FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/20/2014
Kshama Sawant Arrested at Protest Against Alaska Airlines’ Attempts to Block $15/hour for Airport Workers
SEATTLE – Councilmember Kshama Sawant was released from jail after being arrested while protesting Alaska Airlines’ attempts to block the voter-approved $15 minimum wage in SeaTac last fall.
Since then, following a lawsuit brought by Alaska Airlines and other corporations, airport workers have been denied thousands of dollars in pay over the 10 months since the wage increase should have gone into effect on January 1.
“It was the courageous struggle of workers that won 15 in SeaTac and Seattle, and that same commitment shown here today will help ensure that Alaska Airlines’ attempts at massive wage theft will be defeated,” said Kshama Sawant.
Three others were arrested at the Working Washington and 15 Now protest, including Sea-Tac Airport worker Socrates Bravo, Rev. John Helmiere of Valley and Mountain Church, and Kadra Osman, a former Sea-Tac Airport worker.
For more background on Wednesday’s action, see Working Washington’s website.