March 24, 2005 ♦ Edition 2

My re-election campaign for the King County Council continues to gain momentum with endorsements from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302, the King County Corrections Guild, Congressman Adam Smith, and former State Senator and State Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge. As former Director of the King County Democrats, I am honored to have their endorsements.

This issue of The Ferguson Flyer focuses on an important aspect of our shared Democratic values – my commitment to the labor community. King County is a wonderful place to live, but it is also an expensive place to live. That is why family wage jobs and affordable health care are so important to me. I have an open door policy with labor unions and look forward to our continuing efforts to make King County a better place to live and work.

If you have any questions about my campaign, please call me at home at 206-523-7245 or email me at bob@electbobferguson.com. I would love to have your support!

Best,

My Commitment to Labor

In 2003, Darigold “locked out” 200 union dairy workers and fired another 60 drivers outright. Because of this unfair practice, I was proud to support members of Teamsters Local 66 by boycotting Darigold products and joining them as they picketed for living wages and appropriate benefits.

I didn’t do it because I needed votes – I had already won my election. I didn’t do it because Darigold was located in my District – it wasn’t. I did it because it was the right thing to do. I believe we must support union members as they fight for living wages and affordable health care for themselves and their families.

Currently, I’m supporting the Service Employees International Union Local 1199NW as they fight for affordable health care and family wage jobs. Last month I joined their rally in front of Northwest Hospital, located in my District, and spoke out in support of their efforts. Our community relies on Northwest Hospital for essential health care services, which is made possible by the dedicated SEIU members who work there.

In addition to boycotts and joining picket lines and rallies, I have a strong record of supporting other labor unions by writing letters of support for their causes. Last year, I signed a resolution to support United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) as they began their contract negations to retain affordable health care for grocery workers in our state. Thankfully, the UFCW successfully negotiated an appropriate contract and avoided the disruption that many grocery workers and customers in California experienced two years ago.

I also supported SEIU members (Locals 925 and 1199NW) as they negotiated their contracts with the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center. I joined my colleagues on the Council in sending letters to the UW and Harborview urging them to settle contracts that give those dedicated union members – technical, medical, research and clerical employees – the equitable treatment and respect they deserve.

Because of my commitment to labor, I have already been endorsed by labor organizations such as the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 headquartered in Bothell, which represent nearly 100 King County employees, and the King County Corrections Guild, which represent over 550 King County employees. I thank them for their support!

Thank you for reading this issue of The Ferguson Flyer. Please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss issues important to you.

LABOR DONATED