“I never used to understand my father,” Fermin said into the microphone. “He was always angry, cold, you know? It wasn’t until I grew up that I realized why. He was always working and it was killing him.” He looked around the full room at Doc Maynard’s Bar and gripped the microphone. “He worked jobs…
Behind a giant banner simply reading “UNION!” poverty-wage airport workers, faith leaders and community members marched down Pacific Avenue towards Alaska Airlines Global HQ. Reverend John Helmiere of Valley and Mountain United Methodist Church, wearing the white collar of his faith, glanced over at the over-sized letter informing the airline that these workers have formed…
By Nathan Jackson Waving messages on paper plates, airport food-service workers led a march through Sea-Tac Airport calling on the Port of Seattle to emphasize good food *and* good jobs at our airport. Port executives are currently considering changes in how food services operate at our airport that threaten to undermine the good jobs these…
By Nathan Jackson Every year people make New Year’s resolutions. Eat healthier. Reconnect with old friends. Save money. This year it’s time we all came together and made an Economic Resolution, and unlike the promises the fade away after a few weeks, we can’t afford to let this resolution fail. We can’t just sit around…
By Nathan Jackson This year has been a banner year for Working Washington and working folks who are standing up for fairness, better pay and good jobs. So, without further ado, here are five of our favorite moments of 2012–news worthy events that we all were able to accomplish together. Amazon gives ground to the…
By Nathan Jackson Walmart workers across the country are striking for the first time in the company’s 50 year history, this Black Friday. Workers at the largest retailer in the world are fed up with their sub par treatment in the giant retailer. Many workers are underpaid, uninsured and treated with a lack of respect….
Update: Recycle and Yard Waste drivers have reached a new 6 year deal with Waste Management. For more details visit teamsters117.org. Recycle and yard waste drivers, represented by Teamsters Local 117, voted to ratify a 6-year contract agreement this morning. The contract vote was held after a 9 A.M. meeting at the Teamsters building in…
By Nate Jackson Selah Mohammed, a taxi driver sporting sunglasses and a light blue button up shirt, spoke to the gathered media as tourists stood in line to board the cruise ship outside of the Port of Seattle’s headquarters on Pier 69. “We, the taxi drivers, are part of this airport,” he said. “We provide…
by Nate Jackson When 200, mostly immigrant, Seattle short haul port truck drivers and hundreds of community members walk off the job and keep making noise, the truck companies that haul goods under the Port of Seattle’s unwatchful eyes can’t help but notice. On Monday, February 13th port truck drivers staged a rally on the…
by Nate Jackson Last Thursday, local business executive celebrated Port of Seattle executives at a $1750-per-table dinner at the Bell Harbor Conference Center on the Seattle waterfront. As they celebrated at their “black tie optional event”, workers and community allies were there outside, honoring the people who actually make the port prosper: the workers who…
