An Editorial:
The NWNCA believes in constructive engagement.
And that is why we will not be participating in the March 17th Rally being organized by the Seattle Construction and Building Trades Council. It is not because we disagree with Executive Secretary Lee Newgent’s assessment of the misery and uncertainty that many Construction Union members are currently facing. It is not because we are indifferent to rates of unemployment for craft workers not seen since the great depression. It is because we have a different view of the way forward.
We do not believe that characterizing Mike McGinn the new Mayor of Seattle as “very anti-construction industry and an environmentally friendly Mayor” is constructive. Certainly the new Mayor’s green credentials are well established but that is not mutually exclusive with supporting progressive labor standards as he is known to do.
While we may disagree with Mayor McGinn on the Viaduct replacement for example, our differences are principled ones and they are sincerely held. We have more in agreement than not. Our members’ livelihood depends upon us to be participants in the dialogue and not walk off the field marbles in hand.
The future of the 520 project has stirred emotions and powerful interests to begin to align in a struggle for total victory. But in reality, with limited time and funding, we had all better find common ground and quickly. It is much too early to rule out any compromise and begin to demonize our opponents.
The upcoming Rally on March 17th should not be a missed opportunity, but sadly that is what it appears to be. We will continue to communicate with any and all elected officials, community leaders and stakeholders about the future of our community because it is the right thing to do.