Thousands of Washington state employees to walk out Monday over stalled contract talks

Thousands of Washington state employees are expected to protest stalled contract negotiations with the state by walking out of work Monday.

Statewide, employees at more than 100 worksites are expected to be involved. Within Seattle, employees working at Harborview Medical Center, the University of Washington (UW), and the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are expected to walk out and protest at 11 a.m., according to the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

“It’s time for a walkout to let the public know how little the governor’s office and state HR care about the welfare of the dedicated people who keep this great state running,” WFSE stated on social media ahead of the scheduled walkout.

WFSE, which represents approximately 52,000 state employees, claimed negotiations with the state have been occurring since April.

According to the WFSE, employees are fighting for higher compensation to address inflation and more staffing to address shortages.

“Years of cuts and ballooning workloads for employees in high-stakes jobs, like protecting vulnerable children, maintaining public safety, and caring for intellectually and developmentally disabled folks, are a recipe for avoidable suffering and billions in liability,” WFSE President Mike Yestramski said in a prepared statement. “We are sounding the alarm that the governor’s team seems intent on following the same failed policies that produced the shortfall in the first place.”

Governor Bob Ferguson weighed in on the union negotiations. His office sent a statement to KIRO Newsradio acknowledging the challenges of bargaining during a budget crisis.

“The governor appreciates and respects our state workers,” the statement reads. “Collective bargaining in times of budget crisis will always be very challenging. In the past 18 months, we implemented billions of dollars in budget reductions. We’re also facing billions in draconian cuts from the Trump Administration in vital areas, including the elimination of health care coverage for thousands of Washingtonians.

“In the face of those challenges, we are working to meet the needs of Washingtonians and adopt a balanced budget,” it continues. “As he develops his budget, the governor is focused on preserving core services for the most vulnerable people in our state. In working to accomplish that goal, the governor will face many difficult choices and understands not everyone will be happy with his decisions.”

The largest demonstrations are expected to occur at UW’s Red Square, at the Department of Children, Youth and Families offices in Seattle and Bellevue, in Olympia, and at Western State Hospital in Lakewood.

KIRO Newsradio has reached out to the Governor’s Office for additional comment.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

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