Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 22, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke touts union role in improving workers’ lives

OLYMPIA – Gov. Gary Locke today renewed his pledge to work with the Washington State Labor Council to sustain a decent standard of living for Washington’s working people.

In a morning address to the council’s 2002 legislative conference, Locke said, “So much of what we take for granted today -- including the eight-hour work day, health care, vacation time, unemployment insurance, prevailing wages, safety and health protections -- flows from the blood and sweat of the women and men in this room, standing on the shoulders of generations past. I embrace that legacy -- the principled voice of organized labor in Washington state.”

The governor cited progress made in strengthening and expanding collective bargaining with passage of Civil Service Reform (HB 1268) with bipartisan support.

“I have vigorously supported collective bargaining, the safety and health grants program, apprenticeship set-aside, transportation, family-leave issues and increased worker retraining slots for dislocated workers,” Locke said.

Noting the importance of the ergonomics issue to organized labor, the governor emphasized the need to promote worker health and safety.

“We must work to prevent the 50,000 ergonomic-related injuries that occur each year in this state,” Locke said. “I support reducing these injuries and will look to the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel for guidance.”

Speaking to the budget deficit, the governor said the state faces a nearly $1.6 billion budget gap with a revenue stream that continues to shrink in response to a national economic recession and the impacts of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“Sacrifices will be made and real people will suffer,” Locke said. “I don’t want working people to be hurt and I will do everything in my power to minimize that impact.”

Locke also urged continued labor support for a transportation fix to help stimulate the economy and create new jobs.

“Transportation is central to our economic well being,” the governor said. “The futures of our communities, our families and our children rest with the transportation decisions we make during this session. We must work together in common cause and for a common purpose -- to enhance the lives of all the people of the state of Washington.”

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Related Links:
- Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO

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