VOL. 39 NO.

AUGUST 2011

State Employee
2012 HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS
See pages 4 & 5.

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

WASHINGTON

WFSEs Summer Warriors 2

5
Details on page 7

Legacy
A
lthea Lutes legacy lives on every time WFSE/AFSCME members hoist a picket sign to take on management or knock on doors to invite those who

ALTHEA LUTE, 1951-2011

Leading chants at August 2004 Tacoma rally to move management during contract talks.

Althea Lute touched the lives of thousands -and moved management and legislators
need a contract into the union. Lute, the retired Washington Federation of State Employees staffer and former University of Washington/ Harborview Medical Center Local 1488 activist who made her mark on organizing, direct action and grassroots political mobilization, died June 22 of complications from diabetes and kidney disease at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. She was 60. Services were held July 2 at Greater Mount Baker Baptist Church in Seattle. In her final days, she visited with dozens of old friends and co-workers and simply asked them to pray for her. Over the years in all her different union jobs, Lute became the go-to person to coordinate numerous job actions and rallies. Her innovations on how to take our message to the streets live on in just about every rally, petition

Standing up for Fircrest School parents appeal rights at Lacey rally, July 2004.

signing campaign or march on the boss. Shortly before her death, she remarked to a former colleague how tickled she was to see members this past legislative session staging noontime events where they grabbed a hotdog and made a hotline call to legislators. She helped invent those Hotdogs and Hotlines events years ago.

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists will have a special tribute to Althea at their annual banquet Sept. 3 at Machinists Hall, 9125 15th Place S., Seattle, WA 98108. If youre interested, contact Jacquie Jones-Walsh at (206) 772-2079, or Mari Wyatt at (206) 721-2266.

See ALTHEA, page 8

UNION NEWS
WFSE JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS
Director of Negotiations Olympia Headquarters
This position has overall responsibilities for the coordination of all contract negotiations for general government, higher education coalition, and several universities within Washington State. Specifically, this position is responsible for lead negotiation duties covering the General Government master contract bargaining table; coordinates negotiations between multiple WFSE bargaining tables; supervises six Labor Advocates responsible for grievance arbitrations, contract and midterm negotiation. Key liaison between the WFSE and the state Labor Relations Office between contract negotiations cycles. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors Degree in Labor Relations or related field and ten years direct collective bargaining negotiating experience covering multiple and large bargaining units preferred. Supervisory experience of three years or more is required. Additional negotiating experience may be substituted for the required degree. Ability to work long, irregular hours and willingness to travel is a must. Must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Excellent benefits package provided. Beginning salary: $78,734 annually. Open until further notice or until filled. workplace issues. This position will supervise the work of the Public Service Organizers. Minimum Qualifications: Five years of experience developing and leading organizing and/or other grass roots strategic campaigns; and two years of experience in labor organizing that includes familiarity with developing and implementing field mobilization efforts (internal and external organizing campaigns); and two years of experience negotiating union contracts, union contract administration and enforcement; minimum of one year of supervision experience; willingness to travel extensively and work irregular hours (including evenings and weekends as needed); strong research, writing, and policy development skills; and proven leadership ability. Must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Excellent benefits package provided. Beginning salary: $66,165 annually. Open until further notice or until filled.

ANNOUNCING!

Howard Ocobock Memorial WFSE/AFSCME Family Campout

Millersylvania State Park
Oct. 28-30, 2011 Millersylvania State Park Environmental Learning Center
tained by members of Parks Local 1466. This year, you have the option of checking in Friday night or anytime Saturday. Cabins have been reserved. WFSE/AFSCME will pay the $9.30 per night camp fee for members; members pay for any family or guests. You may also choose to camp at a tent or RV site, if available. WFSE/AFSCME will reimburse you for the $26 campsite fee. Kitchen facilities available for meals. Bring your own food for breakfast and lunch. Each campout will feature a Saturday-night potluck, with hotdogs, hamburgers, condiments and chips. Each family should bring one main dish to serve eight, plus a salad or dessert. For cabins, bring sleeping bag or bedding materials. QUESTIONS? Call 1-800-562-6002 E-mail: tim@wfse.org Visit www.wfse.org

(near Olympia) Deadline to register: Oct. 14, 2011

http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Millersylvania

NOTE: This campout requires a minimum number of campers. In the event the minimum isnt reached, you will be refunded your money. The WFSE/AFSCME Members Only Benefits Committee and the WFSE/AFSCME Statewide Executive Board invite all WFSE/ AFSCME members and their families to come to this fun, overnight get-together at one of the most beautiful state parks main-

HOWARD OCOBOCK MEMORIAL WFSE/AFSCME UNION FAMILY CAMPOUT

Classification Manager 2 positions Olympia Headquarters

This position serves as an assigned professional expert providing advice and consultation to WFSE management, field staff and members on all classification/compensation issues in general government and/or higher education. Assists with collective bargaining negotiations. Preferred Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors Degree in labor relations, human resources or related field experience in classification, compensation and salary survey work; historical knowledge and work experience in Washington State classification/compensation is a plus; working knowledge of federal and state labor law and case law relating to classification/compensation/salary survey issues. Substantial work experience may be substituted for education. Strong research, writing and public speaking skills are a must. Must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Excellent benefits package provided. Beginning salary: $66,084 annually. Open until further notice or until filled. NAME Street ( )

Oct. 28-30, 2011 Millersylvania State Park Deadline to register: Oct. 14, 2011
Local #: City ( ) Home e-mail address Id like more information on the tent and/or RV option Cell Phone State Zip

Home phone

What activities would you be interested in? Hiking Biking Birdwatching Fishing Horseshoes
(Millersylvania)

Public Service Program Supervisor Olympia Headquarters

This position will manage and coordinate mobilization of and representation for independent providers, including Interpreters United and other non-traditional public service provider members that may join Council 28, WFSE. This position will coordinate and conduct bargaining, mobilize and activate members, potential allies and coalition partners in support of policy/ legislation efforts, advocacy, contract enforcement, and

Swimming

Local tours Boating How many family members or guests will you be bringing? ____________ Please enclose $9.30 for each family member or guest youll be bringing. Make checks out to WFSE/AFSCME. Mail this form to: WFSE/AFSCME Campouts, 1212 Jefferson St. S.E., Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501.

State Employee
WASHINGTON
7
20 22
OTHER OTHER

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.
21
OTHER OTHER

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

Council Representative 1 position in Seattle, 1 position in Spokane, and 2 positions in Olympia

Council Representatives are the internal organizers of the union, assigned to member-

ship building and leadership development. These staff are primarily responsible for daily member contact and activation. The Council Representative organizes job actions, trains Member Action Team Leaders and Stewards and generally assist in grassroots empowerment. Council Representatives also assist stewards in grievance processing, provide basic representation in the absence of a steward, attend mid-level grievance hearings and related meetings, and attend union/management meetings. Preferred Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of two years education in or has experience with, labor unions, labor or community organizing, and basic personnel practices; the ability to travel; has basic MS Windows-based computer aptitude, is skilled in the use of a PC and laptop, has the ability to use a cellular

phone, and has the ability to work with and guide others effectively. Experience with union training a plus. Must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Excellent benefits package provided. Beginning salary: $46,182 annually. Beginning salary: $46,182 annually. Open until September 16, 2011.

Office Manager Olympia Headquarters

This position manages the headquarters support functions and building management. Specifically, is responsible for supervising headquarters support staff responsible for membership data, reception, membership database and reporting, clerical support for Public

Affairs, PERC Activities, Classification and Contracting Compliance staff areas, archiving, local meeting notice and newsletters publishing, and headquarters custodial. Manages mail and print shop and operations; headquarters building maintenance and facilities upgrades, parking, and landscaping; manages all headquarters building moves and space issues. Preferred Minimum Qualifications: Facilities and building management experience and a minimum of two years of supervisory experience. Must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Excellent benefits package provided. Beginning salary: $63,857 annually. Open until September 16, 2011.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Page 2

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

August 2011

Congressman Jay Inslee became the first candidate for governor in 2012 to seek a forum with WFSE/AFSCME members when he stopped by the unions Statewide Executive Board meeting July 16. He received a warm reception as he invoked the cando spirit of Harry Truman and defended state employee collective bargaining, pensions and contracting out rights. The heat is going to be on when youre governor because its the place where the kitchen is and where the heat is, said Inslee, the member of Congress from the 1st Congressional District that straddles Puget Sound in the Seattle area. All I can tell you is Ive shown you I can take the heat. I know who cooks the food and thats working class people, including your brothers and sisters. Inslee said he understands the disappointment of state employees whove been whipsawed by management over the past several years. I think I know how you feel about being burned about what has happened to you in the last couple of years and thats a deep sense of disillusionment in what has happened in state leadership, he said.

Inslee first major candidate to seek WFSE/AFSCME forum

was meeting in Seatac. I view that organizational rights, collective bargaining rights, the right to be heard in state government is fundamental to the preservation of the middle class, Inslee said.

DECISION 2012

Privatization and recent agency consolidation

He said as governor hed consult state employees about better ways of getting the job done, but hes skeptical of the promises of privatization. He cited the contracting out of airport security, which, he said, brought lousy service, we got less security and we really got no savings for the taxpayers. And we cannot allow people to spread rose petals on the path to privatization that ends up not saving a buck and actually diminishing services. He was asked if hed take a look at the recent legislation that consolidated several agencies into the Department of Enterprise Services and Consolidated Technology Agency. Inslee reeled off numbers and facts that showed he had studied up on the issue. He voiced grave concerns about stripping away collec-

Inslee said he empathizes with the deep sense of disillusionment felt by state employees. tive bargaining rights from more than 100 employees and prohibiting employees in the new agency from competing for work proposed for privatization. Now, if theres some rational necessity for doing that (taking away those collective bargaining rights), I havent heard that, he said. Until I hear it, I think we should have those collective bargaining rights restored. The employees in the new

Inslee received a standing ovation after the 2012 gubernatorial candidate visited the WFSE/AFSCME Executive Board July 16.

Collective bargaining
Inslee said the fight to protect collective bargaining rights is a fight to save the middle class. This is an American value and needs to be respected, he said. He put an exclamation point on that at the end of his remarks to the board, which

DECISION 2011
The Executive Board also voted to oppose two measures on the November General Election ballot: Tim Eymans Initiative 1125, the anti-highway funding scheme; and Initiative 1183, another attempt at liquor privatization. Details in upcoming issues.

See INSLEE, page 5

pickup truck rear-ended a sedan stopped at a red light and then veered to the right, hit Linders truck and pinned Linder between his truck and the light pole, according to kirotv.com. Linder was airlifted to Harborview with a serious leg injury and other possible life-threatening injuries, but was reported in serious but stable condition.

Fund set up for son of DOC member Michelle Dykes

A memorial fund has been set up at the Washington State Employees Credit Union for the son of Michelle Dykes, the Department of Corrections Local 53 member who died July 26 from injuries suffered in a July 21 motorcycle crash at the I-5/SR 101 interchange in Tumwater. Dykes, 39, was a Community Corrections officer 2 in Tacoma and 10-year member of the Federation. You can go to any WSECU branch and make a contribution to the fund, which is in Michelle Dykes name.

Local 1020 DOT member seriously injured when pinned in 3-car crash
At press time Aug. 17, Local 1020 Department of Transportation member Terry Linder remained in Seattles Harborview Medical Center after being seriously injured after being pinned in a three-car crash on Camano Island. Open until further notice or until filled.
kirotv.com photo

Linder, a signal supervisor 1 with DOT, was finishing up maintenance work on a traffic signal shortly after noon Aug. 16 at the intersection of Highway 532 and Sunrise Boulevard. Thats when a

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Meeting and Travel Coordinator Olympia Headquarters

This position is responsible for negotiating contracts with vendors for all WFSE conferences, meetings and the Bi-annual WFSE Convention; coordinating preparation of agenda, materials, and equipment for meetings, conferences, training sessions and convention; making travel arrangements for members and staff to WFSE events; preparing materials for meetings,

conferences, and convention. Some evening and weekend meetings and travel required. Preferred Minimum Qualifications: Two years of experience negotiating vendor contracts, coordinating conferences or other events, making travel arrangements for air, rail, charter bus rental, hotel/conference arrangements. Knowledge and use of WORLDSPAN a plus. Ability to work with others effectively. Must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Excellent benefits package provided. Beginning salary: $47,280 annually.

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; strong Excel and computer proficiency; excellent analytical ability;

professional verbal and written communication skills and sound judgment. Database and Human Resources experience are desired. Must have a valid drivers license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Excellent benefits package provided. Beginning salary: $33,368 annually. Open until September 16, 2011.

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

IMPORTANT!

For all positions listed in the job announcements on pages 2 and 3, send a cover letter clearly indicating the position or positions you wish to apply for, and your resume, to:

August 2011

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

Page 3

2012 HEALTH PLANS

Here are 2012 health premium shares adopted by PEBB 7/20/11

Benefits board OKs 2012 health plans

In the end, bargaining blocked huge increases in your premium shares. Theyll still go up for most plans. But the jump from 12 percent to 15 percent of premium costs is much less than the 26 percent share the state first proposed at the bargaining table a year ago. Some legislators wanted employee premiums shares to be even higher than that.

Benefit changes effective 1/1/12

(adopted by PEBB 7/20/11)

Group Health Classic

The facts
The Public Employees Benefits Board on July 20 adopted the state employee health plans for 2012. The changes take effect Jan. 1, 2012. Open enrollment when you can change plans if you want will be in November. In a small but significant victory thanks to your objections, the board revised its proposed rates for diagnostic services in Group Health. After objections from Local 443 member Katie Nelson and PEBB members including WFSE/AFSCME Executive Director Greg Devereux, state Personnel Director Eva Santos and former HCA Administrator Margaret Stanley -- the board recessed and consulted with actuaries and came back with the revision. Under the package adopted by the board, the co-pays for MRIs, CTs and PET scans will now be in line with the co-pays proposed for specialists of $30 in Group Health Classic and $40 in Group Health Value. The original proposal was to impose $100 co-pays for diagnostics in Group Health. In the end, the change had little impact on proposed

premium rates.

Group Health Value

Nelson, Devereux object

Nelson was the only member of the public to comment on the diagnostics and also the new health savings account options, dubbed Consumer Directed Health Plans. She said diagnostic testing helps in early detection and keeps costs down in the long run. When you put a $100 co-pay on a diagnostic test, you will price many state employees out of the market, Nelson said. I find that unaccept-

See PEBB, page 5 WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee August 2011

Page 4

2012 HEALTH PLANS

PEBB, from page 4
able. Devereux questioned why the health care companies needed more money when state employees are battling the recession with pay cuts and other sacrifices. I dont know why providers need to get increases during this time period, he said. It is just surprising to me. And ultimately I think there will be a tremendous backlash. Devereux voted to oppose all of the increases for active state employees.

Benefit changes effective 1/1/12

(adopted by PEBB 7/20/11)

Kaiser Classic

Other Group Health changes

The board did OK bringing co-pays for radiation and chemotherapy in Group Health in line with co-pays for other services -- $30 for radiation in Group Health Classic and $40 in the value plan, and $15 for chemo in GHC Classic and $20 in GHC Value. But it took it a lot of objections and explanation by Health Care Authority staff before it came to a vote.

Uniform Medical Plan Classic

NOTE: The only benefit changes in UMP Classic are the prescription rates listed below. Out-of-pocket maximums, deductibles, office visit co-pays and other co-pays will not increase in 2012.

Look before you leap to new Consumer Driven Health Plans

Premium shares
Under your negotiated contracts and as a sign of the times premium shares for all plans and all tiers will go up (except for Kaiser Classic, which will drop). Theyll reflect the 25 percent change in premium share from the current 12 percent to 15 percent of total premium costs. Because of weighted averaging and medical inflation, the dollar increase varies from plan to plan and tier to tier. See chart on page 4 for details.

Out-of-pocket costs
The benefits board also OKd changes to some other out-of-pocket costs, lowering some while raising others. Most of those changes come in Group Health. Group Health deductibles will not change in 2012. For instance, in Group Health Classic, office visit copays for primary care, urgent care and mental health will drop from $25 to $15, while the co-pay for specialists will increase to $30. The out-of-pocket maximum for families will drop
Source for charts: PEBB

from $6,000 to $4,000. But the co-pays for several other services will increase or start: dialysis (to $30); radiation (to $30); chemotherapy (to $15); ambulatory surgical center (to $150); and emergency room (to $150). For all benefits changes to Group Health Classic, Group Health Value, UMP Classic and Kaiser Classic, see charts on pages 4 and 5.

counts adopted
The board also approved the legislatively mandated health savings accounts, renamed Consumer Directed Health Plans. The idea is those who choose this risky option get $700 to spend on health costs. If they dont get sick, they keep the money. But if they roll the dice and do get sick, theyd face deductibles as high as $2,800

and, in Group Health, total out-of-pocket costs would be capped only after they hit $10,200. WFSE/AFSCME is developing information on the pros and cons of the health savings accounts to help you make an informed decision when open enrollment rolls around in November. We dont want you to roll the dice, lose and get fleeced with extraordinarily high health

costs under these new health savings accounts. Nelson, who is also a member of the union Statewide Executive Board, called these health savings accounts health insurance lottery that prey on the innocence of our youngest employees. More information is online at http://www.pebb.hca. wa.gov/.

Risky health savings ac-

INSLEE, from page 3

consolidated agency should also be able to compete for contracted out work under existing law and collective bargaining provisions, he said. I cannot understand why if youre going to have an open bidding process, you essentially take one team out of the bidding and say

theyre ineligible, Inslee said. If youre going to have a fair bid, why would you take one team out of the bidding process the team that actually has expertise in the work?

Pension fund investments

Questioned about media reports of his supposed position on pension fund

investment, Inslee welcomed the opportunity to set the record straight. He said he never said hed take any funds away from pensions to invest in companies in Washington, but only ask the pension board if they should slightly increase the percentage of investments made by the board in Washington state private equity funds to help boost this states economy.

He said 98.6 percent of the funds invested by the pension board in private equities goes out of state. Inslee suggested boosting the investment in Washington private equity from the current 1.4 percent to 2 percent. But the question is where do we invest? he said. Do we invest all in California or New York, or do we invest some of it here.

August 2011

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

Page 5

UNION NEWS
SHARED LEAVE REQUESTS
If youve been approved to receive shared leave by your agency or institution, you can place a notice here. Once youve been approved by your agency or institution, WFSE/ AFSCME can place your shared leave request here and online. Please include a contact in your agency, usually in human resources, for donors to call. E-mail the editor at tim@ wfse.org. Or call 1-800-5626002. The following could use a donation of eligible unused annual leave or sick leave or all or part of your personal holiday:
Harriett Martin, a social worker 3 with the Department of Early Learning in Kent and a member of Local 843, has been approved to receive shared leave. Her husband just had unplanned open-heart surgery. Contact: Lisa Emmett, (360) 725-4933, or Tami Schultz, (360) 725-4924. Denise Avery-Baeten, a financial services specialist 4 with DSHS in Shelton and a member of Local 443, is caring for her husband, who is in the final stages of terminal lung cancer. She has exhausted all leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Marta Petrie, a financial services specialist 3 with DSHS in Everett and a member of Local 948, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Carolyn Dorsey, a financial services specialist 3 with DSHS in Everett and a member of Local 948, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Connie Sheets, a social worker 3 with DSHS in Centralia, is in need of shared leave because of her recent diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) sometimes called Lou Gehrigs Diesease. Contact: Your human resource office. Diana Smith, a financial services specialist 3 with DSHS in Lynnwood and a member of Local 948, is in need of shared leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Diane Pilling, a financial services specialist 2 with DSHS in Seattle and a member of Local 843, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Randy Kurtz, a financial services specialist 3 with DSHS in Everett and a member of Local 948, has been approved for shared leave because of ongoing treatment for cancer. Contact: Your human resource office. Florinda DeLaGarza, a financial services specialist 3 with DSHS in Bellingham and a member of Local 1060, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Kellie Karr, a business process specialist with the Employment Security Department in Olympia and a member of Local 443, is in need of shared leave because of chronic neuropathy. She is expected to be out of the office intermittently though October. Contact: Kathleen Young, (360) 725-9416 or kyoung@ esd.wa.gov. Sarah Drecksel, a support enforcement officer 3 with DSHS in Tacoma and a member of Local 53, is in need of shared leave while recovering from injuries suffered in a car accident. She has exhausted all leave. Contact: Carol Murray, (253) 476-7663. Cheri Siegfried, a financial services specialist 3 with DSHS in Goldendale and a member of Local 716, has been approved for shared leave because of a health condition. She has exhausted all available leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Mary Craig, an information technology systems/application specialist with the Department of Services for the Blind in Olympia and a member of Local 443, is recovering from a serious head injury suffered in a horseback riding accident in June. Contact: Rose Shultz, (360) 725-0201 or rose.shultz@ ofm.wa.gov. Regina Pugh, a patient service representative at the UW Medical Contact Call Center in Seattle and a member of Local 1488, has been approved for shared leave from Aug. 8 to Sept. 19, 2011. Contact: Diane Pyzik, (206) 744-9228 or pyzikd@uw.edu. Julie (Julia) Mullins, a financial services specialist 3 with DSHS in Clarkston and a member of Local 1300, is in need of shared leave to recuperate from upcoming surgery, which will take several weeks of recovery time. Contact: Your human resource office. Chris Rentschler-Traub, a fiscal analyst 1 at Yakima Valley School in Selah and a member of Local 1326, is in need of shared leave to care for a family member. Contact: YVS Personnel Office, (509) 698-1251. Tobin Lowe, a laundry worker 3 at Rainier School in Buckley and a member of Local 491, has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that requires her to be off work at this time. Contact: Jill Larsen, (360) 829-4951 or jill.larsen@ dshs.wa.gov. William Schuler, an attendant counselor 2 at Rainier School in Buckley and a member of Local 491, is battling multiple sclerosis and has not been able to work since May 4. Contact: Sarah at the Rainier School human resource office, (360) 829-1111. Jessica Peterson, a health services consultant 1 with the Department of Health in Tumwater and a member of Local 443, has been approved for shared leave because of recovery from injuries suffered in a car accident. Contact: Your human resource office. Victor Velasquez, an imaging technologist 2 at Western State Hospital in Lakewood and a member of Local 793, has been approved for shared leave for a lengthy recovery from a heart attack. He has exhausted all leave. Contact: Tina McDonald, (253) 761-3361. Roberta Bert Reynolds, a financial services specialist 4 with DSHS in Aberdeen and a member of Local 970, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Regina Eilers, a WorkSource specialist 4 in Auburn with the Employment Security Department and a member of Local 435, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Kathleen Young, (360) 725-9416. Su Le, a social worker 2 with DSHS in Olympia and a member of Local 443, is currently under his physicians care because of a serious medical condition. Contact: Your human resource office. Ursula Cox, an office assistant 3 with the Department of Corrections in Seattle and a member of Local 308, has a severe health issue and is also dealing with the recent death of her husband. Contact: Your human resource office. Lillian Rambus, a support enforcement officer 2 at DSHS in Seattle and a member of Local 843, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Eilani Wright, a financial services specialist 3 with the DSHS District 6 Call Center in Lewis County and a member of Local 862, has been approved for shared leave because of surgery and extended recovery. Contact: Your human resource office or Grace Chambers, chambge@dshs.wa.gov. John Creekmore, an unemployment specialist 3 with the Employment Security Department in Spokane and a member of Local 1221, has been approved for shared leave for multiple surgeries on his neck, back and left arm because of problems caused by military service and a car accident. He needs shared leave to cover the surgery and lengthy recovery time. Contact: Your human resource office. Karla Pennington, a WorkSource specialist 4 in Port Angeles and a member of Local 1463, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Tammie Meyers, a fiscal analyst 3 with the Department of Fish and Wildlife in Olympia and a member of Local 443,

Wheres this worksite?

Tell us where this worksite is and which 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. 9. The first 10 readers with the correct answer who include their name and mailing address will receive a prize. Answer to Junes Wheres this Worksite? The last mystery worksite showed the Interstate 90 bridge over the Columbia River just east of Vantage. Its maintained by Local 1299 Department of Transportation members primarily out of the George Shed. But correct guesser Rudy Trevino, who works at the George Shed, said members at other area DOT sheds all worked at this location at some time or another and should all get the same credit for working there. Good point. So from Rudys e-mail submission, here goes: George Shed Rudy Trevino, Alex Hernandez, Dean Alexander, Sam Schneider, Steve Fries; Ephrata Shed Rick Grubb, Scott Schutt, Kevin Hinkle, Randy Gunderson; Othello Shed Bob Guerrero, Bob Garrett, Dale Schoessler, Rolando Cerrillo; Moses Lake Shed John Wiersma, Billy Barger, Gary Castle, George DeMaris, Les Vorwork. Another correct guesser, John McGinness (Local 1299, DOT, Wenatchee) pointed out that the photo included, in the far right, the Vantage RWIS station, cameras and several variable speed and/or message signs maintained by Mats Gustafson, Trevor Brandt, Tim Davison, Tim Hein and probably many others. (The other acceptable answer was Wanapum State Park, which appears in the background across the river; Local 1466 members work there). The first 10 readers with correct answers were: Bill Copland; Jenna Durkee; Bob Guerrero; Kandi Hartman; John McGinness; Dave Roe; Bret Shackelford; Sam Schneider; Diane Storms; and Rudy Trevino.
suffered a head injury in a car accident and is unable to return to work. Contact: Tracy Wolfe, (360) 902-2284. Wendy McCombs, a correctional records technician 1 with the Department of Corrections in Tacoma and a member of Local 53, is in need of shared leave because of a serious medical condition that will require a lengthy recovery time. Contact: Your human resource office. WFSE/AFSCME members in the state Health Care Authority in Olympia have asked for shared leave donations for Gary S. Farrior, a provider enrollment supervisor in the Medical Assistant Customer Service Center. He has Stage 4 colon cancer and is currently going through chemotherapy. Contact: Your human resource office. Peter Barabasz, a financial services specialist 3 with DSHS at the Sky Valley CSO and a member of Local 948, is still in need of shared leave in his 2-year battle with cancer. He has no leave. He needs leave so he may attend weekly chemotherapy treatments and be at home to recuperate from his treatments. Contact: Your human resource office. Marie Davis, an office assistant 3 with the Washington State Patrol in Olympia and a member of Local 443, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Joel Reinier, (360) 704-2318 or joel.reinier@wsp. wa.gov. Cephus Nicholson, a mental health technician 2 at Western State Hospital in Lakewood and a member of Local 793, will be off the job an extended period as he recovers from extensive knee surgery (caused by an on-the-job injury) and a heart attack suffered while recovering from his first surgery. Contact: Tina McDonald, (253) 582-8900 Ext. 2574. Shayla McKnight, a health insurance benefits specialist with the state Health Care Authority in Lacey and a member of Local 443, has been approved for

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WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

August 2011

UNION NEWS
SHARED LEAVE
continued from page 6
shared leave. Contact: Oanh Pham, (360) 923-2881. Three attendant counselors and members of Local 491 at Rainier School in Buckley are in need of shared for medical conditions. They are Wes Sonmore, Richard Johnston Sr. and Annette Ramsdell. Contact: Your human resource office. Tracy Littles, an administrative assistant for the Department of Licensing, is recovering from breast cancer surgery and is undergoing a longer-than-expected second round of chemotherapy. Contact: Lonnie Stikes, (360) 664-1394. Karen Smith, a financial services specialist with DSHS in Yakima and a member of Local 1326, is caring for her husband, who has been diagnosed with aggressive pancreatic cancer that has spread to his liver. She is assisting in his treatments. Contact: Your human resource office. Kimberly Morris, a financial services specialist 3 with DSHS in Omak, is having surgery and will be off work several days. She has exhausted all leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Pat Havens, a WorkFirst program specialist with DSHS in Olympia and a member of Local 443, has been approved for shared leave. Because of a serious health condition, she will require a period of recovery. Contact: Your human resource office. Roxy Kozlowski, a health insurance benefits specialist with the state Health Care Authority in Lacey and a member of Local 443, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Oanh Pham, (360) 923-2881. Frances Woody-Smith, a financial services specialist 2 with DSHS in Vancouver and a member of Local 313, is still in

Language Access Assessment Survey

Your WFSE/AFSCME Communications Committee wants to know about language needs of members. This information may be used to determine if translations of union materials are needed, and if so, in which languages and at what locations. If you are aware of groups of members with limited English who would benefit from translated union materials, please take our survey. 1. Tell us what languages - other than English - are spoken as a primary language at your workplace.

Languages other than English spoken in Washington state:

This list is not exhaustive.

Amharic | Arabic | Armenian | Bosnian Bulgarian | Burmese | Cambodian Chinese Mandarin | Chinese Cantonese Croatian | Czech | Farsi French | German | Hindi | Hungarian Ilocano | Indonesian | Italian | Japanese Kirundi | Korean | Loatian | Marshallese Mongolian | Nepali | Oromo | Persian Polish | Portuguese | Punjabi Romanian | Russian | Serbo Croatian Somali | Spanish | Swahili | Tagalog Thai | Tigringa | Turkish | Ukranian Vietnamese

2. What is your worksite county?

3. What agency do you work for?

4. Please estimate the number of employees at your worksite who speak this language as their primary language.

Cut out & mail the survey to:

5. May we contact you? Please provide us with your name and phone/email.

WFSE Communications Committee 1212 Jefferson St SE #300 Olympia WA 98501

Take this survey online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/wfseweb-language

need of shared leave because of recovery from pancreatic cyst surgery. Contact: Steve Fettig, (360) 725-4810. Tina Rodriguez-Berg, a financial services specialist 4 at the DSHS Smokey Point CSO in Snohomish County and a member of Local 948, has been approved for shared leave. Contact: Your human resource office. Bruce C. Zeller, a transportation systems technician B with the Department of Transportation in Olympia and a member of Local 443, has been approved for shared leave for the rest of the year as he battles multiple sclerosis. Contact: Emily Hindman, (360) 705-7249. Judith Harrell, an attendant counselor 3 at Rainier School in Buckley and a member of Local 491, is on extended leave because of a medical condition and is still in need of shared leave. Contact: Your human resource office.

ELECTED: Julianne Moore, a Local 1326 member at Yakima Valley School in Selah, was elected to the board of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Aug. 3. She fills a vacancy in the 4th District of Central Washington. She becomes the fourth WFSE/ AFSCME member of the WSLC board, along with Kandy Kraig, Lee Malinda and Mari Wyatt.

WFSEs Summer Warriors

There were no summer doldrums for WFSE/AFSCME members as they staged signficant job and contract actions: 1. About 100 day shift and swing shift Local 793 members rallied June 29 outside Western State Hospital in Lakewood. They protested the closure of the S-4 Ward and moving those patients with privileges into the community to the high-security Forensics Ward a move that jeopardizes security of patients, the staff and surrounding neighborhoods and schools. 2, 3, 4. The powerful University of Washington Board of Regents and new UW President Michael Young welcomed a delegation of WFSE/AFSCME Local 1488 members to their

2 1 3 4 6

The vote was 256 to accept and 3 to reject, with 30 ballots voided. It took effect July 1. Its the first-ever such agreement in the nation for independent contract interpreters. The pact covers about 2,000 independent interpreters under contract with the state. These language access providers help doctors and others communicate to patients and clients for whom English is a second language. The elections committee counted the ballots June 28 at WFSE/AFSCME headquarters in Olympia. From left in photo 5: Interpreters Narscisa Hodges, Magde Rojas and Kathy Guttromson. Their new Local 1671 quickly set up a committee to write their first local constitution (photo 6).

22nd floor meeting room July 21 as the Local 1488 members urged the regents to drop the universitys appeal of the state order reinstating call center workers collective bargaining rights. The call center workers, formerly located at the UW-run Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, had their rights stripped last year when the university merged them with another call center operation in downtown Seattle.

Weve been through a lot, call center member Regina Pugh (in photo 3 above) told the Board of Regents. Weve been stripped of things, but our main focus is our patients. 5, 6. WFSE/AFSCME-represented medical interpreters ratified their firstever and groundbreaking contract with the state with a 99 percent yes vote.

August 2011

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

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ALTHEA LUTES LASTING LEGACY

Mobilizing members and moving management one job action at a time. LEFT: Master of Ceremonies Althea Lute leads thousands in chants at July 2004 Westlake Center rally in Seattle during the National Governors Conference to pressure the state for fair first contracts. CENTER: Calling for workload relief at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, October 2003. RIGHT: Leading bipartisan community coalition at May 2004 rally to save Fircrest School in Shoreline.

ALTHEA,
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I was able to show members they had the power, they could take on the boss when dealing with labor-management issues, she said in 2006. They could see what they could do by standing up and fighting back. Thats really what kept me going all those years. As organizing director, Lute helped incorporate the new concept of home visits to win several campaigns. Over the years, she also mentored countless other Local 1488 members, officers and fellow colleagues on union staff. Some 300 Policy Committee delegates stood for a moving moment of silence the Saturday after her death in honor of how she had touched their lives. That day, I lost a mother, I lost a friend, I lost a mentor and most of all I lost my biggest fan, said John Frazier, one of Altheas successors as president of Local 1488 at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center. The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists will have a special tribute to Lute at their Sept. 3 banquet. She was a former president of the local CBTU chapter. See box, page 1. Lute came to work for the University of Washington in 1972, earned her college degree and devoted her life to improving the lives of UW and all state employees. Althea was born Feb. 5, 1951, in Seattle and attended Garfield High School before starting work on the night shift at the UW while attending college. She earned a degree from Seattle Central Community College. At the UW and Harborview Medical Center, Althea quickly became a shop steward and later president for Local 1488. From there, Althea won election as WFSE/AFSCMEs statewide vice president in 1992. She was the first African-American elected to hold

VP Lute opposes contracting out on KOMO-TVs Town Meeting in January 1993 with host Ken Schram.

Lute is sworn in as WFSE/AFSCME vice president in Tacoma in October 1992.

Organizer Lute after winning contract rights for Harborview patient services reps Eva Leverett and Quin Womack, June 1995.

Lute meets with Tom McArthur, EWU Local 931, before February 2001 legislative hearing on bid limits bill.

The unions former organizing director presents Howard Jorgenson Organizing Award to Local 308s Ton Johnson at October 2007 WFSE/AFSCME Convention in Spokane.

Picketing at Harborview Medical Center, April 1989.

AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy presents award to Lute at CBTU event in 1997.

With Gov. Gary Locke and WFSE/AFSCME Lobbyist Bev Hermanson, August 1998.

Althea Lute in a familiar role at an April 1997 rally in Olympia.

I never say, Goodbye, I say, See you later.

that post. Within six months, she stepped down as VP and left her Harborview patient registration representative position to take a job as an organizer with WFSE/AFSCME. She eventually became organizing director and then legislative and political action field coordinator. One of her biggest ac-

complishments was the unions successful fight to save Fircrest School, the residential habilitation center in Shoreline caring for some of this states most profoundly developmentally disabled citizens. Althea helped provide resources to Local 341, forged a coalition of support from other residential habilitation centers, and helped coordinate a series of job actions, rallies and Olympia visits starting in 2003. Her last day on the job with the union before going on extended sick leave preceding her official retirement was a town hall meeting on Fircrest in November 2005. I dedicated myself to saving Fircrest, she said in 2006. I learned so much from the workers and residents. It was a top priority to me. It was about the residents, it really was. In retirement, I can look

back and say, Well done. I was glad I had to opportunity to be involved in that. She retired from the union in 2006 after 13 years. In retirement, she won election as president of her chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and was active in the Foster Parents Association of Washington State. She also helped her old local during various contract campaigns. And the former organizing director returned to the WFSE/AFSCME convention in October 2007 to present the biennial organizing award. When she retired, she said: I never say, Goodbye, I say, See you later. Althea was loved by all, a mentor to hundreds, and her tireless devotion has left its mark on thousands of state employees past, present and future. She will be missed.

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WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee

August 2011