For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
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Office of Labor Standards Invites Public to “Making Gigs Work” Art Exhibit at Seattle Center
Inaugural art installation to feature worker protections
Seattle, WA – (December 1, 2023) The Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) unveils a first of its kind art exhibit “Making Gigs Work”. The OLS and Seattle Center Co-Produced Event is partnering with community artists to highlight the work of independent contractors and app-based workers (sometimes called gig workers) as well as protections these workers have in the City of Seattle.
The “Making Gigs Work” art exhibit will run from December 2, 2023, through January 15, 2024, at the Seattle Center Armory Balcony at 305 Harrison Street from 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
“Seattle is a leader in advancing needed rights and supports for workers, especially in a changing economy and the app-based sector. The innovative ‘Making Gigs Work’ exhibit is an opportunity to pair the power of art with rights we are advancing for gig workers, uplifting real experiences and real protections,” said Mayor Harrell.
The artwork will promote awareness of the:
- Independent Contractor Protections Ordinance(ICP) – provides pay transparency and timely payment for independent contractors (self-employed persons with no employees – freelancers, sole-proprietors) for work in Seattle
- App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance (APBWMP) – requires certain companies to provide a minimum payment for mileage and time worked to workers using their apps
- App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance (APBWPSST) – requires certain companies to provide paid time off for app-based workers to use to care for themselves or family members
“Ultimately, combining art with education in this context is a promising way to empower workers with knowledge about their rights and encourage dialogue about the issues surrounding app-based labor. It’s a creative and impactful way to promote awareness and drive positive change in labor standards,” said Wei Lin, Gig worker.
“I’m excited to be painting an informational mural for awareness to guide different contractors, app-based workers and hiring entities about these new ordinances that will protect them,” said Shayla Hufana, “Making Gigs Work” artist.
“It’s been an honor to create an illustration for OLS that will help promote the new ordinance around paid sick and safe time being available for app-based workers working in Seattle. I imagined this would be such a significant change for our essential gig workers. They deserve the same rights as everyone regardless of if they are under a regular payroll or working their own schedule.” Mousy DeVilla, “Making Gigs Work” artist.
“I was excited about this project because I had the opportunity to draw attention to gig workers as well as creative/artistic workers and their economic rights, which have been dismissed for too long and the quiet beauty in the indispensable work that they do. The labor movement has a rich artistic history, and I am very happy to see it channeled in this exhibition,” said Yulia Issa, “Making Gigs Work” artist.
“I applaud the artists’ creativity. OLS is trying new venues to reach as many workers as possible and educate the public about worker protections for independent, app-based, and gig workers who make up a significant part of Seattle’s economy,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese. “Our goal is that the ‘Making Gigs Work’ exhibit will create conversation about non-traditional workers and what the city is doing to ensure these workers are treated fairly and their work is valued.”
The exhibit will culminate with live speakers and musical guests Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 3:00-6:00 marking the date the App-based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance takes effect and the App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance applies to all app-based workers who work at a network company that hires more than 250 workers worldwide.
For more information or questions about the “Making Gigs Work” exhibit email the Office of Labor Standards at laborstandards@seattle.gov or call 206-256-5297.
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