LOCAL

UW, Harborview workers rally for fair wage increase

UPDATE (Sept. 16, 2021) —

Respect us, protect us, pay us! WFSE Local 3488 members were joined by community, students, and SEIU union siblings today at a rally for a fair wage increase at Harborview. University of Washington, it's time to pay Harborview employees what they're worth. pic.twitter.com/H5g3f4nAJz

— AFSCME Council 28 (WFSE) (@wfsec28) September 17, 2021

SEATTLE — Community leaders will join employees of the University of Washington, UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center on Thursday as they demonstrate in support of a fair wage increase to address high turnover and difficulty filling essential roles. Members of the Washington Federation of State Employees and several other unions representing UW employees will participate.

Despite considerable personal risk and even losing several coworkers to the COVID-19 pandemic, these employees have continued to provide quality care and services at UW and its medical failities. These essential employees, many of whom are among these institutions’ lowest paid, meet critical needs in the Northwest region — and they’ve never been needed more than during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as hospitals nationwide face staffing shortages. They deserve to be protected, respected, and thanked with a fair wage increase.

TAKE A STAND — All union members and community supporters are invited to show their support at this Solidarity Rally on Thursday, Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harborview Park, 779 Alder St. in Seattle.