Weekly News Update — March 7, 2025

REI Union Says Co-op Is Turning ‘Corporate’ with New Board Members

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union has asked REI employees to vote no on current board candidates, whom customers accuse of pulling the company away from its co-op foundations and towards corporatization. Current board members and candidates have ties with large corporations such as Proctor & Gamble, Starbucks, and Exxon Mobil. Read more.

Washington L&I Moves to Strengthen Tower Crane Safety Rules

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is implementing new rules and procedures aimed at improving safety for tower crane operations, including improved permit requirements and safety procedures, as well as updated grounds for permit denial, suspension, or revocation. L&I will be holding two public meetings regarding the proposed changes and encourages industry workers to participate. Read more.

Seattle Woman Speaks Out Against Changes to Pay Transparency

Seattleite Melissa Hyatt wrote a letter to the Seattle Times last week speaking out against proposed changes to pay transparency laws. “The solution to stopping these complaints is to stop breaking the law,” Hyatt says, defending workers’ rights and informing fellow readers that the consequences of these changes will fall especially hard on women and people of color. Read Melissa’s letter.