Fight Back Against Ferguson’s Furloughs

On Thursday, Governor Bob Ferguson proposed a series of cuts to state services over the next two years, including requiring most state employees to take 12 furloughs per year – a pay cut of more than 4%. The governor’s proposal also includes cuts to government programs, such as cutting food assistance at the Department of Agriculture and wildland fire staffing & preparedness at the Department of Natural Resources.

It is morally and logically wrong to balance the budget on the backs of state employees and Washingtonians who rely on public services. When the state is already in the middle of a staffing crisis, when most state employees are paid well below market value, when negotiated wage increases fail to keep up with inflation, it would be disastrous for the state to force workers to take a pay cut via furloughs.

The governor and the legislature need to hear from WPEA members that furloughs and service cuts are the wrong way out this budget shortfall. Click here to take action and raise your voice!