After nine months of challenging negotiations with King County, we have some great news to share!

Members of Teamsters 117 have voted overwhelmingly to approve the Coalition Labor Agreement (CLA) proposal negotiated between our Coalition of Unions and the County along with all outstanding Appendix Agreements.

Congratulations to our members at King County on their new contract! These agreements cover wages and benefits for King County Teamsters over a three-year term starting January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. 

Highlights of the CLA include:

• Healthy wage increases in all three years of the contract
  • 1/1/26 - 3.75% general wage increase
  • 1/1/27 - 3.75% general wage increase
  • 1/1/28 - 3-4% COLA
• $1500 ratification bonus payable to all Coalition members
• Bilingual pay premium for employees using additional languages at work
• Wage improvements for our administrative support positions
• Additional contributions to fund professional development opportunities
• Significant increases to our boot allowance for members working in the field
• Improved vacation accrual for new employees
• Holiday pay improvements for employees on alternative work schedules

Members can review the wage increases and benefits in the redlined CLA agreement as well as all redlined Appendix Agreements here. We will distribute links to the final contract documents once they are approved by the King County Council.

PRÓXIMOS PASOS

These agreements will now move through the King County Council's contract transmittal process.

Assuming that process goes smoothly, we should be on track for full implementation on time - January 1, 2026 - for all of our Teamsters 117 bargaining units.

THANK YOU

Huge shout out to our Teamsters 117 shop stewards who served on our Coalition Negotiations Committee and the Appendix Negotiations Committees. These members championed the priorities of King County Teamsters in long, often exhausting biweekly bargaining sessions that ultimately led to a groundbreaking agreement.

Thanks also to all members who participated in our contract demands meetings, ratification meetings, and exercised their right to vote on their contract. 

Your input and strong voter turnout show that our membership at King County cares deeply about their Union and the contracts that protect your rights in the workplace. 

Finally, we owe tremendous gratitude to our two outstanding Union Representatives - Cara Mattson and Rosanna Sim. They have worked tirelessly over the last nine months fighting for a contract that respects the sacrifices of County employees. Great work everyone!