Union Notebook

A new union leaflet circulating around construction sites in the city states: "Portable toilets are an essential part of every construction site and outdoor music festival. But did you know that the workers who service and deliver the toilets often are treated like crap?"

Workers at the Port-O-Let Division of Waste Management are voting as we go to press in an election to decide if they will be represented by Teamsters Local 174.

Under the banner of safety, sanitation and solidarity, construction trades organizers will handbill in support of the Waste Management workers at construction sites in the area.

Affordable Housing Tied to Right to Organize

Downtown development is booming, but it's creating thousands of service and retail jobs that pay poorly and offer few benefits, according to Hotel Employees Restaurant Employees (HERE).

Seattle's job boom means we need more affordable housing, union organizers say.

Under city guidelines, developers are supposed to provide support for low and moderate-income housing in exchange for expanded development rights. But developer contributions to these programs aren't enough to meet the increased need. Many new jobs are part-time and don't pay close to the $14 an hour necessary to pay for market-rate housing in the Seattle area.

HERE will explore the link between jobs and housing at a conference June 15 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 911 Stewart, at 5 p.m. For info call Dana Wise, (206) 441-0499.

Labor Events in June

The King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO and Washington State Jobs with Justice are sponsoring a series of public events this week as part of 7 Days in June for the Right to Organize.

The linked events constitute a weeklong rally for the freedom to choose a union. Workers across the country will be taking part in similar actions as part of the AFL-CIO's national week of action.

Seattle Area Events

Wednesday, June 14

Rally for a voice at work, 6:00 p.m. Yauger Park Shelter, Olympia. Support Capital Medical Center and St. Peter Hospital employees who are organizing and fighting for a first contract; and for state employees whose rights are blocked by the political process. For info call John Warring, (360) 532-2643.

Thursday, June 15

Justice for Janitors, noon. March and Rally in downtown Bellevue at the park outside Bellevue Public Library, 1111 110th Ave. NE. For info call Tess Mayer, (206) 448-7348 ext 347.

Saturday, June 17

Java for Justice, 11 a.m. Leaflet Starbucks to support newly organized Starbucks Roasting Plant workers. Pike Place Market. For info call Marti Schmidt, Operating Engineers 286, (253) 351-9095.

Juneteenth Celebration, 11:30 TO 4 p.m. Organizing is the theme at the A. Philip Randolph Institute's Juneteenth celebration at Machinists Lodge 751, 9125 15th Place South, Seattle. Games, prizes, lots of food. $10 adult; children $5. For info call Verlene Wilder, (206) 441-7102.

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