respectful workplace

Gov. Jay Inslee and the state Democratic Party on Friday joined calls for Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler to resign after his office fired an employee who had complained in February about Kreidler's treatment of staff. Kreidler said he won't step down.

A key staffer in Washington's Office of Insurance Commissioner has been fired more than four months after he formally complained about the treatment he and other staff received from Mike Kreidler, the state's elected insurance commissioner.

In recent years, Washington’s Legislature has grown more diverse. And majority Democrats have emphasized diversity and equity as core values. But now three members of color, out of nearly 30, are stepping down from the Legislature after serving just one full term. One of them describes the legislative work environment as toxic.

Mike Kreidler, Washington’s longtime insurance commissioner, is facing allegations that he verbally mistreats staff. Current and former employees say it’s part of a pattern that’s gotten worse in recent months and is contributing to high turnover in the office. Kreidler says he has high standards for his staff, but said he will work to be more careful in how he deals with people.

Following eight months of meetings, a workgroup on the prevention of sexual harassment in the Washington state House is recommending the formation of an…