Delivery drivers take Amazon to court over inadequate rest breaks

The KIRO Newsradio newsdesk brings you their top stories on the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 4.

A class action lawsuit was filed Friday in King County Superior Court on behalf of Amazon drivers.

They claim Amazon failed to give drivers rest and meal breaks, leading to restroom problems. In addition, they argue that Amazon is not compensating drivers 10 minutes of extra pay for each missed break, as required by state law.

Delivery drivers claimed they’re forced to urinate in bottles because Amazon failed to provide adequate rest breaks.

Amazon also allegedly failed to pay drivers for required work before and after shifts, such as dropping off the delivery van.

Oct. 3 officially Lenny Wilkins Day

A special recognition took place Monday for former Seattle Supersonics coach Lenny Wilkins.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell presented him with a proclamation, declaring Oct. 3 “Lenny Wilkens Day at Seattle Center.”

The Mayor’s office said it took the opportunity to give Wilkins the honor because of Monday’s preseason NBA game played at Climate Pledge Arena between the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers.

OL Reign preparing for playoffs

The OL Reign are fresh off winning the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Shield for coming in first place in the league standings.

Tickets are currently on sale as the team hosts a semifinal playoff Oct. 23 at Lumen Field.

They’ll play either the Houston Dash or Kansas City Current.

This year’s NWSL Championship will be hosted in Washington, D.C.

Blood supply low after donations to victims of Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian shut down blood donation operations in Florida, so in response, Bloodworks Northwest sent 130 units of blood in emergency shipments.

Now they are looking for donors to donate more units of blood for hurricane relief.

Bloodworks said there are over 12,000 open appointments for those looking to help hurricane victims between now and Halloween.

Norwegian Cruise Line removes many COVID guidelines for passengers

Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will drop vaccination testing and masking requirements, except where required by local officials.

In July, the CDC stopped tracking on-board COVID cases and cruise lines began developing their own protocols, which many have been easing.

Local leaders to address salmon recovery processes

Local leaders are expected to weigh in on priorities for salmon recovery.

Representatives Derek Kilmer and Marilyn Strickland are teaming up with the Puget Sound Partnership and Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for the discussion.

They’re also expected to talk about Puget Sound’s ecosystem as a whole.

Trader Joe’s brings back free samples

Free samples are back at some Trader Joe’s locations after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grocery store started offering single-serve treats and snacks to customers over the weekend.

The chain hasn’t said why it won’t re-launch food demos at all of its stores.

Other companies, including Costco and Whole Foods, have already brought free samples back.

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