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Committee confirms four reappointments to Labor Standards Advisory Commission
Summary
The committee unanimously confirmed reappointments of Marissa Baker, Greg Ramirez, Amanda Poucher and Samuel Hilbert to the Labor Standards Advisory Commission, which advises the Office of Labor Standards on wages, working conditions and workplace equity under SMC 3.15.
The Governance, Accountability and Economic Development Committee on Thursday confirmed four reappointments to the Labor Standards Advisory Commission (LSAC), voting 5-0 to recommend the members for terms through April 30, 2027.
The reappointments — Marissa Baker, Greg Ramirez, Amanda Poucher and Samuel Hilbert — were presented as a slate (appointments 03212, 03213, 03214 and 03215). Diana Salazar of the Office of Labor Standards told the committee LSAC was established in 2016 under Seattle Municipal Code 3.15 and is a 15-member panel that advises city leaders and the Office of Labor Standards on wages, working conditions, worker safety and implementation of nearly 20 city labor ordinances.
Committee members heard brief remarks from each reappointment candidate. Greg Ramirez, identified as deputy director and chief of staff of SEIU 6 Property Services Northwest, said the commission provides a forum to educate workers and businesses about labor rights and to ensure a level playing field. "It is very important for folks to know what they are entitled to and as well as for businesses to understand what they are obligated to do under the law," Ramirez said. Amanda Poucher, a small business owner on Capitol Hill and recently elected LSAC co-chair, said she has focused on outreach and education for businesses. Samuel Hilbert described his small-business experience operating Alul Sellers across multiple Seattle neighborhoods.
The clerk recorded the roll call on the appointments as: Council member Rivera (Aye); Council member Solomon (Aye); Council member Hollingsworth (Yes); Council member Kettle (Aye); Chair Nelson (Aye). Chair Nelson moved confirmation and Council member Kettle seconded.
Diana Salazar emphasized LSAC's statutory charge under SMC 3.15 to recommend efforts to achieve workplace equity for women, communities of color, immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable workers. Committee members praised the mix of labor and business perspectives on the commission and requested continued outreach and education initiatives.
Next steps: the committee's recommendation will proceed to the full council for final confirmation; the chairs invited the appointees to attend if they wish.
