Labor & Employment https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/rss en-us Labor unions are growing, but where depends on state politics khardy@stateline.org Labor union membership continues to climb in the United States, though the increase remains sharply divided by the politics of individual states. Labor union membership continues to climb in the United States, though the increase remains sharply divided by the politics of individual states.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8360 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/labor-unions-are-growing-but-where-depends-on-state-politics Striking Workers Immigrant worker protections slated to begin Oct. 1 A new set of worker protections take effect Oct. 1, and state justice officials and business groups are advising business owners to learn what their new obligations are under the law. A new set of worker protections take effect Oct. 1, and state justice officials and business groups are advising business owners to learn what their new obligations are under the law. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8357 Mon, 07 Sep 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/immigrant-worker-protections-slated-to-begin-oct-1 Shrinking wine industry - Workers Mid-Columbia unemployment hits lowest level since mid-2025 After months of seeing the number of unemployed workers trend upward, July saw the number of those seeking work in the Tri-Cities decline to levels not seen since last year. However, the improvement was accompanied by a contraction in the region’s overall labor pool. After months of seeing the number of unemployed workers trend upward, July saw the number of those seeking work in the Tri-Cities decline to levels not seen since last year. However, the improvement was accompanied by a contraction in the region’s overall labor pool. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8322 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/mid-columbia-unemployment-hits-lowest-level-since-mid-2025 Potatoes Feature WA governor met with state worker protest at hospital construction ceremony Washington marked a milestone Aug. 28 with the final structural beam placed on a new psychiatric facility on the Western State Hospital campus in Pierce County. A few yards away, on the other side of a 6-foot chain-link fence, a different group of workers was not there to celebrate. The handful of state employees loudly chanted their displeasure with the progress of talks on a collective bargaining agreement with negotiators from Ferguson’s budget office.

Washington marked a milestone Aug. 28 with the final structural beam placed on a new psychiatric facility on the Western State Hospital campus in Pierce County.  A few yards away, on the other side of a 6-foot chain-link fence, a different group of workers was not there to celebrate. The handful of state employees loudly chanted their displeasure with the progress of talks on a collective bargaining agreement with negotiators from Ferguson’s budget office. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8314 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/wa-governor-met-with-state-worker-protest-at-hospital-construction-ceremony Hospital protest.jpg Striking workers will need to seek jobs to qualify for WA unemployment benefits Workers involved in labor disputes must comply with the state’s rigorous job search requirements to receive benefits. This means actively seeking work and recording efforts to find another job. Workers involved in labor disputes must comply with the state’s rigorous job search requirements to receive benefits. This means actively seeking work and recording efforts to find another job. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8300 Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8300-striking-workers-will-need-to-seek-jobs-to-qualify-for-wa-unemployment-benefits Hiring sign Survey: Physicians in corporate healthcare burning out, unable to put patients first Many physicians are increasingly burned out and looking to leave medicine and its largely because of the corporatization of healthcare, according to a recent survey. Many physicians are increasingly burned out and looking to leave medicine and its largely because of the corporatization of healthcare, according to a recent survey. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8297 Sun, 23 Aug 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/survey-physicians-in-corporate-healthcare-burning-out-unable-to-put-patients-first Conflict brews over ag worker housing project A group of Mid-Columbia irrigators and the Washington Department of Ecology are sparring over a long-planned housing project for agricultural workers west of Paterson along the Columbia River. A group of Mid-Columbia irrigators and the Washington Department of Ecology are sparring over a long-planned housing project for agricultural workers west of Paterson along the Columbia River. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8276 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8276-conflict-brews-over-ag-worker-housing-project Farmworker Housing Today’s children could prosper in tomorrow’s shortage of young workers thenderson@stateline.org http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8241 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/todays-children-could-prosper-in-tomorrows-shortage-of-young-workers Welder Washington’s ‘incredibly frustrated’ public employees call for walkout Public employees represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees have announced plans for a statewide walkout on Aug. 31 in response to what they called subpar pay and program cuts. Public employees represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees have announced plans for a statewide walkout on Aug. 31 in response to what they called subpar pay and program cuts. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8201 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/washingtons-incredibly-frustrated-public-employees-call-for-walkout Washington State Flag Why WA’s certification process for home care aides is getting bogged down jgoldsteinstreet@washingtonstatestandard.com It’s been 15 years since Washington voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative setting new standards for training and certifying home care aides. But while the changes included in Initiative 1163 have improved safety for people receiving care, the certification process for aides has been rife with bottlenecks, according to a new state audit. Most prospective aides don’t even finish the process. It’s been 15 years since Washington voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative setting new standards for training and certifying home care aides. But while the changes included in Initiative 1163 have improved safety for people receiving care, the certification process for aides has been rife with bottlenecks, according to a new state audit. Most prospective aides don’t even finish the process.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8173 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8173-why-was-certification-process-for-home-care-aides-is-getting-bogged-down In-Home-Care WA postal workers unite for Day of Action to protect the USPS Postal workers in Washington state and across the country are joining together for a day of action July 28 to protect the U.S. Postal Service from what organizers call the threat of privatization. Postal workers in Washington state and across the country are joining together for a day of action July 28 to protect the U.S. Postal Service from what organizers call the threat of privatization. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8168 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/wa-postal-workers-unite-for-day-of-action-to-protect-the-usps USPS van delivery.jpg Letter Carrier WIlliam Velez inside new Promaster Van Study: Tens of millions of unhappy workers stay in jobs because of health insurance Nearly one in four U.S. workers – about 23 million adults – are staying put in jobs they want to leave because of the fear of losing healthcare coverage, according to a recent study. Nearly one in four U.S. workers – about 23 million adults – are staying put in jobs they want to leave because of the fear of losing healthcare coverage, according to a recent study. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8161 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/study-tens-of-millions-of-unhappy-workers-stay-in-jobs-because-of-health-insurance DoctorShortage Report: Tri-Cities job market contracts over past year Unemployment is markedly worse in the Tri-Cities compared to a year ago according to the latest figures released by the Washington Employment Security Department. Unemployment is markedly worse in the Tri-Cities compared to a year ago according to the latest figures released by the Washington Employment Security Department. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8160 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/report-tri-cities-job-market-contracts-over-past-year Workforce development council seeks new partners for services Has your organization developed an innovative way to help individuals develop workforce skills? The Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council wants to hear from you. Has your organization developed an innovative way to help individuals develop workforce skills? The Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council wants to hear from you. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8154 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/workforce-development-council-seeks-new-partners-for-services Fired BFT CEO ruled eligible for unemployment benefits ty@tcjournal.biz Ben Franklin Transit won’t contest unemployment benefits for its fired CEO after the state found no misconduct in his termination. Ben Franklin Transit won’t contest unemployment benefits for its fired CEO after the state found no misconduct in his termination.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8093 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/drozt-unemployment-benefits Thomas Drotz Feature Overtime thresholds to change Jan. 1 Sitting down to start drafting your business’ budget for next year? You’ll want to make sure to account for coming changes to the state’s overtime salary threshold. Sitting down to start drafting your business’ budget for next year? You’ll want to make sure to account for coming changes to the state’s overtime salary threshold. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8114 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/overtime-thresholds-to-change-jan-1 MinimumWage_money Report shows impact of workplace-based financial education New research has shown that employees who participated in workplace-based financial education programs had stronger financial knowledge and capability than those who didn’t. New research has shown that employees who participated in workplace-based financial education programs had stronger financial knowledge and capability than those who didn’t.  

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8110 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/report-shows-impact-of-workplace-based-financial-education Money bills wages inflation salary Farm labor contractor faces fines for worker violations ty@tcjournal.biz A farm labor contracting company that manages workers at farms in Benton and Franklin counties, and connected to two other operations under state and federal scrutiny, is facing $700,000 in fines for farmworker violations. A farm labor contracting company that manages workers at farms in Benton and Franklin counties, and connected to two other operations under state and federal scrutiny, is facing $700,000 in fines for farmworker violations. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8077 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/farm-labor-contractor-faces-fines-for-worker-violations Farm worker Washington college grads adapt to AI-era job market Software development consistently ranks among the jobs that artificial intelligence is most likely to displace over the next decade, with customer service, graphic design, accounting and data entry also topping the vulnerability lists. Entry-level workers and those in Generation Z — people in their teens and 20s today — also could be hit hard, as experts predict AI will most easily automate the type of repetitive work they tend to do starting out. Software development consistently ranks among the jobs that artificial intelligence is most likely to displace over the next decade, with customer service, graphic design, accounting and data entry also topping the vulnerability lists. Entry-level workers and those in Generation Z — people in their teens and 20s today — also could be hit hard, as experts predict AI will most easily automate the type of repetitive work they tend to do starting out.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8037 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/washington-college-grads-adapt-to-ai-era-job-market Artificial-intelligence-AI Free safety training resource for younger workers A retailer advocacy organization is encouraging employers to take advantage of a free program offering safety certifications for young workers to reduce workplace injuries. A retailer advocacy organization is encouraging employers to take advantage of a free program offering safety certifications for young workers to reduce workplace injuries. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8035 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/free-safety-training-resource-for-younger-workers New ergonomics safety training resource available Washington employers now have access to a new online ergonomics training app focused on ensuring workers avoid injury whether they stock shelves or change oil. Washington employers now have access to a new online ergonomics training app focused on ensuring workers avoid injury whether they stock shelves or change oil. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8023 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/new-ergonomics-safety-training-resource-available WA state workers head into difficult wage talks as budget outlook darkens State worker unions expected tough salary conversations this year, even before Gov. Bob Ferguson warned of difficult spending decisions in Washington’s next budget. State worker unions expected tough salary conversations this year, even before Gov. Bob Ferguson warned of difficult spending decisions in Washington’s next budget. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8020 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/wa-state-workers-head-into-difficult-wage-talks-as-budget-outlook-darkens Capitol-in-Olympia-with-Sun Kadlec reaches settlement with nurses union over unfair labor practice investigation Kadlec Regional Medical Center will avoid a trial after agreeing to settle with the union representing its nurses over alleged retaliation. Kadlec Regional Medical Center will avoid a trial after agreeing to settle with the union representing its nurses over alleged retaliation. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8019 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/kadlec-reaches-settlement-with-nurses-union-over-unfair-labor-practice-investigation Exterior photo of Kadlec Regional Medical Center Trump administration $100,000 visa fee for highly skilled foreign workers struck down afigueroa@statesnewsroom.com A federal judge in Massachusetts June 8 struck down the Trump administration’s efforts to require a $100,000 visa fee for highly skilled immigrant workers, finding the policy is an unlawful tax. A federal judge in Massachusetts June 8 struck down the Trump administration’s efforts to require a $100,000 visa fee for highly skilled immigrant workers, finding the policy is an unlawful tax.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/7979 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/trump-administration-100-000-visa-fee-for-highly-skilled-foreign-workers-struck-down NewsUpdate.jpg Ferguson issues executive order supporting workplace accommodations for menopause Working women may soon have an easier time navigating a major life change in the workplace. Working women may soon have an easier time navigating a major life change in the workplace.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/7939 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/ferguson-issues-executive-order-supporting-workplace-accommodations-for-menopause Olympia Recruitment experts give job hunting tips for Washington grads Tri-City high school graduation ceremonies are only days away and those pursuing careers as soon as they have their diplomas are entering one of the most competitive job markets in years. Tri-City high school graduation ceremonies are only days away and those pursuing careers as soon as they have their diplomas are entering one of the most competitive job markets in years. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/7929 Sun, 31 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/recruitment-experts-give-job-hunting-tips-for-washington-grads Graduating students Journalists at Tri-City Herald, other papers hold one-day strike Journalists from five daily newspapers across Washington state and Idaho held a one-day strike, alleging unfair labor practices by owner McClatchy Media. Journalists from five daily newspapers across Washington state and Idaho held a one-day strike, alleging unfair labor practices by owner McClatchy Media. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/7904 Tue, 26 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/journalists-at-tri-city-herald-other-papers-hold-one-day-strike Herald Strike.jpg New rules around hiring, job postings for WA businesses Business owners may want to review any job descriptions and hiring policies as new state rules regarding hiring and job posting practices are now in force. Business owners may want to review any job descriptions and hiring policies as new state rules regarding hiring and job posting practices are now in force. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/7902 Mon, 25 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/new-rules-around-hiring-job-postings-for-wa-businesses Regulations Documents Compliance Rules Taxes Report: Nearly 100 fed staff left Hanford in 2025 Findings by the U.S. Government Accountability Office warns that the U.S. Department of Energy may struggle to maintain safe operations at its cleanup sites around the country after losing hundreds of staff members and struggle to fill those roles. Findings by the U.S. Government Accountability Office warns that the U.S. Department of Energy may struggle to maintain safe operations at its cleanup sites around the country after losing hundreds of staff members and struggle to fill those roles. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/7892 Tue, 19 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/report-nearly-100-fed-staff-left-hanford-in-2025 Hanford Tank-Side Cesium Removal System WA sues Providence, alleging it failed to accommodate pregnant, nursing workers ty@tcjournal.biz The Washington state Attorney General’s Office is suing the owner and operator of Kadlec Regional Medical Center for allegedly repeatedly failing to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant and nursing employees working throughout its hospitals. The Washington state Attorney General’s Office is suing the owner and operator of Kadlec Regional Medical Center for allegedly repeatedly failing to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant and nursing employees working throughout its hospitals. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/7879 Thu, 14 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/wa-sues-providence-alleging-it-failed-to-accommodate-pregnant-nursing-workers