Federal Trial Against Space Needle Begins This Week

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SEATTLE, WA – The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is taking the Space Needle to trial this week for numerous Unfair Labor Practice charges. As the labor dispute continues in its third year at the symbol of Seattle, the NLRB alleges the Space Needle has engaged in coercive actions and unlawful retaliation against union supporters.

The charges against the Space Needle include: unlawfully encouraging employees to resign from the union or not pay their dues, interrogating employees about their union support, and failing to recall union supporters after seasonal layoffs. The top lawyer for the National Labor Relations Board charges that these actions are interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees to discourage them from union participation.

“I have worked at the Space Needle for over 23 years, and I have never seen management act this way in union negotiations,” says Lee Plaster, a banquet captain at the Space Needle.  “They thought that this time they could bust the union and intimidate workers like me, but it has been almost three years and we are going to stay strong until we get justice, and a fair contract.”

Hotel Workers Say: Boycott Hyatt!

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The Hyatt at Olive 8 has been the focus of an organizing drive by UNITE HERE Local 8, the union that represents local hospitality and food service workers.

Hyatt workers urge boycott of Seattle hotels

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Seattle Hyatt hotel workers and supporters have launched a boycott of the Hyatt at Olive 8 and the Grand Hyatt Seattle, denouncing difficult working conditions, unaffordable healthcare, and use of subcontracted workers.

Union activists call for boycott of 2 Seattle Hyatt hotels

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Labor activists launched a boycott of two downtown Seattle hotels Tuesday, accusing the hotels’ owner of trying to stymie union-organizing efforts of housekeepers and other employees.

UNITE HERE Local 8, the union representing thousands of local hospitality workers, called for the boycott of the Hyatt at Olive 8 and the Grand Hyatt Seattle, both owned by R.C. Hedreen Co.

Workers Call for Boycott on Two Seattle Hyatts

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Staying at the Hyatt at Olive 8, or the Grand Hyatt Seattle anytime soon? You might want to book a different hotel.

March and Rally at Pride! Tell the Space Needle: Serve Up Some Respect!

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Featuring…”Equality” and “Economic Justice” holding hands, lots of glitter, an angry chicken, and a certain Seattle landmark made out of kitchen utensils!

  • Pride Parade contingent will meet at 11am at Fourth and Marion
  • Rally begins at 3pm at the Space Needle (on the monorail side)

Workers at the Space Needle, a significant percentage from the LGBTQ and immigrant communities, have gone for two years without a contract. They are currently seeking guarantees for fair working conditions, including living wages, health care benefits, and job security. On average, hospitality workers (non-union) earn $23,000 a year without affordable health care benefits. Most hospitality workers need at least two jobs to survive.

The Space Needle owners CAN settle a fair contract, and fly the Rainbow flag, if they choose. The Rainbow flag, if flown on top of the Space Needle, will represent pride, justice and human dignity when justice for the employees underneath the flag is also granted. That’s why workers are continuing to fight for a fair contract, and supporting the LGBTQ community by asking their employer to fly the flag, and also wearing rainbow buttons at work.

And did you know…the Mariners just agreed to fly the Rainbow flag during Pride? The Safeco Field concessions workers settled a fair contract earlier this year, with fair wages, access to affordable health care, and job security. Maybe that will give the Space Needle some ideas!

Hope to see you Sunday!