Labor & Employment

Study: Tens of millions of unhappy workers stay in jobs because of health insurance

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

Report: Tri-Cities job market contracts over past year

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

Workforce development council seeks new partners for services

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Has your organization developed an innovative way to help individuals develop workforce skills? The Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council wants to hear from you.

Fired BFT CEO ruled eligible for unemployment benefits

ty@tcjournal.biz — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Ben Franklin Transit won’t contest unemployment benefits for its fired CEO after the state found no misconduct in his termination.

Overtime thresholds to change Jan. 1

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

Report shows impact of workplace-based financial education

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

Farm labor contractor faces fines for worker violations

ty@tcjournal.biz — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

Washington college grads adapt to AI-era job market

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

Free safety training resource for younger workers

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

A retailer advocacy organization is encouraging employers to take advantage of a free program offering safety certifications for young workers to reduce workplace injuries.

New ergonomics safety training resource available

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

WA state workers head into difficult wage talks as budget outlook darkens

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

State worker unions expected tough salary conversations this year, even before Gov. Bob Ferguson warned of difficult spending decisions in Washington’s next budget.

Kadlec reaches settlement with nurses union over unfair labor practice investigation

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Kadlec Regional Medical Center will avoid a trial after agreeing to settle with the union representing its nurses over alleged retaliation.

Trump administration $100,000 visa fee for highly skilled foreign workers struck down

afigueroa@statesnewsroom.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

Ferguson issues executive order supporting workplace accommodations for menopause

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Working women may soon have an easier time navigating a major life change in the workplace.

Recruitment experts give job hunting tips for Washington grads

Sun, 31 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

Journalists at Tri-City Herald, other papers hold one-day strike

Tue, 26 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Journalists from five daily newspapers across Washington state and Idaho held a one-day strike, alleging unfair labor practices by owner McClatchy Media.

New rules around hiring, job postings for WA businesses

Mon, 25 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

Report: Nearly 100 fed staff left Hanford in 2025

Tue, 19 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

WA sues Providence, alleging it failed to accommodate pregnant, nursing workers

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 14 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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.

Tri-Tech students earn $37K in scholarships

Wed, 13 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Trade associations, community groups and individuals are stepping up to help graduating seniors from Tri-Tech Skills Center start their future careers or next level of training off on the right foot.

Mid-Columbia jobs market in a bit of a funk

Thu, 07 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400

The Tri-Cities continues to see the typical seasonal drop in its unemployment rate as the weather warms, but the job market isn’t what it was a year ago.

Mid-Columbia residents among fallen workers to be honored at state ceremony

ty@tcjournal.biz — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400

A man who died from an illness resulting from his work as a concrete fabricator and a 21-year-old crushed by a front loader at a Richland construction site are among the 115 fallen workers state officials will honor Tuesday.

Trump proposal to streamline jobs program funding would cut funding to states

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Tucked into President Donald Trump’s new budget request is a plan that could dramatically change — and, critics say, slash — how much money and help states provide to people needing jobs and training.

State labor association gives Mid-Columbia lawmakers low marks

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Labor organizers are calling the recent 2026 legislative session a success for workers and their families and calling out lawmakers who didn’t support their efforts.

Kadlec nurses vote in favor of new contract

ty@tcjournal.biz — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Safety improvements. Wage increases. Restful breaks. Nurses at Kadlec Regional Medical Center secured key gains in working conditions under a new contract ratified by members of the hospital’s nurses union on March 31, according to a release.

Mid-Columbia health care workers approve new union contract with care provider

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Certified nursing assistants at a Richland nursing home and others in the Yakima Valley unanimously approved a new labor contract that would increase wages 8% over two years if ratified.

Washington’s gender wage gap is widening, study finds

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0400

The wage gap between men and women in Washington is the second widest in the country.

Auto parts retailer to pay $5.6M for denying employee pregnancy, nursing accommodations

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0400

A national auto parts retailer that a year ago had to pay more than $160,000 in illegally eliminated sick time to its Washington state employees must now pay millions for discriminating against employees.

Richland farmworker advocacy organization gets funding for workplace safety

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0500

A Richland-based nonprofit focused on promoting and protecting the contributions of farmworkers is among nine organizations across the state to share in $1.1 million in workplace safety grants.

Prosecutors allege exploitation of foreign workers brought to Mid-Columbia through fraud

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:00:00 -0500

Three Tri-City residents are among four individuals indicted for allegedly obtaining temporary work visas under false pretenses and bringing 500 workers from Mexico to Eastern Washington between 2022-24.