Thursday, April 9, we won our fight with the U district Pita Pit. Two hours into our second picket, the franchise owner came out and asked ex-employee John L to come inside (for the third time) and talk. John agreed, and a few minutes later he came out smiling, with a check in his hand for the full amount that had been withheld from his pay. Thanks to everyone who came out to make it happen!
After months of being denied their full wages, the production workers at an expensive Seattle furniture business joined up with the Solidarity Network and began preparing for action.
Shortly before the fight was set to begin, they spoke with the owner, informed her that they were now involved with the Seattle Solidarity Network, and asked her once again for their pay.
The boss’s immediate reply: “No.”
Then, about 24 hours later, the three received an unexpected delivery: the pay they were owed, all of it, in cash.
Apparently the boss used those 24 hours wisely by browsing our website, looking at our past actions, and thinking about what such a conflict might do to her business.
This victory is the work of not just the three who took a stand, but of everyone who has taken part in these struggles over the past year. Thanks for being there! Of course, we are just getting started.
During the December snowstorms, Carlos and his son had to leave their north-Seattle apartment for over two weeks after a pipe burst and flooded the place. After the repairs were done, the owners – major Sound-area property developers – refused to let him deduct rent for the time they had been forced out. Carlos argued that this was unfair and withheld the money anyway, but the company kept insisting he had to pay. He then joined with the Solidarity Network and we prepared for an action campaign. He informed management that he did not intend to pay, and that he was now involved with the Solidarity Network. On Wednesday January 28, two days before the first planned action, we received word that the company had agreed to back off and let Carlos keep the money.
After coworker and customer witnesses came forward with the truth about Tomania’s on-the-job injury, the state (Department of Labor & Industries) has rejected Tuff Shed management’s story and approved Tomania’s claim for compensation. The company has not appealed the decision. This means Tomania has finally been able to get the surgery she needed, and her knee is starting to getting better. Following our second picket, she has decided to end our public campaign and move on to pursuing legal action against the company.
This fight ended today! The apartment/motel owners gave in and paid up! Yes, the full amount. It’s a sweet victory for the kicked-out residents, who have been fighting for this for three long weeks. This weekend they’re finally moving out, and moving into decent apartments, with more than enough money to pay deposits and initial rent – as well as positive references – compliments of their old landlords Annie and John Min.
Victory BBQ: Saturday June 14th, 4pm, Licton Springs Park, N 95th St & Densmore Ave N.