With DOC negotiations now shifting to economics, the State needs to recognize the incredible service that correctional employees provide to protect the public. Right now, that isn’t happening.

I want to share some good news. Effective today, July 1, 2016 all Teamsters who work at the DOC will receive a 4.3% increase.

Carl Beatty is a correctional officer at the Monroe Correctional Complex. He is also a Shop Steward and representative on the Steward Advisory Counsel (SAC).

Cheryl Miller is a classification counselor at Airway Heights Correction Center. She has been a Teamster for 11 years.

At the end of our negotiations session with the State over our DOC contract yesterday in Olympia, members of our bargaining team were disappointed and frustrated.

Local 117 members and staff spent the day at the Monroe Correctional Complex yesterday, talking with members about their concerns at work. We also talked about the ongoing DOC contract negotiations with the State.

We were back at the bargaining table with the State on June 9 and 10 to negotiate over the terms and conditions our 2017-2019 DOC contract.

He's been building cars all his life. He started out refurbishing 4-wheel drives and has moved on to just about every type of vehicle since - Toyotas, Fords, Cameros, Caddys. He's rebuilt a '66 Chevelle, a '50 Bel Aire, and a '47 Diamond T.