The Snohomish County Labor Council has sanctioned the strike by Service Employees International Union Local 1199NW against Group Health Cooperative. The labor council is urging union members to honor picket lines at Group Health centers in Everett and Lynnwood. The union has announced plans for a five-day walkout starting Monday against Group Health. Group Health and its employees are fighting over health benefit changes. The company wants workers to pay more for health care.
Alderwood mall Sears reopens
Sears at Alderwood mall is celebrating its remodeling with a grand reopening today. The store has updated its departments and added new merchandise and features. It opens at 8 a.m. today and will offer free gift cards and candy to the first 250 customers, as well as a contest to win a shopping spree.
Herald partners with Korea Times
The Herald has signed an agreement with the Korea Times to distribute the five-day-a-week publication in Snohomish County. As part of the agreement, Korea Times customers will also receive a Sunday Herald. “As Snohomish County becomes more diverse, we are fully aware that the Korean community is an increasingly vibrant and growing part of our county,” Herald publisher Allen Funk said. “We look forward to working more closely with the Korea Times to help our respective publications become more effective in providing news and advertising of interest to the Korean community.”
Alaska Airlines to cut 150 jobs
Alaska Airlines plans to cut up to 150 jobs, or 9 percent of its management staff, as it seeks to reduce extraneous layers of management and cut costs. The airline said Friday that it hopes to save between $5 million and $10 million annually after the cuts are completed in the spring. The Seattle-based airline is hoping some managers will take voluntary severance packages.
Man pleads guilty in extortion case
A Pakistani man pleaded guilty Friday to attempted extortion after prosecutors said he threatened to release photos of child laborers at an Eddie Bauer apparel factory unless the company paid him $685,000. The company said his claims were not credible. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Usman Hayat, of Islamabad, Pakistan, entered the plea in U.S. District Court in Seattle. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 22. As part of the plea agreement, Hayat, 31, agreed to pay $21,559 to Eddie Bauer.
From Herald staff and news services
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