In a normal year, federal income taxes are due today (April 15th), but this is definitely not a normal year, and an extension is in effect through July 15th. Here’s a quick rundown of key developments for workers in the coronavirus crisis.
Read MoreIn back-to-back posts, Seattle Times Editorial Board calls for new public funds for Seattle Times, sharp budget cuts for everyone else.
Imagine if the Seattle Times Editorial Board had a similar level of concern for all the struggling families in our state fearing the impacts of this crisis and in need of public support right now.... who aren’t named Blethen.
Read Moresome things to know & do on the first of the month
Today is the first day of April. A lot has happened in the the 9 days since Governor Inslee issued his "stay home" order closing non-essential businesses to halt the spread of coronavirus. Here's a quick rundown of the key developments for workers.
Read MoreQuick update on our 4 big ideas to address the coronavirus crisis
On Sunday we joined with Washington Community Action Network and Seattle Transit Riders Union to release an open letter calling for 4 big steps to address the coronavirus crisis. We’re already starting to see movement.
Read Morewe are calling on WA state political leaders to take 4 bold steps to address the coronavirus crisis: preserve healthcare
Preserve medical benefits, moratorium on evictions, halt utility shut-offs, and provide emergency income assistance. Read the letter and add your name.
Read MoreWhat gig economy companies and government agencies can do to protect workers’ health during the coronavirus response
The single most valuable thing gig companies can do to address the crisis is to pay workers more money. Improving workers’ economic security is the best long-term solution to ensuring everyone can make thoughtful decisions weighing potential risks to health and potential loss of income. There also additional immediate steps gig companies can take to slow the spread of the virus and mitigate the potential impact on workers:
Read MoreWhat Washington employers and state government can do to protect the health of service sector workers during the coronavirus response
As coronavirus (and associated panic) spreads, it is expected that increasing numbers of people will be placed in quarantine, and that schools may close. While service sector employers alone do not have the power alone to halt this epidemic, there are things they can do to slow the spread of the virus and mitigate the impact on workers, especially provided that government takes action as well.
Read MoreSeattle PayUp Campaign Kickoff - March 4th
Join us in Seattle on Wednesday, March 4th as we launch a bold campaign to win new local laws that raise pay, protect tips, increase transparency, and ensure that gig workers have a voice in the future of work.
Read MoreNew statewide poll finds 63% of likely voters support secure scheduling, with only 15% opposed
Voters support secure scheduling by large margins all across Washington, with support especially strong in more working class areas of the state and areas which typically see more contested legislative races. Most notably, the poll finds 63% - 15% support for secure scheduling statewide, 75% - 8% support on the Olympic Peninsula, and 63% - 25% support in Pierce County.
Read MoreA message from restaurant workers across the state on why it’s time for the state legislature to pass secure scheduling (SB 5717 / HB 1491)
Too often in the service industry, we get no notice for our work schedule. There is no reason restaurants need to operate this way. Management could and would put out schedules with reasonable notice if they felt the need to. We feel the need - from arranging child care to scheduling school or a second job, there are many reasons we need reasonable notice.
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