BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Public service employees across the state, including those at Western Washington University (WWU), walked off the job to protest a proposed pay cut.

The Washington Public Employees Association, in conjunction with the Washington Federation of State Employees, called for their members to walk out at noon on Sept. 10. Both groups claim that the state has proposed a pay cut during their most recent bargaining session.

Public service workers are demanding better wages, safer working conditions and manageable workloads.

Contract negotiations are expected to wrap up later this month.

Public service workers across the state participated in the Sept. 10 walkout, including employees at WWU, Whatcom Community College and the Department of Child, Youth and Families office in Bellingham.