Notification to All Government Employees:
The Office of Financial Management (OFM) has received a public records request for information about all state employees. A representative sample of the information to be provided is attached along with this notification. Click to view Attachment 1, Attachment 2, and Attachment 3.
OFM has determined that these records are public and that Washington State law requires them to be released. These records will be released on February 16, 2017.
Why are agencies providing notice of this request?
Under the Public Records Act, chapter 42.56 RCW, agencies may notify “persons named in the record . . . that release of a record has been requested.” In addition, some of the state’s collective bargaining agreements require notice to employees when their information is requested. Rather than only notifying the employees under the bargaining agreements, we are notifying all state employees as a matter of policy.
Who is requesting this information and why?
By law, requesters do not need to identify themselves or give a reason for the request. In this case, the request was made by Mr. Robert Hungerschafer.
Is a copy of the original request available?
A copy of the original request is attached. It consists of the original request and a clarifying email. PLEASE NOTE that although the original request asks for birth dates, the requester has agreed to receive these records without that information. Therefore, no birth dates will be provided to the requester.
Do employees need to do anything to respond to this request?
No, employees do not need to do anything for this request.
May employees seek an injunction to prevent the release of these records?
Employees may seek an injunction to prevent the release of these records. To prevent the release of these records, OFM would need to be served with an injunction by close of business on February 15, 2017. Under RCW 42.56.540, an employee may seek an injunction in the superior court for the county where the employee resides, or in Thurston County Superior Court, if the release of records “would clearly not be in the public interest and would substantially and irreparably damage any person, or would substantially and irreparably damage vital governmental functions.”
Whether or not to seek an injunction is a decision that must be made by each individual employee. State agencies cannot provide advice to employees on this matter. Employees should be aware that the superior courts may charge certain fees or costs for an injunction. Employees may want to obtain the advice of private counsel before deciding whether to pursue an injunction.
Where can I get more information?
If you want additional information or have questions about this request, you should direct your inquiry to your agency’s Human Resources department. Please do not contact OFM about this request.
For more information, including a Q&A about Public Records Requests and a description for each data point, follow this file sharing link: Public Records Request Information.
If you have any questions about this request, please email wsu.pubrecords@wsu.edu.
Thank you!
Public Records Office
