Fair Work Center
Formation2016 (age 10)
FounderDavid Rolf
HeadquartersSeattle, Washington
Executive DirectorDanielle Alvarado
Websitehttps://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

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]

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

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

  1. ^ "Seattle worker-rights groups uniting to create 'one-stop shop' for workplace wrongs". The Seattle Times. 2018-08-03. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  2. ^ "About Us". Fair Work Center. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  3. ^ Hardy, Kevin (2024-12-18). "'Why not us?' Nannies, housekeepers win labor protections in some states. • Stateline". Stateline. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ "Employee policies: Who can access paid sick leave?". Seattle's Child. 25 July 2022. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  6. ^ "New "bill of rights" could help 100,000 domestic workers in Washington". www.realchangenews.org. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  7. ^ Romero, Jacquelyn Jimenez (2025-03-19). "Immigration proceedings would become eligible use for sick leave under Washington bill • Washington State Standard". Washington State Standard. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  8. ^ Romero, Jacquelyn Jimenez (2025-03-31). "Domestic workers would gain new protections under Washington bill • Washington State Standard". Washington State Standard. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  9. ^ "Who We Are | seattle.gov". www.seattle.gov. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  10. ^ Herald-Republic, JASPER KENZO SUNDEEN Yakima (2023-08-15). "Angie Lara's experiences in agriculture drive her work at Fair Work Center in Yakima". Yakima Herald-Republic. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  11. ^ Herald-Republic, JASPER KENZO SUNDEEN Yakima (2023-05-28). "Employees at New Columbia Fruit Packers in Yakima raise concerns about working conditions". Yakima Herald-Republic. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  12. ^ Merrill, Monique (2025-09-16). "Washington justices wade into wage protection exemptions for live-in caregivers". Courthouse News Service. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  13. ^ FWC (2021-09-09). "Welcoming Danielle Alvarado as the new Executive Director of Fair Work Center & Working Washington". Fair Work Center. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  14. ^ Thomas, Elle (2024-07-31). "DoorDash announces more fees for Seattle customers". KIRO 7 News Seattle. Retrieved 2025-11-03.