Labor unions to join “Occupy” protests

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Labor Council says it will  join with various local versions of the “Occupy Wall Street” protests next week.

The council is in line with national labor leaders who are praising the protests from New York City to Seattle and Spokane for “capturing the imagination and passion of millions of Americans who have lost  hope that our nation's policymakers are speaking for them.”

Unions are planning a “Week of Action” starting next Monday, and want to hook up with Occupy demonstrations for some joint efforts. They haven't yet announced an agenda for their coming week.

Occupy Spokane protests have all been peaceful so far, but Occupy Seattle demonstrations at the Westlake Park resulted in 25 arrests Wednesday after protesters refused a city order to remove their tents. The tents have come down and but protesters remain in the downtown park…