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Join APALA now to build power for API workers

UPDATE (April 23, 2021) — As a result of its 2021 membership drive, the Seattle Chapter of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance is now the biggest APALA chapter in the country and was able to secure two seats on APALA’s National Executive Board. Thank you for your strong support, and if you haven’t already, it’s not too late to sign up for your 2021 membership!


SEATTLE (April 9, 2021) — The following message was sent by Larry Brown and April Sims, the executive officers of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, have sent the following letter to the leaders of all WSLC-affiliated unions to share with their rank-and-file members:

After more than a year of separation and stress, many of us are looking for ways to build community with one another and channel our energy towards something meaningful. This year has been difficult. Many folks have lost jobs or work hours, have had family and friends pass, and have felt targeted by hate and violence in our communities. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a wave of xenophobic, anti-Asian hate sweep the country, with a staggering increase in hate crimes against Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.

That’s why we’re sharing the opportunity to join one of the Washington State Labor Council’s constituency groups, the Seattle Chapter of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, during its biennial membership drive. While the chapter is based in the Puget Sound area, all Washington union members who are committed to building power for API workers are invited to join.

Do you have members interested in APALA? Sign up for membership here!

We could wax poetic about APALA’s good work, but we know that hearing from members is what truly matters. In the words of Organizer Amy Leong:

“APALA Seattle Chapter continues to be the bridge between the labor movement and the broader community. Since the pandemic started, APALA has been responding to the immediate needs of our community and doing our best to show up for our members during this tough year. APALA Seattle continues to be at the forefront of strengthening community and labor partnerships, coordinating APA civic engagement and developing the next generation of organizers & activists dedicated to advancing social and economic justice.

“APALA members gain valuable skills in leadership, organizing, and political action from participating in these activities as well as the confidence and knowledge to become more effective trade union activists within their locals. We hope to encourage workers to join us as we continue to create a space to come together and share experiences, skill and knowledge on how we can better the labor movement.”

And check out this video of Eunice How, APALA Seattle Chapter President & UNITE HERE Local 8 Organizer, as she discusses how APALA has shaped her as an organizer and how it impacts her role in the labor movement.

 

Sign up or renew your annual APALA membership today! General membership costs $35. Student and retiree memberships are $15. Lifetime Warrior membership is $1,000.  Membership can be purchased online or checks may be sent to:

APALA
P.O. Box 84269
Seattle, WA  98124

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to APALA organizer Amy Leong via email at apalawa@gmail.com.

In unity,

Larry Brown                                                                                       April Sims
President, WSLC                                                                               Secretary Treasurer, WSLC

CHECK OUT THE UNION DIFFERENCE in Washington: higher wages, affordable health and dental care, job and retirement security.

FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN TOGETHER with your co-workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and a voice at work. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!