Washington

Union members have the power to decide elections … when they vote.

Turnout was low in Washington’s Aug. 6 primary but results were mostly favorable for organized labor at the state level and in SW Washington.

If elected, Clark County Laborers union organizer Deken Letinich would bring a work ethic and union values to Olympia.

Washington's Aug. 6 primary will determine which candidates for state and local office will go on to the general election in November.

A bill to extend unemployment benefits to striking workers died, but lawmakers passed other measures to bolster workers rights.

HB 1893 passed the Washington House of Representatives 53-44 on Feb. 13 and now goes to the Washington Senate.

Washington could join New York, New Jersey, and Maine in providing unemployment benefits when workers go on strike.

Washington's Nov. 7 general election covers local races for school board, city council, and special districts.

On May 15, Washington became the first state to extend unemployment insurance and paid family and medical leave to Uber and Lyft drivers.

Washington’s 2023 legislative session concluded April 23 with wins for worker safety, workers compensation, and affordable housing.

Self-insuring for workers comp may set up too strong an incentive to deny claims. Firefighters and other unions are pushing for reform.

They include minimum per-minute, per-mile and per-trip rates drivers must be paid; paid sick leave; workers compensation; and more.

This ballot guide lists candidates who have at least one labor organization endorsing them and who have opponents on the ballot.

Every labor-backed candidate in SW Washington’s Aug. 2 primary will advance to the general election, and two ballot measures were approved.

This union-focused ballot guide for Southwest Washington keeps it simple: It only lists candidates who have at least one union endorsement.

Lawmakers supported apprenticeship and green energy, but punted again on proposals to set standards for hospital staffing.

Measures to expedite energy facility siting, promote apprenticeship, and set minimum health care staffing have passed their first chamber.

The Washington State Labor Council will push a “Workers’ Recovery Agenda” that prioritizes workers’ health and safety, and job creation.

In the Nov. 2 election, all but one of the city and school board candidates endorsed by the SW Washington Central Labor Council won office.

Washington’s 2021 general election determines who leads city councils and school districts. Ballots are mailed Oct. 15 and are due Nov. 2.