Seattle Teamsters rally in support of workers, call out Mauser Packaging Solutions for its ugly lockout.

Teamsters O’Brien, Mayor Harrell, Councilmember Mosqueda Denounce Mauser Lockout - RALLY PHOTOS

Teamsters executive leadership, elected officials, labor leaders, and community allies rallied today in support of a group of 20 union members who were locked out of their jobs by Mauser Packaging Solutions, Inc last week. The company shut the doors on its workers in the middle of contract negotiations with Teamsters Local 117 after issuing an ultimatum that would have forced the workers into accepting a substandard contract proposal.

With protesters waving signs that read, End Mauser Packaging Misery, Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien, who traveled to Seattle to stand with the workers, spoke out against corporate greed. “When large multinationals like Mauser attack workers, we will fight them tooth and nail,” President O’Brien said. “This is a case of a corporate bully trying to intimidate workers and bust their union. We won’t let it happen. Mauser needs to end this brutal lockout and give workers the contract they deserve.”

Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien blasts Mauser for its cowardice and corporate greed.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell also urged Mauser to reach a settlement with the Teamsters. "These workers do difficult work every day to help keep our Seattle economy moving forward and support our communities. It's time to reach a contract resolution rooted in the respect -- not intimidation -- that these workers deserve, delivering a safe workplace with dignity and fair wages."

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell spoke powerfully in support of locked out workers.

On April 9, King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda delivered a letter to Mauser management demanding that the company bargain fairly. At the rally, she denounced the lockout. “Mauser is union-busting plain and simple,” Councilmember Mosqueda said. “They allegedly tried to do it in 2022 when they threatened their mostly immigrant workforce during the last contract cycle, and it appears they’re trying to do it again by locking out workers today. I urge the company to respect their workers, end the lockout immediately, and return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract in good faith.” 

King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda has supported workers at Mauser/ICS for years.

Also speaking at the rally, April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, emphasized the power of worker solidarity. “The WSLC represents more than 600,000 union families across Washington State, and we are united in our call for Mauser to end their unfair lockout of our Teamster siblings. We’re putting the employer on notice; when they pick a fight with their workers, they pick a fight with all of us. And labor doesn’t back down.”

Mauser operates the Industrial Container Services (ICS) plant in South Park, where the locked out workers refurbish steel barrels for a living. Leading up to contract negotiations, the company drastically cut workers’ hours, making it impossible for them to support their families. Management says business has slowed, but workers insist production has not dropped off and that a few employees are getting assigned overtime to make up for the lost hours. “My co-workers and I do dangerous work inside this facility,” said five-year employee Josue Calvario. “We’re constantly inhaling toxic fumes and dust from the barrels. All we are asking for is livable wages and sustainable hours to help pay our bills and keep a roof over our heads.”

Teamster Josue Calvario describes his work refurbishing steel barrels at the Mauser/ICS facility in South Park.

The overwhelming support has emboldened Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters 117. “We’re not backing down until Mauser does right by its workers,” Dascher insisted. “That means ending this lockout immediately. It means bargaining a contract with sustainable hours and fair, family-supporting wages. It means creating a healthy environment that keeps workers and our community safe. And it means respecting workers and their union.”  

Labor leaders tell Mauser to end Packaging Misery, from l to r: Fred Zuckerman, Katie Garrow, Cherika Carter, April Sims, Sean O'Brien, Paul Dascher.

Mauser Packaging Solutions, Inc is a multinational industrial packaging manufacturer with global headquarters in Oak Brook, IL. Teamsters Local 117 represents over 17,000 workers in various industries across Washington State. For more information, visit www.Teamsters117.org.