Space Needle workers insulted by advice to 'Live on Less'

SEATTLE — Space Needle workers say instead of getting a raise, they got a presentation on “How to Live on Less.”

The webinar was emailed to Space Needle workers last month. Click here to see it.

“Four years ago, my wage was enough to live on in Seattle comfortably,” said elevator operator Michael Hall, who has worked at the Space Needle for seven and a half years. “I wasn’t living paycheck to paycheck. Since then, I’ve had to move back in with my parents outside of the city. Now I commute two hours each way to and from work.”

Part of the presentation advises workers to budget and “Make it Fun!”

Some tips include:

• "Learn to cook gourmet, not pay gourmet."
• "Learn when your local museums, parks, and other places of interest offer free or discount days."
• "Be creative."

Unite Here 8 is the union for Space Needle workers. The union says the last raise for employees was a 35-cent raise four years ago.

“The Space Needle partners with APS Healthcare, a third party employee benefits company that provides services and a national newsletter for all of its members.  The quarterly newsletter covers numerous topics including physical and mental health tips, legal and financial consultation, and advice on other life issues.

The Space Needle pays for the Employee Assistance Program and provides it at no cost for all Team Members represented or not.  Aside from a competitive pay and benefits package, the Space Needle will continue to invest in its Team Members with events and benefits such as health and wellness fairs, tuition reimbursement, legal and financial seminars, and Team Member family events,” said a spokesperson for the Space Needle.

We also asked if the tips were appropriate given the lack of raises, but he would not comment.

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