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Urge Seattle port officials to enact SeaTac’s Prop 1 at airport

The following is from Working Washington:


SEATTLE (Jan. 7, 2014) — Please join with Sea-Tac International Airport workers and their community supporters allies as they call on the Port of Seattle to stop standing in the way of good jobs. Attend today’s (Tuesday, Jan. 7) Port of Seattle Commissioners meeting at 12:30 p.m. at Port headquarters, Pier 69.

seatac-airport-portPort of Seattle leaders claim that the Port is an “engine” of good jobs in our economy. Yet last month the Port sided with Alaska Airlines in persuading a county judge to suspend implementation of SeaTac Proposition 1 — the $15 minimum wage initiative — within the airport. The judge ruled that the Port has “exclusive jurisdiction” over matters within the airport and is not subject to the will of SeaTac voters. Workers are appealing the county judge’s ruling.

In the meantime, the City of SeaTac has written a letter asking the Port to allow Proposition 1 to go into effect at the airport — $15/hour minimum, paid sick leave, and other worker rights. After all, it’s what the voters approved. And there is no legal reason why the Port can’t voluntarily agree to allow Proposition 1 to be implemented at the airport.

Remember, this is the same Port leadership that allowed Port CEO Tay Yoshitani, who already makes $367,000 (or $176/hour), to take a board position worth an at least an additional $230,000 at Expeditors International for a total compensation of more than $600,000 with benefits. Last year, the Seattle Port Commissioners gave themselves a raise of $36,000 per year to help attract and keep qualified commissioners.

On Tuesday, tell the Port commissioners that they have an opportunity to stand up for good jobs. They should take immediate steps to implement what the voters approved. Speak out for good airport jobs at the Port of Seattle Commission meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 12:30 p.m. at Pier 69.

CHECK OUT THE UNION DIFFERENCE in Washington: higher wages, affordable health and dental care, job and retirement security.

FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN TOGETHER with your co-workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and a voice at work. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!