We are excited to announce our new private sector Business Representative, Dewayne Collins, who started at the Local last month. 

Dewayne brings a wealth of experience to his position at your Local Union. He became a Teamster in 1997 when he went to work at SCS Refrigerated Services, now Lineage Logistics.

While at SCS, Dewayne served as a Union Shop Steward for several years. In that capacity, he participated in contract negotiations, handled grievances, and helped resolve issues in the workplace.

Dewayne has been a delegate to the Washington State Labor Council, a Trustee on the Pierce County Central Labor Council, and an active member of the Teamsters Pacific Northwest Black Caucus. In his role on the PNWBC, he headed up a committee that contributed to the success of our first Teamsters Casino Night fundraiser event.

Dewayne has also been instrumental in helping to organize new workers into the Union.

Dewayne cited two quotes that serve as an inspiration:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

“Our labor unions are not narrow, self-seeking groups. They have raised wages, shortened hours, and provided supplemental benefits. Through collective bargaining, and grievance procedures, they have brought justice and democracy to the shop floor.” - John F. Kennedy

Dewayne will be representing Local 117 members working in a variety of private sector industries. He can be reached by email or at 206-441-4860 ext. 1275.