How did PSEU choose to affiliate with Teamsters Local 117?

The Executive Board and Trustees of PSEU voted unanimously to recommend affiliation with Teamsters Local 117 because of our extensive experience in public safety and high-quality representation of members within all of the departments, divisions, and classifications that PSEU represents. 

On August 31, 2026, PSEU members voted overwhelmingly to affiliate with Teamsters Local 117.

Some additional advantages of Teamsters 117 include:

  • Large union with density in King, Pierce, statewide and public/private sector presence.
  • A leader and one of the largest groups in the Coalition of King County, representing employees across Departments/Divisions in a variety of professions.
  • Significant experience representing law enforcement (Commissioned and Non-Commissioned), Corrections, the courts, and social services.
  • Extensive experience with mergers, affiliations, and service agreements, and commitment to a seamless transition.

What staff support can Teamsters 117 provide?

With over 19,000 members, Teamsters 117 is one of the largest Teamsters locals in the nation. Our staff of approximately 50 experienced labor professionals includes 25 union representatives and dedicated teams for both public sector and corrections/law enforcement units. Our in-house legal team provides specialized counsel for certain sectors, and is highly familiar with negotiations, interest arbitration, and public sector labor laws. Other staff focus on legislative affairs, IT, communications, internal and external organizing, and administrative support.

How will this transition impact dues?

The Teamsters dues rate is 1.3% based on straight-time earnings, as compared to PSEU dues which are 1.2% of base earnings. The Teamsters currently has a dues cap of $175 per month, and the standard $300 Initiation Fee will be waived for incoming PSEU members.

We expect to fully assume representational responsibilities at the start of 2027. No dues will be deducted until PERC certifies the change in representation, which we anticipate will by the end of the year.

No membership dues go to political contributions, but members will have the option to contribute to a Political Action Committee (PAC) through the Teamsters DRIVE program.

What about benefits?

Being a Teamster comes with a range of benefits. All members are eligible for a no-cost life insurance policy, Teamsters scholarships, sponsorships, and other membership assistance programs. Unique Teamster-only benefits may be available, including the Teamsters pension, medical/retirement medical plans, and the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund. If you have specific questions about these benefits, please ask!

We voted to affiliate. What will happen next?

Over the next several weeks we will be reaching out to welcome you to the Teamsters, answer your questions, and have you sign a membership application which unlocks the rights and benefits of membership.

You can get a jump on that process by starting your Teamsters membership now:

Start your Teamsters Membership!

Meanwhile, we’ll be working behind the scenes to implement the transition. The entire process is monitored by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) to ensure your affiliation rights are recognized and protected. 

The transition to Teamsters 117 does not affect any provisions of your current contract. PSEU is still your representative until the affiliation is certified by PERC, which we expect to happen at the end of this year. At that time, Teamsters 117 will take over representation for all issues, grievances, bargaining, contract negotiations, and all other related matters.