Teamsters 117 was back in Olympia today to speak out in support of issues that are important to working families.  Together with members of several other Teamster Locals, Local 117 members met with their legislators to discuss raising the minimum wage, passing a paid sick days bill, and protecting workers against wage theft.

"This is the second time that I've done a Lobby Day, and I had a lot of fun the first time," said Jess Turney, a 2-year Teamster at Fisheries Supply in Seattle. "I think the strength of the Teamsters is activism and the membership has to participate in order for the union to be strong and for us to accomplish our goals." 

Local 117 members continued to lobby their State Senators on a bill (HB 2152) that would allow Teamster taxi drivers the choice to opt into the State's Labor & Industries system.  On February 7, the bill passed out of the House by a vote of 93-1, and it is now working its way through the Senate.

Members also discussed the need to alleviate prison overcrowding and to address other safety and security-related issues for our state's correctional employees.

Today's event was organized by the Joint Council of Teamsters 28, an organization of 12 Teamster Locals in Washington, Alaska, and Northern Idaho.