PROTEC17 is committed to being an anti-racist organization
PROTEC17 unequivocally supports fairness, equity, and opportunity for all working people, therefore we cannot be complicit in perpetuating systemic racism. We stand alongside members and community leaders who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) as we support demands for racial and economic justice, and a world in which we can all be safe and healthy. We commit to action and sustainable change through the work we do and the power we have as an organization.
A statement by Executive Director Karen Estevenin on resilience and action in the wake of federal threats.
PROTEC17’s mission states “We are a member-powered union: inspiring action, advancing equity, building community.” In this moment — when we are witnessing an abuse of power and an all-out attack on working people and our communities — our mission gives me strength and keeps me grounded.
A statement by Executive Director Karen Estevenin and the PROTEC17 Executive Board on behalf of PROTEC17 on standing in solidarity with the people of Gaza
Over the past few weeks, we have been following with horror and heartbreak the suffering, loss of life, and destruction in Gaza. Along with our member-leadership and staff, I offer this message on behalf of our organization as an important step in raising our collective voice for justice and the liberation of all people.
A statement from the PROTEC17 Executive Board
Advancing racial equity was established by our union as a strategic priority last year. Our resolve to pursue an end to systemic racism in solidarity with BIPOC communities has been strengthened and clarified in the midst of our current national reckoning. We are committed to a world in which all union members can be healthy, safe, and thrive, and know that we can only get there together.
A statement by PROTEC17 Executive Director Karen Estevenin, from the Spring/Summer 2020 issue of Insight magazine
We are in the middle of a pandemic and the beginning of a deep recession. At the same time, streets across our country are erupting in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. The stark cover of this issue of Insight magazine reflects the tenor of this moment: anguish, outrage, and clarity. Economic justice does not exist without racial justice. This is nothing new. We are entrenched in over 400 years of systemic racism. Also, in this moment is an undercurrent of hope and possibility – but we must take action now.
PROTEC17 stands alongside our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) members and communities to condemn racism in all forms in the wake of rising anti-Asian violence and xenophobia.
PROTEC17 Affinity Groups
PROTEC17 White-Bodied Affinity Group
Dismantling racism is the work of everyone – but especially of white people. Join your fellow white-bodied PROTEC17 leaders in this group to actively work towards dismantling white supremacy, understanding our roots, patterns of dominance, situations of conflict, accountability, and much more. No matter where you are on your racial equity journey, you will be strengthened and challenged to take another step forward. Help make our union stronger by engaging in this crucial work with us. For more information, please contact Executive Director Karen Estevenin ()
PROTEC17 BIPOC Affinity Group
This affinity group is for PROTEC17 members who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) to connect, learn, share, provide a support network, and increase solidarity. The needs and priorities of this group will evolve as needed. If you identify as BIPOC and would like to join, please contact PROTEC17 Union Representative Youssef El Hamawi ().
Get Involved/Upcoming Events
Letters and Resolutions
Toolkits for Member-Leaders
From MLK Labor and WSLC
From the AFL-CIO
from the Washington State Labor Council
from the AFL-CIO
from the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)
from the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)
by Bill Fletcher Jr.
Community Resources & Articles
The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond
A. Phillip Randolph Institute – Seattle
Oregon Labor Education Resource Center – Racial Justice Series (YouTube)
King County Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan
Hollaback! Bystander Intervention to stop anti-Asian harassment
Asian American Foundation – Rapid Response Toolkit
Northwest African American Museum – Juneteenth Events
United Way of King County – Anti-Racist Resources
Washington State Labor Council – Race and Labor Resources
Coalition for Black Trade Unionists
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement
Remember the Public Sector in the Fight for Black Lives from Labor Notes, Aug. 2020
A Racial Equity Reckoning | Seattle Univ. Black History Month Keynote w/ Dr. Benjamin Danielson (VIDEO)
Racism, Austerity and the Public Good: The Anti-Racist Imperative for Public Sector Unions | OR LERC (VIDEO)
Seattle Works White Caucus for white people to take part in anti-oppression work in a way that’s useful rather than harmful or distracting
Intentionalist is a platform to search for local, small and Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)-owned businesses
Race and Labor Workshops offered by Labor Notes (hyperlink leads to general event page as the organization offers this series at different times of the year)