Fair Work Center
 | |
| Formation | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Founder | David Rolf |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington |
Executive Director | Danielle Alvarado |
| Website | https://www.fairworkcenter.org/ |
Fair Work Center (FWC) is a Seattle-based non-profit group formed in 2016. It focuses on improving working conditions and advocating for worker’s rights. In addition to education and advocacy, the group also provides legal aid for work-related matters.[1][2][3]
History
[edit]The Fair Work Center was originally underwritten by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 775.[4] At the time, it brought together eleven community organizations.[4] As of 2018, David Rolf was president of both the FWC and SEIU 775.[1]
On July 1, 2015, the Fair Work Center launched a legal clinic, in partnership with Seattle University and the University of Washington School of Law.[4] In 2018, Fair Work Center merged with Working Washington, another Seattle-based worker’s rights organization.[1]
The group has advocated for workers rights in many instances.[5][1][6][7] In January 2025, Fair Work Center, along with other advocacy groups, held a lobbying day in Olympia to bring awareness and push for a new workers “bill of rights” in Washington.[6] The bill, Senate Bill 5023, was introduced by Senator Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle.[8] It was passed in March 2025 and protects domestic workers, or those who work in private homes, such as nannies, gardeners, and house cleaners.[6][8]
In addition to their own advocacy work for domestic workers, the Fair Work Center also works with the Nanny Collective, a Seattle-based group that advocates for nannies and au pairs.[6][9]
Fair Work Center organizes and hosts different events to educate and bring awareness on worker's rights in addition to taking steps to create change.[10][11]
Legal work
[edit]In 2023, a group of caregivers who worked in homes operated by AssureCare sued the company, arguing their exemption for workers required to live on-site violated their constitutional right to equal protection. The group, who a King County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of in 2024, is represented by Fair Work Center attorney Jeremiah Miller.[12]
Leadership
[edit]David Rolf is the founder and president of the Fair Work Center. Danielle Alvarado has served as executive director since 2021.[7][13] Hannah Sabio-Howell works as the communications director for the center.[14]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 "Seattle worker-rights groups uniting to create 'one-stop shop' for workplace wrongs". The Seattle Times. August 3, 2018. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- ↑ "About Us". Fair Work Center. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- ↑ Hardy, Kevin (December 18, 2024). "'Why not us?' Nannies, housekeepers win labor protections in some states. • Stateline". Stateline. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- 1 2 3 Ford, Elizabeth (2025). "Alt-Legal Services: Re-Visioning Lawyers' Role in the Fight for Worker Power". Berkeley Journal of Employment and Labor Law. 46 (1): 1–54. doi:10.15779/Z38DR2PB04 – via EBSCOhost.
- ↑ "Employee policies: Who can access paid sick leave?". Seattle's Child. July 25, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 "New "bill of rights" could help 100,000 domestic workers in Washington". www.realchangenews.org. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- 1 2 Romero, Jacquelyn Jimenez (March 19, 2025). "Immigration proceedings would become eligible use for sick leave under Washington bill • Washington State Standard". Washington State Standard. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- 1 2 Romero, Jacquelyn Jimenez (March 31, 2025). "Domestic workers would gain new protections under Washington bill • Washington State Standard". Washington State Standard. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- ↑ "Who We Are | seattle.gov". www.seattle.gov. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
- ↑ Herald-Republic, JASPER KENZO SUNDEEN Yakima (August 15, 2023). "Angie Lara's experiences in agriculture drive her work at Fair Work Center in Yakima". Yakima Herald-Republic. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
- ↑ Herald-Republic, JASPER KENZO SUNDEEN Yakima (May 28, 2023). "Employees at New Columbia Fruit Packers in Yakima raise concerns about working conditions". Yakima Herald-Republic. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
- ↑ Merrill, Monique (September 16, 2025). "Washington justices wade into wage protection exemptions for live-in caregivers". Courthouse News Service. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
- ↑ FWC (September 9, 2021). "Welcoming Danielle Alvarado as the new Executive Director of Fair Work Center & Working Washington". Fair Work Center. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- ↑ Thomas, Elle (July 31, 2024). "DoorDash announces more fees for Seattle customers". KIRO 7 News Seattle. Retrieved November 3, 2025.