LOCAL
Nicole Grant named to lead M.L. King County Labor Council
“This proud organization is fighting for dignity and fairness for all workers, and it’s truly an honor to serve as its executive officer,” Grant said. “We want great schools for our children, secure retirement for our elders, and a better quality of life for all of the hard-working people in King County and Washington state. Our unions give workers a voice to help make that happen and to improve wages and working conditions in every industry. This is a movement worth growing and we welcome everyone to join the effort.”
At 37, Grant already has a long history of service in the labor movement. She joined her first labor union while still a high school student in Seattle. After earning her bachelor’s degree at University of Washington in Politics, Economy and Law, she began an apprenticeship with IBEW Local 46 and worked for several years performing commercial, industrial and residential electrical installations. With her activism within her union, she soon became a leader.
“Nicole’s appointment ushers in a new era for the labor movement,” said WSLC President Jeff Johnson. “She is the first woman and the youngest person to lead the MLKCLC. Nicole comes out of a labor family, proved herself through completing a union construction apprenticeship program with the IBEW, has a college degree, has experience lobbying the Legislature and the Seattle City Council, is progressive and is a fierce advocate for working families. Nicole is part of the demographic that is breathing new life into the labor movement. We look forward to working closely with Nicole and we expect great things from her and the MLKCLC Executive Board and staff.”
First on Grant’s agenda at the MLKCLC is to engage voters in local elections.
“I want to see more of working-class King County vote this year because when we participate, we win,” she said. “It’s time to vote like our jobs depend on it and to support the pro-worker candidates who are protecting our rights in these volatile times.”