Secretary-Treasurer Paul Dascher (center right) and President Maria Williams (center) are leading our team of delegates to the IBT Convention.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) convention kicks off today in Las Vegas. This event occurs every five years, when Teamsters from Local Unions across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico come together to debate and vote on operations and governance of our Union and to nominate leaders for our International Union’s Executive Board. 

This year, the 31st IBT convention will be held from June 15 to June 18. Elected delegates representing the 1.3 million Teamster members across our Union will attend the event. The number of delegates from each Local is determined by membership size. 

With 19,000 members, Teamsters Local 117 is one of the largest Locals in the country. As such, we will have a powerful voice at the convention, with a team of delegates and alternates, including rank-and-file members from industries and geographical locations across Washington State.

Show Steward Patrick Dean is excited to connect with Teamsters from across the country.

"It's an honor and a privilege to represent Local 117 with Secretary-Treasurer Paul Dascher. It's going to be an unforgettable experience," said Patrick Dean, a Shop Steward from US Foods. "I'm excited to learn about the process and take as much knowledge as I can back to my shop. I look forward to making connections with more folks at Local 117 and Teamsters across the country."

Shop Steward Karla Clark is ready to represent the Local 117 membership!

"As a new Shop Steward, I'm proud to represent our Local as a delegate," said Karla Clark, a member from King County. "I'm looking forward to seeing close up the innerworkings of our Union. We're going to be making a lot of memories here, and I'm excited to connect with our Local 117 peeps!"

At the convention, delegates meet to engage in the work of the Union.  Delegates propose, debate, and vote on amendments to the IBT Constitution. These amendments cover issues as diverse as organizing, strike assistance, and negotiation policy. 

Resolutions that are not part of the Constitution are also brought to the floor of the convention for debate and a vote.  Resolutions tend to focus on issues of justice and fairness for workers.

“I'm excited to lead an incredible delegation of members and Union staff to the convention,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117, who will be serving on the convention's Organizing Committee. “Our team will work to forge the best path forward for stronger contracts, professional representation, and growth. Our strength lies in our size as a Local Union and in being one of the most diverse memberships in our International Union. We are ready to meet the challenges the future holds.”