Tacoma, WA – Over 150 people gathered outside the Federal Courthouse in Tacoma, Washington on March 22 to rally for women in honor of International Women’s Month. Under the slogan “Stand up, fight back!” community members from many of the 16 endorsing organizations gave speeches addressing topics of indigenous sovereignty, Palestinian liberation and immigrant rights as they pertain to women.

The rally began with chants like “From Palestine to Mexico, these border walls have got to go!” and “When immigrants’ rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!”

Eugenia Cascante from Pierce County Immigration Alliance spoke about her experience as an immigrant and mother, saying, “Attacks on immigrant and migrant women aren’t new. For generations, this system has ensured we are pushed to the back of the line, that we are ushered to the sidelines and live in the shadows.”

Amirah Haris, a union organizer with SEIU 775 and Tacoma Democratic Socialists of America said, “As our nation's leaders appear to roll back progress on gender and racial rights, it is more important than ever to study the immense contributions and leadership of Black women throughout history, especially in the struggle for workers' rights.”

Haris was not the only union proud person in attendance. IAM, Teamsters, UFCW, and AFSCME rank-and-file were represented as well.

Talison Crosby from Teamster Local 174 and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization stated, “The fight for women’s rights doesn’t end at the U.S. borders. As of this week, Israel has resumed its genocidal war against the people of Palestine. The women of Palestine, immigrant women, Black, trans and native women all face increased oppression under Trump and the system he represents.”

Crosby added, “Join us in uniting Black people, Chicanos and indigenous people with the working class movement in the only strategic alliance capable of overthrowing the system that facilitates the oppression of women.”

Dozens of homemade signs were waved the air as speeches ended and attendees began a picket line outside the courthouse, chanting “One struggle, one fight, Palestine and women’s rights!” Music, chanting and marching filled the plaza.

“This is the fight of the average person. Congress isn’t coming to save us, there is no superhero. It’s the action of the average person with a moral compass that will change this country for the better,” Cascante concluded. “Our ancestors have shown us how to do this, but it’s up to us to make it happen. We are the leaders we have been looking for.”

#TacomaWA #WA #WomensMovement

Seattle, WA – On March 12, around 50 students and workers gathered to confront the University of Washington Board of Regents and demand no ICE on campus, divestment from Israel, and the protection of transgender students. The board had cancelled its original full meeting but kept a scheduled committee meeting at the same time, which included a vote on divestment from Israel.

UW Students for a Democratic Society, WFSE Local 1495, and the Western State Carpenters gathered and delivered speeches in front of Dempsey Hall. Paula Lukaszek, the president of WFSE Local 1495, said “one of the reasons I’m here is I’m supporting the people at the encampment.” Lukaszek continued, “the university promised them things if the university would remove their encampment, and they didn’t.

We need to hold the university accountable to what they said.” Asha Viswanathan, a member of UW SDS, drew connections between the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil in New York and the response of the University of Washington: “Columbia administration instructs students to call campus security if they see ICE on campus, just as Cauce instructed us,” she said, referring to the president of UW. “We are here demanding know-your-rights trainings for UW employees and residential advisors, demanding divestment and demanding that this university protect its students.”

Once word had come that the board of regents was assembled and their meeting was beginning, the crowd went inside to make their voices heard.

After entering the building, students and union members waited outside the entrance to the regents’ meeting. There was a heavy police presence, and the chief of the UW Police Department, Craig Wilson, told protesters to move out of a hallway. Protesters asked if the regents saw students as a threat to them; the police chief said no, then again said that students would not be allowed to be near administrators as they entered the meeting.

SDS members then found the vice president for campus safety, Sally Clark, who controls the police department. A community member asked if UW should be a sanctuary campus. Sally Clark rejected the demand, claiming that because the city of Seattle was already a sanctuary city, the University of Washington did not need to do anything further.

SDS members proceeded to fill the board of regents meeting, holding up handmade signs. Despite the administration calling State Patrol and placing cops at every entrance to the building, students were not intimidated. As the board began its discussion of divesting from Israel, SDS members held up a banner demanding divestment as the crowd in the room angrily protested the regents’ excuses against divestment. In the end, the regents voted against divestment, claiming it would be too divisive.

At the end of the meeting, SDS members raced to find the president and provost walking out of the building. As students questioned what administration was doing to protect immigrants and trans students, and why it was moving to lay off grad students, President Ana Mari Cauce remained silent as police escorted her to a car.

#SeattleWA #WA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #SDS

The major agreement also sets a new standard for the industry with a boarding pay worth more than other mainline carriers, as well as an increase in pay for trip reassignment, extended reserve shifts, and for flights delayed into a day off.

The new contract includes immediate pay increases with 18.6 to 28.3% day-of-signing increase to the pay scale, 25 months of retro pay, and two additional raises locked in over the life of the contract.

“This contract will immediately and significantly improve the lives of Alaska flight attendants,” said Jeffrey Peterson, AFA president at Alaska Airlines. “Alaska flight attendants’ solidarity pushed management to recognize our critical role to the safety and success of this airline. This contract also raises the foundation for the new joint Alaska-Hawaiian negotiations following the merger.”

The contract was ratified with 95% voting for the agreement of the 91% participating.

“Flight attendants are on the front lines every single day interacting with passengers and ensuring the safety of everyone onboard,” said Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, representing over 55,000 flight attendants at 20 airlines. “As all eyes have turned to the essential work of flight attendants, this industry-leading contract not only provides Alaska flight attendants with what they’ve earned, but it reinforces the contract standards for all flight attendants across the industry.”

#SeattleWA #WA #Labor #AFACWA #FlightAttendants #Contract

Tacoma, WA – Community members gathered at the South Tacoma Library on Tuesday, February 25, for a “Black Liberation and Scientific Socialism” panel hosted by Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) and the All-African People’s Revolutionary Party (AAPRP).

The program featured speakers from both organizations and lively discussion on the oppression faced by Black people in the U.S. and on the African continent, as well as the road ahead under the Trump administration.

“Under neocolonialism the masses toil under stagnant and worsening conditions but must produce substantially more,” said Terrence McCall of the AAPRP.

McCall gave a history of the development of Pan-Africanism, noting the contributions of leaders such as W.E.B. Du Bois from the United States, and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.

Next, Mathieu Chabaud of the FRSO presented on the history of the Black Liberation Movement in the United States. Drawing from the book Marxist-Leninist Perspectives on Black Liberation and Socialism by Frank Chapman, Chabaud started with an analysis of the economic driving forces behind the American Civil War, stating, “The reason the South lost was not because of the noble efforts of white abolitionists, but because 186,000 former slaves revolted in general strike and joined the Union Army.”

Chabaud continued with a history of Reconstruction in the South, and the development of the Black Belt thesis by Black communists such as Harry Haywood.

Lastly, Talison Crosby of the FRSO analyzed the continuation of the Black Liberation Movement into the 21st century and the tasks ahead for the people’s movements. “During the George Floyd Rebellion of 2020, something happened that had never happened before,” said Crosby. “Millions of people in all 50 states took to the streets. It was a Black-led uprising, but the majority of people who participated in it are not Black.”

“I remember hitting the streets during the uprising in 2020. I remember volunteering at the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone,” said Gemini Gnull. “I’m a member of the Osage Nation. Full indigenous sovereignty and liberation for my people is not possible without socialism. And socialism in the United States is not possible without Black liberation. We’ve all got a common enemy. Black people and Indigenous people are natural allies in the fight against oppression.”

In general, attendees were angry about Trump’s attacks on the people and in agreement that a clear-eyed analysis of the conditions were necessary in order to achieve their political goals and defeat Trump’s agenda.

Concluding the event, Crosby quoted Frank Chapman: “As Frank says, ‘We stand in the rosy dawn of a new movement.’ It’s our responsibility to finally complete the unfinished revolution of the Reconstruction era. The tasks ahead are tremendous, but the future is certainly bright.”

#TacomaWA #WA #OppressedNationalities #AfricanAmerican #BlackHistoryMonth #FRSO #AAPRP #NAARPR

Seattle, WA – On Monday, February 17, members of Seattle Against War, University of Washington Students for a Democratic Society, and Resist US-Led War, with support from Raging Grannies, held a rally at Othello Light Rail Station to protest Trump's plan to occupy Gaza. The protest was called by Seattle Against War as an emergency action. After Trump's comments claiming the U.S. has authority to occupy Gaza, local organizations rallied to show Seattle that they will not sit by and watch Trump's plan unfold.

Rae Lee, a member of Seattle Against War, stated, “I really think a supposed progressive Democrat like Representative Adam Smith, who says they are opposed to Trump, should be stopping our tax dollars from funding genocide.”

Members from Resist US-Led War promoted the message that Gaza is not up for sale, and that fighting back against Israel’s and Trump's plans was the way forward. Chants of “Free Palestine” and “Adam Smith, we charge you with genocide” were heard between speeches.

“Adam Smith claimed that people in his district don’t care about Palestinians. He is wrong. We care and we see how he is a puppet of AIPAC and weapons companies. He claimed he gave us what we care about: affordable housing, safety and health care. We could have community control of the police instead of an evil, racist collaboration between the IDF and Seattle Police Department,” said Dre Say, a member of SAW.

The rally drew many honks and signs of encouragement from the local community. Towards the end of the rally, a local group, Raging Grannies, sang songs against war and in support of the children in Gaza.

#SeattleWA #WA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #Gaza #Trump

Seattle, WA – On February 16, the family of José Medina Adrande, along with a coalition of organizations and immigrant rights activists, held a press conference outside the U.S. District Federal Court in Seattle, demanding Adrande’s release from detention in Guantánamo Bay. The event was organized to draw attention to the unjust and shocking transfer of a Washington state asylum-seeker to the infamous detention facility.

The press conference was organized by a coalition of groups, including the International Migrants Alliance (IMA), Capybara Colectiva, Chicanos En Seattle, and the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS). These organizations joined forces with Adrande’s family to share his story and demand his immediate release.

Organizers reported that on February 7, Adrande’s family received a call from another detainee at a Texas detention center, who reported that Adrande had been transferred to Guantánamo Bay. Initially, “the family had no idea what that was,” said Kasandra Seda, an organizer with Capybara Colectiva, a Seattle-area migrants’ rights organization. But after advocates explained “what Guantánamo Bay was, and where it was, they were heartbroken and devastated.”

Adrande, a Venezuelan immigrant, was originally detained in Renton, Washington. Contrary to the Trump administration’s claims about migrants transferred to Guantánamo, José is not a criminal. He is a beloved father, husband, brother and friend who was fleeing threats of violence in his homeland and supporting his family and asylum-seeking community in Washington state. His only so-called “crime” was crossing the border in search of safety.

The press conference took place outside the U.S. District Federal Court at 700 Stewart Street in Seattle, the same location where Adrande’s family last saw him in person. Attendees were urged to join the campaign to free José by signing a petition and getting involved in the campaign team through the link: linktr.ee/freejose. Donations to support the campaign and the family’s basic needs were also collected via Venmo at @IMA-WA with the note “Free José.”

After the press conference, participants planned to join a protest against ICE, calling for the shutdown of Guantánamo Bay and an end to the inhumane detention of immigrants.

The campaign to free José Medina Adrande continues to gain momentum, with activists vowing to keep fighting until he is released and reunited with his family.

#SeattleWA #WA #ImmigrantRights #Feature

Seattle, WA – On February 17, over 2000 people rallied at the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building to demand an end to the Trump administration’s layoffs. The rally was organized by federal workers, many represented by the American Federation of Government Employees, hoping to bring the people onto the streets to defend civil services against the Elon Musk led purge of more than 10,000 (and counting) federal employees.

The very next day, February 18, over 1000 workers in the National Parks Service were removed from their posts. Many more in critical agencies, such as the NLRB, EPA, Department of Health, and others have already been fired or are bracing for the same fate. The administration has made threats to fire all probationary staff, which, as NLRB field attorney Liz Devleming explained, “in the Seattle office, that’s about half of our staff.”

Civil servants and their supporters packed into the square in front of the federal building, the sidewalks in the surrounding blocks, and even onto the balconies of the Wells Fargo building across the street, chanting “Federal workers – hold the line!” The chorus of car horns as supportive drivers passed by was a constant background to the speeches given by aggrieved federal workers, their spouses, their friends, and others affected by the reckless austerity campaign.

Among the people in attendance, the fierce sentiment of support for organized labor and its role in fighting back was palpable. Every mention of union affiliation was met with raucous applause from the crowd.

Mathieu Chabaud, a UAW 4121 member at the University of Washington who is facing mass layoffs under the Trump administration, stated, “If you’re a union member, and you haven’t been going to union meetings, start going. Start talking to your coworkers about how you’re going to organize! And if you’re not in a union, find an organization where you can fight!”

Chabaud continued, as the crowd cheered, “We have power in the streets, and we have power in the workplace! We won the eight-hour working day because workers went on strike for it, because it made the ruling class scared, and we need to make them scared again!”

A common theme among signs at the protest was resistance against Trump and his stream of illegal orders and actions being handed down from on high, some calling him a dictator and a self-appointed king. Other protesters held signs reading “Fire Elon Musk!” and “No nazis.”

Federal workers and their unions are not backing down after the demonstration on Monday. Even during that event they were gearing up for a national day of action the following Wednesday on the 19th to picket Tesla dealerships around the country and to wage a social media campaign to raise awareness and support for the cause.

Devleming told Fight Back!, “These are terrifying, historic times; our grandchildren will judge us on how we act.”

With this massive turnout, federal workers made it clear that they are ready to oppose these attacks on their livelihoods and services, and that they’re ready to make good on their promise chanted across the streets, “When federal workers are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!”

#SeattleWA #WA #Labor #AFGE #FederalWorkers

Seattle, WA – On February 6, around 100 students gathered outside Thompson Hall to rally against ICE on campus. The 5 p.m. protest was organized in response to a planned recruitment event with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, titled “Career as a Special Agent” that had been set to take place on that day.

The UW Jackson School of International Studies originally planned to host two agents from Homeland Security Investigations, a division of ICE, for a workshop aiming to recruit UW students on February 6. After backlash from students and campus organizations, the workshop was suddenly rescheduled. Students are now demanding a full cancellation of the event, a formal apology for planning the event, and that UW administration refuse to host ICE and partner agencies at future events.

This week, Anakbayan UW launched a petition calling for the cancellation – it currently has over 1000 signatures – and UW SDS began putting together the planned protest. On February 4, two days before the workshop was scheduled to take place, the ICE recruitment event was rescheduled, with an email to Jackson School of International Studies students citing “safety concerns” that were later said to have been a miscommunication.

Valerie Marriott, a member of UW Students for a Democratic Society, was one of those who took the stage at the rally, stating, “The UW has remained complicit with this administration. They have said they would remain complicit with ICE, and to call the cops if ICE comes, as if the police won’t just help ICE. They are hosting the Department of Homeland Security to come and poach our students. They refuse to protect our workers, students and staff. They remain silent through all the discrimination and attacks. This is why we must stand up. Because our university sure as fuck won’t.”

In between speeches, the gathered crowd chanted “Say it loud, say it clear – immigrants are welcome here!”

“It’s very enraging to see that the department is going to host essentially ICE agents on campus,” said Ari Flawau, a member of Anakbayan at the University of Washington. “Especially when now under Trump, there are so many ICE raids happening – even in our local communities.”

Organizers of the event pledged to continue the fight until all their demands are met and the university has committed to prioritizing the safety of its immigrant students.

“This is only the start” said Flawau. “The event has been postponed, and our demands remain the same – to cancel the event and to make sure that no ICE activity will happen on campus, and that the UW actually provides adequate legal support to its students and workers.”

#SeattleWA #WA #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #SDS #Feature

Seattle, WA – Several hundred people marched along Alki Beach in the afternoon of Saturday, February 8 to protest against ICE and stand against the attacks on immigrant communities. The rally was called by members of the Latino community, and supported by the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and the organization Latinos con Palestinos.

Braving freezing temperatures, protesters were energetic as they began gathering on Alki Beach at 2 p.m. They carried signs that read, “No to mass deportations!” and “No human is illegal!” As the march began, the crowd chanted “Chinga la migra” and “Power to the people, no one is illegal!” Many protesters carried Mexican flags. Cars driving alongside the march on Alki Avenue revved their engines in support of the marches.

The march stopped for speeches, chants and music at the Alki Beach pier, before heading back to the starting location.

Despite some altercations with the police, who forced protesters off the street and into the sidewalk after the rally on the pier, organizers and marchers were ready to continue fighting in support of immigrant rights.

“I came out here in support of my family. I am first generation, my family is entirely immigrants, and I’m out here using my voice when they can’t.” said Sonya Herrera-Perez, one of the march attendees and a member of the Seattle Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

Herrera-Perez continued, “If you think that you can push us out and cause fear and we’ll just take it lying down, you’re incredibly incorrect. The people are powerful, and we will resist.”

“We cannot just sit back and watch our people getting swept up and locked up, we need to organize and fight back against this fascist administration and ICE. And we will!” said a member of Seattle Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

Organizers and attendees pledged to continue fighting back against ongoing attacks on immigrant rights under the Trump administration.

#SeattleWA #WA #ImmigrantRights #Trump

Olympia, WA – Hundreds gathered at Heritage Park in Olympia, on Saturday, January 18, to protest against the second inauguration of Donald Trump. People of all ages, genders and nationalities from dozens of organizations made up the Peoples’ March on a brisk, sunny afternoon.

Protesters put forward demands around the environment, indigenous sovereignty, economic justice , liberation for Black people, liberation for trans people, immigrant justice, reproductive justice, and freeing Palestine.

“We want everyone to be united in our movement to say ‘no’ to cages,” said Rufina Reyes, director of immigrant rights group La Resistencia, “This is the worst time to bow down our heads. We want people to stand up and say, ‘Here we are, and we have the right to fight for ourselves and fight for our families!’“

Immediately after the march to the Capitol, many of the crowd gathered at a community center a few blocks away for the Festival of Resistance. The Festival of Resistance, according to its program, “is a crucial opportunity to build community and solidarity, engage in outreach and education, and prepare to take collective action ahead of what is sure to be a tumultuous time.”

The first half of the gathering was a social hour where patrons ate free food provided by Food Not Bombs and mingled with other festival-goers. The second half of the programming included discussion groups such as “Organizing for Queer and Trans Liberation” and “Neighborhood Organizing” and workshops including “Prison Letter Writing” and “Anti-Repression Workshop,” just to name a few.

“The Festival of Resistance is important because we need to prepare for what’s coming under the Trump administration,” said Arlo Dalton, member of Palestine Action South Sound. “It’s going to be important to build our network to fight against these attacks. And if we want to be ready, we need to get started now!”

#OlympiaWA #WA #ImmigrantsRights #WomensMovement #LGBTQ #PeoplesAction #Environment #PeoplesMarch #Trump

Olympia, WA – Indigenous leaders and environmentalists held a ceremony on January 15, outside Governor Bob Ferguson’s inauguration, to honor the Southern Resident Orca population, which is suffering from environmental collapse.

Nearly 100 people from around the state gathered to share in grief the tremendous loss that occurred at the turn of the new year. On December 21, an orca was born to Tahlequah, who made international headlines in 2018 when her baby passed away and she continued to carry it with her for 17 days and over 1000 miles.

Only ten days after being born, Tahlequah’s newest baby passed away from starvation. Once again, Tahlequah is carrying her deceased baby, day and night, throughout the Salish Sea.

The Salish Sea is unique in its ecology and is home to a population of orcas. They are of sacred significance to the Coast Salish tribes and depend almost entirely upon Chinook salmon for their diet. Members of several Coast Salish tribes spoke, stating that all can unite around the fact that the loss of our salmon is the loss of our future.

As legendary tribal activist, water protector and earth defender of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Raymond Kingfisher aptly states, “We do this for the children.”

Attendees began the vigil at Tivoli Fountain, then walked up to the Capitol, circled the building, and stood at the front steps, drumming and singing Coast Salish songs the entire way. They passed a gathering of tents and workers quickly putting together the inaugural ball for Washington’s new governor, Bob Ferguson. Supposedly environmentally concerned, and an attorney, he has threatened to “sue the Navy” if they keep polluting the Salish Sea.

The marchers made their presence known outside the Capitol, demanding the governor do everything in his power to stop military and industrial polluters, dams and habitat destruction from killing the last remaining salmon.

Bryce Philips, Unangan of the Aleutian Islands, and member of the National Postal Handlers Union, stated, “Salmon, whales, seals, these are all very interconnected and this legislature ignores that just like they ignore the working-class people, just like they ignore the housing crisis and homelessness, just like they ignore poverty and people lacking food, just like they ignore the problems of our education system. They are never thinking of the future, and indigenous wisdom teaches us to look seven generations ahead as opposed to looking at next year’s profits and loss statement, next years what the lobbyists want to see done. It’s time to listen to working-class people, it's time to listen to indigenous people, who have successfully managed this land for thousands of years.”

Philips continued, “If it looked like a wilderness to people, well it's only because it was a very attractive and well maintained garden. Think of a Japanese garden, well this is a Native American garden. and people effed it up in the name of progress, and now we're seeing this ‘progress’ means we won't have whales anymore, we won't have salmon anymore, it means we won't have trees anymore, and what would Washington, the Northwest, even be without those things? It would be a dead, soulless place. So, I think it's really of interest to all people, whatever color they may be, all who love this place, to fight to remove these dams and do what needs to be done to maintain the ecosystem and look for new ways to have power, electricity, that aren’t so harmful to our fish and our whales.”

At the Capitol steps, there were many powerful songs and testimonies.

Genesis Esponda, of Chiapas Education Project, stated after the ceremony, “To all my relatives, that means the birds, the trees, the plants, the ocean, and the ocean animals, when one of our family members suffers, we all suffer. it seems like a really important situation to bring awareness to, especially here in Olympia.”

#OlympiaWA #WA #Environment

Seattle, WA – On Friday, December 20, Starbucks workers at five stores in Seattle went on strike. Anchored by the 24 hour picket line at the Reserve Roastery, one of Starbucks’ premiere stores, workers on these picket lines are planning to strike through December 24.

Baristas are on an unfair labor practice strike after the company has continually stalled negotiations and engaged in bad faith bargaining. Starbucks workers say the company has not been willing to agree to pay that meets workers’ needs.

“We make our store so much money, we make Starbucks so much money,” said Bruce Halstead, a striking worker at the Reserve Roastery. “If our CEO can afford to have a private jet, they can afford more than a dollar at the minimum for us for raises.”

Since the strike authorization vote was announced Tuesday morning, the price of Starbucks’ stock has dropped almost 10%. “The number one thing that we provide for our company is profits. So, when we go on strike or have actions like these, those are the ways that the company will actually listen,” Halstead explained.

“Starbucks is not bargaining in good faith with us,” continued Halstead.

Mari Cosgrove, who has worked for Starbucks since 2014, further stated, “Credit card tipping was withheld from union stores. A judge found that was illegal and Starbucks has to pay us all, but Starbucks has been dragging their feet on actually paying us the last year.” On the picket line, one worker cited the effect this had on them – because of thousands of dollars in withheld tips, they were unable to make payments for secure parking, leading to their car being broken into and stolen.

Starbucks workers have long faced issues of understaffing, unpredictable scheduling, inadequate pay, and harassment on the job. Their organizing drive began with workers in Buffalo, New York, who filed petitions to unionize in 2021. Starbucks Workers United has since spread to over 10,000 workers at over 150 union stores. Many rounds of short-term strikes and organizing drives forced Starbucks to the negotiating table in February, and SBWU is now turning up the heat.

This round of strikes will be the longest of the strikes at Starbucks so far. Workers came from other stores which were still open to keep striking workers company overnight.

According to Cosgrove, “Being here overnight means that we’re able to block deliveries. The Teamsters famously will respect picket lines as long as you are picketing. So, we need to be able to be here when a truck shows up.” At close to midnight on the second day of the strike, striking workers were able to turn around a recycling truck.

Strong community support has raised the morale of workers on the picket line. Members from unions around the city, such as the CWA, UAW, and Renton Education Association, all came out to the picket line, as well as student and anti-war organizers.

“It means a lot to us, especially since we are paycheck to paycheck workers, we’re low-wage workers,” said Cosgrove. “So even just going on strike, it creates a lot of extra costs on us beyond just losing pay.” While would-be customers tried to pull open the locked doors, many were sympathetic to the striking workers and wished them good luck. One regular customer brought food to workers on the picket line.

Both Halstead and Cosgrove offered advice to those in the food service industry looking to unionize their workplaces. “It goes so much more above just complaining about what is going on, like we experience being short staffed, we experience not being paid enough, and the way that that really will change is through each other,” said Halstead. “I didn’t know that I had so many skills like this where I can get other people to listen, and I can engage my community.”

Cosgrove focused more on the attitude towards organizing, stating “Everything you do has to be fun. This is an industry that grinds you down.”

Cosgrove continued, “Keep it fucking real. Keep it so real, because there’s a reason food service hasn't been organized in a mass scale before, and it’s because we didn’t feel heard by a lot of organizers, and really just involve the rank and file, be incredibly pro-worker, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly food service can organize themselves.”

On the picket line, the work organizers have put in towards the strike is clear. While workers were hopeful that this strike would bring Starbucks back to the bargaining table on pay, they were prepared to fight for as long as necessary for a strong contract.

#SeattleWA #WA #Labor #Starbucks #Strike #SBWU #Feature

Tacoma, WA – Dozens of community members gathered at the Tacoma City Council chambers on Tuesday, December 17, in preparation for the city of Tacoma’s vote to pass the city’s first Climate and Sustainability Commission into law.

“It’s great that the city council is planning to pass an ordinance enshrining the Climate Commission into law, but as it stands there are some serious problems with it,” said Haze Bender, a rank-and-file member of Teamsters Local 174. “As written, the commission is only advisory, has no real power, and all members are appointed, rather than elected.”

“We’ve been here many weeks, and a lot of our members never miss council meetings,” said Catelynn Henion, a local activist with Climate Alliance of the South Sound (CASS). “I strongly believe that this Climate Commission wouldn’t even be an ordinance here tonight if there weren't so many people that organized for it.”

The city’s public comment section of the meeting opened with a statement calling to delay the vote on the Climate Commission until the language could be updated to match community demands. The comment was met with resounding applause and cheers from the audience. After the applause, Mayor Victoria Woodards said: “During public comment we ask that in these chambers you refrain from cheering after a speaker has spoken.”

One attendee, a letter carrier with the NALC Local 79, Bryce Phillips shouted from his seat: “It’s our constitutional right!”

Mayor Woodards responded, “This is not a back-and-forth. If you want to be respected, then you must respect the rules of this council. If we can’t abide by the rules of the council, then we won’t have public comment tonight.”

Dozens of community members testified in favor of a strong commission and implored the council to delay the vote until the language could be changed. Despite the mayor’s threats, indigenous community members in the audience continued to beat hand drums at the end of supportive comments.

“I have been an educator in Tacoma for over ten years, and the youth are experiencing the worst of pollution, especially in the South End,” said Phil Harty. “The commission must have the ability to veto permits and projects based on consultation with local tribes and preservation of native ecosystems.”

“By empowering a stronger climate commission, Tacoma can address its urgent environmental challenges and improve public health outcomes. Instead of mega warehouses, we should be planting more trees” said Stephanie Reasor. “Tacoma has the lowest tree coverage of any city in western Washington.”

“The climate commission needs to actually be able to protect the environment, but right now it’s just a little band-aid,” said Zipporah Jarmon.

“Systems are designed to produce the outcome that they get, and we are in a climate catastrophe because our system was designed to create it,” said Rachel Ostheller. “Your commission leaves the power in the hands of that very same system, unchecked. Essentially your commission is politely asking the system to do better, but we don’t have the luxury to be polite anymore.”

Despite earlier threats from the mayor, Phillips gave a powerful testimony that resulted in resounding applause from the audience, “There’s a lot of things I like about Tacoma, but let’s be real: this city is known as a toxic waste dump, as the place where the most exploitive, extractive, pollutive garbage goes. It’s treated as a garbage dump by the capitalist class. The toadies on city council say ‘oh hey, put your toxic waste dump here, put your big warehouse here, put your big polluting thing here, our people are poor, are people won’t say anything, this isn’t Seattle, this is Tacoma.’ So I’d like to ask: what kind of legacy do you want to leave? Do you want your legacy to be that we made some feel-good statements?”

Phillips continued, “Or you want your legacy to be that you turned Tacoma around, started to make this into a world-class city, started to make this the beautiful city that it can be, and that you started listening to the residents, to Indigenous people, to labor, and to our communities that are demanding that you put some actually teeth in this legislation and stop playing games.”

After public comment ended and dozens of activists, scientists, indigenous people, and union members testified in favor of a strong climate commission and delaying the vote, the council blazed through the rest of the agenda.

When they reached the vote to adopt the Climate Commission ordinance, it became clear there would be no amendments. Before the city clerk could call the vote, an organizer with CASS, Aife Pasquale, rose from their seat and chanted “Liberate the people!” Dozens more rose from their seats and responded, “Liberate the planet!” The chanting continued as activists moved to the front of city council chambers and linked arms in an attempt to block the vote.

In an unprecedented move, Mayor Woodards insisted the clerk call the vote despite the disruption. Council members had to shout into their microphones in order for their votes to be heard above the chanting community members gathering at the front. The ordinance passed with eight voting yes and a single council member, Jamika Scott of District 3, abstaining. After the vote, Woodards immediately moved to adjourn the meeting.

As council members shuffled out the back door and police lingered at the periphery, the community continued to rally, producing a megaphone and sharing speeches, songs and poems on a variety of issues.

“City council chose to end the meeting early and cancel community forum, so we held our own community forum,” said Gemini Gnull, member of the Osage Nation and organizer with CASS.

Community forum is the section at the end of council meetings where constituents can talk about anything, even if the subject of their comment is not on the agenda.

Addressing the crowd in chambers, Pasquale said, “Our actions are not drawn from thin air, and our demands are not drawn from thin air. We use historic examples from successful movements to guide our actions. We work with elder activists who have put everything on the line to make a better world. We synthesize ideas from the community and represent their felt needs. And then the council silences us! This is repression! The council is too comfortable taking away our rights. When the council ignores us and silences us, we are forced to escalate.”

“It’s incredibly disappointing that despite months of calls, emails, meeting requests and testimony at council, the city pushed through this ordinance unamended,” said Gnull. “But the road to victory is paved with losses, and tonight we showed the power of our community, of the alliance between labor and Black and indigenous people. We showed that the people of Tacoma are ready to fight.”

“I love Tacoma. I was born and raised here. I love the people of Tacoma” said Pasquale. “This is a climate emergency, and we need to act like it. There is no future unless we start fighting.”

#TacomaWA #WA #Environment #ClimateJustice #CASS

Seattle, WA – Seattle Art Museum security guards, also known as Visitor Service Officers (VSOs) went on strike on November 29, and, along with community supporters, held a large picket and rally on Thursday, December 5. Seattle Art Museum (SAM) workers have been fighting for a contract for more than two years, through the independent SAM VSO union. The museum has refused to meet workers’ needs on retirement, wages and healthcare, and has not even accepted closed shop language, which would protect the union.

Marcela Soto Ramirez, a security guard and striker, says “Many of us work tirelessly through holidays and weekends, yet some earn a meager $38,000 a year. It’s incredibly discouraging that an employee on their first day receives the same pay as someone with over 25 years at the museum, while our new CEO, Scott Stulen, will claim over $500,000 annually in his first year as CEO.”

As the rally began, workers chanted “What's disgusting? Union busting!” and “What do we want? Fair contract! When do we want it? Now!” Soto Ramirez spoke to the crowd about what the contract fight meant to her, stating “This is not simply a matter of principle; it is essential for us to lead lives of dignity. A fair contract should be the standard, not an aspiration, for any cultural institution because we, the staff, are a vital part of the communities we serve.”

Workers picketed around the block before returning to the main entrance to rally. Kelley Rozo said, “As a long time SAM worker, it would be nice if the values and respect were mutual.” She spoke about the importance of retirement benefits and a real raise for workers, as the cost of living in Seattle continues to rise, saying “As long as they offer full-time employment, they are obligated to provide a living wage!”

Workers have vowed to continue fighting until they win a strong contract.

#SeattleWA #WA #Labor #SAM #Feature

Tacoma, WA – More than 20 students rallied at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma on November 22, to condemn Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election and demand justice for Palestine. Protesters headed to the entrance of the school, where campus tours were being held. Students and community members voiced their anger and demanded justice.

Students at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma have been fighting repression after taking a stand and demanding divestment from Israel. The university has been making threats, including use of police escalation, in an attempt to silence the voices of students.

In regards to Trump winning the election, Fletcher Crone told the crowd, “I think it is very scary for a lot of people, and rightfully so, but based on the messaging today, seeing everyone coming together in community, and just seeing a lot of optimism from people, and a lot of encouraging messages from people, like all over campus, all over Tacoma, on social media, I think people are going to stand up and not take this Trump presidency. People are going to fight back!”

After over a year of fighting the school’s reactionary and cruel stance on the Palestinian genocide, the students of North End Tacoma Students for a Democratic Society (NET SDS) have made wins for the people’s movement and Palestine.

After kicking Zionist-supporting U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer off campus in February, they have faced repression in the form of surveillance and punitive measures imposed on them by the school’s administration. Nevertheless, their unwavering support for Palestine continues. Currently, they are fighting to improve the organizing conditions on campus by garnering support against the repressive student conduct code, which targets any form of campus organizing.

Miles Cruger, stated, “Right now, I can feel the energy in the air! Not just here, but in every god damn moment we are living through. And that’s been something I’ve been thinking about a lot. In the future, if I have children, what am I gonna tell them? What was I doing when this happened? When the climate crisis happened, what was I doing? And that’s something we all need to ask ourselves, what are we gonna tell the next generation about this moment, today?”

The students are rightfully angry and ready to fight back. Trump’s win adds nothing but fuel to the fire of the students at UPS. We’ve fought under Trump before, and we are uniting against him and the scum in his administration. The rally was electric with unity and revolutionary optimism, promising more wins in the future.

#TacomaWA #WA #StudentMovement #PeoplesStruggles #Trump #SDS

Seattle, WA – On Saturday afternoon, November 9, the people of Seattle rallied on the grounds of the Space Needle, seeking to build the people’s movement and fight war, repression and genocide in the wake of the Trump election.

Students, immigrants, activists and concerned locals wearing keffiyehs and holding anti-Trump and anti-war banners gathered despite the rain, chanting, “The people united will never be defeated! ¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!”

Jessica Rojas from the International Migrant’s Alliance spoke on the hateful anti-immigrant rhetoric Trump employed in his campaign saying that Trump is, “promising the largest mass deportation this country has ever seen, promising to deport 20 million undocumented migrants. He wants to revoke citizenship from children who were born here in the United States. He intends to deport migrants who are here legally.”

Rojas went on to point out how key immigrants are to the global economy, stating, “Migrants pay $13 billion in taxes in this country, which then are used by the U.S. government to fund wars and intervention in our homelands, creating the very conditions that force us to have to leave our homes in the first place!”

Each speaker, representing a wide range of local and national organizations, talked about the importance of building a people’s coalition to stand up and fight back.

Representing the Affected Person’s Program was activist Castill Hightower, who spoke on the obstruction she has faced at the hands of Seattle city officials while fighting for a new city office that gives direct resources to victims of police violence.

Hightower stated, “We don’t need to wait for elected officials who have obstructed our initiative twice already. But we can’t do it alone. So join our fight for a new reality for victims of police violence and their families. Reach out to get involved with the Affected Persons Program initiative.”

After speeches and chants, thousands of activists, organizers, and community members marched to the Amazon Spheres in downtown Seattle, where the rally continued.

Labor organizer Clio Jensen, stated, “I think now is the time to join an organization and fight back! All the rights we have in this country were not given to us, they were fought for by the working class, by oppressed nationalities, by immigrants, by standing up and fighting back. We’re not going to, under any presidency, win rights just by staying home by doing nothing. I feel hopeful because I’m part of an organization that’s capable of standing up to the Republicans, standing up to Trump, and winning.”

The Anakbayan USA representative said, “Our strength is in our ability to be with one another, to show up for each other, to organize and fight together, to solve our problems together. We call on everyone to not leave it here, to not leave it on these streets, but to move forward together, to join an organization, to join a campaign to take our enemies down, together!”

The rally and march were organized by the International League of People’s Struggle - Seattle, and was endorsed by a wide coalition of organizations, including, Bayan Seattle, South Asians Resisting Imperialism (SARI), Services not Sweeps Coalition, No Tech for Apartheid, and the Seattle Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

#SeattleWA #WA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #Trump #ILPS #FRSO #Feature

Seattle, WA – 200 protesters took to Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park the day after the U.S. presidential election to rally against the racist, reactionary program of president-elect Donald Trump.

Valerie Marriott, an organizer with the University of Washington chapter of New Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), warned, “Our local students and community members could be at risk of deportation. Trump could attack anyone in the student movement with immigration status if he deems them to be ‘dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States.’ This is on top of all the current ongoing oppression faced by pro-Palestinian protesters who face mass arrest, expulsions, police brutality, firings, and more under the current administration.”

Dre Say, who spoke for Seattle Against War, a new organization united on ending the genocide and calling for an end of U.S. aid to Israel, stated “As president, Donald Trump set the stage for this current genocide with the Abraham Accords, and I believe he will continue this Biden-started genocide.”

Anxious at the prospect of renewed people’s struggle, 50 to 60 bicycle-mounted police officers looked on from various points in the park. Speakers and attendees were unfazed, and chants of “SPD, KKK, IOF, they’re all the same!” rang out all the more loudly in defiance of Seattle police’s halfhearted attempt at intimidation.

“Resisting imperialism is a matter of survival for all,” emphasized the speaker from the International League of People’s Struggle (ILPS). “Now, more than ever, we have to resist, care for our communities, break through the MAGA propaganda, organize workplaces, block the war machine, and stand with socialist and revolutionary struggles for liberation.” ILPS called on audience members to mobilize to the Space Needle on Saturday, November 9 at 1 p.m., to stand up and fight back against Trump and the war machine.

Gemini Gnull, a proud member of the Osage Nation and of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, stated, “We are going to win by getting organized.”

Gnull continued, “We are going to organize to overthrow the U.S. like they did in Vietnam, like they did in Cuba, like they did in Laos. It worked there, it can work here too.” She called on audience members to “join the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Become a revolutionary. Join me and my comrades every day as we fight shoulder to shoulder to unite all who can be united, win all that can be won while striking blows against our enemy, unite the working class with the oppressed nations to overthrow the US, free us from the oppressive shackles of capitalism, and build a future that we, our children, and our children’s children deserve.”

Organizers included the International League of People’s Struggle, Bayan USA, SDS at UW, Seattle Against War, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

The people of Seattle will continue to take to the streets to defend against the attacks on women, immigrants, and others that will come from a second Trump administration. With other such rallies taking place simultaneously in cities all over the U.S., there can be no doubt that the people are ready for the battles to come.

#SeattleWA #WA #PeoplesStruggles #Trump

SeaTac, WA – On October 12, over 400 hotel workers at the Doubletree Seattle Airport and the Seattle Airport Hilton & Conference Center walked out and went on strike, joining hotel workers across the U.S. Workers at the two hotels are fighting for good raises, pension plan improvement, fair staffing and respect in their new contract.

The picket began at 5 a.m., when dozens of workers joined the picket line outside both striking hotels. As they marched, they chanted, “What do we want? Contract! When do we want it? Now!” and “If we don’t get it, shut it down!” Workers carried signs that read “Respect our work,” “One job should be enough” and “Make them pay.” Cars and buses passing by honked their horns in support as the picket continued throughout the day.

Doubletree and Hilton workers, including housekeepers, baristas, cooks and front desk agents, say that the company’s proposal falls short of what they need to take care of themselves and their families.

“They have refused to meet our requests that are very reasonable to meet. They basically told us that they don't have the money to pay us what we need to keep up with today’s cost of living in Washington. Their proposal wage is an extra dollar and fifty cents, and that is absolutely ridiculous to live in today’s world,” said Heather Beton, one of the striking workers. “We are demanding for them to stick to their promises that they gave us long ago and have yet to follow through on.”

“We're on strike because we’re fighting for better wages, better benefits, less workload. Since we've returned from COVID, it’s been a skeleton crew working harder than we should have to,” added Jen Webby, a shop steward at the Hilton. “Every bargaining session we’ve been to, they show up and bring nothing. I’ve worked here 26 years and I’ve never seen a company bargaining like this – they don't want to give us any money.”

Chris Rowan, a bartender at the Hilton, says he’s on strike to support his coworkers in other departments. “A lot of the people I work with make below Seattle minimum wage,” he said. “We need to make sure that they get what they need to survive. It’s a very expensive place to live, I see my coworkers struggling.”

Another worker, Miguel Lemus, said he is fighting for wages and healthcare benefits that can support him and his daughter as she undergoes medical treatment, stating, “I have a daughter with NMO, a medical condition like MS. I like to be in the union so I can get the benefits, the medical care. That’s why I’m here now, fighting.”

The pickets remained lively throughout the day and continued into the weekend. Workers played drums, blew whistles, banged pots and pans, and maintained a lively and energetic picket line.

On Tuesday, October 15, the announcement was made that the Hilton had reached out to the union and wants to bargain. “I say that means we are winning, but that also means we need to keep fighting!” said Jenn Webby, as she broke the news to the rest of the picket. “All they’ve said is they’ll come to the table – so we need to keep fighting. When we fight, we win!” Workers cheered, and broke out into chants of “I believe that we will win!”

On Wednesday, 100 striking hotel workers bused to a rally to support IAM machinists who have been on strike against Boeing for the last four weeks. On Thursday, they took the fight to downtown Seattle where they picketed in front of the Westin hotel. Workers at the Westin are also fighting for raises, respect, and better staffing in their contract, and joined the Doubletree and Hilton workers on a two day strike over Labor Day weekend earlier this year. As they picketed in front of the Westin, chants of “Make them pay!” and “My neck, my back, my paycheck is whack!” could be heard from blocks away.

Although the strike is set to end on Friday, October 18, workers have vowed to keep up the fight and have called for a boycott at the Westin, Doubletree Seattle Airport, and Seattle Airport Hilton and conference center until their demands are met.

#SeaTacWA #WA #Labor #Strike #UNITEHERE #Feature

Lakewood, WA – On October 12, approximately 60 activists gathered outside the Lakewood Pierce County Library in remembrance of Jennifer Laude. Laude was a Filipino trans woman who was killed by U.S. Marine Joseph Pemberton in Olongapo City, Philippines on October 11, 2014.

Chants of “Justice for Jennifer Laude!” and “J-B-L-M, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide!” filled the air as the crowd prepared to march to the highway overpass at the entrance of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

“It’s been ten years since Jennifer Laude was brutally murdered by Joseph Pemberton. Despite the 2015 trial finding him guilty, the government allowed him to be given special treatment. He was pardoned and allowed to return to the U.S. in 2020,” said Precious of Gabriela Seattle, a national democratic, anti-imperialist organization of militant Filipino women and LGBTQ people fighting for the liberation of the Philippines.

Arney continued, “As the U.S. military expands its bases across the Philippines, violence against women worsens. While cases of rape and abuse are treated as isolated cases, in reality they are part of a larger societal problem that employs fascism to protect the interests of the few at the cost of exploiting the many. Whether that be our mothers and daughters, our workers in the factories and service industry, or even women forced into sex trafficking and prostitution.”

The mood outside the library was somber. Protesters expressed their righteous anger through chants of “When women’s rights are under attack, what do we do? Rise up, fight back!” and “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!”. After several speeches outside, the crowd took to the streets with banners and signs, waving flags and chanting “U.S. imperialist, number one terrorist!” The crowd marched to an overpass near JBLM where they hung their banners, handed out informative flyers to passing cars, and continued chanting.

“This is the largest military base in Washington state and plays a decisive role in the imperialist strategy to encircle China and plunge the entire Asia Pacific into war,” said Randi Fleming of Resist US-Led War. “This 415,000-acre base on the land of the displaced Nisqually tribe is a symbol of the semicolonial subjugation of the Filipino people. The weapons and military personnel behind those fences flood the Philippines, Guam and Hawaii, every day through war games and illegal overseas bases. They bring with them environmental destruction, violence against indigenous peoples, the sex trafficking industry, red light districts, and systemic violence against women and gender oppressed people.”

The crowd’s energy elevated to higher levels as they took position at the overpass. One activist played a marching snare drum to the rhythm of the chanting protesters, invigorating the mood. Police cruisers parked nearby and flashed their lights, which only strengthened the resolve of the protesters.

“In the past year alone, the number of military bases in the Philippines has increased by five, from four military bases to nine. We know that where the U.S. military goes, violence follows,” said Claudia Krumpach of Kabataan Alliance WA. “Back in the Philippines, immigrating to the U.S. is seen as a way to escape poverty. Our people are tricked into believing in the American dream, but it’s a lie. My mom came here on a plane while she was pregnant with me, looking for opportunities. Instead, she was met with harassment, violence, discrimination in the workplace, low wages, and poor working conditions.”

After an hour of rallying at the overpass, the crowd marched back to the library for an ending rally.

“How can the Biden/Harris administration say they are for women and children when they sent an additional $500 million of military aid to the Philippines earlier this year, and they’re promising another $2.5 billion over the next five years?” asked Precious Arney. “We, the Filipino women, have an important contribution to play in building a mass movement for national democracy in the Philippines, whether at home or overseas. Throughout our history and today, despite the harsh conditions of exploitation and repression, Filipino women bravely take up many forms of struggle, including armed resistance to defend our people and fight for a brighter future.”

#LakewoodWA #WA #AntiWarMovement #International #Philippines

Tacoma, WA – The people united to reject the city of Tacoma’s proposed implementation of Israeli-developed surveillance technology intended to escalate the over-policing of Tacoma's low income and oppressed nationality communities.

Gathering outside the city council chambers, a rally celebrated the Palestinian resistance and condemned the militaristic trade relationship between Tacoma and Israel. ShotSpotter, a gunshot-detection system developed in Israel, has been proven to be ineffective in reducing gun violence in cities like Chicago, where its use has been discontinued and denounced by Chicago’s mayor, Brandon Johnson.

At Ben Gilbert park, just outside the city council building, students, environmental activists and anti-war advocates united in support of the Palestinian cause, fighting for divestment and democracy in the city of Tacoma. Kathy Lawhon, a speaker at the rally, told the crowd, “One person’s terrorist is another person’s freedom fighter. We have this way in the U.S. of just calling anyone a terrorist that opposes whatever we want to do. We have to say ‘we’ because it’s our government and we have to take accountability for it. We have to make it stop.”

After rallying and marching, the group arrived at the building’s entrance chanting, “No to ShotSpotter! We won’t pay for people’s slaughter!” The people entered the city council chambers with a prepared joint statement on ShotSpotter, and how this is a direct threat to the people of Tacoma and would contribute to the genocide happening in Palestine. Catelynn Henion, speaking directly to the council, stated, “We demand divestment, and we demand a free Palestine. The implementation of ShotSpotter contradicts both of the people's demands and your commitments made in Resolution 41416, otherwise known as Tacoma's Ceasefire Resolution.”

The ten-and-a-half minute statement concluded with a call to action for community members in the audience to get connected to the people’s movements in Tacoma. The eighth and final commenter addressed the council as well, imploring them to not cast aside the people’s calls for justice any longer, noting that if they do it will force the people’s movement to escalate its efforts to protect the community. The group left the chambers chanting “Free free Palestine!”

#TacomaWA #WA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine