SEATTLE — Events across the globe on May 1 marked International Workers Day, or "May Day," a time to celebrate the achievements of workers and push for changes to support and empower them.
That included marches, rallies and events in Seattle, including a door-to-door push to make business owners and workers aware of laws, protections and wages in place for the city.
The Office of Labor Standards (OLS), community organizations and volunteers visited businesses in neighborhoods across Seattle to make sure employers know what rights workers are due, and to offer resources if they need more education or help getting into compliance.
"Things like minimum wage, access to sick and paid time, rights to secure scheduling if it's a place like a franchise restaurant or retail store," said OLS Director Steve Marchese.
OLS said it is tasked with implementing 15 current labor laws, three current ordinances, and an ordinance that will go into effect next year, involving everything from paid sick leave and minimum wage to wage theft and commuter benefits.
"We want every worker, no matter what size business they're working in, to know they can come to us, file a complaint, or just ask a question if they're not sure," Marchese said.
The event began at booSH Plant Nursery in the Central District, where co-owner Julissa McWashington said she is fully behind the efforts.
"I'm so excited that they're bringing it back, really going in, listening to the community, listening to the workers, and understanding what their rights are," McWashington said.
For more information on Seattle's labor laws or to learn more about filing the complaint, visit the OLS website or call 206-256-5297.