WSLC Reports Today
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WSLC Reports Today links to stories of interest to organized labor; 
some positive, some negative. The intention is to inform.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19

Murray: More must be done for struggling working families
The U.S. Senator tours the Puget Sound Labor Agency food bank and then participates in the discussion on growing needs at area food banks caused by food and fuel inflation, and a slumping national economy. She says that events like Monday's forum have made her "increasingly aware that as food prices increase, many more families are going hungry." Read more.
▪  In today's Seattle P-I -- Food banks struggle to keep up -- Inflation is making it impossible for emergency food providers to maintain the status quo, much less meet demand.

Vote TODAY!  See WSLC's primary election endorsements
Ballots for the state's new "top two" primary election must be mailed by today. All union members are urged to vote in this important election. If you misplaced or didn't receive your ballot, contact your County Auditor for information on how you can vote. Download a list of the Washington State Labor Council's endorsed statewide, legislative and judicial candidates. For labor recommendations in local races, contract your area Central Labor Council.

Rally Wednesday to support Ocean Beach Hospital nurses
The Washington State Nurses Association is holding a rally at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Black Lake Park in Ilwaco (at the southwestern tip of the state) in support of nurses at Ocean Beach Hospital. All union supporters are urged to lend their voices and support for these nurses.

National news:
▪  Today from AP -- California could change farm worker union votes -- Democratic senators cite a series of heat-related deaths in the fields as they approve a bill that could make it easier for unions to organize California farm workers. The legislation sets up a process in which unions could request what's called a "mediated election" that bill supporters likened to voting absentee.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2008
Murray: More must be done for struggling working families
U.S. Senator tours Puget Sound Labor Agency food bank, hears of growing need

Lonnie Nelson, 76, has worked in packing, sorting, vegetable processing and child care, but has never earned more than $8.50 an hour. Now she says she relies on the Puget Sound Labor Agency to keep food on the table, and she wants the unions that support the PSLA food bank to know she is grateful.

"I am really appreciative of the unions that contribute to the Puget Sound Labor Agency's food bank," Nelson said, but added that the problem will only get worse unless unions are strengthened to empower workers to raise wages. "Food banks are trying to pick up the loose ends, but if we keep lowering wages, we're going to have more retirees like myself who don't make enough to get by."

Nelson was part of a roundtable discussion held at the Seattle Labor Temple on Monday with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, Seattle City Councilman Tim Burgess, and several clients and directors of area food banks.

Sen. Murray toured the Puget Sound Labor Agency food bank and then participated in the discussion on growing needs at area food banks caused by food and fuel inflation, and a slumping national economy. She said the farm bill passed earlier this year included improvements for food assistance programs, but much more needs to be done. She added that events like Monday's tour and forum have made her "increasingly aware that as food prices increase, many more families are going hungry."

"This (forum) has been very helpful," Murray said. "At the federal level, we have got to pass a supplemental bill (on food assistance). That's the message I will take back to Congress."

David Freiboth, Executive Secretary of the Martin Luther King Jr. County Labor Council, thanked Murray and representatives of area food banks for coming to the Labor Temple to raise awareness about the need for helping low-income families. He also pointed out that organized labor has long been a strong supporter of food assistance programs, but labor's efforts often aren't publicized.

"This is a part of the labor community that doesn't get as much attention," Freiboth said. "It's a good opportunity to highlight the work we do in labor in three areas: empowering workers, supporting good middle-class jobs, and helping those left behind."

The Puget Sound Labor Agency has a number of programs designed to help people in need. Its food bank -- with over 20,000 visits last year -- is open Mondays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  It also has a household goods pick-up and delivery program that is free to both donors and recipients, a wheelchair and mobility program that has built more than 500 ramps and an accessible park, special holiday assistance in November and December, and specific programs to assist children such as toddler feeding and school supplies.

TAKE ACTION:  We are all struggling with higher fuel and food costs, but we need to remember that there are seniors on fixed incomes and low-income workers who are forced to make terrible choices between paying rent, keeping electricity and feeding themselves and their children. Your food and monetary contributions to area food assistance programs are put to immediate use and are greatly appreciated by food bank clients. Please contribute generously to the PSLA or the food bank of your choice in your area:

Puget Sound Labor Agency -- 2800 1st Ave., Room 126, Seattle, WA, 98121
-- 2810 Lombard Ave., Room 205, Everett, WA, 98201

Copyright © ^{2008 --  Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO}