As hard as the Freedom Foundation’s outreach team works to help public-sector union members opt out, it isn’t enough. We also need the assistance of the workers themselves to share their stories.
Peer-to-peer stories can be a powerful tool to counter big labor’s Goliath-like image.
Case in point, a recently retired worker reached out to the Freedom Foundation because he was still receiving opt-out brochures that were now irrelevant since he was no longer employed by Washington state.
While he wanted to be removed from the mailing list, he was also inspired to share his story of how he ended up retiring with no thanks to the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and its lack of support.
He felt that articulating his experience could inspire others who felt ignored by the massive union.
His story began years ago when he was hired at the Department of Transportation. Despite an old injury, he had been cleared by Labor and Industries to work with a partial disability, which didn’t affect his job performance.
He was working hard toward a promotion when one day his injury resurfaced, and he suddenly needed major surgery.
His supervisor somehow found out about his disability and began treating him differently. To his shock, he learned his supervisor had divulged his private, HIPAA-protected medical information while he was out for surgery.
He immediately turned to WFSE, asking for protection from this unfair treatment. His union representative assured him they would take care of it.
But weeks passed, and the gossip and bullying continued.
He tried reaching out to his representative again, but she was no longer available.
“It’s like I was completely ghosted by the union,” he explained. “I felt completely vulnerable and ignored.”
To add insult to injury, he requested hardship assistance with his union dues, which had become difficult to pay while he was out on medical leave. WFSE denied his request, saying he didn’t qualify.
It was another blow to his confidence in the union, making him recall all the financial waste he had witnessed.
“WFSE was OK with wasting dues money on free drinks and food at union meetings that no one would attend,” he said, “but when it came to actually helping members, suddenly their hands were tied.”
He concluded, “I know I’m not in WFSE anymore, but I think it’s important that workers know that when you need the union the most, chances are they’ll ghost you and leave you in the lurch. WFSE membership isn’t worth the money, and thanks to the Freedom Foundation, workers can opt out and stop wasting their money.”
