ANOTHER Week of Action on job creation ahead!

This past week has been the AFL-CIO’s America Wants to Work National Week of Action, a coast-to-coast mobilization of working people at hundreds of events coast to coast to demand action from government to promote a real jobs creation agenda.

In many places, these actions combined with the growing Occupy Wall Street protests. Thursday’s Rally for Good Jobs at Seattle’s Westlake Park was a case in point, as some 300 union members rallied at the site of the Occupy Seattle protests to demand that government at the federal, state and local levels focus on job creation, and to urge the defeat of the job-killing Initiative 1125.

Jeff Johnson, President of the Washington State Labor Council, speaks at the Oct. 13 rally for Good Jobs Now at Seattle's Westlake Park.

But here in Washington state, we ain’t done yet.

Here, we’re having a “Month of Action” because there are more opportunities in the coming weeks — including TODAY in Vancouver — for union members and supporters of economic justice to take action, including supporting the many Occupy protests and rallies. Here’s a schedule of what’s on tap this weekend and next week:

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

VANCOUVER — Join the Southwest Washington Central Labor Council is urging all union activists and community supporters to participate in an action on behalf of UNITE HERE members at the Vancouver Hilton who are struggling to get a fair contract. Meet Friday at the hotel, 301 W. 6th St., from noon to 1 p.m. Washington State Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lynne Dodson will present hotel management with a big ceremonial check hat they WON’T get from the WSLC for convention business if they do not bargain in good faith with their employees. For more info, contact Shannon Walker at shannonawalker@comcast.net or 360-606-7317.

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

OLYMPIA — MoveOn.com has organized a “Jobs, Not Cuts” rally from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sylvester Park. This rally is separate from the Occupy Olympia protests, although organizers say their messages are consistent.

STATEWIDE — Mots of the various Occupy protests around Washington State have special rallies and events planned for Saturday. Visit the Facebook page of the one in your area for details: Occupy Bellingham – Occupy Olympia – Occupy Seattle (website) – Occupy Spokane – Occupy Tacoma – Occupy Tri-Cities – Occupy Wenatchee – Occupy Yakima

MONDAY, OCT. 17

VANCOUVER — The Southwest Washington Central Labor Council is urging all union activists and community supporters to participate in an action on behalf of UNITE HERE Local 9 members at the Vancouver Hilton who are struggling to get a fair contract. Local 9 is planning a demonstration at 7 p.m. Monday at Vancouver City Hall, 415 W. 6th St. For more info, contact Shannon Walker at shannonawalker@comcast.net or 360-606-7317.

TUESDAY, OCT. 18

EVERETT — “Learn the Truth About Social Security” is a special forum hosted by Social Security Works – Washington and the Snohomish County Labor Council from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Everett Community College’s Jackson Conference Center, 2000 Tower St. Speakers will include Nancy Altman, Co-Director of Social Security Works; U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen; Jeff Johnson, President of the Washington State Labor Council; and state Rep. Mike Sells. The event is open and free to the public. For more info, email ssworkswa@gmail.com or call 206-529-6360.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19

SPOKANE — The Spokane Regional Labor Council will host its annual Labor Rally from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds, 404 N. Havana. Come celebrate Spokane’s labor movement and meet and greet labor-endorsed candidates. There will be food, drinks, door prizes, music, family entertainment, lots of fun and surprise guests! A $1 donation will go toward food and beverages. See the rally flier, or call 509-327-7637 for more information.

SATURDAY, OCT. 22

VANCOUVER — A Vancouver Rally for Justice and Bridge March will be held Saturday, Oct. 22 as Portland Rising and Vancouver Rising join together to connect our communities and call for Jobs with Justice. Meet at the south side of the I-5 bridge at 11 a.m. and march to the rally at Vancouver’s Esther Short Park, which will begin at noon. See the rally flier for more info.

TUESDAY, OCT. 25

TACOMA — “Good Jobs Yes! Walmart NO!” That will be the message delivered at the Tacoma City Council meeting, 747 Market St., from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 25.

And, while you’re at it, mark your calendars for this important event next month…

MONDAY, NOV. 14

SEATTLE — The Washington State Labor Council will host a Jobs and Revenue Summit from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Machinists District 751 Hall, 9125 15th Pl. South. Details to follow.

Stay informed about these events — and many more — at The Stand’s Calendar.