Local 21 is a non-partisan organization. We get involved in politics because elected officials make decisions every day that affect workers’ lives and our communities.

In January, our State Legislators will begin the 2008 Legislative session — and Local 21 members will be there, fighting to pass laws that make our State government work better for working families. Our top priorities this year include:

Protect workers’ rights:

All workers should have the right to freely choose whether to join a union, without threats or other pressure tactics — but many employers don’t see it that way. Passing the Worker Privacy Act would prevent employers from forcing their employees to attend mandatory meetings about unions, politics, or religion.

Expand access to affordable health care:

Local 21 is a leader in the Healthy Washington Coalition, a coalition of unions and community groups pushing to expand access to quality, affordable health care in our state. We support the agenda of the Healthy Washington Coalition.
Click here for more information on the Coalition’s proposals. Update: The Insurance Rate Hike Accountability Act, part of the Healthy Washington Coalition’s agenda, has passed the Legislature on a wave of grassroots support!

Rein in predatory lenders:

Abusive practices in payday lending and subprime mortgages have damaged our communities. We need new rules to hold down excessive fees, bar deceptive practices by lenders, and eliminate other predatory behaviors.

A stronger voice in how our communities grow:

An obscure section of Washington State law allows developers to lock-in (or “vest”) the rules that affect a proposed development the moment they file a permit application — even if their application is inaccurate or a community is in the process of modifying its rules about new construction. Unsavory developers can exploit these vesting rules to push through projects—like huge new Wal-Mart stores—that conflict with local needs and priorities. Vesting rules need to be changed to protect our right to have a say in the future of our communities.