Sawant, 2 other activists tried for disorderly conduct
SEATAC, Wash. (AP) — A Seattle city councilwoman and two other activists are on trial in the city of SeaTac on Thursday for disorderly conduct charges connected with a November minimum wage protest outside Alaska Airlines headquarters.
Kshama Sawant and three others were arrested Nov. 19 during a demonstration that called for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport workers to be paid at least $15 an hour. The city attorney's office says one of the people arrested has entered a plea agreement so only three are on trial.
Residents of the city surrounding the airport have approved a $15 minimum wage, but the airline has argued in separate court actions that the law should not affect airport workers.
Sawant, a Methodist pastor and a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport worker spoke to a crowd of supporters before the trial began. Q13 FOX News will stream the trial live.
“This is not about disorderly conduct, it’s about minimum wage,” Sawant told the judge at her arraignment.
“Alaska Airlines should be on trial, not us,” Sawant said.
The company released this statement following Sawant's arrest:
“Alaska Airlines supports fair-wage jobs and voluntarily increased wages last April for more than 1,000 vendor employees at the airport, prior to the Port of Seattle or the City of Seattle taking action.
“In addition to these substantial voluntarily wage increases, Alaska has invested millions of dollars in the SeaTac community focusing on career development, education and community wellness.
“With more than 6,000 employees in the Puget Sound area, Alaska is committed to playing an active role in improving the communities in which our families live and work.”