The University of Washington plans to close the laundry facility that cleans linens for UW hospitals, a move that would result in job losses for about 100 employees, according to an article on the Seattle Times website.
The university blamed budget shortfalls for the closing and pledged to help workers find new jobs.
The union representing laundry employees has organized multiple demonstrations, and students affiliated with UW United Students Against Sweatshops occupied the office of UW Medicine’s CEO to protest the closure.
UW Medicine notified workers on Nov. 2 that it plans to close the facility and contract its laundry services to Auburn-based Hospital Central Services Association.
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