King County Labor Council

 

 

Labor's Voice
January 2003

 

Ruling: WTO protestors will have their day in court
The U.S. District Court in Seattle has certified a class action lawsuit representing protesters arrested outside a “no-protest zone” created by the City of Seattle during the WTO conference in December 1999.


With approximately 140 members, the class will be permitted to proceed with the suit. The lawsuit against the City charges that the arrest and imprisonment of several hundred protesters – none of whom were later convicted of any crime – deprived them of their rights to free speech and assembly under the First Amendment, their right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment, and their right under the Washington State Constitution to speak freely. The suit seeks damages and declaratory relief. Briefs on the case, Hickey v. The City of Seattle, are available at www.tlpj.org. (Rob Hickey, the lead plaintiff, was the organizing director at Teamsters Local 174 at the time.)

 

 

Sea-Tac workers to remain union
The Port of Seattle recently voted to retain union contractor American Building Maintenance (ABM) as the janitorial contractor at Sea-Tac Airport, preserving living wage jobs for 150 SEIU members. The contract took effect on January 1st and lasts for three years, with the option for two one-year renewals.


“I am pleased that the Port Commissioners have made the right choice by selecting a union contractor,” said Sergio Salinas, SEIU Local 6 President. “The living wage jobs provided by union contractors help to strengthen our local economy.”


According to Jerry Brooks, SEIU Airport Shop Steward, “The airport janitors work hard to keep the airport clean and safe. This contract means they will keep the union wages and health benefits they need to support their families.”

 

 

Stagehands win major victory
Have you ever wondered who sets up all that gear when you go to a concert, theatrical production or convention? It's the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 15, and they've been representing Seattle stagehands since the days of limelight and horse-drawn carriages carrying touring scenery from rail yard to theatre.

 

Since the early 1990s, several stage labor contractors (or “Labor Ready for Stagehands”) have set up shop in Western Washington. They have attempted to corner the labor market for stage technicians by cutting wages and offering no benefits. So when Nasco Services, a British Columbia stage labor contractor, moved into our area in the Summer of 2000, Local 15 decided to do something: start organizing. Local 15 members applied for jobs and started talking to other workers about the benefits of collective bargaining.

 

Nasco has carved out large portions of the market share by supplying non-union workers to theatres, concert arenas and convention facilities in Toronto and Vancouver. Local 15 has made it clear that they won't let that happen in Seattle by helping the workers’ voices be heard.

 

On December 31st the votes were counted. Nasco workers voted for union representation and are now pursuing a first contract. Local 15, a small local with limited resources, has made a commitment to organizing and is proud to be moving forward. Congratulations to Local 15 and the Nasco workers!

 

 

Legislative session fact-finding
We have an information sheet full of useful facts about this legislative session and tips on how to find out more about pending legislation. If you’d like a copy, let us know by e-mail.

 

 

U.S. Representative Adam Smith urges labor justice
Last week, U.S. Representative Adam Smith signed onto a letter urging President Bush and the Transportation Security Administration to reconsider its ruling to prohibit federal airport screeners from unionizing. This follows a ruling by Transportation Security Administrator James Loy, who has effectively blocked the screeners from unionizing, declaring that collective bargaining is “not compatible” with fighting terrorism.


“That is just not true,” says Representative Smith. “A federal screener turnover rate of 30-35% and a disgruntled workforce guarding commercial airlines is a more viable threat to the country’s safety and a stronger setback in the fight against terrorism.”


Federal baggage and passenger screeners from four major airports across the country recently voted to join the American Federation of Government Employees. This decision follows screeners across the country complaining about delayed paychecks, unpaid overtime and training hours, instances of sexual harassment and unpredictable work schedules.

 

 

Online Resources
"Ralph, Don’t Run," an article by Ronnie Dugger from The Nation, looks at the next race for the White House. Read the story here. 


"Bush Camp Studying Whether Wealthy Bear Too Much of Tax Load." What’s wrong with this recent Seattle Times headline? See the rest of the article here.

 

 

Upcoming Events
February 19th, 7:00 p.m. KCLC Delegates Meeting, Hall One, Seattle Labor Temple
February 21st, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Sister Irene Hull’s 90th Birthday Party! Come to Hall One of the Seattle Labor Temple for music, refreshments and labor liveliness as we celebrate Irene’s birthday and many years of activism.