February 2026
From the President
Coming off our Lobby Day this week, the theme for 2026 seems to be building our community. We had a very strong showing of over 80 participants plus our staff, and for the first time, we were joined by 14 members from AAUP’s University of Washington chapter, who lobbied together with our members and had meaningful conversations with our legislators and their staff. Together, we rallied with Communities for our College to demand free college for all Washingtonians, and then, memorably, marched to the Capitol rotunda where we lowered banners from the fourth floor and chanted our demands of free college, taxing the rich, and funding education! It was a powerful, unprecedented moment, that was followed shortly afterwards by the historic Senate vote that passed the millionaires' tax legislation, allowing it to move forward, and taking another step in the systemic changes we need to ensure a stronger future for Washington.
I also want to share my gratitude for having the opportunity to continue to expand our community thanks to the outreach of CAIR Washington, a grassroots civil rights organization working to support Washington’s Muslim community. They invited me to participate in their long-running Muslim Day at the Capitol. There, I learned more about their work to fight Islamophobia in a variety of spaces and met their leaders and upcoming leaders. I also got to enjoy some truly fantastic baklava!
Another way we are building out our community has been through the creation of the Higher Education caucus. Working with WEA, PSE, College Promise, UW, and Western, we are finding spaces to have deeper conversations with supportive legislators to better understand the challenges ahead, and collaborate on strategies to preserve existing funding levels for higher education for now, with the longer goal of reinvesting in our college systems so that we can live up to the ambitious promise that 70% of Washingtonians realize their academic goals of earning a certificate or a degree. The exchanges taking place recently have been some of the frankest and most informative that I’ve engaged in, and I am optimistic that this informal coalition is just the beginning of rethinking how we achieve our shared goals and live up to our shared values.
It’s also giving us some ideas of ways to revitalize and broaden our long-standing coalition with WEA, PSE, SEIU, and other allies on the Education Support Professionals Workgroup. There’s no time like the present to start involving legislators and elected officials directly in addressing the needs of our members, and speaking with one voice is – as every union member knows – how we get things done!
Later this week, I am going to deliver a report to the Executive Board at the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, and to the President of the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges. In that report, I am elevating the tireless efforts of our members and the students they work with to preserve Parent Education programs that, along with educating parents, supporting children, and strengthening families, provide the childcare that allows students to pursue their educational journey. In light of the federal budget cuts that undercut working families, these programs have become a tipping point for vulnerable students. Our members have taken the lead on trying to find ways to keep these programs open, even when their own colleges’ leadership appears to have given up, and they are working tirelessly to find pathways that will allow the students and their families to achieve their dreams.
I also want to elevate the work of our members who are supporting students and members of our immigrant communities by organizing safety plans, sharing “Know Your Rights” information and legal resources, and attending trainings about ICE, civil rights, and how to keep people safe in light of what is happening across our country and in our state. This work is ongoing, and obviously very reactive to current events. If you would like to get your local involved, please contact Kaitlin Gillespie at kgillespie@aftwa.org. We’re hosting a training ourselves next week – more on that in this issue of the Pulse – on what to do if ICE comes to your campus, and we are also able to connect you with groups running Know Your Rights and Rapid Response trainings, among others. It’s never too late to get involved in this work.
With that in mind, mark your calendars for a couple of upcoming events. Later this month, we’ll be announcing a Human Rights event in April. Powerful Locals will return – in more ways than one, since we’ll be back at The Evergreen State College – the second weekend in August.
Looking ahead, I hope each of you continues to find ways to build our community — through advocacy, solidarity, and most of all, compassion. Together, we will keep fighting for accessible, equitable education at all levels – we know it’s the foundation of a better future for all of us.
In solidarity,
Jacqui Cain, President
Local News & Highlights
Great Meetings and A Strong Showing At Lobby Day
By Richard Burton, State Affiliate Political Organizer
Undaunted by the drizzly and cold weather, nearly 80 AFT Washington and AAUP members, from 26 different legislative districts, got up early on their day off and joined forces for Lobby Day 2026. Our ranks included members who came from as far away as Yakima and Bellingham, but mostly from the heart of the Puget Sound area. We broke into teams based on legislative district, developed our plans for legislative meetings and went out to conduct over 75 legislative conversations. At midday, we proudly stood with our allies in Communities For Our Colleges in a rainy rally on the steps of the Temple of Justice – with Holly Cousens from AFT Yakima Faculty, local 1485 serving as a co-MC, and Jaeney Hoene from United Faculty of Green River, AFT local 2195, speaking. We went inside the domed (and dry!) Legislative Building and had a great time chanting loudly in the cavernous echoey confines, especially as a small disreputable band of trouble-makers hung home-made banners from the fourth floor balcony.
There was fervent debate on the floors of both chambers all day, so members subsequently improvised – not only meeting with the aides to lawmakers but then also requesting them to come off the floor for brief, in-person meetings. Members took careful notes and memorialized their encounters with pictures. Several members attended the Millionaire’s Tax floor debate in the afternoon, as well.
We built and strengthened relationships with each other and (re)introduced ourselves to many lawmakers. These are exciting developments but must be sustained with follow-up communication and deepened relationships. The legislative session isn’t over, and neither is the fight for progressive revenue and for the funding of public education. We will build on the momentum from Lobby Day!
Late-Breaking News: Whitman College Staff Form New Union With AFT
By Enrie Morrison, Union Organizing Representative
Organizing committee members for Whitman College Workers United collect union authorization cards at the Sheehan Gallery of Whitman College, amidst an exhibit honoring the history of on-campus activism. Students visiting the exhibit on this day were told union organizing was a “special live installation”.
Photo courtesy of Enrie Morrison
Calling Contingent Faculty: Two Class Action Lawsuits on Sick Leave and Retirement Benefits That May Impact You
By Enrie Morrison, Union Organizing Representative
The Contingent Faculty Issues Committee of AFT Washington (with WEA representation) has been in contact with the class action law firm Stobaugh & Strong. This firm has been instrumental around adjunct issues in the past (including the Mader decision, which improved our health insurance). We’d like to help them get two new class actions they’re working on across the finish line and are connecting them with adjuncts who might fit the bill!
Under a state statute passed in 2003, part-time faculty are entitled to receive sick leave in proportion to their workload, but this is not always happening. They would like to hear from individuals who are working half-time or more but are not receiving proportionate sick leave, especially from faculty who have either been forced to take leave without pay or work while sick due to lack of sick leave. Note that “CTC Link is messed up” is not a legitimate excuse to not provide you with sick leave.
Additionally, all faculty members are eligible to receive a sick leave cashout at the time of retirement paid out at a rate of one-quarter of the faculty member’s accrued sick leave. It is our understanding that colleges do not always inform part-time faculty members of their eligibility for this benefit. If you know of or hear from long-term adjunct faculty who were never informed of this benefit at retirement, please let them know.
Finally, part time faculty enrolled prior to July 1, 2011, in the State Board Retirement Plan are eligible to participate in a supplemental benefit program if they have over ten years of service. Faculty members accrue service credit each month that they receive TIAA contributions. They are interested in hearing from adjunct faculty that separated from college employment at retirement age, and who were not informed of the supplemental benefit program if they had 10+ years of cumulative service and were employed prior to July 1, 2011, especially if there was any “break” in that service.
Please contact Enrie Morrison, staff support for the Contingent Faculty Issues Committee, if any of the above applies to you, at emorrison@aftwa.org.
What Do I Do If Immigration Agents Show Up On Campus?
Friday, February 27th, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
As the Trump administration's hateful campaign against immigrants continues to escalate, many of our members have been asking the same question: "What do I do if immigration agents show up on campus?"
We'll be unpacking that question and more with a workshop hosted by AFT Washington and immigration attorney Lola Zakharova. Lola is an associate faculty member at Edmonds College and has worked in immigration law for more than 20 years.
She'll update us on the latest in Immigration and Customs Enforcement's actions, discuss the rights our members have to protect themselves and their students and answer your questions.
Register here.
Is Your Local Taking Action? Let Us Know!
We’re always interested in highlighting the work and actions of member locals. Whether that’s in the Pulse, the Spotlight, or on social media, share with us what you’re doing, especially if it can be elevated to the membership as a whole. Contact Cortney Marabetta at cmarabetta@aftwa.org with photos or if you’d like to share what your local is up to – from contract actions to rally turnout to anything else you can think of – let us know so we can share the news.
Call For Training Suggestions
With Powerful Locals returning this year (see below for dates and location) UORs and other staff have heard from members that there are topics they’d like trainings on. If you have an idea for a training, either as a possible workshop at Powerful Locals or as a standalone training, please contact your UOR or Cortney Marabetta at cmarabetta@aftwa.org with your ideas.
Union Tips & Reminders
From the JACL Puyallup Valley: A Day of Remembrance
Saturday, February 21st, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Member Engagement & Membership Drives
Tuesday, February 24th, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Building our union means increasing membership. This workshop will help local leaders conduct member drives and practice organizing conversations. We’ll discuss the importance of maintaining an accurate bargaining unit list and help you plan a member drive from start to finish at your local. You’ll leave with a packet of material you can use on an ongoing basis to run member drives in the future.
Register here.
From The AFL-CIO: Peacekeeper Training
Wednesdays through April 22nd
Learn how to lift up the safety and effectiveness of nonviolent actions like marches or rallies, and how to de-escalate and document disruptions or enforcement activities.
Register for all dates here.
From WAISN: Know Your Rights Training
Wednesday, March 11th, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Join this virtual workshop to learn how to support yourself and your community during encounters with immigration enforcement agents. This Know Your Rights training covers what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement comes to your home or workplace, how to identify valid warrants, and how to assert your rights safely.
Register here.
AFT Washington & WEA Adjunct Unemployment Workshop
Thursday, March 19th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM OR Wednesday, March 25th, 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.
No Kings Day 3
Saturday, March 28th
In America, we have No Kings.
When our families are under attack and costs are pushing people to the brink, silence is not an option. We will defend ourselves and our communities against this administration’s unjust and cruel acts of violence. America does not belong to strongmen, greedy billionaires, or those who rule through fear. It belongs to us, the people.
More information here.
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.
Save The Date For Powerful Locals!
Powerful Locals is back! Save the date for August 13th – 15th. This year, we’re back at Evergreen in Olympia. We will have tracks on contract management and member engagement, and we are finalizing the details of the additional workshops we’ll offer – let your UOR know if there’s something you think would be great to highlight in the trainings.
More information coming soon!