Weekly Update: March 22

March 22, 2019

Weekly Update: March 22

Tell Sound Transit: Don’t Privatize Bus Service

On March 16, news broke that Sound Transit has been taking steps to contract out their Express bus service to a private, for-profit corporation. They plan to start with 14 buses and increase to 55 buses by fall 2020. A Request for Proposals was put out in February, without consultation with King County Metro, which currently collaborates with Sound Transit to operate the Express buses.

Privatization of public transit is a profit-grab that will erode service and safety standards. It will also turn middle-class union jobs into lower-wage jobs with poor benefits. Contracting out with a private company undermines public oversight, transparency, and accountability.

Tell the Sound Transit Board, Don’t Privatize Our Bus Service!

Join UNITE HERE 8 to discuss the future of the Seattle Hotel Employees Health and Safety Initiative

On Christmas Eve, 2018, the Washington Court of Appeals struck down the Seattle Hotel Employees Health and Safety Ordinance (I-124) on the grounds that it violates the single subject rule for initiatives under state law. UNITE HERE 8 and the City of Seattle have filed a joint appeal of the decision. Now, the Seattle City Council is considering taking up legislation that will keep the protections found in Initiative 124 in place regardless of the hotel industry’s ongoing legal attacks.

Hotel workers invite you to join them for story sharing and discussion on the future of this important legislation. Members will share their stories on the difference Initiative 124 made since it was passed by voters in 2016 and why the thousands of hotel workers in Seattle need action to reinstate these health and safety protections.

What: Story sharing and discussion on I-124
When: Friday, March 29, 2019 // 4:30 PM
Where: Downtown Seattle Public Library Washington Mutual Room (4thFloor)

RSVP to the facebook event here

April 3: Diversity in Construction Trades Event

King County is having a Diversity in Construction Trades Event on April 3. This is for those interested in starting careers in commercial construction trades through free local apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.

Space is limited: Register today at diversityinconstruction.eventbrite.com

What: Diversity in Construction Trades: Apprenticeship Pathways to Construction Careers
When: Wednesday, April 3, 2019 // 5:30-8 PM
Where: NewHolly Gathering Hall, 7054 32nd Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98118
Cost: Free and open to all