Tumwater AAGs and Prostaff outside on March 20.

Cuts and furloughs will cost more than they save, and now elected officials are actually receiving substantial salary increases.  We expect furloughs to zero-out the value of the cost-of-living increase in our CBA. Another Senate proposal would take away our right to collectively bargain healthcare contributions in the 2027-2029 biennium, during which time the legislature would presumably increase our cost-share of premiums from the current 15 percent to 20 percent (or more).

Please weigh in on SB 5792 (furloughs) and SB 5793 (healthcare) and tell Senate Ways and Means Chair Robinson that long-standing revenue inequities should not be balanced on the backs of state employees. As we know from past experience, the administrative costs of implementing furloughs and the lost services to the public negates most of the small savings furloughs are intended to achieve. Of course, due to the nature of our work, we do not actually receive a “furlough” day. We just end up working more on nights and weekends to get our work done. A furlough is not a break in work, it is a pay cut with a different name.

Contact your legislators to oppose these misguided proposals. You can use this tool to find your representatives with links to contact them.