For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Seattle Commemorates International Workers’ Day with 7th Annual City-Wide Outreach and Education Event
Seattle, WA (May 1, 2025) –The City of Seattle will honor International Workers’ Day and Seattle’s tradition of protecting workers’ rights and supporting businesses with its annual door-to-door outreach campaign. The event kicks off at 10:30 AM at the Chinese Information Service Center (CISC) and will mark the Office of Labor Standards’ (OLS) 7th anniversary of bringing outreach and education on Seattle’s labor laws directly to workers and businesses.
“Seattle thrives when our small businesses and workers thrive, and we are committed to fostering more fair, equitable workplaces throughout our diverse communities,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Thoughtful and culturally responsive outreach equips small businesses with the knowledge they need to comply with local labor laws and empowers workers to know their rights and the resources available to them. Working with trusted community organizations and labor partners, we will continue our work to set small businesses up for success and support the dignity and rights of workers.”
“Seattle’s small businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and make up the rich fabric of our neighborhood districts and the best way to ensure that employers understand and comply with our labor regulations is to educate them,” said Council President Sara Nelson. “Proactive outreach is especially important for businesses where English may not be the first language spoken. This helps set them up for success and ensure they have the knowledge and tools they need to do right by their workers.”
“Small businesses are the cornerstone of the CID and Little Saigon. They create generational wealth opportunities for families, neighborhood cultural anchors for community members, and economic development opportunities for the wider region. City leaders must assist in this critical work. I applaud the work done by the Office of Labor Standards to support entrepreneurs and small businesses across Seattle,” said Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Citywide, Pos. 8).
“With a federal government intent on attacking our rights as union members, Seattle is fortunate to have some of the nation’s strongest workplace protections. Seattle stands as a model of how local government can raise standards for workers by ensuring things like a high minimum wage and paid sick and safe leave. As attacks on workers intensify, we must fight to protect and expand our high standards,” said Executive Secretary-Treasurer, MLK Labor Katie Garrow.
Since the creation of OLS, $45,817,332.21 million in remedies have been returned to 91,626 workers, and from January of 2025 to date $1,046,453.39 million in remedies have been returned to 1,506 workers.
“OLS is proud to continue a tradition we began in 2019 celebrating International Workers Day with door-to-door outreach to businesses and workers,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese. “This year marks ten years since OLS was entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing Seattle labor laws, and over that time, we’ve learned the importance of meeting workers and businesses where they are to provide tools and knowledge about their rights and responsibilities. We look forward to connecting with hundreds of people, engaging with business owners and workers about Seattle’s labor standards. Our goal is to ensure that every worker receives the dignity and respect they deserve, and every business owner has the information and tools to comply with our laws.”
Together with trusted community partners and City departments, we will visit businesses across districts 1, 2, 3, and 7 for one-on-one conversations with workers and employers.
“Empowering immigrants and their families are a core focus of CISC. We are a trusted community-based organization working closely with OLS to educate immigrants about their rights to ensure fair treatment in the workplace,” said Chinese Information Service Center Executive Director Michael Itti.
“Seattle is a city known for its vibrant small business community, where entrepreneurs bring their dreams to life and contribute to the rich tapestry of our local culture and economy. However, navigating laws and regulations as a small business owner can be a daunting task for many of these entrepreneurs. Especially for those that face language, technology, or cultural barriers. Which is why Growing Contigo is a proud partner of the Office of Labor Standards Business Outreach and Education Fund where we will offer culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach, education, and technical support for our local Spanish speaking business community,” said Growing Contigo LLC Founder & CEO Jose Manuel Vasquez Growing Contigo LLC.
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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