In celebration of national Asian Pacific Heritage Month and with reference to the new book, Asian American Workers Rising – APALA’s Struggle to Transform the Labor Movement (2021), we will hear Washington State senator, Bob Hasegawa and retired regional director of the Inland Boatmen’s labor union, Rich Gurtiza speak about the efforts they made 30 years ago as leaders bringing change to Asian and Pacific Islander workers in the area. As key figures to know about in local Asian American history, and in Washington history, join us in this facilitated panel discussion as we understand how their work brought the focus back to Asian and Pacific Islander workers in Washington, ultimately highlighting the broader struggle for democracy and justice for all. After the panel, we will conclude with Q&A.
Panelists
Bob Hasegawa Washington state senator, former Teamsters Local 174 secretary-treasurer, APALA founding executive board member
Rich Gurtiza Inland Boatmen’s Union Region 37 regional director (retired), APALA founding executive board member and former national secretary
Tracy Lai Seattle Central College full-time tenured Historian, American Federation of Teachers – Washington, vice president for human rights, APALA national executive board member (current) and former national secretary, Seattle APALA chapter vice president
Program Benefits
A physical copy of the book, Asian American Workers Rising – APALA’s Struggle to Transform the Labor Movement
Free WA OSPI clock hours