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WFSE bids to represent 1,900 more workers

• Published July 23, 2007

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Today, the Washington Federation of State Employees filed to represent adult family home providers, the newest group of quasi-state employees to win unionization rights.

The union turned in 1,000 signature cards from a population of 1,900 providers, according to a note from spokesman Tim Welch said.

The family home providers typically oversee six or so disabled adults. They are not hired by the state, but they are paid by the state, somewhat similar to childcare workers, who also bargain with the state for pay and benefits.

Unlike childcare providers, however, only adult family home operators are allowed to unionize under a new law, leaving their employees unable to do so.

This became a minor topic of discussion during the legislative session, when the Service Employees International Union raised questions about the fairness of allowing management to unionize before workers.

Rep. Brendan Williams proposed a separate bill to allow the workers to unionize, but it was introduced late and went nowhere.