WORKER PRIVACY ACT DESERVES A VOTE

The Worker Privacy Act (SB 5446 and HB 1528) is ready for a vote in both the House and Senate. The deadline for floor votes for most bills is this Thursday, March 12.

The Worker Privacy Act would allow workers in Washington state to choose whether or not to participate in employer communication on issues of individual conscience, including politics, religion, charitable giving and unionization. It cracks down on the employer practice of “captive audience meetings” where workers must endure anti-union rhetoric and threats.

The legislation has very strong support among state legislators, with 47 sponsors in the House and 21 sponsors in the Senate, and plenty of votes to pass, according to vote counts by the Washington State Labor Council staff who have discussed the issue with legislators. It has already inspired several thousand emails, thousands more phone calls and many letters of support to legislators.

All six of the unions that represent workers at Boeing have signed a letter of support for the Worker Privacy Act, and have urged legislators to vote on it. Plenty of legislators share their support and are eager for a vote as well. Reps. Tami Green (D-Tacoma) and Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim), among others, have written heartfelt letters to their colleagues urging a vote. Prime sponsors Rep. Mike Sells (D-Everett) and Sen. Margarita Prentice (D-Renton) are working hard to make sure the Worker Privacy Act doesn't die without a vote.

The Worker Privacy Act deserves a vote! Call 1-800-562-6000 and urge legislators to support the Worker Privacy Act, SSB 5446 and HB 1528.