Gene Juarez employees organize sick-out over possible pay cut

Dozens of Gene Juarez employees called in sick today, leaving canceled appointments across the Puget Sound region. Workers say Friday's mass call-out was an organized sick-out. FOX 13's A.J. Genevieve has been talking with employees all week who say this all stems from a proposed pay cut. Over 61 employees called in sick as a unified front that we don't agree with the new proposed plan for our commission rate. Beverly Lawrence has worked with Gene Juarez for more than six years. On Friday, she spoke with me as the voice for dozens of employees who are taking action against what they say is Gene Juarez's unfair pay changes that will take effect very soon. This is cutting corners as far as what we can offer to our clients. So this is the last straw for us, taking money out of our pockets. According to the organized group of Gene Juarez employees, the proposed pay changes could mean up to a 10% cut. That would mean paying rent. That would mean the difference between feeding my animals and feeding myself. Without union representation, Lawrence tells me the employees took action the best way they saw fit, with a sick out. She says their goal is to work in good faith with the company to find a solution that works for everyone. Lawrence tells me she wants to thank the Gene Juarez clients who may have been impacted by Friday's sick out. We understand the inconvenience, but we hope that you stand with us, that you understand where we're coming from. Thank you, you're what makes this fight worth it. Reporting in Seattle, AJ Genevieve, Fox 13 News. Fox 13 Seattle reached out to Gene Juarez corporate office for a response. They provided a statement that reads we respect our artists and their right to be heard Leadership has been meeting with team members and will continue to listen and work towards solutions We expect to continue serving guests and will communicate directly with anyone whose appointment is affected Our commitment is to our team and to our guests and we're committed to getting this right together