An Uber Eats driver in Seattle shared these screenshots showing a massive food delivery order — a nearly $400 "King's Experience"... for which he got paid just $10.
Read More“The unemployment system is in crisis. We urge you to prioritize getting money into workers’ hands as quickly as possible.
We are calling on Governor Inslee and Employment Security Department Commissioner LeVine to address the crisis in our unemployment system by taking three bold steps to create a more accessible system which quickly qualifies workers for benefits and immediately begins providing support:
Confirm baseline eligibility within 7 days.
Immediately pay the minimum benefit as soon as baseline eligibility is determined.
Make the system work equitably for everyone.
what's going on with unemployment?
Have you filed for unemployment? Run into issues with applying or long wait times & confusing systems? Whether you made it through the system or not, please report what happened for you to make sure workers get what we need during the crisis.
Nearly 600,000 workers in Washington — and millions across the country — have filed for unemployment in the last week.
Our state & the federal government have beefed up unemployment to get workers through the crisis. But many of us still aren't getting the benefits we need — and in a moment like this, it's vital that the systems we're using work for us.
That's why we're crowdsourcing reports from workers who have applied for unemployment. Whether you were denied, accepted, or haven't been able to get through the system at all, your experience matters, and sharing it is a huge way to help make sure workers get what we need.
Washington's Employment Security Department plans to update their application system on Sunday. They will be starting up the new "expanded unemployment" program for workers who aren't usually eligible (like independent contractors) and sending an additional $600/week to all workers receiving unemployment.
But we already know that many workers are struggling to get through the system as it is — so it's important for us to learn as much as we can about what workers have experienced so far, and keep an eye on this new system as it rolls out.
If you have ten minutes to spare, you can help. Report on your experience filing for unemployment if you've applied.
And whether you're still working or out of a job, share that link online (Twitter / Facebook) or with coworkers & friends who have applied. Together, we can make sure we're holding our state accountable to get workers through this crisis.
unemployment benefits about to grow by $600/week
In a normal year, federal income taxes are due today (April 15th), but this is definitely not a normal year, and an extension is in effect through July 15th. Here’s a quick rundown of key developments for workers in the coronavirus crisis.
Read MoreIn back-to-back posts, Seattle Times Editorial Board calls for new public funds for Seattle Times, sharp budget cuts for everyone else.
Imagine if the Seattle Times Editorial Board had a similar level of concern for all the struggling families in our state fearing the impacts of this crisis and in need of public support right now.... who aren’t named Blethen.
Read Moresome things to know & do on the first of the month
Today is the first day of April. A lot has happened in the the 9 days since Governor Inslee issued his "stay home" order closing non-essential businesses to halt the spread of coronavirus. Here's a quick rundown of the key developments for workers.
Read MoreQuick update on our 4 big ideas to address the coronavirus crisis
On Sunday we joined with Washington Community Action Network and Seattle Transit Riders Union to release an open letter calling for 4 big steps to address the coronavirus crisis. We’re already starting to see movement.
Read Morewe are calling on WA state political leaders to take 4 bold steps to address the coronavirus crisis: preserve healthcare
Preserve medical benefits, moratorium on evictions, halt utility shut-offs, and provide emergency income assistance. Read the letter and add your name.
Read MoreWhat gig economy companies and government agencies can do to protect workers’ health during the coronavirus response
The single most valuable thing gig companies can do to address the crisis is to pay workers more money. Improving workers’ economic security is the best long-term solution to ensuring everyone can make thoughtful decisions weighing potential risks to health and potential loss of income. There also additional immediate steps gig companies can take to slow the spread of the virus and mitigate the potential impact on workers:
Read MoreWhat Washington employers and state government can do to protect the health of service sector workers during the coronavirus response
As coronavirus (and associated panic) spreads, it is expected that increasing numbers of people will be placed in quarantine, and that schools may close. While service sector employers alone do not have the power alone to halt this epidemic, there are things they can do to slow the spread of the virus and mitigate the impact on workers, especially provided that government takes action as well.
Read More