We’ve been in the post-recession recovery period for five years. It is time to shape what the next-generation work place needs to look like. The year of the worker needs to build on our new-found confidence that we can create a more fair economy, not just settle for what the economy used to be or […]
Tag: Fair Wages & Benefits
Posted inBreaking News, Economic Security, Policy Topics
Machinists reject Boeing’s unreasonable offer on 777X work by a two-to-one margin
The thirty thousand plus members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 have overwhelmingly voted to reject an offer from the Boeing Company that would have replaced their existing labor agreement with a new long-term contract, the union’s leadership announced earlier tonight. At a press conference in Seattle, IAMAW 751 President […]
Posted inEconomic Security, Policy Topics
Know where to shop for groceries in the event that UFCW members go on strike
As of this morning, we are twelve hours away from a possible strike against Fred Meyer, Safeway, Albertson’s, and QFC by our brothers and sisters in the United Food & Commercial Workers, Local 21. The hardworking members of Local 21 are trying to negotiate a new contract with the big chains, but so far, they […]
Posted inBreaking News, Economic Security, Legislative Advocacy
Analysis: New Republican-backed bills would cut injured workers’ benefits
Last week all pretense of bipartisanship in State Senator Rodney Tom’s new coalition was abandoned with its introduction of five anti-labor bills purposely intended to weaken worker’s compensation. The new caucus formed by Senators Tom and Sheldon and the Republicans is trying to rush these bills through to passage. A floor vote is expected in […]
Posted inBreaking News, Economic Security, Policy Topics
Waste Management reaches agreement with Teamsters; truck drivers returning to work
A days-long, regionwide strike against Waste Management by its recycling and garbage truck drivers will likely be over as of tomorrow, thanks to successful negotiations that resulted in a new multi-year contract, the company and Teamsters Local 117 announced this evening. The strike began last week when recycling truck drivers began picketing Waste Management after […]
Posted inBreaking News, Economic Security, Policy Topics
Boeing, Machinists reach agreement to build next generation 737 in Renton
The Boeing Company announced this morning that it has tentatively reached a labor agreement with the International Association of Machinists (IAM) that will ensure the next generation of its 737 narrow-body jet (known as the MAX) will be built in Renton, Washington, where production of the current 737 is based. “The 737 MAX builds upon the […]
Posted inEconomic Security, Policy Topics
Washington’s minimum wage to rise to $9.04 an hour beginning in January
Washington State’s minimum wage will rise thirty-seven cents an hour to $9.04 beginning in January, the Department of Labor & Industries announced today. Initiative 688, which voters overwhelmingly passed in 1998, requires the Department of Labor & Industries to adjust the minimum wage annually to account for inflation. (I‑688, which NPI’s Steve Zemke was involved […]
Posted inHolidays
Don’t forget to celebrate LABOR Day!
It’s been accepted as gospel that the greatest economic engine in America is small business – a myth started more than a generation ago by groups such as the US Chamber of Commerce and propagated by politicians who want to cultivate a ‘pro-business’ reputation. In fact, the greatest force in the American economy for much […]
Posted inEconomic Security, Policy Topics
Right wing economic liberty myths simply don’t square with reality
Part of our work here at the Northwest Progressive Institute is to provide you, our readers, and fellow progressive activists with information that can be used to counter the talking points lies, half-truths, and deception parroted by conservative talk radio hosts, talking heads and political operatives. Here are two cases where the truth is entirely […]
Posted inEconomic Security, Policy Topics, Public Planning
Tim Eyman gloms onto another anti-red light camera measure — this time in Redmond
I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve been asked (usually in conversation) what motivated me to create Permanent Defense more than nine years ago. Regular readers are undoubtedly familiar with the story of PD’s founding, because I’ve told it or referred to it many times over the years. The catalyst, of course, was Tim […]