#USA #Teamsters #Tukwila #MV Transportation #King County

Seattle Paratransit Workers Join Teamsters

In a significant move towards improving their working conditions, the mechanics at MV Transportation in Tukwila, Washington, have decided to join forces with Teamsters Local 117. This decision came after a vote to organize, which will see these workers become part of an existing bargaining unit that already has 330 unionized members, including drivers, schedulers, and transit instructors who all serve the paratransit needs of the community in King County.

The mechanics play a crucial role in ensuring safe and reliable transportation for some of the most vulnerable residents in the area. However, many have been expressing concerns about being overworked, understaffed, and underpaid. Paul Dascher, the Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117, highlighted these issues, stating, "MV mechanics provide an essential service to some of the most vulnerable residents of King County, but they are currently overworked, understaffed, and underpaid."

The 17 workers who joined the Teamsters cited a desire for greater job security, improved wages, better healthcare benefits, robust retirement plans, and enhanced working conditions as their primary motivations for unionizing. The union will aid these workers in negotiating a stronger contract that includes much-needed gains such as annual wage increases and improved benefits. As part of the upcoming negotiations, workers will be engaging in bargaining surveys to ascertain their priorities and will elect rank-and-file leaders to form their bargaining committee.

Michael Glass, a long-time technician at MV Transportation with over 17 years of experience in the field, voiced his excitement about the prospect of negotiating. He said, "I'm looking forward to negotiating long-awaited improvements. I've experienced working in Teamsters shops before, and I believe unionizing is necessary to make actual improvements in our workplace so we can get better treatment. I'm glad to be a Teamster again."

Teamsters Local 117 represents approximately 19,000 workers across various sectors in Washington State, advocating for employees’ rights and interests in both public and private industries. This latest move illustrates ongoing efforts to uplift working conditions within transportation services, particularly for those who may not always receive the recognition they deserve.

The workers' journey towards securing a stronger union presence at MV Transportation shines a light on the importance of collective bargaining in promoting fair treatment and adequate working conditions in the transportation industry. As the negotiations begin, all eyes will be on the Teamsters and MV Transportation to see how these discussions unfold and what changes may subsequently be instituted as a result.

For those interested in learning more about the Teamsters and their initiatives, or for any media inquiries, they can visit Teamsters Local 117.