June 16, 2009

Demands to Bargain on Layoffs Mean Wide Impact Bargaining

As expected, the Federation is filing demands to bargain with several agencies over the impacts of proposed layoffs. The goal is to mitigate budget cuts and reduce the number of Federation-represented state employees who actually have to lose their job.

Agencies have notified the Federation of some 259 layoff notices so far, including in the Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Parks, Department of Health and Department of Labor and Industries. Of those, several have gotten other options and will not lose their jobs.

The union has filed numerous demands to bargain impacts of proposed reductions. Included: Closure of Unit 2 at Pine Lodge Corrections Center for Women in Medical Lake, affecting 30 staff; proposed elimination of the Enhanced Parole program in DSHS Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration; reductions at Maple Lane School, Green Hill School and Echo Glen Children's Center (JRA); closure of a living unit at Rainier School; "organizational" changes at Fircrest School; expedited closure of Ward S-3 at Western State Hospital; among many others.

"We are filing demands to bargain everywhere to fight layoffs in every venue," Federation Executive Director Greg Devereux said.

Watch for details throughout the summer.

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