STATE GOVERNMENT
WSLC, organized labor seeks passage of racial equity bills
UPDATE (March 9, 2020) — All five of the bills listed below have now passed both houses of the Washington State Legislature and are headed to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk for signature. Congratulations and thank you to all of the bill’s sponsors and to the people who called their legislators to urge support for these important bills!
The following is from the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
That work is paying off.
Labor leadership increasingly reflects our diverse membership. Union members of color have growing opportunities to participate in their labor organizations through the availability of translations and interpretations in multiple languages, affinity groups, and structural changes that make apprenticeship programs and union membership accessible for historically marginalized communities. Our experience has shown us that collective bargaining agreements are a powerful tool for improving socioeconomic conditions, curbing the impact of racism in wages, raises, job protections, and workplace safety.
All that said, our work is far from done.
The legislative priorities of the WSLC and many of its affiliated unions reflect these perspectives and experiences. This year the labor community is supporting the following legislation with critical impacts to racial equity:
HB 1783 passed the House 56-41 and is now in Senate Ways & Means.
HB 2441 passed the House 57-41 and is now in Senate Ways & Means.
HB 2567 passed the House 55-43 and is now in Senate Rules.
HB 2602 passed the House 87-10, and is now in Senate Rules.
SB 5165 passed the Senate 26-20 and is now in House Rules.
The WSLC and many of its affiliated unions are urging Washington state legislators to pass and invest in these bills, which are essential priorities for improving the lives of people of color in Washington. The following unions and community partners co-signed a letter to all legislators in support of the above-listed bills:
AFT Washington
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen-Wash. State Legislative Board
Centro Latino
Certified Electrical Workers of Washington
Economic Opportunity Institute
IAM District 751
IBEW 77
Inlandboatmen’s Union
PROTEC17
SEIU 6
SEIU 775
SEIU 925
SEIU 1199NW
SMART Transportation Division/United Transportation Union
Teamsters Local 117
Teamsters Joint Council No. 28
UFCW 21
UNITE HERE Local 8
Washington Education Association
Washington Federation of State Employees
Washington Public Employees Association
Washington State Council of Fire Fighters
Washington State Council of County and City Employees
Washington State Labor Council
Washington State Nurses Association