Rally, march Friday to support Space Needle workers

The following is from UNITE HERE Local 8:

SEATTLE — This Friday, June 19, join UNITE HERE Local 8 members at the Space Needle as they rally for raises, job security, and union rights. The rally will begin with a picket at 9:30 a.m., followed by words of support from members of the Seattle City Council and a brief march to the Space Needle corporate headquarters at 6th and John. (RSVP on Facebook.)

The rally will mark workers’ first public action following four mediation sessions with the Space Needle Corporation.

“I was optimistic about returning to mediation,” said cook Andy Roos. “But it’s frustrating to be so close and not see willingness from the company to compromise on key issues. The Space Needle offered raises with strings attached. We are not willing to give in on subcontracting protections or the ability to talk to our union representative in the break room, like we’ve always been able to do. We’ve fought too long to settle for anything less than we deserve.”

The labor dispute at the Space Needle began more than three years ago, when management unilaterally terminated the company’s union contract with Local 8.

The Space Needle has had authorization from the union to implement raises since 2013, but has chosen not to do so, opting instead to hire new, temporary non-union workers at higher starting rates.

“On my current wages, there’s no way I can afford to live in Seattle, let alone support my family and go back to school,” said valet cashier Veronica Chernichenko. “With rents going up and my pay staying the same, it feels impossible to make things work.”

TAKE A STAND — Join these workers and their supporters Friday, June 19 starting at 9:30 a.m. as they send a message Space Needle management: Workers need raises, job security, and access to union representation! RSVP on Facebook.