#United States #Tukwila #Labor Union #Teamsters Local 117 #Mt. View Funeral Home

Mt. View Funeral Home Workers Unite with Teamsters

In a significant move for labor representation, 11 employees at the Mt. View Funeral Home in Tukwila, Washington, have voted to join Teamsters Local 117. This decision reflects their desire for improved working conditions, equitable wages, and enhanced safety measures in their demanding profession.

Reasons Behind the Unionization

The staff associates, who are essential in providing care and support to families dealing with the loss of loved ones, felt a sense of urgency to join a union after voicing concerns about their safety and well-being to upper management. Leía Allen, one of the staff associates, expressed the collective feeling of insecurity regarding management's care for their safety. "People have been hurt and pressured to return to work before they are fully healed. Our needs and requests have been repeatedly ignored, forgotten, and dismissed. But not anymore," she stated passionately.

Unionization opens a pathway for these workers to advocate for a strong contract that ensures fair wages, comprehensive benefits, and provisions that prioritize their health and safety on the job. Paul Dascher, the Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117, remarked on the importance of their work, saying, "These workers provide care, compassion, and support to families when they need it most — after the loss of a loved one. They deserve a strong Teamsters contract."

The Role of Staff Associates

The staff associates at Mt. View Funeral Home play a vital role in the grieving process, responsible for tasks such as transporting deceased individuals and offering support to family members throughout multiple locations, including the funeral home and memorial services. Their job is not just physically demanding but also emotionally taxing, requiring a special kind of compassion and resilience.

By joining Teamsters Local 117, these workers are aligning themselves with a labor organization that represents approximately 19,000 workers across various industries in Washington State. This larger community allows them to draw upon collective bargaining power to negotiate better conditions and ensure a respectful workplace.

Looking Forward

The process of unionization is an empowering step for the staff associates, who have been vocal about their desires for change. They firmly believe that joining the Teamsters will finally give them a voice to advocate for their rights and safety. The union's support will play a crucial role in negotiating with management to ensure that their concerns are addressed moving forward.

Building a safer, more equitable workplace is a priority for the newly unionized staff. With their decisive vote to join Teamsters Local 117, these workers hope to inspire others in similar industries to pursue union representation as a means to secure their rights and improve working conditions.

For more information on Teamsters Local 117 and their initiatives, visit www.Teamsters117.org.