Christopher Woods helps run drywall production at GP Gypsum in Tacoma. 

Down at the Port of Tacoma on Commencement Bay sits a massive gypsum board facility - GP Gypsum - where over a hundred Teamsters produce, inspect, load, and ship out drywall to dealers of building materials across the US and Canada. 

It's a loud, messy warehouse environment where Local 117 members, splattered with gypsum plaster, monitor boards buzzing down a fast-moving production line. 

Shop Steward Marcus Slater has posted up at stations throughout the facility.

One of those is Marcus Slater, a Shop Steward who has been at the company for nearly five years. He's worked at almost every station in the warehouse, including take off, inspector, machinery, and paper hanger. He now runs "the knife", where the boards are cut.

"We look for defects," Marcus explains. "We make sure the size, width, length, thickness, and weight of the boards are accurate and within centerline. We take samples every half hour. We're the first line of defense for these boards."

As Marcus describes his job, the plant is running Mold-Guard, which is designed to maintain durability in damp environments. "They use these boards in the mountains and other high-humidity areas," he says. "It's supposed to protect from moisture build-up within the walls."  

A self-described people person, Marcus is well-suited for the Shop Steward role. "It's one of the things I love most about being here," he says. "I get to connect with people and help them out."

Shop Steward Shaun Kendall (r) is all smiles about his coming retirement, together with Union Rep Matt Komperda.

Another longtime employee who values the union's role is Shaun Kendall, a Shop Steward and lab technician who has been testing board quality at the company for 21 years.

In February, he and his co-workers overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract - what will likely be Shaun's last - and he's stoked about it. "It's the best one I've seen," he said. "I like how it went from a four year to a three year deal. And I like the pay raises we got - that was huge." 

Union Representative Matt Komperda joined Shaun and Marcus along with three other Shop Stewards in bargaining - Oleg Lapa, Philip Butorac, and Javier Solheim. Senior Staff Attorney Briana Drakes headed up the negotiations. 

"Our members at GP Gypsum help build America," said Local 117 Secretary-Treasurer, Paul Dascher. "Whether you're hanging drywall for a living or just hanging out at home, remember that Teamsters had a hand in the walls that protect and surround us."