The following letter signed by 30 labor leaders from around Washington state was recently sent to Gov. Jay Inslee in support of two major infrastructure projects: the Millennium Bulk Terminals in Longview and Vancouver Energy at the Port of Vancouver: Dear Gov. Inslee: We, the undersigned 30 labor leaders from 20 labor organizations are asking […]
TUMWATER (Oct. 1, 2015) — Washington state’s minimum wage will stay the same in 2016 — $9.47 per hour — because the national Consumer Price Index did not increase, the state Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) announced on Wednesday. For years, Washington’s minimum wage has been the highest in the country, but that will […]
(Sept. 28, 2015) — The unions representing members at Pacific Northwest Haggen stores sent the following statement to their membership on Saturday, Sept. 26: Dear Haggen Members: We understand the frustration and concern you, your co-workers, and your families are all experiencing these past few weeks as the Haggen bankruptcy continues to develop. Thanks to […]
(Sept. 24, 2015) — The Washington Machinists Council last weekend voted unanimously for a resolution in opposition to Initiative 732, which would create a new tax on carbon emissions while cutting other taxes to make it “revenue neutral,” because it fails to address the economic and social implications of market-based mechanisms to curtail pollution. “Initiative […]
By LYNNE DODSON (Sept. 22, 2015) — The visit to Seattle by Chinese President Xi Jinping is an historic moment. President Xi Jinping is known for his crackdown on corruption in the government, and opening up Chinese markets. Certainly, the discussions with business roundtable leaders here are geared toward creating more market opportunities in the […]
Volunteer for Labor Neighbor walks, phone banks (Sept. 22, 2015) — Big multi-billion corporations including Walmart, Georgia-Pacific (Koch Industries), Boeing, and Comcast are spending more than $300,000 this year on a PAC called “Enterprise Washington” that’s dedicated to getting rid of Rep. Carol Gregory (D-Federal Way). Their expensive — and dishonest — campaign against […]
By WAYNE AU Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, was a good day for me. Late that afternoon, the Washington State Supreme Court issued an earth-shattering ruling for corporate education reformers: By a 6-3 decision, they determined that Washington state’s charter school law was unconstitutional. This felt like a personal victory because I was heavily involved in […]
UPDATE (Sept. 17, 2015) — Above is a photo of Rep. Bobby Scott, Sen. Patty Murray and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka from Wednesday’s press conference introducing the WAGE Act. And here is some of today’s media coverage: ► From AFL-CIO Now — Introducing the WAGE Act to strengthen the rights of working people — Today, […]
(Sept. 16, 2015) — Next month, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO will welcome April Sims as its new Field Mobilization Director, filling the position being vacated with the retirement of Lori Province. For the past eight years, Sims has served as the Legislative and Political Action Field Coordinator for the Washington Federation of State […]
By DAVID GROVES The Stand WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 19, 2015) — With China’s recent decision to devalue its currency, the AFL-CIO is urging all members of Congress to insist that enforceable rules protecting American workers from currency manipulation be included in any future trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership. China’s undervaluation of its currency artificially […]
CHECK OUT THE UNION DIFFERENCE in Washington state: 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 working conditions and respect on the job. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!
