Workers at two ATZ-owned parking lots (Doug Fox and Shuttle Park2) that serve Sea-Tac Airport have voted to join Teamsters Local 117.  The 40 workers came together seeking job security, fair and equal treatment, strong representation, and respect. The workers voted to become Teamsters in an NLRB election on April 18.

“We are excited to have the strength of the Teamsters behind us,” said Ahmed Dahir, a 2-year ATZ employee.  “The union gives us a voice and a chance to make a better life.”

The ATZ employees transport passengers to and from Sea-Tac Airport. They perform the same work as their counterparts at other parking facilities servicing the airport, but they are excluded from receiving the benefits of SeaTac’s new minimum wage ordinance.  Workers at the Shuttle Park2 lot are excluded because of the lot’s location just outside of the City of SeaTac; workers at the Doug Fox lot are excluded as a result of a King County judge’s ruling last December giving the Port of Seattle jurisdiction over the airport.  That ruling has been appealed to the state Supreme Court.

“We’re not waiting for the courts to rule on this, we need respect now.  Sea-Tac Airport brings millions of dollars into our community, but many workers are still struggling to make ends meet,” Dahir said.

The election marks one in a succession of worker-led initiatives at the airport.  Last month, 165 workers at GCA Services Group overwhelmingly ratified a first contract, which secures Teamsters representation, as well as family wages and benefits for airport workers. On March 26, airport workers staged a protest at Extra Car Airport Parking, Inc., after the company unlawfully terminated seven employees who had asserted their rights under the new ordinance. At Bags, Inc. workers have recently petitioned for an election with the National Labor Relations Board in an effort to win a voice at work.

“Workers at the airport are standing up for their rights and demanding a voice,” said Tracey A. Thompson, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117. “We are excited to welcome the ATZ workers to the Teamsters. We look forward to working with them to improve their working conditions and to help them achieve a strong contract.”