VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE MARCH 21 LOCAL 117 LOBBY DAY HERE!

On Thursday, March 21, Local 117 members from the public sector, private sector, the Department of Corrections, and the Western Washington Taxicab Operators Association (WWTCOA) teamed up for your Union's fourth lobby day this legislative session in Olympia. 

Over 40 members turned out to speak with legislators about critical issues facing working families including interest arbitration rights for Teamsters at the DOC, pay sick days, collective bargaining rights, and the Washington State DREAM Act.  Members also lobbied against proposed "right to work" (for less!) legislation (SB5347) that is moving forward in the Senate.

The event was sponsored by three Local 117 caucuses - the Teamsters for Tomorrow, Comite Latino, and the Teamsters Women's Caucus. Members from all three caucuses spoke in prescheduled meetings with legislators; for many members, it was their first trip to the State Capitol.

"I came to talk with Senators about two bills - the Washington State DREAM act and the Voting Rights Act," said Jose Recinos of Seattle Iron and Metal. "We want to make sure that our kids have an opportunity to go to school and make a better life for themselves."

"I'm here to show my support for my fellow Teamsters 117 members," said Tony Tellez, an AC Cook at the Washington Corrections Center (WCC) in Shelton.  "I'll be touching up on interest arbitration.  That's a big deal for everybody at the DOC.  It's important that management and union members are on an equal playing field."