Freedom Ride picks up speed and supporters
As planning for the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride continue, support is coming in from elected officials, in addition to the many community groups, unions, immigrant and civil organizations and many other coalition members and supporters. United States Congressman Jim McDermott wrote the following letter encouraging other elected officials to support the event.

Dear Colleague,

I am delighted to inform you of my endorsement of the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride, as well as my commitment to provide $2,500 to support one immigrant worker's seat on the bus. I'm writing to urge each of you in the Washington State Democratic Delegation to stand with me on this important initiative by offering your endorsement and $2,500 of financial support. 

The Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride, taking place in September 2003, is a national mobilization of individuals and organizations from all sectors — labor, business, political, religious, community, immigrant, civil rights and others — aimed at drawing attention to the issues of immigrant rights. Buses filled with immigrant workers and their coalition supporters from ten cities around the country will make their way to Washington, DC for a series of lobby days and then a final caravan to New York City for a massive rally at the Statue of Liberty. More than 70 national organizations, including the AFL-CIO, the NAACP, the National Immigration Forum, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the National Council on La Raza, as well as many members of the U.S. Congress, have endorsed the Immigrant Workers Freedom Rides. 

I'm proud that Seattle is one of the originating cities for the Freedom Rides, and that an exciting new local coalition has formed to carry out not only the organization of the Freedom Ride, but also to pursue a comprehensive agenda of immigrants' rights issues. The local coalition is co-chaired by Pramila Jayapal, executive director of the Hate Free Zone Campaign of Washington, and Steve Williamson, executive secretary of the King County Labor Council, and comprises representation from the many diverse communities within our region. 

I believe the Freedom Ride will provoke a very timely national dialogue around immigrant rights issues, a discussion in which each of us must be actively engaged during these difficult times.

 I urge you to join me in supporting this worthwhile effort.

 Sincerely, Jim McDermott 

New contract for janitors — justice campaign prevails!
With the help of community and religious support and the wonderful leadership of the janitors themselves, SEIU Local 6 janitors ratified a new contract earlier this month. The contract will maintain health benefits and provide for wage increases over the next four years. Wage and health increases will total $3.30 per hour over the life of the contract, which will affect nearly 2,500 janitors. Workers will also be entitled to take personal leave without pay for three weeks while maintaining their jobs.  

Thanks to all of you who supported the janitors’ struggle and turned out for the planned actions. It helped send a strong message to the employers and ultimately steered them toward working for a fair agreement. 

PACCAR fights ends with a contract
After many months of struggling against PACCAR/Peterbilt, the 750 members of UAW Local 1832 in Madison, TN voted overwhelmingly to accept the company’s last, best and final offer late last month. The King County Labor Council and community allies fought for these workers locally by repeatedly visiting the PACCAR headquarters in Bellevue to show executives that the broad coalition of unions, community and faith based organizations could not be denied or quieted.  

Suffering from occupation hearing loss? Don’t miss this deadline!
As a result of passage of SB 5271, workers suffering occupational hearing loss will receive no Permanent Partial Disability awards unless they file their claims within two years of last injurious exposure. There is a one-year window in the legislation. If workers file their claim within one year of September 10, 2003, and they have a valid claim, they will be eligible to receive a permanent partial disability award along with the appropriate hearing aids.  

Job openings on SEIU campaign
SEIU is looking for campaign-oriented researchers to support the Building Service Division’s Justice for Janitors/security officers campaigns. Positions are available in Seattle and California. Contact SEIU at 1247 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 or eddieiny@att.net for more information or to apply. 

Online Resources
Visit the AFL-CIO’s Bushwatch page for the latest on President Bush’s efforts to defeat workers.

IAM District Lodge 751 has added a “Do Patronize” page to their website. Check it out here.

The Committee for a Two-Newspaper Town has their website up and running. The committee was formed in response to the threat of the Seattle P-I shutting down and leaving Seattle with only one major newspaper and a lack of diversity in editorial opinion. The closure of the P-I would also leave many workers without good, union jobs. Visit the site to find out more about the effort or to join the Committee and pledge your support. The Committee can also be reached at (206) 781-4430. 

Upcoming Events
Tuesday, August 5th, 5:00 p.m.  Don’t miss the live broadcast of the AFL-CIO Working Families Presidential Forum on C-SPAN! Candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination will voice their views on working family issues at the forum, which will be broadcast live from Chicago. If you’d like to plan a “watch party” you can order toolkits and copies of My Voter Guide by calling 1-800-442-5645.

Wednesday, August 6th, 7:00 p.m.  KCLC Delegates Meeting, Hall One, Seattle Labor Temple. We will be considering candidate endorsements in many local races at this important special meeting. All delegates are strongly encouraged to attend. Please note that this meeting will replace the August 20th meeting, which has been cancelled due to the WSLC Convention in Wenatchee.

Thursday, August 7th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride Kickoff Party. Everyone is invited to attend this free celebration, including music, entertainment, speakers and refreshments, at the New Holly Community Center, 7050 32nd Avenue South, Seattle.

Sunday, August 10th, 11:00 a.m.  ILWU/IBU Rally for Family Wage Jobs. Join waterfront workers and supporters in protesting the anti-union America West Steamship Company's arrival in Seattle. Meet at Pier 52, 801 Alaskan Way at Columbia, for a rally, then march to Pier 69 at noon, followed by a rally at 1:00 p.m.