“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…
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 Community members were leafleting in downtown Seattle talking to tourists and Seattleites alike about Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s latest recipe–straight from the 1% cookbook. Schultz had his workers in DC write a slogan for his own political ideals on their customers’ cups. His “Come Together” slogan may sound reasonable, but what it…
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…
(cross-posted from itsourairport.org) December 10th is International Human Rights Day, a holiday which honors the basic truth that every human being has the right to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. That’s something everyone deserves, no matter what they do or where they live. This year, many airport workers will mark Human Rights Day…
By Nathan Jackson “Romney and Ryan look at Medicare and Medicaid as a bunch of numbers waiting to be cut down, ” said Carol Green, a healthcare worker and SEIU 1199NW member. “My patients aren’t numbers. I’m not a number. We’re not numbers. We’re people who just want what was promised.” Green stood in front…
by Nathan Jackson The Port of Seattle and Alaska Airlines have entered a partnership to upgrade the north terminal to the tune of $230 million dollars. The port is paying the lion’s share, investing $194 million into the upgrade that will modernize facilities, improve seismic safety and even throw in an executive lounge for VIP…
by Nate Jackson State Attorney General Rob McKenna doesn’t think the 99% deserve a raise. In fact, he actually thinks that low wage workers should get a pay cut. Speaking to a group of business leaders last year, McKenna ignored the record profits of big corporations, CEO bonuses and the huge tax loopholes that big…
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…
