Jobs across the United States rose by 29,000 in September, a disappointing result as recent growth was also revised down in the monthly jobs report released Oct. 2, the last one before midterm elections. 

The union representing staff of Democratic state senators in Washington has overwhelmingly rejected a new two-year contract, citing its lack of adequate protections for workers facing termination. 

Washington state’s minimum wage will grow by 60 cents per hour in 2027, reflecting the continuing impact of inflation and other cost-of-living increases on workers. 

In a closely watched decision, Washington’s largest union of state government workers has ratified a new two-year contract that provides no pay raises but avoids takeaways on healthcare and other benefits.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is proposing a 4.9% rate increase in 2027. Hearings are scheduled for public input.  

Columbia Ability Alliance is launching its annual Giving Blitz today. The five-day event seeks to raise money for the nonprofit’s programs.  

Online retailer Amazon, which is expected to hire hundreds of additional workers in the Tri-Cities in the coming years, is looking to make its positions more appealing to potential employees. 

Demand for construction workers is at an all-time high across the country, driving up wages at the same time builders are wrestling with escalating construction materials costs. 

Labor union membership continues to climb in the United States, though the increase remains sharply divided by the politics of individual states.

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.