Noisemaker-wielding protesters return to West Seattle

| Development | West Seattle news

We saw them this morning on our way to a story interview – didn’t get a photo, didn’t see them when we headed back the other way, but perhaps they were just on break (we’re checking again now) because we have since received several e-mails (thank you!) asking about them, and that’s why we’re mentioning it: The Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters was protesting another West Seattle worksite, with drums and cowbells in addition to picket signs. This time, it’s the Avalon Center construction site at 35th/Avalon; the signs said they’re protesting Rain City, a contractor firm. Last time they were spotted here, a week and a half ago (WSB coverage here), they were protesting a scaffolding company at an apartment building undergoing renovations south of The Junction. (Update – no sign of them again at 1:45 pm, so we’re concluding at this point they’re done for the day.)

onceachef March 10, 2009 (2:22 pm)

What are they protesting?

WSB March 10, 2009 (2:31 pm)

The word “unfair” was beneath the name “Rain City” on the signs. I have not had luck reaching either the carpenters or their protest targets for comment in these cases. Certainly labor protests at specific jobsites are not new but the noisemaker tactic is something we hadn’t seen before the one in late February on California SW … TR

JenV March 10, 2009 (2:39 pm)

I would imagine this is a protest against scab labor.

livingonthebeach March 10, 2009 (2:50 pm)

The signs mentioned unfair wages.

Tanya March 10, 2009 (5:00 pm)

I support them 100%.

Michael March 13, 2009 (3:07 pm)

Are these actual union members, or paid day laborers like the ones who hold up the “(Insert Name) is Hurting Our Community/Economy” signs?
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I can’t be too sympathetic with a union that is either too thoroughly employed or can’t be bothered to do their own picketing.

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