It's become an annual tradition at Teamsters 117 to assemble care packages at our February membership meeting.

At our our union hall on Thursday, Teamsters joined in solidarity to assemble care packages for our neighbors who are struggling with stable housing. Members from a diverse set of industries have made it a priority to attend this annual event in February to put together hygiene kits, non-perishable food items, and essential supplies for the most vulnerable residents of our communities.

“It is heartening to see the compassion and camaraderie displayed by everyone who attended today,” shared Bridget Lee who works at the Recorder’s Office at King County.“ It's empowering for me to know that my union cares about neighbors in our communities.”

Teamsters take assembled packets with them to distribute to those in need in their neighborhoods.

At the meeting, we also celebrated Black History Month recognizing that workers’ fight for economic justice is inseparable from the fight for racial justice and inclusion. Union members paid homage to the courage and resilience of Black workers. As Teamsters, we have a proud history of not tolerating the separation of unions along color lines and of marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the struggle for civil rights.

The theme of Black history in labor sparked vivid conversations among Teamsters.

“We cannot let ourselves be divided along race lines,” insisted Bennett Bourke, a Teamster at Diamond Parking. “It is continued advocacy for and inclusion of people of color regardless of political trends that creates an equitable future for all workers.”

Shane Farley, a member at MV Transportation concluded: “Despite any racist rhetoric, only united can we continue to question authority and push back against management.”