TACOMA, Wash. — A new workforce and childcare hub is coming to Tacoma.

The Pierce County Central Labor Council , which represents more than 100 labor unions, and its nonprofit arm the Pierce County Labor Community Services Agency, is buying the old Willard Elementary School, most recently Willard Early Learning Center.

The council is transforming it to be used for multiple purposes, including a section of the building being turned into a 24-hour affordable childcare center for union employees. The council said the childcare center will start with serving union employees who are in apprenticeships in the construction and building sectors.

“You can't have a conversation more than 20 to 25 minutes without somebody talking about childcare being a barrier,” said Nathe Lawver with the Pierc

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