A group of seventeen mechanics at MV Transportation are the newest members of Teamsters Local 117. The Seattle-area Local Union was authorized as the workers’ exclusive bargaining representative after a majority of the group voted to join the Union in an election with the National Labor Relations Board on Thursday, August 13. 

The mechanics, who work out of three facilities in Bellevue, Kent, and Shoreline, will join an existing bargaining unit of 330 unionized drivers, schedulers, and transit instructors at MV Transportation performing paratransit services in King County. They sought representation with Teamsters Local 117 because they want fair and equal treatment, job security, and a voice over their wages, health care, retirement security, and other working conditions. 

“These workers perform essential services that benefit some of the most vulnerable residents of King County, but they are currently overworked, understaffed, and underpaid,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117. “I am excited to work with them to negotiate strong contractual protections with provisions like annual wage increases, improved benefits, and fair working conditions. We will make sure MV Transportation appropriately recognizes the contributions they make to our community.”         

In the coming weeks, the workers will complete contract surveys, meet to establish their priorities for negotiations, and identify rank-and-file leaders to participate on the union bargaining committee.

"I'm looking forward to negotiating long-awaited improvements," said Michael Glass, a technician who has been with the company for seventeen years. "I've experienced working in Teamster shops before, and I believe unionizing is necessary to make actual improvements in our workplace so we can get better treatment. I'm glad to be a Teamster again."