Congratulations to the Climate Pledge Arena parking garage and valet workers who have voted to join Teamsters Local 117! The Seattle-area Local Union was authorized as the workers’ exclusive bargaining representative through a card check process conducted by an independent arbitrator on Monday.

“We are excited to see these workers win a voice at work,” said John Scearcy, Teamsters 117 Secretary-Treasurer and principal officer. “We are looking forward to negotiating a strong contract that includes the group’s priorities like living wages, fair working conditions and flexible scheduling.”

Throughout the organizing drive, the Climate Pledge Arena remained neutral, which Scearcy commended. “We applaud this employer for allowing the workers to determine for themselves whether they wanted to join the union.”

This group of 21 garage and valet workers are joining the over 200 Teamsters who work at Climate Pledge Arena including greeters, ticket scanners, ushers, and many other workers who help operate the venue. Their victory brings the unionization rate at the climate-friendly arena to 94%.

“Given the choice, I have always voted to have union representation on the job because that's how we get a strong voice,” said Christopher Dowller, a parking attendant at the venue. “With everything going on, now more than ever, I need to make sure I have a good healthcare and benefits.”

The certification of Teamsters Local 117 as the workers’ exclusive representative triggers the process of contract negotiations. The workers will meet in the coming weeks to establish their priorities for negotiations and identify rank-and-file leaders to participate on the union bargaining committee.