Union members are urged to gather at 1 p.m. at Judkins Park, 2150 S Norman St., behind St. Mary’s Church. Look for the red banner that reads “Labor Supports Comprehensive Immigration Reform NOW.” A rally at the park will begin at 1:30 p.m. At about 3 p.m., the march will begin downtown toward the Federal Building downtown, followed by another rally there at 4:30 p.m. (Download the May Day March and Rally poster for more information.)

Immigrant families, students, union members and their allies in the civil rights, faith and progressive communities will commemorate the legacy of May Day and demand a roadmap to citizenship and strong worker protections. Participants will also call for an immediate end to deportations for those eligible for a roadmap to citizenship.

MORE MAY DAY MARCHES

► In the Yakima H-R — May Day march planned Wednesday in Yakima –The annual May Day immigration reform march will be held Wednesday in Yakima, with organizers hoping to add momentum to legislation under consideration in the U.S. Senate. The Yakima march, which begins at 6 p.m. at Miller Park, will be in conjunction with similar marches in Mt. Vernon, Spokane, Vancouver, Walla Walla and Wenatchee.

► In the Wenatchee World — More than 500 expected to march Wednesday for immigration reform — More than 500 people are expected to march from the Wenatchee Community Center to Lincoln Park Wednesday to support federal immigration reform. Marchers will leave the community center at 6 p.m. sharp for the approximately one-mile march.

► In Newport, WA — Union members, their families and community supporters are invited to join in an International Worker Day Rally at noon and the corner of S. Washington Ave. & U.S. 2, Newport, WA, 99156. Afterwards, at 1: 30 p.m., there will be a screening of the John Sayles film “Matewan” at Rotary Park in Oldtown (across the bridge from Newport). The Battle of Matewan occurred on May 19, 1920, in a small company coal town in West Virginia. Lunch will be provided by the Pend Oreille Progressives.

MayWorks, the annual month-long celebration of workers’ culture and history first organized in 2012 by Washington’s labor movement, is just two weeks away and you should mark your calendars to attend the many great events planned for May 2013, including many events at the Northwest Folklife Festival on Memorial Day Weekend.

MayWorks has a new website — MayWorksWA.org — that includes everything you need to know, including a growing calendar of events and even a MayWorks 2013 reading list. Here are a few of the highlights (check back at the site as more events are added):

MAY 3-5 – Pacific Northwest Labour History Association Conference in Portland OR — The PNLHA’s 45th Annual Labor History Conference, under the theme “Labor Under Attack: Learning from the Past and Preparing for the Future,” will be held in Portland. Click here for the event brochure for event details and locations.

SATURDAY, MAY 4 – MayWorks Kickoff Concert at the Seattle Labor Temple (2800 1st Ave.), 7 to 9 p.m. –  Washington YELL presents the MayWorks 2013 Kickoff Concert featuring hip-hop artists RA Scion (formerly of Common Market) and John Crown (with Jasper T. & the Homies), and R&B singer Camila Recchio. Tickets are $12 at the door. Call 206-281-8901 for more information. This all-ages event is sponsored by the Washington State Labor Council, the MayWorks Committee, and the Washington Federation of State Employees Next Wave.

MONDAY, MAY 6 — Deadline to enter the 2013 MayWorks video contest! — Participants will submit 3- to 5-minute films with the theme “We Do the Work.” Winners will receive cash prizes and have their videos screened at the NW Folklife (as well as posted here at The Stand). Submit video contest entries — including the film’s title, filmmaker’s name and union affiliation –  to Kamaria Hightower, c/o Washington State Labor Council, 314 1st Ave. West, Seattle, WA, 98119. Entries can be submitted electronically via email but must be in a form that can be transferred to DVD for screenings. The winners will be announced at NW Folklife on Sunday, May 26. For more information, see the video-contest flyer.

FRIDAY, MAY 10 — Women in Trades Conference at the Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Many women have never considered career options such as welding, electricity or carpentry, but these opportunities are available, and even more so as baby boomer workers are nearing retirement. This free event is a prime opportunity for women of all ages to meet recruiters and tradeswomen such as carpenters, electricians, painters and bricklayers, then learn about wages and salaries, training and necessary skills.

SATURDAY, MAY 11 — TPP Forum at the Central CO-OP/Madison Market Annex, 2 to 5 p.m. — May 11 is World Fair Trade Day & International Day of Action against the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Find out why the TPP matters to you and what you can do about it at this forum at the Central CO-OP/Madison Market Annex, 1900 E. Madison in Seattle (corner of 19th & Madison).

SATURDAY, MAY 18 — Tacoma Labor History Walks at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — As part of MayWorks, the Pierce County Central Labor Council has organized these two walks. To participate, meet on the steps of UW Tacoma on Pacific Avenue across from the State History Museum. One walk will be led by State Sen. Steve Conway (D-Tacoma) and the other by PCCLC Secretary-Treasurer Patty Rose. For more info, email Ross Rieder or call him at 206-406-2604.

TUESDAY, MAY 21 – Bill Fletcher, Jr. at the Vancouver Hilton, 5 p.m. — Join Bill Fletcher, Jr., a well-known social movement theorist and activist, for a discussion about the current state of the economy, the labor movement and next steps for rebuilding the labor movement — and America. A former senior staff member of the AFL-CIO, Fletcher is the immediate past president of TransAfrica Forum; a Senior Scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies; an editorial board member of BlackCommentator.com; and in the leadership of several other projects. This event is free and open to the public.

MAY 24-27 – Northwest Folklife Festival at the Seattle Center — Washington Works, inspired by MayWorks, will be the central cultural focus at the festival, which will feature performances, exhibits, panels, presentations, labor folklore videos, films, and demonstrations of craft traditions from a wide range of trades and local communities. Exhibits will include “Images of Labor and Social Justice: The Art of Richard V. Correll;” “Journey for Justice: 223 Years of Asian Pacific American Labor History in the Puget Sound;” and “Men Along the Shore and the Legacy of 1934 (ILWU).” Films will include the documentary, “Shift Change: Dignified Jobs in Democratic Workplaces.” The festival’s Narrative Stage will feature presentations about labor education in Washington State, immigration and work in the Pacific Northwest, “Service With a Smile” by representatives of UNITE HERE and UFCW, the work and history of the IBEW, women in non-traditional occupations, and much, much more.

Much more is planned for MayWorks including a special film screening of “Brothers on the Line” at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10 at Seattle’s Keystone Church (5019 Keystone Pl N), a Tacoma Labor History Walking Tour on Saturday, May 18 (times TBA), and much more! Check back at MayWorksWA.org in the coming days for all the latest.

BACKGROUND — Historically, the labor movement has been a driving force in the production of arts and culture, both in the United States and throughout the world. Working people have used art and music to celebrate and affirm the many facets of the work they do — on the job, raising children, serving as volunteers and activists in our communities and unions.

But there has been a long-term trend to “professionalize” the arts, and high-tech media has taken over the delivery of our cultural activities and identities. So much so that many of us have become less likely to make the art and culture of our everyday lives — something that we create for ourselves. But as the great songwriter Charlie King wrote — “Our life is more than our work, and our work is more than our job.”

Delegates to the 2011 Convention of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, voted to establish a new tradition called MayWorks to find and celebrate the culture of workers — our art, music, dance, poetry, and stories. Riffing on the theme of “Bread and Roses” to celebrate the centennial of that pivotal strike of 1912, the first MayWorks celebration occurred throughout the state in 2012.

For more information, check out the MayWorks Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mayworkswa. The MayWorks Planning Committee urges those interested in attending or organizing events to “Like” the page and share it with their friends and organizations.

Also, union organizations are urged to help promote MayWorks activities. Here’s how:

Promote the video contest  — See last year’s video contest winners, please distribute the video-contest flyer (please use a union printer!), and direct people to the MayWorks Facebook page (see above).

Assign a representative to the MayWorks Committee — The WSLC is looking for more people to help plan and coordinate this year’s events.

Plan a local event — It could be as simple as a labor movie night, or as complex as a reception and concert.

Donate to MayWorks — Your donation will help defray production, performer, and publicity costs for this year’s MayWorks activities. Send your contributions to the WSLC at 314 First Ave. West, Seattle, WA, 98119.

For more information email Kamaria Hightower or call her at 206.254.4913.

Instead, Congress should close loopholes for Wall Street and the richest 2% — especially loopholes that encourage job offshoring, allow corporations to pay no taxes, enrich the already wealthy and bar the government from negotiating with drug companies to lower prices.

TAKE A STAND! Call your members of Congress on Thursday, Feb. 14 toll-free at 1-888-659-9401 and tell them to STOP THE HEARTLESS CUTS. Tell them to oppose benefit cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and to close loopholes for Wall Street and the richest 2% of Americans; and cancel sequestration!

Download, post and share this flier urging others to call Congress on Thursday as well.

For more information, visit aflcio.org/protectourfuture — and check out the “Myths and Facts” about Round 2 of the Fiscal Showdown.

The Washington State Labor Council anticipates more Senate GOP+2 attacks on workers and their unions over the next few months, in addition to many pro-working family bills that will come before the Legislature. That’s why it’s critically important to attend the 2013 WSLC Legislative Reception and Legislative Conference on March 6-7 in Olympia.

All leaders, staffers and rank-and-file members of WSLC-affiliated unions are invited to attend.

The Legislative Reception is Wednesday, March 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Olympia Red Lion Hotel. This is a great opportunity to talk informally with legislators, state officials and other trade unionists.

At the Legislative Conference, which begins at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 7, you’ll hear from union lobbyists about the status of labor’s agenda and bills affecting working families, plus you’ll hear from legislative leaders about the prospects for passing bills and budgets that invest in Washington state, create good jobs and protect our families.

REGISTRATION — The registration fee for both events is $75 per person, which includes two drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the reception and lunch and materials at the conference. If you want to bring additional guests to the reception, there is a $15 per person fee. Register in advance by downloading and returning this form. Registration tables for the conference will open at 7:30 a.m. Thursday. To avoid the reception and conference registration lines, early registration is available in the hotel lobby beginning at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

A block of rooms are being held at the Olympia Red Lion Hotel until Feb. 19 at the group rate of $107.95.  After that date, the rate will be higher, so make your reservations now by calling 360-943-4000 or 1-800-325-4000 and tell them you are with the Washington State Labor Council’s conference.

The adoption of the Chained CPI proposed by the president, according to economist Dean Baker, significantly underestimates the impact of increased health care costs and other costs unique to seniors.

At the same time, the president proposes to to allow those individuals whose income is over $250,000 per year to continue with their Bush-era tax cuts. The higher tax rates in his new proposal would apply only to those who earn $400,000 per year or more.

Furthermore, the White House indicates this is not necessarily their final offer. It probably can and will get worse!

TAKE A STAND! Please call our U.S. Senators and your Congressional Representative again — toll-free at 1-888-659-9401 — and leave them this message:

1.  Please do not vote for any compromise that includes cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid.  These include reducing  Social Security benefits by adopting the Chained CPI or raising the age of eligibility on Social Security or Medicare. Please let the president know you, our elected representative, will not vote for such a compromise.

2. Please insist that any “compromise” must include an end to the Bush-era tax cuts on income over $250,000.

If you have called before, please do it again…it makes a difference. Multiple phone calls are essential!

“UNFI has crossed the line by permanently replacing union workers who have bargained in good faith,” said Jeff Johnson, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “Employers and right wing-led legislatures in the Midwest may be able to get away with this for now, but this will not stand in Washington State. I am asking all unions and community allies to send members to the rally in support of Teamsters Local  117 and in support of the labor movement. Show your Solidarity at the rally on Wednesday!”

Following are selected 2012 election results from Washington state as of 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 9. Check Vote.WA.gov for the latest results. Washington State Labor Council-endorsed candidates are listed on the  left — * denotes incumbents.

GOVERNOR

Jay Inslee (D)
51.13%
1,230,618

Rob McKenna (R)
48.87%
1,176,220

SECRETARY OF STATE

Kathleen Drew (D)
49.29%
1,129,182

Kim Wyman (R)
50.71%
1,161,681

Click here for more state executive results.

LD 17 – STATE SENATE

Tim Probst (D)
49.93%
23,620

Don Benton (R)*
50.07%
23,682

LD 17 – STATE HOUSE, POS. 1

Monica Stonier (D)
49.78%
23,441

Julie Olson (R)
50.22%
23,648

LD 47 – STATE HOUSE, POS. 1

Bud Sizemore (D)
49.58%
20,700

Mark Hargrove (R)*
50.42%
21,052

Click here for more state legislative results.

A nationwide boycott endorsed by the AFL-CIO covers Palermo’s brand pizza, “Classics” brand pizza, and private label brand frozen pizza produced by Palermo, including Costco’s Kirkland brand.

Strikers will lead a rally of supporters including University of Washington students, the M.L. King County Central Labor Council, the Washington State Labor Council AFL-CIO, working people, community activists and United Steelworkers International Vice President Fred Redmond. The striking Palermo workers are traveling throughout the U.S. to highlight Palermo’s worker abuses and to bring attention to the boycott of Palermo products to Costco customers. The rally will start at noon on Friday, Nov. 16 in front of the Costco Headquarters at 999 Lake Dr. in Issaquah.

TAKE A STAND! Stand up for Palermo’s Pizza workers! Here is how you can help:

1. ATTEND THE NOV. 15 RALLY!

2. Send an email to Costco urging them to stand with Palermo’s workers.

3. “Like” the Support Striking Palermo’s Workers Facebook page.

4. Visit the Slice of Justice action page for more ways to help.

Workers from Palermo’s Pizza, a large frozen pizza manufacturer in Milwaukee have been on strike since June 1, 2012, to protest unfair labor practices.  The workers are seeking union recognition and reinstatement after their employer fired more than 80 striking workers.  Workers at Palermo are concerned about serious health and safety hazards; they have no sick days and make little more than the minimum wage.  After over five months of striking, Palermo workers continue standing strong in the face of employer threats and intimidation.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. (Nov. 9) — Palermo Pizza Factory workers in Milwaukee who make Costco’s Kirkland-brand frozen pizza have been on strike since June 1, 2012. These workers say they face serious health hazards, get no sick days and make little more than the minimum wage. After the workers requested that Palermo recognize their union (United Steelworkers) and bargain over these issues, Palermo fired more than 75 workers.

On Friday, Nov. 16 at noon, all union members are invited to join striking Palermo’s workers, USW officials and community supporters at a rally outside Costco’s corporate headquarters, 999 Lake Dr. in Issaquah. Protesters will be urging Costco, which is generally regarded as a responsible employer, to meet with Palermo’s workers and support them by dropping Palermo’s and its Kirkland-brand pizzas.

The AFL-CIO has endorsed the Palermo’s boycott as part of the continued support for the efforts of the USW’s Palermo Workers Union, community and immigrant rights groups.

“The twelve million union families of the AFL-CIO are proud to stand with these Wisconsin workers who have bravely joined together for a voice on the job,” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said. “Their courage and strength are a model for working people around the country whose rights are being violated and voices silenced. We hope that this boycott will encourage Palermo to finally respect its workers who work so hard for them every day.”

In addition to the labor movement, University of Washington students who are part of the national United Students Against Sweatshops network at more than 150 universities have been conducting actions on their campuses to demand that Costco pull Palermo’s pizzas from its shelves.

For more information about the Nov. 16 rally, email roseamolina@gmail.com or office@mlkclc.org. For more on the Palermo Worker’s Union, the boycott and the strike, visit sliceofjustice.com.

Following are selected 2012 election results from Washington state as of 8 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8. Check Vote.WA.gov for the latest results. Washington State Labor Council-endorsed candidates are listed on the  left — * denotes incumbents.

GOVERNOR

Jay Inslee (D)
51.14%
1,084,310

Rob McKenna (R)
48.86%
1,035,783

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Bob Ferguson (D)
52.82%
1,076,145

Reagan Dunn (R)
47.18%
961,062

SECRETARY OF STATE

Kathleen Drew (D)
49.38%
1,001,065

Kim Wyman (R)
50.62%
1,026,299

Click here for more state executive results.

LD 5 – STATE SENATE

Mark Mullet (D)
53.83%
23,216

Brad Toft (R)
46.17%
19,909

LD 17 – STATE SENATE

Tim Probst (D)
50.12%
21,591

Don Benton (R)*
49.88%
21,489

LD 17 – STATE HOUSE, POS. 1

Monica Stonier (D)
49.85%
21,381

Julie Olson (R)
50.15%
21,509

LD 25 – STATE HOUSE, POS. 1

Dawn Morrell (D)
52.61%
21,914

Shelly Schlumpf (R)
47.39%
19,738

LD 47 – STATE HOUSE, POS. 1

Bud Sizemore (D)
49.78%
17,459

Mark Hargrove (R)*
50.22%
17,611

Click here for more state legislative results.

“The Labor Rally has been a great opportunity for our members and their families to come out and meet the candidates labor has endorsed, ask questions and get an idea how these politicians will work for them if elected,” said Beth Thew, Secretary-Treasurer of the Spokane Regional Labor Council. “We make it a really fun, social event where the candidates are relaxed, our members feel like they have input and everyone walks away energized, a little more educated and ready to vote for people who are going to stand up for working families in our state and locally.”

Tickets are available at the door or at Spokane-area union offices. A $1 donation is requested for food, beverages and door-prize entry. Children 12 and under eat free. Also, please bring non-perishable food items to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank to help fight hunger in the community.

After the rally, Washington Young Emerging Labor Leaders (WA YELL) will launch its first-ever Spokane chapter at an event from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Tailgater Sports Bar, 1221 N. Howard. For more info, email Shaunie or call 206-290-2590.

For more information about the Labor Rally, contact the Spokane Regional Labor Council at 509-327-7637.

Check out video coverage of last year’s rally.