Negotiations with Aramark kicked off yesterday at the Teamsters hall in Tukwila.  Your Union team presented the company with a complete proposal, and we are expecting an initial response today.  Bargaining is tentatively scheduled for the entire week. 

Secretary-Treasurer Tracey Thompson and Private Sector Coordinator Rob DeRosa are heading up the negotiations for the Union, along with Business Representative Brian Blaisdell and Local 231 President Rachel McKibbin. 

Your Union’s rank-and-file bargaining committee consists of the following members:

Local 117

• Alex Hill
• David Lom
• Johnnie Uzzell
• Joe Oreskovich
• Kevin Roen

Local 231

• Brad Petersen 

Members on the bargaining team cited fair pay, retirement security, health and welfare, and respect as key issues.

“Our health care is an issue that would galvanize us enough to strike,” said Joe Oreskovich, a Shop Steward with 22 years at the company.

“That’s a deal breaker,” Johnnie Uzzell added.  Uzzell, a Shop Steward and 10-year Teamster, also emphasized the need for a secure retirement.

“I’m looking to retire from this company.  I’ve got 10 years vested and I want to stay.”