Tentative deal reached between Space Needle, Unite Here 8

SEATTLE (March 29, 2017) — The following is a joint statement released Tuesday by Unite Here Local 8 and the Space Needle:

Unite Here Local 8 and the Space Needle reached a tentative agreement for a new labor contract.

The union’s bargaining committee and the management of the Space Needle have been engaged in contract negotiations off and on since the last contract expired in 2011.

The two parties reached a tentative agreement today on contract terms.  The union bargaining committee unanimously recommended a yes vote and is expected to schedule a ratification vote shortly.

Both Unite Here Local 8 and the Space Needle are pleased to have come to an agreement on behalf of its represented Team Members.

“One of our biggest concerns with the previous offers was that they did not include enough job-security protections for our members,” said Erik Van Rossum, President of Unite Here Local 8. “This tentative agreement includes strong job safeguards during the upcoming Century Project renovations. And with this agreement, our members won’t have to worry about construction length impacting their rights to return to their jobs.”

More than half the Space Needle’s employees are represented by Unite Here Local 8, the Pacific Northwest hospitality union.

“The Space Needle employs some of the most talented workforce in the Pacific Northwest and provides them with one of the strongest wage and benefits packages in the tourism and hospitality industry,” said Jeff Wright, Chairman of the Board of the Space Needle. “We are committed to being a great place to work, and look forward to increased accord and alignment for all our Team Members.”