We need you this Thursday, Dec. 12!

We need you this Thursday.  We've got lots of news to share, and need your input on our plans for 2014! 

Join us for our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting this Thursday, December 12 at 6 PM.  

Agenda items include introducing our new co-chair Lisa Randlette, outreach to Local Presidents, 2014 lobby day and conferences, and both the failed climate resolution and the passed Big Green Machine proposal from the recent WFSE convention in October.

Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  Meeting space is also available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest by Wednesday, December 11th by 5 PM.  

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/400381837 to start the videoconference.

***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial +1 (267) 507-0003 from your phone.

3.) Enter the access code 400-381-837.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Sincerely,
Kerry Graber & Lisa Randlette
Co-Chairs, Green Caucus

Join us Thurs Nov 14

Dear Green Caucus Friends,

I wanted to follow up on my earlier message to personally invite you to tonight's Green Caucus meeting.  Here's the agenda.  We have important issues to discuss, so I hope you will attend!

Under old business we will discuss:

• Letters to Local Presidents asking for a representative to be appointed to our steering committee
• Feedback on Green Caucus Workshop at convention 

New business:

• Climate change as a standing agenda item
• Planning for January lobby day and strategic planning session face to face
• Natural Resource Task Force update
• Washington State Parks Foundation's Friends of State Parks Program
• "Discover Renewal" documentary

Please help us prepare for a 2014 full of great issues to engage in on behalf of Council 28!  

Join our video/conference call this Thursday, November 14 at 6 PM from your own home , or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  Meeting space is only available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest by Wednesday, November 13th during regular business hours.  

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/669438037 to start the videoconference.

***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial +1 (786) 358-5420

3.) Enter the access code 669-438-037.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Sincerely,
Kerry Graber
Chair, Green Caucus

B.C. CA, OR, and WA Join Forces to Combat Climate Change

Contacts:

British Columbia: Dave Crebo, David.Crebo@gov.bc.ca or (250) 812-5747

California: Jim Evans, Jim.Evans@GOV.CA.GOV or (916) 445-4571

Oregon: Tim Raphael, Tim.raphael@state.or.us or (503) 689-6117

Washington: David Postman, David.Postman@gov.wa.gov or (360) 902-4136

Resource Media: Eric Jaffe, ejaffe@resource-media.org or (415) 235-7822

 

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON 
JOIN FORCES TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE

West Coast Leaders Commit to Accounting for the Costs of Carbon, Clean Fuel Standards, Other Clean Energy Priorities for Region of 53 Million People

SAN FRANCISCO – The leaders of British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington signed the Pacific Coast Action Plan on Climate and Energy today, committing their governments, and a region that represents the world’s fifth largest economy, to a comprehensive and far-reaching strategic alignment to combat climate change and promote clean energy.

California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, Washington Governor Jay Inslee were joined at Cisco SF by British Columbia’s Premier Christy Clark, who participated via TelePresence from Victoria. BC Environment Minister Honourable Mary Polak attended in person.

Through the Action Plan, the leaders agreed that all four jurisdictions will account for the costs of carbon pollution and that, where appropriate and feasible, link programs to create consistency and predictability across the region of 53 million people. The leaders also committed to adopting and maintaining low carbon fuel standards in each jurisdiction. In a joint action plan, the leaders committed to “meaningful coordination and linkage between states and provinces across North America.”

“This Action Plan represents the best of what Pacific Coast governments are already doing, and calls on each of us to do more—together—to create jobs by leading in the clean energy economy, and to meet our moral obligation to future generations,” said Governor Inslee. “Each of the governments here is already taking bold steps on climate change; by joining forces, we will accomplish even more," Inslee said. 

Flanked by supportive business and labor leaders, the governors and Premier redoubled their commitment to growing the region’s clean energy economy. The region covered by the Action Plan has a combined GDP of $2.8 trillion—effectively the world’s fifth largest economy.

“Energy is THE issue of our time–both globally and here in Oregon–and no single issue will have a greater impact on our state’s economy, environment and quality of life in the coming decade,” said Governor Kitzhaber. "The central question is whether we will shape our energy future through intentional investment and development, or whether it will shape us.  Working together across the west coast jurisdictions we can build more resilient economies prepared to face the 21st Century,” Kitzhaber said.

Under the Action Plan, California and British Columbia will maintain their existing carbon pricing programs along with their respective clean fuel standards, while Oregon and Washington have committed to moving forward on a suite of similar policies. The leaders further agreed to harmonize their 2050 greenhouse gas emission targets and develop mid-term targets where needed to set a path toward long-term reductions.

“California isn't waiting for the rest of the world before it takes action on climate change,” said Governor Brown. “Today, California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia are all joining together to reduce greenhouse gases,” Brown said.

The leaders pledged to cooperate with governments and sub-national governments around the world to press for a global agreement on climate change in 2015.

“Taking action to address climate change in our own capitals is an important first step,” said Premier Clark.“By supplying cleaner energy and associated technologies to help others reduce their emissions while growing the economy and creating jobs at home, our generation has an opportunity to lead on the world stage. This agreement signals we are ready to innovate and work together to achieve a healthy, strong, and secure future,“ Clark said.

Business leaders hailed the Action Plan as an important milestone and a boost to efforts for national and international policy change.

“Our company is seeing significant growth on the Pacific Coast, and it is encouraging that the trend is concurrent with this landmark accord,” said Steve Clem, Vice President of Skanska USA in Portland, Oregon, one of the ten largest construction companies in the U.S.

“In this time of political grandstanding and gridlock, private enterprises like ours that are trying to do the right thing are pleased by the recognition here that it really is possible to grow the economy, create jobs and still do our part as a region to fight climate change,” Clem said.

Blair Christie, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Cisco, hosted the signing ceremony with the leaders. Dave Foster, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, and Bill Dewey, President of Taylor Shellfish Farms in Shelton, Washington, also spoke at the event.

The Pacific Coast Collaborative was established to address the unique and shared circumstances of the Pacific coastal areas and jurisdictions in North America by providing a framework for co-operative action, a forum for leadership and the sharing of information on best practices, and a common voice on issues facing coastal and Pacific jurisdictions.

# # #

Join Governor Inslee's Climate Work Group in Spokane or Seattle

October 11, 2013

Contact:   Jaime Smith, Governor Inslee’s Communications Office  |  360.902.4136

ADVISORY: Governor Jay Inslee and climate work group hosting forums, seeking comment on ideas for reducing carbon emissions

Governor Jay Inslee passed legislation this year creating a Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup (CLEW). CLEW members are tasked with identifying strategies for reducing carbon emissions in Washington and meeting statutory carbon reduction targets for 2020 and beyond.

Inslee and legislative members will be seeking public input on approaches to reducing Washington’s carbon emissions before drafting their recommendations. More information about CLEW’s work is available on Governor Inslee’s website.

When:           October 16 at 5:00pm

Where:          Music Auditorium at Spokane Falls Community College (Bldg. 15, Room 110) - 3410 West Ft George Wright Drive, Spokane

When:           October 23 at 6:00pm

Where:          Bell Harbor International Conference Center (2211 Alaskan Way, Seattle)

# # #

www.governor.wa.gov  |  @GovInslee @WaStateGov  |  www.facebook.com/WaStateGov

Join us this Thurs. Oct. 10th at 6 PM

Our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting is this Thursday, October 10 at 6 PM.  
Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  Meeting space is only available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest by Wednesday, October 9th during regular business hours.  

 

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/316291333 to start the videoconference.

***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial +1 (267) 507-0004

3.) Enter the access code 316-291-333.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Lean and Green Workshops Today

So excited about our workshops today at WFSE/AFSCME Council 28's convention in SeaTac.  We are honored to be joined by some very talented individuals with much to share.  Come check us out!  

LEAN AND GREEN: CROSSROADS OR CROSSHAIRSThe intersection of Lean & Green initiatives in state government and what it means to represented employees.

Cascade 10  |  1 pm & 3 pmPanel: Jim Wavada, Ecology; Darrell Damron, Results Washington; Renee Smith Nyberg, DES; and Julie Vanneste, Department of Corrections.

This workshop looks at the implementation of the Lean and Green initiatives currently being rolled out in state agencies. Panelist will explain what each of these initiatives is intended to accomplish.  We will explore some of the stereotypes and misconceptions attached to these initiatives.  As recognized experts at agency implementation of these initiatives,  our panelist will help us to explore how the rollouts of these initiatives are meant to affect represented employees at agencies where implementations are underway.  Attendees will be invited to participate in the discussion with their own insights on the issue.

Green Caucus Meeting Sept. 12

Our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting is this Thursday, September 12 at 6 PM.  Join us as we finalize our plan for WFSE's convention in October, brainstorm agendas for next couple meetings, start preparing for the legislative session, and discuss possible resolutions, including whether to join a blue/green alliance.

Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  

 

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/861066525 to start the videoconference.

***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial 1 (213) 493-0606

3.) Enter the access code 861-066-525.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Sincerely,
Kerry Graber
Chair, Green Caucus

Green Caucus Meeting August 2013

Our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting is Thursday, Aug 8 at 6 PM.

Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA. 

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/414580813 to start the video conference.
***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial 1 (267) 507-0008

3.) Enter the access code 414-580-813.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Join us as we plan a face to face meeting in September and for WFSE's convention in October!

Green Caucus July Meeting

Results from July Green Caucus meeting - Convention Planning

October 3, 4, 5, 2013 at the SeaTac Doubletree Hotel

Goals:   
Raise membership awareness about the Green Caucus

Recruit new members to the steering committee and the blog

Provide an educational workshop for delegates

Reduce waste during the convention

1.  Raise membership awareness about the Green Caucus

·        Green Caucus table

·        10 things bookmark into packets (with an ad for workshops)

·        Video loop at the table

·        Standing tri fold

·        Paper hand out tri fold on the table

·        Listserve sign-up sheet

2.  Recruit new members to the steering committee and the blog

Dan and Kerry will speak at the Exec Board about asking eboard members to recruit a bargaining unit or local rep for GC steering committee

3.  Provide an educational workshop for delegates

Working title is…Green: At Home and At Work

1 hour and 45 minutes, 2x on Friday

Jim, Dolores, and Kerry to work on outline Tues. July 16

Have to write up blurb for convention website

4.   Reduce waste during the convention

Sarah to check in with Emily and Pam H. about reducing paper packets and convention green package possibilities.

Good Jobs vs. Healthy Planet Discussion - Fri July 12

Good Jobs vs. Healthy Planet: Who profits when movements collide?  

 

Friday, July 12, 7pm  

A panel of union and environmental organizers frankly discuss why labor and eco-activists are often on opposite sides of the debates over coal trains, nuclear power and similar issues.  Join the discussion on how to unite these two movements around a workingclass approach to environmental sanity.    

Speakers  
Linda Anderson  Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587 Executive Board officer and veteran bus driver. ATU advocates for mass transit and opposes the Keystone XL pipeline.  
Mark Drummond  Service Employees International Union, Local 925 member who has written articles and organized around the dangers of coal trains and climate change.  
Allison Ostrer  Interpreters United/Washington Federation of State Employees member, certified Spanish interpreter, and opponent of proposed coal trains.   

Affiliations listed for identification only.

 

 Friday, July 12, 7pm $3 door/students and strikers $1 • Snack plates $7 • Doors open 6:30pm   New Freeway Hall 5018 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle (On the #7 bus line and near the Columbia City light rail station) Wheelchair accessible Sponsor: Freedom Socialist Newspaper Proceeds benefit the FS June-September $100,000 Fund Drive   For more information: 206-722-2453, FSPSeattle@mindspring.com or visit the Facebook event. For childcare or to arrange work exchanges, please call two days ahead.

Meeting Thursday July 11 - Help Plan our Next Steps!

Our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting is this Thursday, July 11 at 6 PM.

Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  If you are interested in attending in-person at our Spokane Field Office, please let staff know asap by writing to sarahc [at] wfse.org. 

 

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/565042965 to start the videoconference.

***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial 1 (805) 309-0012

3.) Enter the access code 565-042-965. 

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

   
Join us as we plan a face to face meeting in September and for WFSE's convention in October!

6,800 Unhappy Campers?

Do you have plans for July 4th weekend at one of our State's gorgeous parks? 

If State lawmakers can't reach a budget deal before July 1, you might have to change your plans.

On Monday, the State mailed 25,000 state employees notice of a seven day temporary layoff.

You're not the only one who may have to change their weekend plans.  KIRO radio reports there are 6,800 reservations at state parks for July 4 weekend that would have to be cancelled.  Read the full story here: http://mynorthwest.com/11/2302505/Government-shutdown-might-cancel-your-July-4th-plans.

Encourage your lawmakers to reach a deal.  Now.  Take action: http://www.wfse.org/take-action-adopt-a-budget-now/.

Watch a recent PSA about our state parks.

Join the conversation!

Join us for our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting Thursday, May 9 at 6 PM.

WHAT'S ON OUR AGENDA?

• Legislative update on special session
• WFSE/AFSCME Convention planning
• WFSE/AFSCME Steward Conference planning
• Planning our next face to face meeting
• Suggestions from members like you

HOW TO JOIN OUR MEETING

In-person:
Come to either the WFSE Headquarters in Olympia or our Spokane Field Office.  The Seattle Field Office is NOT open this month.

OR 

From Home:
Participate by telephone/video conference.  Follow the instructions below:
 
1.) Go online to https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/345188773.
 
2.) Call in using your telephone.  Or you can use your computer's microphone and speakers, but a headset is recommended
Dial +1 (213) 289-0010
Access Code: 345-188-773
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting

Inslee Signs WFSE/AFSCME Bill Into Law

Governor Inslee signed a WFSE-initiated bill into law that allows state employees to take advantage of the federal law allowing pre-income tax deductions for qualified transit and parking benefits.

Read the story on WFSE/AFSCME's website here.

Read the story in The Olympian here.

Bill Signing Friday, May 3!

Join us at a bill signing ceremony for HB 1456 on Friday, May 3rd, at 11:00 AM.  

 

HB 1456 authorizes, under certain conditions, pretax payroll deductions for qualified transit and parking benefits.

 

This is a bill that WFSE has been working on for 3 years and it's a great victory for our Union, especially the Green Caucus!  

 

Contact Liz Hall in our LPA Department if you have questions or can attend: (360) 352-7603 or hallL@wfse.org.

Celebrate Arbor Day this Month!

National Arbor Day is last Friday in April.  Check your community for a celebration near you.

Lacey, WA: seedling give away on April 13

Tacoma, WA: parks appreciation day on April 20

Issaquah, WA: tree planting April 20 

Spokane, WA: compost fair on April 27

Next Meeting: April 4, 2013 at 6 PM

Reminder to join us tomorrow for our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting Thursday, April 11 at 6 PM.

WHAT'S ON OUR AGENDA?

• Legislative update on green bills in the 2013 session
• WFSE/AFSCME Convention planning
• WFSE/AFSCME Steward Conference planning
• Planning our next face to face meeting
• Suggestions from members like you

HOW TO JOIN OUR MEETING


In-person: 
Come to either the WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, our Spokane Field Office, or our Seattle Field Office.

OR 

From Home: 
Participate by telephone/video conference.  Follow the instructions below:

1.)  Go online to https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/630584917

 

2.)  Use your telephone (not computer) to dial into the conference.

 

i.) Dial +1 (786) 358-5420
ii.) Enter Access Code: 630-584-917
iii.) Enter Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting

Parks Lobby Day March 19

You're invited!

State Parks 100th Birthday

 Lobby Day, March 19

Come to Olympia and ask legislators to support
our State Parks’ legacy for another 100 years.

RSVP ONLINE
or contact Kay Halpain at 800-562-6002