WSLC Poised Position

The Washington State Labor Council,(WSLC) AFL-CIO is the largest labor organization in the state, a nonprofit association of some 500 AFL-CIO and Change to Win unions and organizations, representing approximately 400,000 union members across Washington.

Every two years before the legislative biennium begins, the WSLC publishes Legislative Position Papers on specific issues, including background information, labor's position and recent legislative histories. This year is no different. The 2009,50 page summary report covers issues ranging from Affordable Housing & Homelessness to Workers Comp. They are a quick educational and reference tool for legislators and others who follow the legislative process.

Also on the agenda;

Washington State Labour Council President Rick Bender says;

"he hopes lawmakers will add $50 to the weekly benefits of those who are
unemployed. Labor also wants a change in the formula for computing benefits, one that would add an average of $8 a week to benefit checks. Bender said it makes
sense to add that money to everyone's benefit amount because that money gets
spent right away and, therefore, is an immediate stimulant to the state
economy."

More than 90,000 workers applied for benefits last month, beating the old record of 73,000 by a long shot.

The United Labour Lobby will hold its first meeting at the WSLC's Olympia office,906 S. Columbia St., #330 at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12.

The first day of the 2009 WA state legislative session is Monday Jan.12th.