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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

We hope that the long path towards addressing these concerns, which are shared by so many across the Department, can begin at the next All-Hands through an open and transparent conversation with the staff you lead. In Solidarity, Officers of the WFSE DCYF Policy Committee

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

...putting their compassion and expertise into action to be a change agent, problem solver, and to support social justice for all.”

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

As Natalie Green stated, “There are not enough words to describe the impact social workers have on the lives of others… They consistently use advocacy, empathy, and hard work to help those feeling hopeless, unworthy, and lost...

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

We are, as we often have to prove in court, the experts in our areas of work. We are frustrated with continued hiring decisions that place unidentified factors above effectiveness, communication, representation, diversity, and experience. We want to see change.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

We are asking for honest conversations about our organization’s culture, not sanitized productions where workers are talked down to from an ivory tower.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

If a Black woman with decades of unmatched institutional experience can be displaced without advance notice or a similarly qualified successor, frontline staff of color have zero reason to believe they are safe, valued, or supported by your administration.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

The agency’s continued silence and lack of meaningful accountability reinforce the belief that DCYF’s stated commitment to racial equity and social justice and culture change is merely performative.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

We do not stay for the money; we stay because we care. But a public agency cannot run on the exploited good intentions of its workforce. If you treat executive staff with hostility when workload issues arise, a brand new line worker will never feel safe enough to step away & take their lunch break.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

Our members are disrespected in courtrooms, injured and threatened in the community, and exposed to severe trauma. We are unfairly blamed for chronic understaffing and decisions made far above our heads.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

While leadership protects its inner circle, frontline staff are collapsing under a severe workload crisis. Case-carrying workers and supervisors are often expected to work double, triple, or quadruple their recommended workload without any assistance, recognition, or at times even compensation.

wfse.org

Letter: Workload

Secretary Senn,

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

This instability strips the agency of institutional knowledge and critical cultural diversity at a time when we need it most. Casting aside those who strive to change DCYF for the better destroys employee morale and leaves frontline workers asking: What reason do we have to stay?

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

Ms. Green’s abrupt displacement is not an isolated incident; it reinforces a toxic, fear-based culture that has permeated DCYF. We have tracked a troubling pattern where leaders who listen to staff, communicate transparently, and collaborate with our union are systematically pushed out or demoted.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

To claim that these individuals are "similarly qualified" simply because they sat in the same meetings devalues our complicated, high-stakes work. It signals to every worker that our hard-earned experience is meaningless and that we are entirely disposable.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

Replacing a highly qualified Black woman who possesses decades of specialized child welfare experience with an interim appointment – without good cause – sends a chilling message.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

Willingness to change, collaborate, listen, reflect, and trust are not things that can be developed through the onboarding process or by completing a few trainings, and this loss in our agency leadership is immeasurable. (Link to article on recognition from Governor Inslee).

web.archive.org

Department of Children, Youth & Families

DCYF is a cabinet-level agency focused on the well-being of children. Our vision is to ensure that Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and a...

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

Ms. Green chose to dedicate over 2 decades to supporting the children and families of our state; she built a more inclusive work environment while gaining the trust of frontline staff. She did this by working collaboratively with our union, even when it meant changing and adapting her own practices.

web.archive.org

Department of Children, Youth & Families

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

This pattern was starkly illuminated by the sudden removal of Natalie Green from her role as Asst. Sec. of Child Welfare. We did not always agree with Ms. Green, but we shared an understanding that staff are the agency's most valuable resource in achieving positive outcomes for families we serve.

ewu.edu

MSW Alum Appointed Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Field Operations for Washington’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) - Stories - College of Professional Programs - EWU - The Re...

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

For years, DCYF has fostered a culture that devalues the expertise of frontline staff. Planning meetings are routinely kept inaccessible to regular workers, and monumental operational changes are handed down from above without employee input.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

The current culture of top-down exclusion, disregard for professional expertise, and institutional retaliation must end. We demand an immediate pivot toward transparency, equity, and operational stability.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

The WFSE DCYF Policy Committee is fiercely committed to opposing injustice, whether it originates from within or outside our agency, and whether it impacts represented or unrepresented workers.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

Ongoing sudden leadership changes compounded by troubling public reports of racial bias and cronyism at the exec level have forced a crisis of confidence. Our members are a diverse coalition of public servants who risk their safety daily to serve Washington’s most marginalized children and families.

axios.com

Washington's child welfare agency faces racial bias allegations

The agency's equity director resigned and 5 others raised concerns about treatment of employees of color.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

"Secretary Senn, On behalf of the thousands of dedicated public servants represented by WFSE across DCYF’s Child Welfare and Licensing Divisions, we, the officers of the WFSE DCYF Policy Committee, are writing to express our profound alarm regarding the ongoing trajectory of this agency."

washingtonstatestandard.com

Allegations of racial bias swirl around embattled WA agency • Washington State Standard

The leader of Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families was questioned this week about her agency’s commitment to equity amid allegations of racial bias in the agency made by two former ...

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11h

Thread: An open letter sent today to WA DCYF Secretary Tana Senn, from the officers of @wfse.org's DCYF Policy Committee re: concerns of discriminatory hiring, retaliation, and systemic institutional instability:

wfse.org

DCYF Policy Committee

Teaching management how to support Washington's families - and their own workers.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

The Call-Bob-a-thon is still on! Keep calling Bob every day until we get a fair contract! 360-902-4111.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Amidst amazing member activist energy and riling speeches at Saturday's rally, WFSE member band floorchild led a couple original chants and this tribute. We're down to the last moments of this contract fight! Keep calling the governor at 360-902-4111! #FairContractNow #HoldTheLine #9to5

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

🚨 We are ALL HANDS ON DECK to protect our contract and secure a #FairContractNow. Get with your coworkers and plan to turn out for our upcoming actions. Details in our bio. And don't forget to call @governorferguson.bsky.social at 360-902-4111 and demand a strong contract for state employees.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

@governorferguson.bsky.social doesn't mind keeping up with WA's cost of living when it comes to his own pay. So why is he stagnating the wages of the public employees who actually keep the state running? Call 360-902-4111 and tell him you want a #FairContractNow for Washington's state employees!

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

You don't have to go through the exhausting work of WA Parks staff yourself to preserve the public's safe, equitable, ecologically sound access to our state's natural spaces. Just pick up the phone and call the governor at 360-902-4111 & demand a strong contract for state employees. #FairContractNow

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

You don't have to do the thankless work of DDA yourself to make sure your neighbors with disabilities can live with dignity, safety, and empowerment. Just pick up the phone and call the governor at 360-902-4111. Tell him you demand a strong contract for Washington's state employees. #FairContractNow

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

You don't have to do the dangerous work of @wsdot.wa.gov yourself to ensure Washington's roads are safe and functional for travel and commerce. Just pick up the phone and call the governor at 360-902-4111. Tell him you demand a strong contract for Washington's state employees. #FairContractNow

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

We are ALL IN to WALK OUT with @wfse.org public employees across WA on 8/31! @governorferguson.bsky.social says not a dime? We say that doesn't fly! Sign up to walk with us at your closest worksite: actionnetwork.org/event_campai...

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

You don't have to do the demanding work of L&I yourself to ensure Washington's working people are kept safe and supported on the job. Just pick up the phone and call the governor at 360-902-4111. Tell him you demand a strong contract for Washington's state employees. #FairContractNow #FundWA4Kids

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

You don't have to do the challenging work of juvenile rehabilitation yourself to help support Washington's youth in the justice system. Just pick up the phone and call the governor at 360-902-4111. Tell him you demand a strong contract for Washington's state employees. #FairContractNow #FundWA4Kids

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

You don't have to do the difficult work of child welfare yourself to help Washington's kids and families stay safe. Just pick up the phone and call the governor at 360-902-4111. Tell him you demand a strong contract for Washington's state employees. #FairContractNow #FundWA4Kids #DontFuckUsFerguson

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Reposted by WFSE Local 889

Cory Miller🌹 @corymiller.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Tell @governorferguson.bsky.social and OFM that we need revenue, not austerity! Layoffs and program cuts will only hurt Washington State. wfse.org/dcyf/FundWA4... @wfselocal889.bsky.social @wfse.org @seattletimes.com #FairContractNow #FundWA4Kids #taxtherich #amazon #spheres #Seattle #Washington

Doll representing a child with the following text:

"Governor Ferguson says he plans to cut state programs. That means slashing services Washington's kids depend on every single day.

Children's Services
Environments and Parks
Economic Safety Net
Safe Workplaces
Paid Family Leave
Disability Supports
Robust Public Health
Quality Higher Education
Secure Roads and Infrastructure
Housing for Youth

A strong contact for state employees is an investment in Washington's people. Funny leave Washington's kids hanging. Tell Ferguson and his Office of Financial Management to #FundWA4Kids and invest in a #FairContractNow. Learn more at https://wfse.org/dcyf/FundWA4Kids."

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Reposted by WFSE Local 889

Cory Miller🌹 @corymiller.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

While I am uncomfortable with Theo Angelis' corporate background, I'm also alarmed by Sharonda Amamilo's attitude towards my WFSE siblings at DCYF. Being a case worker is a tough job and they deserve better. Vote Angelis for WA Supreme Court position 5. @wfse.org #wfse @wfselocal889.bsky.social

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Washington's kids cant afford Judge Amamilo to be elected to State Supreme Court. In a high-level meeting to talk about how to stop the explosion of child deaths in WA, she blamed the deaths on state caseworkers being "stupid." Challenged on this, she stormed out of the meeting. Unacceptable.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Public workers never quit, even when the government quits on us. WFSE Local 889 is holding a food drive to support our local food banks through NW Harvest. Please consider bringing a donation into your local King County area DCYF or DDCS office, or donating monetarily through our treasurer Michele.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Support staff keep WA running and it’s time to fight for them. Governor Ferguson can order OFM to honor the raises we negotiated. Call 360-902-4111 to tell Ferguson to make OFM do the right thing. Send a letter actionnetwork.org/letters/gov-... #SupportStaffSupportUsAll #FairContract

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

There’s still time to call the Governor and tell him to honor negotiated raises for secretaries in state government! Support staff keep Washington running, and this is the first targeted increase they’ve received in over a decade. Text SECRETARY to 237263 to get all the info and take action!

A woman in office attire smiles at the camera as she holds a phone to her ear.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Have you called Governor Ferguson today? His Office of Financial Management is denying those in the secretary job classes their negotiated pay raises. Call 360-902-4111 to tell Ferguson to make OFM do the right thing, or send a letter actionnetwork.org/letters/gov-... #SupportStaffSupportUsAll

The women in WFSE shirts, one holding a sign that says "I'm sticking with my UNION!"

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

Cheers to our members and friends out there today standing for democracy and solidarity. Stay safe everyone. #NoKings

A still frame of Boromir from Lord of the Rings with the text: "America has no king. America needs no king."

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

Well, today's the day. We'll see if @governorferguson.bsky.social signs the budget, vetoes, vetoes in part, or just... lets it pass along into law. Stay tuned.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

The compromise state budget has been on @governorferguson.bsky.social's desk for 22 days and he has not yet signed it into law. Call 360-902-4111 to remind him.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

The compromise state budget has been on @governorferguson.bsky.social's desk for three weeks and he has not yet signed it into law. His office does not allow phone messages on the weekend, so message him here to remind him. governor.wa.gov/contacting-g...

governor.wa.gov

Send Gov. Ferguson an e-message | Governor Bob Ferguson

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

The compromise state budget has been on @governorferguson.bsky.social's desk for 20 days and he has not yet signed it into law. His office does not allow phone messages on the weekend, so message him here to remind him. governor.wa.gov/contacting-g...

governor.wa.gov

Send Gov. Ferguson an e-message | Governor Bob Ferguson

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

The compromise state budget has been on @governorferguson.bsky.social's desk for 19 days and he has not yet signed it into law. Call 360-902-4111 to remind him.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

The compromise state budget has been on @governorferguson.bsky.social's desk for 18 days and he has not yet signed it into law. Call 360-902-4111 to remind him.

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WFSE Local 889 @wfselocal889.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

The compromise state budget has been on @governorferguson.bsky.social's desk for 17 days and he has not yet signed it into law. Call 360-902-4111 to remind him.

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