Painters who attended rally get jobs back

MONROE, Wash. – Seventeen painters who lost their jobs for leaving work to take part in last week’s immigration march in Seattle are scheduled to go back to work today.

Mark Laitala, president of the painting company, Laitala Enterprises of Monroe, said the workers’ return was negotiated with the painters union.

“We came to an agreement it would be a good thing for everybody,” Laitala said.

The workers lost a week’s pay, but they will be reinstated at their previous pay and benefits.