It's a big weekend for Teamsters! Shop Stewards from across our Union and all across the state will be gathering for our annual Shop Steward Seminar and Appreciation Day.

This is an opportunity to recognize the hard work, commitment, and sacrifice of the hundreds of rank-and-file leaders of our union. It's also a chance to demonstrate our collective power, discuss challenges facing labor, and strategize for the coming year.

The event kicks off on Friday morning with a gathering of our Department of Corrections Stewards here at the Union hall in Tukwila. At that meeting, we'll be gearing up for DOC contract negotiations later this spring, talking about our political work in Olympia, including the successful passage of our bill to extend assault benefits, and discussing our newly-won interest arbitration rights.

Friday's program concludes with a dinner and the announcement and recognition of our DOC Shop Steward of the Year. (More on that coming later!)

The main event, for all Stewards, takes place on Saturday at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Over 300 Local 117 Shop Stewards are expected to attend the 6-hour seminar, which gets underway with a buffet breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

The agenda includes a look at our proud history as Teamsters, a legal review, breakout sessions on member mobilization and engagement, as well as a few juicy surprises.

In case you are missing yours, here are the documents that were mailed out to all Stewards in advance of Saturday's seminar:

• Invitation Letter to Shop Stewards
• Information about Parking

We hope those who are able to attend enjoy the event and take the time to connect with the many talented members on hand.

Thank you again to our incredible force of Stewards who serve our union so well and work everyday to make us strong!