COURTNEY FLATT: Unionized state workers are planning a one-day walkout next month. They say the state isn’t working with them to keep wages up with inflation. N-W-P-B’s Lauren Gallup reports.
LAUREN GALLUP: Mike Yestramski is the president of the Washington Federation of State Employees. Union members work in  community corrections, the Department of Transportation,  and other civil service roles.
For years, Yestramski  says these workers have been underpaid and overworked.
Now, he worries the state’s compensation wouldn’t even keep up with inflation.
MIKE YESTRAMSKI: “No one went into these jobs to, you know, become rich. We did it because we care about our communities, and we still have bills to pay. And the last time I checked, you can't pay your rent with good karma.” 
GALLUP: In response, the union is planning to have some state workers walk off the job for part of their workday on August 31st.
N-W-P-B reached out to the Governor's office and the Office of Financial Management and has not received a response. 
I’m Lauren Gallup, reporting.