For Immediate Release

Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov

Seattle Office of Labor Standards to Commemorates International Workers’ Day with City-Wide Outreach and Education Event

Seattle, WA (April 30, 2024) – Tomorrow, May 1, 2024, the Office of Labor Standards (OLS) will honor International Workers’ Day and Seattle’s own tradition of protecting workers’ rights with a door-to-door outreach campaign in Districts 1,2,3, and 7 to educate workers and businesses about workplace rights.

The outreach event begins at 10:30 AM at booSH Nursery on 2311 S. Jackson Street. OLS will be joined by members of City departments, community leaders, representatives from OLS’ trusted Community and Business Outreach and Education Funds (COEF and BOEF), members of OLS’ Labor Standards Advisory Commission (LSAC), and the public.

“Since the creation of the OLS, more than $40,000,000 million in remedies have been returned to 80,290 workers, and from January of 2024 to date nearly $3,900,000 million in remedies have been returned to 3,128 workers – but there is still more work to be done,” said OLS Director, Steven Marchese. “OLS is proud to continue a tradition we started in 2019 of celebrating International Workers’ Day with door-to-door outreach to businesses and workers. We look forward to having in-person conversations with business owners and workers about Seattle’s labor laws and how they apply to them to ensure Seattle workers receive the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“Small businesses play a vital role in creating employment opportunities within the communities that they operate in, and we have the opportunity to empower our workforce through job opportunities that strengthen the local economy. We know that small businesses are the heartbeat of our local economies, when we support them, we empower families, create jobs, and foster economic growth,” said owners of booSH Nursery, Shawn and Julissa McWashington. “The Central District has a rich history and has been one of Seattle’s most racially and culturally diverse neighborhoods. Given that Shawn grew up in this community, it was essential to bring our business to to Central District as it was once the heart of the city’s black community and a significant hub for African American businesses.”

“Villa Comunitaria works with the most vulnerable Spanish-speaking immigrant community where there is a great need for advocacy and information. Partnering with the OLS has given us the confidence to engage with the community using the right tools and accurate information to educate workers about their rights and create awareness in the workplace. We are excited to keep working with OLS and protect our community,” said Villa Comunitaria Civic and Community Engagement Manager, Maribel Pastor.

“Through our ongoing partnership with OLS, CISC has been able to substantially enhance our efforts in promoting workplace equity among underprivileged immigrant workers in Seattle. This collaboration is instrumental in fostering positive changes and empowerment in our community,” said Chinese Information Service Center (CISC) Family Resource Center Director, Karia Wong.

“We are very excited to participate in OLS’ May Day outreach efforts and look forward to connecting with new business owners. Over the last 7 years, our partnership with OLS has allowed us to support Latino small business owners and their workers. Further, we have been able to create a positive relationship between small business owners and the Office of Labor Standards. All these efforts have been done while ensuring that business owners understand and are in compliance with our City’s worker protections,” said Community Programs Director (LCF), Luzmila Freese.

Seattle has a long history of protecting worker rights through legislation. Seattle voters passed its first minimum wage in 1912, and now, 112 years later, OLS is responsible for implementing 15 current labor laws, three ordinances in the enforcement period, and one ordinance that will go into effect next year for a total of 19 ordinances impacting most workers and businesses in Seattle. These laws include Paid Sick and Safe Time, Minimum Wage, Wage Theft, Fair Chance Employment, Hotel Employee Protections, Cannabis Employee Job Retention, Commuter Benefits, Domestic Workers, and Secure Scheduling Ordinances along with newly created app-based worker and independent contractor protections.

For information on Seattle’s labor laws contact the Office of Labor Standards at http://www.seattle.gov/laborstandards or call 206-256-5297.

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