On July 30, 2016, we kicked off a bold new movement for paid family and parental leave for all in Seattle. More than 200 people representing a powerful coalition of state and city unions, women’s organizations, LGBTQ activists, social justice organizations, faith groups, and working people came together for the event. I encourage you to […]
Author: Benjamin Peterson (Benjamin Peterson)
Home » Archives for Benjamin Peterson » Page 7
Post
August 2, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant
Packed House Kicks Off Our Movement to Demand Paid Family & Parental Leave
On July 30, 2016, more than 200 people representing a powerful coalition of state and city unions, social justice organizations, faith groups, and working people came together to kick off our bold new movement for paid family and parental leave for all in Seattle. Sponsors of the event included the Washington State Labor Council, NARAL […]
Post
July 15, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant
REI Workers Rally at City Hall for Fair Schedules, Strong Wages & Right to Unionize
On July 11, 2016, well over 100 people packed City Hall to rally with REI workers fighting for fair schedules, strong wages, and the right to organize a union at their co-op without interference or retaliation. Workers presented the following demands, which you can sign on to here: Access to Full-Time Hours: Existing workers must […]
Post
June 28, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant
Standing with Broadcast TV Workers, Supporting Local Broadcasting
On June 27, 2016, the Seattle City Council passed International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 600 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 46’s resolution to protect high quality locally produced broadcast news. For more, watch or read my speech below. Transcript of Speech as Delivered I’d like to thank all the activists from IATSE […]
Post
June 25, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant
Solidarity with striking CNTE Teachers in Mexico!
On June 24, 2016, I sent a letter (English, Español) and video statement expressing solidarity with Mexican teachers organized in the National Education Workers Coordinating Committee (CNTE), fighting against neoliberal education reforms promoted by President Peña Nieto’s brutal government, including the use of standardized tests to evaluate and justify mass firings of teachers. Our sisters and brothers in […]
Post
June 20, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant
Council Proclaims June 24th 2016 Trans Pride Day
On June 20, 2016, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed a proclamation declaring June 24, 2016, Trans Pride Day. Trans Pride is a bold political act of defiance in a society that still largely refuses to allow people to define themselves as they are. The fight for trans rights is critical to the broader struggles of […]
Post
June 6, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant
VICTORY! Carl Haglund Law against Slumlords Passes!
After more than a half-year of organizing, tenant activists and housing justice organizers have won a major victory with the unanimous passage of the Carl Haglund Law. This bill will ban rent hikes in buildings with code violations, a horrendous practice that has been legal and all-too-common. I want to thank everyone who fought in this struggle. […]
Post
May 25, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant
Seattle Stands Against Nuclear Power
On May 24, 2016, the Energy & Environment Committee unanimously voted in favor of the resolution I brought forward, drafted by environmental activists from Physicians for Social Responsibility, Heart of America Northwest, and others from the anti-nuclear movement. It calls on Seattle City Light to oppose the Columbia Generating Station, the sole nuclear power plant in the Pacific Northwest, […]
Post
May 3, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant
My remarks on the Occidental Street Vacation
On May 2, 2016, the Seattle City Council voted No on granting alley vacation on Occidental Street. Please see my remarks below: Deciding how to vote on this item was not easy for me, and my staff and I have had to dig deeply on both sides to make up our minds. I have to […]
Post
March 30, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant
After Friedrichs v. CTA – Rebuild the Fighting Labor Movement!
Yesterday brought great news for the labor movement, with the Supreme Court affirming the dismissal of Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association (CTA), a lawsuit that was aimed at undermining public sector unions and the labor movement in general. If the ruling had gone the other way, Friedrichs v. CTA would have reduced the entire public sector to “right to work” status. This […]