Russell Rogers - WAFWP President  

A little over twelve years ago I took my first job in WDFW as a temporary employee while I was finishing up graduate school. Since then I have worked in the Habitat, Wildlife, and Fish Program, and on projects that covered both sides of the Cascades. I began my career studying habitat selection in non-game birds which...naturally evolved into my current position as the statewide coordinator for shellfish disease, pest, and predator control. Naturally, right? Clearly, some things are difficult to explain, if they can be explained at all. What’s not hard to explain is the enormous respect that I have gained for the many dedicated and knowledgeable WDFW employees that I have met in these past eleven years. In my observation, the common bond that runs through us all is a deep desire to see that Washington’s fish and wildlife are cared for in the best possible way. I am honored to be able to work as your colleague and serve as your president of WAFWP.

A couple of years ago, like many of you, the civil service reform act forced me to be a part of a bargaining unit. I was relived that there were three different unions to choose from and it did not take long for me to realize that WAFWP was the right union for me. While the other unions were larger in total members, the specialize nature of WAFWP to focus on the particular needs of fish and wildlife professionals was the key selling point. Another key selling point was it was a 100% member run organization. No one from out of state, or even out of our department dictated the direction of the organization. My gut feeling was that this had to be a good thing. Once I became a member, it did not take me long to get involved. From my very first interactions with other union volunteers and leaders, I could tell that the same passion to be good stewards of Washington’s fish and wildlife was also present when it came to working for the rights of those fish and wildlife stewards. Looking at the past two collective bargaining agreements and my first hand observations behind the scenes, I can tell you that my gut feeling was correct.

The past several years have seen many changes within WDFW. Many of those changes were giant steps backwards to our members. WAFWP has worked hard to see that as many rights and privileges that our members once enjoyed are restored. While WAFWP has made great strides in that direction, there is still much to be done. We are seeing positive steps being made with issues such as exchange time . However, there is much be be done with alternative schedules, telecommuting, and pay. I promise that WAFWP will continue working hard on all of these issues and others.

Finally, I would like to express many thanks to out going president Steve Bell. Steve has served tirelessly as president for the past four years. He chief among his many achievements as president, Steve guided WAFWP through the civil service reform, which included the accretion of many new members (myself included) and our first two collective bargaining agreements, no small task. Steve has been as passionate advocate for the rights of all of our members and has guided many class and individual grievances to successful outcomes. I will do my best to live up to the high standard that Steve established.