Teamsters flood the state capitol for DOC Lobby Day

Teamsters show up in force to lobby their legislators.

The voices of Teamsters rang through the legislative building in Olympia yesterday.

"Who are we?! Teamsters!" Local 117 members bellowed as they gathered for a group photo in the Capitol's rotunda.

We filled the rotunda and let Olympia know - Teamsters are in the house!

The occasion was our annual DOC Lobby Day where nearly 200 members and their families traveled from all corners of the state to discuss with legislators the challenges of prison work.

"I was able to put a personal touch on what it's like to work in corrections," said Angella Coker, a supervisor with DOC's graduated reentry program. "I grew up on strike lines - my father worked in the timber industry so being in the union is important to me."

Angella Coker advocated for supplemental retirement benefits at DOC.

Coker is part of the newly-organized WMS group that joined Teamsters 117 just last year. She works in the field helping individuals reintegrate into the community by assisting them with housing, employment, and reconnecting with their families.

She was drawn to the event by one of our priority bills, HB 1069, which will allow Teamsters to negotiate supplemental healthcare benefits for retirees. "Under the current system, I would have to work 40-plus years in state service to retire with medical benefits. This bill would allow us to bargain for supplemental coverage, which is crucial for those of us in corrections."

Beyond healthcare, members spoke with lawmakers about the need to provide presumptive PTSD coverage for DOC staff (HB 1070) and interest arbitration for corrections employees in smaller jurisdictions (HB 2137).

With a multi-billion dollar budget deficit threatening state services, many were also urging legislators to support the so-called millionaire's tax, which would require the wealthiest 1/2 of 1% of all Washingtonians to pay their fair share.

Teamsters crowded the office of Senator Steve Conway with an idea of how to keep state government solvent and ensure state employees are paid fairly.

"When Teamsters show up, our voice in Olympia is strong," said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters 117, as he addressed the group. "Thank you for prioritizing this event. Every year our presence at the State Capitol grows, and with that growth comes the power to pass critical bills and bring positive change to corrections work."