Special forums, activities planned this week in Yakima County

YAKIMA (Oct. 24, 2016) — The Yakima labor community has organized a Yakima County Workers Week on Oct. 24-30, featuring activities ranging from forums on the importance of the agricultural workforce, to door-knocking in support of Initiative 1433, to get-out-the-vote events. The week’s activities are sponsored by the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO and the Yakima South Central Counties Labor Council.

Here is the full schedule of events (printable PDF).

MONDAY, OCT. 24 — Agriculture, Immigration, and Labor

6 to 7:30 p.m. — Location: 507 S. 3rd St., Yakima

Agricultural workers are the backbone to America’s food supply of fresh produce and dairy products. For Yakima County’s agriculture industry, local immigrants — both documented and undocumented — make up the vast majority of the work force. The industry also contracts foreign workers to fill unmet labor needs through federal guest-worker programs, adding more challenges to the process of protecting labor rights. This presentation will offer historical overview of the agricultural industry and its dependency on immigrants while our panel of speakers will address the experiences of agricultural workers locally.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26  — Why Does America Need Unions? Past, Present & Moving Forward

6 to 8 p.m. — Location: 507 S. 3rd St., Yakima

It’s very likely you and your co-workers have diverse opinions about union dues, your bargained contracts, and having access to a representative or steward. With busy lives and work, some workers haven’t had the opportunity to learn about the history of unions, and the role your union has in protecting you while at work. Along with the many accomplishments made by unions around the nation, there have also been policies created that have impacted the ways in which unions may operate and serve members. This presentation will highlight opportunities made possible for workers who are union members, and how federal, state, and local policies have impacted the union moving forward.

THURSDAY, OCT. 27 — Door-Knocking Homes in Yakima to Support Initiative 1433

5:30 to 7 p.m. — Meet-up site: 507 S. 3rd St., Yakima

FRIDAY, OCT. 28 — 2016 BALLOT PARTY – BRING YOUR BALLOT TO VOTE & PARTY ON!

3 to 8 p.m. — Location: The End Zone Sports Bar & Grill (1023 N. 1st St., Yakima) — Download and share the event flier!

SATURDAY, OCT. 29 — Door-Knocking Homes in Sunnyside to Support Initiative 1433

Noon to 3 p.m. — Meet-up Site: 613 S. 6th St., Sunnyside (Safeway parking lot)

SUNDAY, OCT. 30 — Get Out the Vote in Yakima and Sunnyside

2 to 6 p.m. — Two meet-up sites:

2204 W. Nob Hill Blvd, Yakima (Safeway parking lot)
613 S. 6th St., Sunnyside (Safeway parking lot)

For more information about these events, email Dulce Gutierrez or call 509-833-3096.