Washington

My career at the WSLC has given me a front-row seat and an active role in historic events and campaigns. From the WTO Seattle protests to the demise of “free trade.” From Boeing’s f—ups to the Freedom Foundation’s f—wits.

Lab professionals at Labcorp held a union election from March 1 to 3, where 434 workers voted to join the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The new union members work at labs in Portland, Oregon, and Salmon Creek, Washington, and include medical technologists, lab specialists and phlebotomists. The workers are the latest in a wave of health care unionization.

Approximately 150 workers at six locations of Seattle-based sandwich maker Homegrown went on strike Thursday over contract negotiations. The workers say the company offers unaffordable health insurance and provides no employment guarantee to workers in case the company is sold. The workers are members of UNITE HERE Local 8.

April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, appeared on the KBTC/PBS program "Northwest Now," where she discussed young workers boosting union organizing, registered apprenticeship programs, non-compete contracts, how racial divisions are stoked to exploit the working class, and other topics. 

On March 22, the Pierce County Labor Council supported a rally by Tacoma Arts Museum workers who are seeking recognition for the union they have chosen to form with AFSCME Council 28. Pictured here is Carrie Morton, a store manager at the museum and an organizing committee member. Some 70 supporters showed up to support the union outside the museum. The workers have been seeking recognition since last October.

This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country.