From the President
Like many of you, I am looking forward to the shift into summer and the projects and opportunities that lie ahead. As I am thinking about goals for the second year of my term as President of AFT Washington, I find space to reflect on how much we’ve accomplished and how much I’ve personally learned from the challenges we’ve taken on together.
The work we did during the unexpectedly tumultuous legislative session to preserve funding for the CTCs stands out as our greatest collective win. While we were in it, not knowing if the Millionaire’s Tax would get across the finish line, our members turned out consistently when asked, trusting in the strength of our solidarity. Relationships developed and coalitions were built that will put us in the best possible position for next year, which is shaping up to be even more contentious than the last. At the same time, I have to acknowledge that preserving that funding, crucial though it was and is, doesn’t address the real need among our members for job security and a thriving wage. Our PreK-12 members desperately need wage improvements, and our pro staff members need a guaranteed COLA, to name only two of the gaps that we’re still fighting.
We also made gains in expanding our membership. Many of our locals had successful membership drives, creating opportunities for workers to join the organized labor movement. Both the Whatcom professional staff and the Renton athletic coaches won their first contracts and officially became AFT locals in 2026. Highline College pro staff just won their union and will be getting ready for bargaining, while the pro staff at Wenatchee Valley College are in the process. We are optimistic they will be recognized before the 26-27 academic year begins.
One of my goals for my first year in office was to visit AFT Washington membership meetings to get to know our members. I was perhaps overly ambitious in how many that would be, but the rich conversations that took place when I was able to meet with members gave me an appreciation of how even though our locals are spread across the state, the commitment our members make to serve students is universal. Earlier this month I had the privilege of getting to know the leaders of the faculty union at Peninsula College. Having worked for seven years myself at an extremely remote college, also set in a beautiful forest next to the water, hearing about how they come together with strategies to support their close-knit community, reminded me that some of the best work of our members quietly takes place at the edges.
I am committed to making space for more of these conversations next year.
Looking towards the summer – I am excited for spending time with many of you as we come together with other labor leaders at the AFT and WSLC conventions, and especially at Powerful Locals in August. There is little better than focused time for us to be together in person. Our different perspectives and experiences all unite with the common purpose of bringing what we’ve learned back to our locals and growing and strengthening our union to make a real difference in our many communities. It promises to be the highlight of my work this season. Let’s use the months ahead to recharge, so we can charge ahead!
In solidarity,
Jacqui Cain, President
Local Highlights & News
Celebrate Pride!
By AFT Washington Staff
One of the most powerful things about the modern labor movement is our unwillingness to remain silent in the face of injustice. It has made us a force for change and for good – for good trouble, and for recognizing our shared humanity.
In June, we celebrate Pride month to acknowledge some of the people who refused to stay silent when silence would have meant greater safety but also would have meant inauthenticity. At the Stonewall Inn in 1969, the LGBTQIA+ community rose up together, again, in rejection of the imposed morality of an unwelcoming society, and that time, the community made it stick.
It was not the first time the LGBTQIA+ community stood up for itself, but it was the one where change started to speed up. We commemorate that moment in Pride.
The freedoms that the LGBTQIA+ community of 1969 fought for resonate today. We stand for the same values: for the rights of every person, everywhere, to live and love authentically. The fight for LGBTQIA+ liberation is not over, and indeed it has faced serious setbacks in recent years, but we strive for it nonetheless. If you’re interested in getting more involved in the fight, Pride At Work is a great resource for union members.
In 1883, Emma Lazarus wrote “Until we are all free, we are none of us free.” This sentiment has been said in many ways, by many people, fighting many oppressions, and it’s as apt in the fight against LGBTQIA+ liberation as the others. We oppose oppression where we find it, and we stand together for the liberation of all.
Happy Pride!
Our 2027 Legislative Agenda
By AFT Washington Staff
This month, the AFT Washington Executive Board voted to approve the Legislative Agenda put together by our Legislative Affairs Committee. While parts of the agenda are not fully finalized, the session will be challenging due to the state’s revenue issues, and we are already talking to legislators. If you want to get involved, please contact Richard Burton at rburton@aftwa.org.
Priority Item
- Joining with others to fight cuts to education in Washington State
Items where we’re the principal driver
- Parent Education – either
- Broadening Adult Basic Education or
- Broadening Workforce Education
- Board of Trustees Reform, e.g.,
- More timely and transparent appointment processes
- Adding a designated Labor seat for the community colleges
- Greater access to communication with Trustees
- More accountability for Trustees
- Joining with others for School-Related Personnel Respect and Staffing/Salary Improvements
- CFIC Student Learning Conditions (data, UI reform, equity pay, right to recall)
- Student complaints: Uniform data collection
- Advocating for a proviso for a pilot Academic Integrity testing center (borrowing from model from Credential Integrity Action Alliance)
Items where we’re committed by virtue of resolutions but need broader coalition work:
- Healthcare is a Human Right Coalition: Universal, publicly funded healthcare
- Supporting legislation of the Balance Our Tax Code Coalition (progressive revenue and defend Millionaires Tax)
- Supporting legislation from the Fund Our Futures Coalition (regarding WSIB reform)
- Supporting any priorities from our Retiree Chapter
- Support any legislation to end WISeR (attack on traditional Medicare)
- Work to restore a permanent COLA for PERS/TRS 1 retirement plan; adjust employer contribution rates to accommodate a permanent Plan 1 COLA.
Items where we’ve either been involved in the past and/or might want to be involved now:
- Supporting Alliance for Gun Responsibility legislation
- Supporting funding for early learning and childcare
- Supporting education coalition: Fully funded COLAs
Supporting ACLU/NAACP, et al: Voting Rights
Electoral Endorsements and Updates
By Cortney Marabetta, Communications Specialist
It’s almost the primary, and we have updates!
The AFT Washington Executive Board adopted the recommended primary endorsements of the AFT Washington COPE Committee. The list is posted on our website; we will also write detailed endorsements for some of the candidates in particularly tough races. If there is a race in your district that you’d like more information about, let us know and we’ll see what we can do.
We will be restarting the Legisletter when the ballots drop, in mid-July. While we will mostly focus on electoral races and issues, we are also beginning our legislative advocacy and expect to have updates on that and on the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges’ efficiency report process. If you are not signed up and would like to receive those updates, you can sign up here.
Finally, the chaos and challenges to voting at the federal level have highlighted that many Washingtonians are not fully aware of how voting in Washington works and what the law provides. As an example, did you know that every county in Washington is required to have at least one in-person polling location? We will, as usual, be posting information from the Secretary of State’s website on ours and sharing it through the Legisletter as well. This will include things like the map of polling locations and drop boxes, recommendations for how to submit your ballot, deadlines, and regulations around accessible voting and carrying ballots. You can also find this information on our website if your members have any questions. Please note that this information will be updated after June 18th, when the Secretary of State updates theirs.
WAISN Rapid Responder and Know Your Rights Trainings
By Cortney Marabetta, Communications Specialist
As a reminder, the Washington Immigration Solidarity Network is still running Know Your Rights and Rapid Responder trainings. They have several scheduled in the next few weeks; if you or members of your local are interested in attending, they are free to the community and a valuable resource, especially if you are interested in being part of a local rapid response network.
Register here for the June 30th virtual Rapid Response training.
Register here for the July 15th virtual Know Your Rights training.
For additional trainings and solidarity opportunities, check out the WAISN Events and Trainings page.
Job Security Task Force Report Adopted
By Cortney Marabetta, Communications Specialist
At its June meeting, the AFT Washington Executive Board voted to adopt the Job Security Task Force’s report. The report, which recommends the adoption of a United Faculty Model, seeks to reduce or eliminate the disparate working conditions that leave adjunct and associate faculty without basic job security. The report includes a list of bargaining priorities, legislative goals, and tools for locals seeking tangible ways to improve job security for contingent faculty.
You can read the final report here. If you’re interested in exploring how to implement it, we’ll have a workshop on it at Powerful Locals this August, focusing on actionable ways to implement the report’s recommendations.
The AFT Washington/Barnard Iglitzin & Lavitt Scholarship is Open For Applications!
By Cortney Marabetta, Communications Specialist
The AFT Washington/Barnard Iglitzin & Lavitt Scholarship was initiated in partnership with Barnard Iglitzin & Lavitt LLP, a Seattle-based labor law firm, in recognition of our close alliance in working toward improved education and labor rights for the working people of Washington State and the members of AFT Washington.
For the 2026-2027 school year, at least four (4) scholarships of $1500 each will be made to AFT Washington members or their family members. The application is available on our website. These scholarships are usable for any level of higher education at any accredited institution of higher education.
Applications are due to the AFT Washington office on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Powerful Locals
August 13th - 15th, 2026
This summer, our biennial Powerful Locals leadership training returns! Join us at The Evergreen State College. We will have main tracks on contract bargaining and management and membership engagement and growth, as well as workshops on topics including using our union contracts to support marginalized workers in our union, writing bylaws that work, and turning the job security task force into action.
Powerful Locals is a great opportunity for people who want to learn more about the nuts and bolts of union leadership. We'll see you there!
Register here.
Fund For Longview Nippon Dynawave Families
Last month, the implosion of a chemical vat at the Nippon Dynawave plant in Longview, Washington killed 11 workers. The Cowlitz Wahkiakum Central Labor Council and the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW) have come together to establish a fund at the Lower Columbia Longshoremen's Federal Credit Union that will provide support to families struggling with financial burdens caused by the implosion.
Donations can be made to @cwclcfamilysupport through Venmo.
Celebrate Juneteenth!
This week, we celebrate Juneteenth on Friday, June 19th, commemorating the end of chattel slavery in the United States. There are events happening around the region honoring Black history.
With thanks to the ACLU and other sources for sharing these events.
Juneteenth in the Tri-Cities
June 17th - 26th
Juneteenth Tri-Cities is the longest-running Juneteenth celebration program in Washington State. Since 1977, the Tri-Cities community has come together to honor Juneteenth and celebrate freedom, culture, and unity. What began as an annual picnic organized by families who had relocated from Texas to Kurtzman Park in Pasco has grown into a week-long celebration featuring multiple community events, including the Day of Service, educational programs, entertainment, and the annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival.
Washington Historical Society 2026 Juneteenth Commemoration
Thursday, June 18th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Join us in commemorating Juneteenth with an evening of free programming at the Washington State History Museum. This program will feature remarks and a performance by Eva Abram of Rainwater Storytelling. Singer and musician Jason Turner, musician Naby Camara from Guinea, African dancer and drummer Baba Kauna Mujamal, and Kamau Ron Taplin will be performing.
Atlantic Street Center's 25th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Thursday, June 18th, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Join Atlantic Street Center and Seattle Parks & Recreation on Thursday, June 18th for our 25th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Celebrate with us, our partners, artists, performers, and community resources at the Rainier Beach Community Center.
Celebrate Juneteenth at Twanoh State Park
Friday, June 19th - Sunday, June 21st
The Posh Pescatarian, operating from the historic concession building inside Twanoh State Park in Union, offers a special Juneteenth menu including Seafood Jambalaya with shrimp, sausage, chicken, and Creole spices ($25), a Juneteenth Hot Link Plate with house potato salad ($15), and Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream ($8). Groups of five or more should pre-order jambalaya through The Posh Pescatarian Facebook page. This is one of the final weekends Twanoh's main day-use area will be fully open before a yearlong restoration closure beginning July 5.
Tukwila 6th Annual Juneteenth Commemoration
Friday, June 19th, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
The City of Tukwila welcomes the community to come together for its Sixth Annual Juneteenth Commemoration. This year’s theme is Black Joy as Resilience.
Juneteenth Washington Celebration
Friday, June 19th, 12:00 - 6:00 PM
Come through, bring the whole crew, and let's make history together as we honor freedom, culture, and community in the most unforgettable way!
Africatown Summer of Soul Juneteenth Festival
Friday, June 19th, 12:00 - 8:00 PM
Join us as we commemorate the liberation of our ancestors from chattel slavery and collectively envision and explore what future freedom can look like for us all through formatted virtual and in-person discussions and festival activations.
Divas of Soul: A Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19th, 7:30 - 11:30 PM
Winter in America is an homage highlighting Gil Scott-Heron’s and Brian Jackson’s inspirational music, poetry, and original spoken word. The show engages today’s audience with Scott-Heron’s and Jackson’s signature themes: the African-American experience and unity in the struggle for justice everywhere. Featuring some of the best artists in the Pacific Northwest, we aim to bring new life to this under-appreciated, yet vital music.
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
Saturday, June 20th, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join Odyssey World International Education Services and the City of Vancouver at the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration. This free event is open to all ages and features live music, along with local vendors, an interactive history display, and family activities.
Enjoy free concerts from two well-known 10-member bands: African jazz (Wamba) and African funk (JuJuba), an outdoor, interactive historical museum exhibit put up by the Clark County Historical Museum (sponsored by HP and Clark College), free face painting, a photobooth, and over 70 businesses and non-profit vendors.
Linda Sweezer Memorial Juneteenth Festival & Celebration
Saturday, June 20th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Celebrating 15 years of Juneteenth in Kent! Community celebration includes live music, cultural performances, youth activities, community vendors, and family-friendly activities.
REVIVAL Juneteenth Market Pop-Up
Saturday, June 20th, 12:00 - 6:00 PM
Join us at Midtown Square for a two-day Juneteenth celebration rooted in community, culture, and connection.
On Saturday, June 20, we continue the Juneteenth celebration with the annual REVIVAL Market, celebrating its 5th year, featuring Black-owned businesses, creatives, and organizations from across the region. Bring your people, stay awhile, and be part of a weekend that honors legacy, joy, and collective presence in the Central District.
Juneteenth Celebration: It Takes A Village
Saturday, June 20th, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Join us for the 10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, a powerful community gathering honoring freedom, culture, history, and Black joy. This milestone event will bring together families, elders, youth, local businesses, community organizations, artists, and neighbors for an afternoon of cultural education, music, food, resources, and connection. Guests can expect a welcoming, family-friendly environment filled with celebration, reflection, and community pride.
NAACP Snohomish County Juneteenth Community Celebration
Saturday, June 20th, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, games, and a good appetite! Join NAACP Snohomish County for our 2026 Juneteenth Community Celebration — a day dedicated to honoring freedom, culture, community, and Black excellence. This annual celebration creates space for education, joy, reflection, and unity while commemorating the historical significance of Juneteenth. Families, local organizations, and community members are invited to gather for entertainment, line dancing, community organization vendors, food, and meaningful connection at Martha Lake County Park.
Whether you’re attending with friends, family, or as a first-time guest, we welcome you to celebrate together in community and culture.
Union Tips & Reminders
AFT Washington & WEA Adjunct Unemployment Workshop
Monday, June 22nd, 3:00 - 4:30 PM
AFT Washington and WEA have helped hundreds of adjuncts successfully apply for unemployment benefits over more than a decade.
This workshop is intended for seasoned and new applicants alike. The aim is to increase your chances of getting your unemployment claim as adjuncts resolved quickly, decreasing the potential of accidentally triggering delays that could delay payments by months.
Attending a live workshop is important, so we can answer questions live! We do not record sessions, but we can provide additional accommodations as needed.
AFT Convention
July 16 - 19, 2026
The AFT convention is the highest authority of our union and demonstrates union democracy at work. The convention is hereby called to convene at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. and will remain in session until such time as it has given full consideration to such matters as legally may be brought before it.
Click here to read the full convention call, or download it directly.
Washington State Labor Council Convention
July 21 - 23, 2026
Your local should have received information from the Washington State Labor Council regarding their convention in July. The more our membership is represented, the better we are able to advocate for our members’ interests and needs.
The convention will be held in Wenatchee. For more information, please visit the WSLC’s Convention page.
Human Rights Committee Seeks Members
The AFT Washington Human Rights Committee is sincerely committed to our mission statement of advocating for human rights in our workplaces and our community. We are continuing to work with our locals and allies to combat racism, foster community, and educate our members and communities on the importance of Human Rights. The AFT Washington Human Rights Committee needs your expertise, experience, and investment in upholding Human Rights to do this! We want to have a representative committee that includes all the constituencies within AFT Washington, but to do that we need your participation. You are invited to join the Human Rights Committee as an advocate for the Human Rights issues that are important to our members. To join the Human Rights Committee, contact Ray Carrillo, 206-369-4001, rcarrillo@aftwa.org.
AFT Connect: Better Data For A Stronger Union
Connect is AFT’s web-based, secure local data management system. It provides a great way to record individual member data, and so much more!
- Capture detailed employment and employer information about members, prospective members, and retired members of your local.
- Make sure your members can access their union-provided benefits (discounted insurance, home mortgages, travel, goods, and personal services).
- Keep track of changes in member earnings to ensure proper payment of your local’s per capita obligations.
- Manage your local executive board as well as COPE and other local committees.
- Plan outreach to your members and prospects. Have the information you need to conduct mailings, email, phone, and text message outreach via local efforts or using AFT’s communications tools. Record member event attendance and outreach responses.
- Create forms and surveys.
- Track your local’s engagement with and support from Community Allies.
Readily use these features and more through AFT Connect’s dashboard, upload bulk spreadsheet updates of your membership, or let Connect help your local turn data into a powerful outreach and management tool through easy, customizable reports.
Maintaining your local’s membership and leadership information in Connect meets AFT and AFT Washington requirements for your local to remain in good standing.
To get started with AFT Connect, or to request training and other member data support, contact Briseida Sanchez at bsanchez@aftwa.org.
Communications Help Is Available
Is your local not sure how to best use your website? Did you know you can have a free website? Would you like help with figuring out strategies for better communications outreach? Got something for the whole union to hear about? We can help with all of these, and more!
On top of helping your local, we can provide outreach to the union as a whole, through the Pulse and the Union Spotlight. We are actively interested in anything your members are doing, such as workshops or innovative problem solving.
If you have questions about them, want guidance, or are interested in learning more, please contact Cortney Marabetta at cmarabetta@aftwa.org.