Labor

Government

Seattle will no longer require hazard pay for grocery workers

Seattle’s temporary hazard pay for grocery workers will soon end. The city council voted 5-2 Tuesday to end that despite pleas from workers.

Environment

Too hot to handle the work day

If you haven’t noticed… it is HOT today. Especially if you are spending time outside in the sun. In Washington, workers who are outside for more than 15 minutes during their shift have new workplace rights. Ryan Allen from the Department of Labor & Industries will walk us through the rules and red tape.

Business

As Starbucks closes stores, Seattle workers claim union-busting

‘Starbucks will tell you it's all about safety. But a lot of workers are second-guessing that, as are customers who frequent the shops.’

Government

Seattle's plan to hire 500 police officers

Two years ago, the conversation in Seattle was all about defunding the Seattle Police Department, but things have changed. Mayor Bruce Harrell says SPD now has a staffing crisis. He’s proposing an ambitious plan to put millions into hiring 500 new police officers. KUOW reporter Amy Radil explains why the department has such a labor shortage and how Harrell's recruitment plan would work.

Business

Seattle gig workers get a raise courtesy of the city council

Some Seattle gig workers could soon get a pay raise. By a unanimous vote, the city council passed the first of a series of so-called “Pay Up” policies regulating app-based companies.

Business

Seattle takes first step toward regulating the gig economy, but some companies could be exempt

Seattle is one step closer to establishing minimum pay standards for app-based workers.

Government

Vaccine-related firings exacerbate King County Sheriff vacancies

King County Sheriff’s Office continues to struggle with job vacancies. The agency is looking to fill 172 open positions, or about 15 percent of its total workforce. And the county’s employee vaccine mandate, issued last August, hasn’t helped.

'I really felt like I was at my rope's end.' Seattle pastor finds strength by showing weakness

Burnout can manifest differently across job sectors. We've heard a lot about burnout among teachers, health care workers, journalists..who believe deeply in their work... ...but also tend to work long hours and spend lots of time 'on call'. Pastors are experiencing many of those same job conditions. And since the pandemic, many clergy members are wrestling with The Great Resignation themselves. Wondering if they should leave ministry because... its just too much.