the latest in WFSE/ AFSCME social media updates.

Connect
Connect to WFSE/AFSCMEs social media sites. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, or subscribe to our RSS Feed. LIKE US and read Twitter posts from the HOME page Sharing is easy too! Quickly share articles on your Facebook or Twitter feeds, print or email. Look for the Share Bar at the top of each article.

Leave Comments
Comments
Most of the articles posted are open to comments, but you must be registered and logged in to leave comments. 1. Create a user account (see above). 2. Read and leave comments at end of articles. Give your WFSE/AFSCME user an Avatar (image)! 1. Go to http://en.gravatar.com 2. Enter your email in the space located just below the blue header to register. 3. Confirm your account via the email Gravatar sends to you. 4. Return to http://en.gravator.com to add your image using MY ACCOUNT > MANAGE MY ACCOUNT. instructions the account

Calendar
Access the Calendar through the Top Menu > Calendar link, or toggle the HOTLINE feed box located on the HOME page to view upcoming events. The new calendar includes Council 28 meetings and events, Local meetings and activities as reported to Council 28 for inclusion, Steward Trainings, union history, holidays and more. Hover your mouse over each event title to view a pop-up of event highlights or click the link to view the full details Filter types of evens (categories) by using the Categories drop-down box located on the right above the montly calendar view. Select only the category you wish to see. Click on the Filter button to disengage the filter. Select from Monthly, Weekly, Daily and Agenda. Views from the dropdown-box located to the left and above the calendar view. Subscribe to our calendar feed and have up-to-date event information at your fingertips.

WFSE/AFSCME Forums
Forum
WFSE/AFSCME has added a community forum to our new website. This is a great way for members to post questions and to discuss issues. Want us to add a new category? Send your suggestions to us at info@wfse.org. To use this new feature: 1. LOGIN to the site using your User Account. 2. Click the WFSE/AFSCME Forum link located at the bottom of the page in the footer section (see footer information above) to enter the forum. 3. Select the category that interests you, 4. Start contributing!

Watch for forum topics during the 2013 legislative session. December 2012 WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee Page 6

UNION NEWS
IN MEMORIAM
IN MEMORIAM: Nancy K. Larsen, a Community Corrections Officer 2 with the Department of Corrections in Seattle and a member of Local 308, died suddenly last month. She was found in her home after her supervisor did a welfare check after she failed to report to work. She was 57. IN MEMORIAM: Jennifer Jena Johnson, a vocational rehabilitation counselor with DSHS in Bellingham and a member of Local 1060, died unexpectedly Nov. 12. She was 41. She had chaired the offices safety committee for many years. IN MEMORIAM: Lorie Palmateer, a financial services specialist 4 for DSHS at the Kelso Community Service Office and a member of Local 1400, passed away suddenly Nov. 24. She was 51. IN MEMORIAM: Kevin Nathan, a statewide program coordinator for the Department of Services for the Blind in Seattle and a member of Local 304, died Nov. 23. He was 59. IN MEMORIAM: Rick Wunder, a former longtime active member of Ellensburg-area Local 1301 who worked for the Department of

Tom McArthur, longtime EWU activist, dies

Tom McArthur, a recently retired Local 931 activist at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, died Oct. 30 of a heart attack. He was 65. Funeral services were Nov. 6 in Spokane. McArthur was a heavy equipment operator at the EWU campus, a steward, former Local 931 president and longtime member of the Federation Statewide Executive Board elected out of the Institutions of Higher Education Policy Committee. He was an original member of the Federations Communications Committee in 2005. In that role, he helped develop the unions website and other public affairs tools, including the All About WFSE booklet that gathered lots of scattered information into one easy-to-use reference. He also volunteered with the AFSCME Transportation, died Sept. 14 at his home in Cle Elum. He was 59. He had worked for DOT for more than 25 years in the Ellensburg, Bullfrog and Hyak areas. A memorial mass took place Sept. 22 in Cle Elum. IN MEMORIAM: Services were held Oct. 5 in Medical Lake for Nick Green Team on a number of pledge drives in support of local public TV in Spokane. McArthur was also a dedicated writer of letters to the editor to campus and Spokane-area newspapers defending his members from public attacks. And as a steward, he won many victories for his members. He will be missed for his honesty, integrity, dedication and humility, said Federation President Carol Dotlich. Clemenson, a former social worker 3 with DSHS in Seattle and a Local 843 member. He died Sept. 23. He started his state career at Lakeland Village in Medical Lake, later becoming Region 4 community resource manager and, later, social services program manager.

IN MEMORIAM: Eva Santos, state human resources director and the last director of the state Department of Personnel, died Dec. 4 after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 56. Santos played a key role in Federation history. She took over as thenGov. Gary Lockes chief negotiator halfway through the first General Government contract negotiations in 2004. She helped break many logjams as both sides sailed uncharted waters for that inaugural full-scope collective bargaining agreement. Then and in her Eva Santos later roles including on the Public Employees Benefits Board -- Santos was a worthy adversary, but always a straight shooter and a class act. Even when we disagreed, Santos always treated Federation members with the utmost respect, said WFSE/ AFSCME Executive Director Greg Devereux. Gov. Chris Gregoire visited Santos days before her death to deliver a proclamation thanking her for her public service.

SHARED LEAVE REQUESTS

The following could use a donation of eligible unused annual leave or sick leave or all or part of your personal holiday:

cal 443, has been approved for shared leave from Dec. 27, 2012, to Feb. 8, 2013. Contact: your human resource office. Kendra Hogenson, a medical assistance specialist 3 with the state Health Care Authority in Olympia and a member of Local 443, has been approved for shared leave from March 20, 2013, to June 13, 2013. Contact: your human resource office. Cristina Jallow, a financial services specialist 3 with the DSHS SW CSS Change Batch in Mount Vernon and a member of Local 1060, has been approved for shared leave because of a medical condition. She has exhausted all leave. Contact: your human resource office. Michael J. Clark, an unemployment insurance specialist 3 with the Employment Security Department in Lacey and a member of Local 443, has been approved for shared leave. He has exhausted all leave. Contact: Judy Nelson, (360) 725-9448, or your human resource office. Naomi Fischer, a forms/ records analyst 3 with DSHS in Everett and a member of Local 948, has a medical condition requiring surgery that will keep her away from work for medical treatments and appointments. Contact: your human resource office. Theresa Terry Ludwick, a social worker 2 at the DSHS Smokey Point Community Service Office in Arlington and

a member of Local 948, has exhausted all leave caring for her husband. Contact: your human resource office. The following Local 1381 members at Western Washington University in Bellingham have been approved for shared leave: Jason Bailey, a maintenance mechanic 2; Wendy Johnson, a parking guide; Stephanie Scott, a program coordinator; Debra Sams, a program coordinator; and Mel Loveday, a maintenance mechanic 2. Contact your human resource office, or on the WWU campus, Human Resources at 3774. Frances Woody-Smith, a financial services specialist 3 with DSHS in Vancouver and a member of Local 313, is recovering from a long-term illness and is in need of shared leave. She has exhausted all leave. Contact: Clarissa Cretella, (253) 476-7078. Donald Guy, an office assistant 3 with the Department of Labor and Industries in Tumwater and a member of Local 443, is recovering from a long-term illness and is in need of shared leave. He has exhausted all leave. Contact: Nancy Caldwell, (360) 9025705 or your human resource office. Tracie Forler, a program specialist 2 with the Health Care Authority in Olympia and a member of Local 443, has had her shared leave approval extended. Contact: your human resource office.

LaToya McFarland, a tax services representative 2 for the Employment Security Department in Seattle and a member of Local 435, is caring for her critically ill father. Contact: Amy Estes, (360) 725-9429. Heidi Erickson, a financial services specialist 3 with DSHS in Lynnwood (Alderwood CSO) and a member of Local 948, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: your human resource office. Department of Health bargaining unit members in need of shared leave (all based in Olympia): Lanette Batterson, Wayne Carlson, Carissa Duncan, Shelly Dillworth, Diana Horan, Katherine Franks, Cheryl Hayes, Andrea Keller, Jenni Kirner, JoAnne Lemaster (sick leave and personal holiday donations only), Julianna Lloyd, Nancy Maxson, Jennifer McLachlan, Kari Neal, Sybille Oatney, Laura Olexa, Robin Paradiso, Gene Thune, Lynda Whitney and Catherine Suter. Contact: your human resource office. Diana Salazar/Robello, an office assistant 3 with the state Health Care Authority in Olympia and a member of Lo-

cal 443, has been approved for shared leave through April 8, 2013. Contact: April Yancey, (360) 725-2134 or april. yancey@hca.wa.gov. Diana Shawen, a residential rehabilitation counselor 2 at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island and a member of Local 793, is still in need of shared leave. Contact: your human resource office. Diane Green, a support enforcement officer 2 for DSHS in Lakewood and a member of Local 53, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: your human resource office. Andrea Osborn, a program assistant at Western Washington University in Bellingham, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Mike Greathouse, (360) 650-3771. Margaret Silva-Perry, a secretary senior with the Health Care Authority in Olympia, is recuperating from a serious illness and is in need of shared leave through March. Contact: Tracy Wynder, (360) 725-1027.

John Aron, an equipment technician 4 with the Department of Transportation in Randle and a member of Local 1290, is recovering from injuries suffered in an off-the-job accident. He will be unable to work for about four months. Contact: Renee Miller at (509) 577-1600.
Audrey Ahrens, an office assistant 3 at Rainier School in Buckley and a member of Local 491, is battling cancer that has metastasized. She has exhausted all leave. Contact: Sarah Hawkins, (360) 8293003, or your human resource office.

Angie Schulz, a customer service specialist 2 with the state Department of Health in Olympia and a member of Local 443, is recovering from surgery and has exhausted all leave. Contact: Brandy Chinn, 360) 236-3961, or your human resource office. Billie Anderson, an insurance technician 1 with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner in Tumwater and a member of Local 443, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Gina WilsonKing,(360) 725-7004. Nitanya Jones, a medical assistance specialist 3 with the state Health Care Authority in Olympia and a member of Lo-

Gainsharing update
For those following the unions gainsharing lawsuit, now in the legal appeal process: The states brief to the Supreme Court is due Dec. 21. The unions response and cross appeal brief is due Feb. 28, unless a request for more time is made. The states reply to that is due 30 days following, unless they request more time.

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WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

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WFSE/AFSCME goes to bat for UW custodian fired for stealing his own Coke Zero
Things go better with Coke, so the commercials say. But for a while last year things couldnt have gone worse for University of Washington custodian Marvin Choi and his preference for Coke Zero. The UW accused him of stealing Coke Zeros from a refrigerator in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences in the basement of Johnson Hall on the UW Seattle campus. The UW had video evidence. It concluded he was a thief and fired him. Choi, a Local 1488 member, turned to his union and filed a grievance. But the UWs case fell apart when it went to a neutral arbitrator. It turns out that Choi, originally from Korea with limited proficiency in English, had no interpreter during the investigation leading to his firing. There was gross miscommunication. Choi is also diabetic. He drinks Coke Zero because its sugar-free. He stocked his custodial closet on the third floor of Johnson Hall with a case or half a case of Coke Zero. His family grocery carries Coke Zero, so, the arbitrator concluded, he could buy it at an even lower price. One wonders why he would risk his job stealing approximately one dollars worth of product, the arbitrator wrote. Until July 2011, Choi actually kept a refrigerator in his INTERPRETERS WIN SCHEDULING VICTORY. Interpreter members of Local 1671 Dec. 6 won another victory: Starting about Jan. 1,

MEMBERS IN ACTION
The fight continues...

...AT THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE. Academic advisers, financial aid counselors, sports coaches and others who now can be fired at will at The Evergreen State College (TESC) in Olympia got a rousing round of Applause for Just Cause at a Nov. 7 rally at the colleges Red Square in Olympia. They filled a huge canvas petition with applauding hands and signatures in support of the just cause rights the Student Services Support Staff is seeking in negotiations for their first-ever contract. ...FOR MEMBERS IN HIGH-RISK JOBS. The Legislatures pension policy panel deferred action until Dec. 18 on recommendations that could place several new classes of high-risk jobs into the Public Safety Employees Retirement System (PSERS). Testifying Nov. 20 that high-risk workers are hurting and need the right to go into PSERS were (left) Frederick Brown, Local 793, Western State Hospital, and Gabe Hall, Local 862, Green Hill School, displaying the cast he received after being assaulted by a youth offender at the Chehalis facility. ...AT FORT WORDEN STATE PARK. The state Parks Commission Dec. 6 OKd a plan calling for a negotiated comanagement agreement at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend with a public development authority (PDA). The vote came after Parks Local 1466 members voiced their continued opposition on grounds it could cost more at a time Parks is seeking $27.2 million in state funds to fill the Discover Pass gap. The commission OKd an amendment that directs any co-management plan to minimize the direct loss of parks jobs across the state. was the effect on the clients. We had 46 percent staff turnover every year and when you have that many staff coming and going, its just plain hard on the clients. It comes in the wake of a recent report from Disability Rights Washington and Columbia Legal Services raising red flags about the KTSSes of the world. The report, Too Little Too Late: A Call to End Tolerance of Abuse and Neglect, was presented to the states Developmental Disability Service System Task Force. Individuals with developmental disabilities face unacceptable risks of repeated physical harm, psychological trauma, sexual assault and even death because the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) does not adequately investigate and effectively respond to abuse and neglect allegations in Washingtons Medicaid-funded Supported Living program,

Because of the union, we win it, Marvin Choi (center) said after union Labor Advocate Banks Evans (left) and Council Representative James Dannen (right) helped overturn his firing. custodial closet to chill his Coke Zeros. But then custodians were directed to remove all appliances from their closets. Choi took out the refrigerator. Soon, a colleague told him that an Earth and Space Sciences employee said it was ok to use the departments refrigerator. So Choi began putting a few of his own cans of Coke Zero in with other department employees Coke Zeros. After a suspected break-in in August 2011, a secret video camera went in. But the camera was timed to shut off at about 7:30 each morning before Choi retrieved his next can of warm Coke Zero from his closet to theyll be able to view posting of new assignments at set and reasonable times of day. Up to now, the state posted interpreter assignments put in the department refrigerator to chill. The part-time video camera caught him taking pop out, but stopped before he re-stocked. Thanks to WFSE/AFSCME Council Representative James Dannen, Labor Advocate Banks Evans, union counsel and an interpreter, Choi prevailed before the arbitrator. The arbitrator on Oct. 23 concluded the UW had no just cause to fire Choi for simply taking his own Coke Zero out of a refrigerator he thought he had permission to use. The arbitrator ordered the UW to reinstate Choi and make him whole for nearly a years worth of lost wages. throughout the day. Interpreters had to constantly check. This made it hard to plan efficient schedules.

Local 1466 Parks members (from left) Brian Yearout, Carmen Shute and Terri McCullough listen to Dec. 6 Parks Commission debate over Fort Worden. WFSE/AFSCME Council Representative Dave Pardy looks on.

KTSS,
from page 1
dollars are being spent at KTSS, the largest for-profit corporation providing services to developmentally disabled citizens in Kitsap County. Top administrators reap six-figure incomes from these taxpayer supports, leading to fears that corporate greed has trumped client need. KTSS management has also been engaged in negotiations with the workers union, the Washington Federation of State Employees, on a first-ever collective bargaining agreement. The working Jack Hopkins condiRetired KTSS caretions giver

the report said. The two city councilmembers onsite Nov. 17 showed that local governments are alarmed at KTSS management. KTSS must be responsible to the public because we are the ones who pay them with our tax dollars, Daugs said. Since the contract talks started this past spring, 10 KTSS direct-care union activists have been fired or laid off, including three of the five bargaining team members. Twelve have been written up or disciplined at a higher frequency than before the direct-care workers organized. And more than a dozen unfair labor practice complaints have been filed with the National Labor Relations Board for the illegal firings and retaliation of workers. The NLRB has issued complaints against KTSS, finding merit for almost all the unfair labor practice complaints filed to date.

In solidarity, dozens of WFSE/AFSCME members, like Yakima Valley Schools Julianne Moore, joined the KTSS demonstration on Bainbridge Island. are terrible, the worst of anywhere Ive worked in my life..., said retired KTSS caregiver Jack Hopkins. The problems isnt so much that it was bad on us. It

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WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

December 2012