Instead of getting raises, workers at Seattle's Space Needle say they got a presentation on "How to Live on Less," KIRO-TV reports.
The webinar apparently was emailed to Space Needle workers last month.
>> On kirotv.com: PHOTOS: See the 'How to Live on Less' presentation
“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 7 1/2 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 said the last pay increase 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 representative for the Space Needle.
KIRO-TV also asked if the tips were appropriate given the lack of raises, but the representative would not comment.
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