Skagit County PUD Customer Service Representatives Join Teamsters Local 231!

Congratulations to the members of our new bargaining unit at Skagit Public Utility District (PUD) who on February 7^th, ratified their first collective bargaining agreement.  The employees working in customer service at Skagit PUD elected to join Teamsters Local 231 in late 2022. Over the course of the past year, the Union and the PUD have worked through negotiations to develop a collective bargaining agreement for these hardworking essential employees.  The two-year collective bargaining agreement includes improvements to the working conditions for the customer service department employees such as daily overtime, a just cause provision for discipline, and a structured wage scale with annual increases and opportunities for training and development. The members of the newly formed bargaining unit at the PUD are excited to have a voice in the workplace, and the support of their Union brothers and sisters at Teamsters Local 231! Special thanks goes out to shop steward Tina Lloyd for her hard work and commitment at the bargaining table as we worked to achieve this first contract.

LTI, Inc. Teamsters Ratify 3-Year Agreement!

After a long and arduous bargaining process, the membership at LTI ratified a three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement. The group was forced by the Employer to authorize a strike, in order to maintain their excellent healthcare and retirement benefits. In addition to securing more money for healthcare and retirement, the contract wage increases are the highest the group has seen from this employer ever. The solidarity of the group, along with the support of our Brothers and Sisters at the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, made this agreement possible. 

Teamsters at the City of Burlington Ratify Strong new 4-Year Agreements! 

City of Burlington Public Works and Clerical Teamster members ratified new four-year agreements. Both Bargaining Units negotiated together with the City, ensuring a fair deal for all. Highlights of the new agreements include, significant wage increases and the recognition of Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as well as several other improvements. A special thank you goes out to the bargaining committee members, Darlene Regan, Kim Shimek, Brady Miller, Simeon Brown, Paul Tingley and Al Bridgeman for their hard work during this process.

City of Everson (Non-Uniform) Ratify New Agreement

The Non-Uniform Teamsters membership at the City of Everson ratified a proposed agreement that provides improvements such as: a great wage increase in 2024 followed by CPI-based increases in following years, percentage based longevity pay, improvements to bereavement leave, and fully paid health & welfare premiums over the four-year duration of the agreement.

City of Blaine Teamsters (Non-Uniform) Ratify New 2-Year Extension 

The Non-Uniform Teamsters membership ratified a two-year extension of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. The agreed upon extension locks in their health and welfare benefits and provides a solid wage increase over the duration of the agreement.

Teamsters in Sudden Valley Vote to Ratify New 3-Year Contract

On Friday, February 16^th, the members at Sudden Valley Community Association voted unanimously to approve a new 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement. This Agreement provides set wage increases each January, as well as an additional floating holiday and a 401 (k) match. Thank you to the Bargaining Committee members, Angi Huggins and Scott Sanders, for your patience and hard work on behalf of all the bargaining unit members and for volunteering to be at the bargaining table.

Teamsters at the City of Lynden ratify a new three-year Agreement

City of Lynden Teamsters Local 231 members working in City Hall and in Public Works, including Streets and the Wastewater / Water Treatment Plant have voted to secure major improvements in their collective bargaining agreements. Some of these improvements include increases to the Deferred Compensation Plan of their choosing, increases to longevity pay, and numerous other items. After a collaborative wage study was completed last year, the groups have now secured significant wage increases including a 5% COLA (cost of living adjustment) for 2024 and position specific market rate adjustment (MRA) wage increases to keep positions at the city competitive with other surrounding cities. The bargaining committee worked diligently to stay focused on improvements the members wanted. A special thank you to bargaining committee members Heather Sytsma, Dave Timmer, Tom Zylstra, and Josh Libolt for their time and commitment through the negotiation process.

4-year Agreement covering over 80 workers sets the standard for other waste disposal companies

Negotiations for a new contract to cover over 80 garbage drivers, recycle drivers, mechanics, transfer station and toter-washer Employees at Sanitary Service Company concluded on January 12, 2024, when the Bargaining Units ratified a new 4-year agreement.  The parties reached an incredibly strong contract that will set a new standard in the Solid Waste and Recycling industry for the next four years. Members had made clear they were willing to fight hard to win major victories, and the new contract delivered.

The achievements in this newly negotiated Agreement are too numerous to list. Workers won strong new language that requires payment to Drivers who float between routes. The new Agreement also provides stronger language requiring payment to bid drivers if they are moved off their routes and put on a different route. The addition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid Holiday is a tremendous display of awareness and recognition by Sanitary Service Company.

On the economic side, the achievements around wage and pension increases set a new area standard for the other haulers in King, Snohomish, Whatcom and Skagit Counties.

“Sanitary Services Company delivered for their employees and for the communities they service. In the very near future, other haulers will need to meet this new industry standard for their employees and I hope they are ready to reward their workers the way Sanitary Services has.” said Teamsters Local 231 Secretary-Treasurer Rich Ewing. “By bargaining this Master Agreement together, we were able to gain better leverage to get a contract that will be life-changing for our members.”

City of Oak Harbor Marina and Public Works Join together in new Collective Bargaining Agreement:

The City of Oak Harbor Marina and City of Oak Harbor Public Works bargaining units joined together to ratify a joint Collective Bargaining Agreement effective January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025.  The two-year agreement includes several improvements in contract language, a 7 ½ % increase to wages over the term of the agreement, daily overtime, and a change in the healthcare premium cost share which went from an 80/20 employer/employee cost share to a 90/10 employer/ employee cost share, putting money back in the membership’s pockets.  In addition, through negotiations, a new group of employees were incorporated into the bargaining unit, resulting in several new Union members.  Special thanks to the negotiating committee members Bryon Bos, Joe Ramirez, Eric Hannan, and Duncan McPhee for their time and energy spent at the bargaining table working to provide a successor agreement for the membership to ratify.

Teamsters at City of Bellingham Ratify New Agreement! 

On Thursday, January 4, 2024, Teamster members working in the City of Bellingham Supervisory and Professional Bargaining Unit voted to ratify a three-year successor agreement.  The successor agreement includes a 10% increase to wages over the term, an increase to the deferred compensation match (3%), an increase to the City’s maximum contribution for healthcare benefit premiums, and various other language improvements.  Bellingham City Council approved the agreement on Monday, January 8, 2024, with an effective date of   January 1, 2024.

Special thanks to the members of the negotiating committee Chris Hughes, Kate Newell, Jessica Bennett, Sam Dunkailo, and Zac Miles for the time and effort spent to bring a successor agreement to the membership for a vote!

Record-Setting Increases Will Reward Freight Industry Workers

Peninsula Trucking Teamsters from Locals 174, 231, 252, 589, 760, 763, and 839 have overwhelmingly ratified a record-setting new contract with their employer. The group, which consists of city drivers, line drivers, dock workers, and office/clerical workers, will receive larger wage increases and pension increases than ever before, on top of other improvements to the contract.

Negotiations went smoothly, as the two sides were able to reach an agreement in just one long day of bargaining. Peninsula Truck Lines, which is locally owned and managed, came into the contract negotiations with a willingness to recognize and reward the workforce for their hard work and professionalism, leading to this strong contract. In addition to wage and pension increases, the new contract also adds MLK Day as a holiday and improves vacation accrual—both important goals identified by the members and union leadership prior to negotiations.

“Contract negotiations don’t always have to be war, and this contract shows that it is possible to reach an agreement that recognizes each side’s contributions,” said Rick Hicks, President of Teamsters Joint Council 28. “Peninsula Truck Lines management values their workers, and it showed in these negotiations. In return, the Teamsters respect Peninsula management for their commitment to doing right by these hardworking members. As a result, we were able to quickly produce a contract both sides can be very happy with, which will allow our members and the company they work for to continue to prosper into the future.”

Town of La Conner Teamsters Ratify Strong New Agreement

On December 7, 2023, the Public Works Department at the Town of La Conner unanimously voted to ratify a strong new four-year contract. The contract lays out wage increases of at least 21% over the term of the agreement to combat the rising cost of living and to recognize the group’s expertise in providing essential services to keep their community running.  Other highlights from the renewal introduces Juneteenth as an observed holiday, and maintains full employer-paid medical benefits for the group and their dependents over the next four-years. A special thanks goes out to Kevin Palaniuk for his dedication and hard work on the bargaining committee!

Congratulations to the City of Ferndale Clerical Unit on their new 2-year agreement!

Teamsters Local 231 members in the City of Ferndale's Clerical Unit, ratified a new 2-year collective bargaining agreement on November 20, 2023. This new agreement has improvements on longevity pay, vacation accrual, deferred compensation and flextime. The wage increases for all the members in the first year is 5% and 4.25% in the second year. There were also 7 bargaining unit positions that received an additional market rate adjustment between  2.5% and 5%. Teamsters Local 231 would like to thank Toni Segerman, Todd Anderson and Debbie Wharton for their commitment to the entire Bargaining unit.  The gains made in this agreement were only possible through the strong solidarity of this Bargaining Committee.

Strike averted for group of Petrogas Employees who join our Teamster family!

October 13, 2023: Nearly sixteen months after voting to join Teamsters Local 231, and after voting to authorize a strike, a group of 34 employees at Petrogas West went to work today with the protections of a strong Teamster contract. The agreement secures major improvements to every aspect of the group’s working conditions – including wage increases, a new bonus system, increases in the 401 (k) and the protections of Just Cause discipline.

Negotiations were slow and contentious, but became far more urgent after a strike vote in August – and the reality of their Union sisters and brothers honoring a picket line at their facilities. The remarkable contract victory came from the solidarity of the new group, the leadership of their rank-and-file bargaining committee who carried the same courage and resolve as hardened, decades-long Teamsters, and the solidarity of the other Unions who pledged their support.

 “This group was nonunion a year ago and they were living at the mercy of management. Now their pay, benefits, and schedules are secure. These improvements are exceptional for a first contract and were only possible because this group stayed united”, said Rich Ewing, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 231.

EPL Feed Teamsters Ratify New 3-Year Agreement

On October 21, 2023, EPL Feed Teamsters overwhelmingly ratified a new 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement. This Agreement provides very large wage increases, as well as an additional vacation week for long-term employees and a move to ZERO employee cost share for their full family Teamsters Medical, Dental and Vision benefits. Thank you to the Shop Stewards, Josh Cook and Harold Biemold for your work on this Agreement and for volunteering to be at the bargaining table.

Mount Vernon School District Bus Drivers Ratify new 3-Year Agreement:

Success! A new 3-year contract was ratified on Friday, August 25, 2023, by a vote of 21-1 for Mount Vernon School District Bus Drivers. This new contract addresses some much needed language improvements. Some of the highlights on the economic side of the contract includes increased VEBA money, the Driver Trainer premium more than doubled, increased new driver bonus, and robust Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for the term of the agreement.

A sincere “thank you” to the Bargaining Committee of: Robin Paul, Tammy Force, Flo Rose-Banks, Ronda Owens, Bonnie Pierson, Tamee Driver, and Tammy Olander. Great contracts don’t happen by accident. Thank you for all your hard work!

ABF Teamsters Ratify Impressive new 5-year Agreement:

Teamsters have overwhelmingly ratified a new national contract at ABF Freight. The five-year master agreement provides members with improvements to wages, benefits, and working conditions, among other gains. The agreement covers approximately 8,600 members at 137 local unions throughout the U.S.  

Highlights of the national contract include: 

• Wage Increases: Members will receive a $3.50 per hour raise effective July 1, 2023, with a total of $6.50 in raises over the life of the agreement. The wage increases in year one alone surpass those of the entire previous contract, providing meaningful improvements for members. 

• Expanded Benefits: MLK Day is added as a new paid holiday, recognizing its significance. Starting January 1, 2024, two additional annual paid sick days have been added, increasing the minimum number of paid sick days from five to seven. 

• Health, Welfare, & Pension Contributions: The company is required to increase its contributions to health, welfare, and pension plans, with a total of $4.46 per hour of additional contributions over the term of the agreement.  

• Work Protections: The national contract includes provisions to protect members’ rights and well-being. It prohibits the use of invasive technology and ensures new guardrails against the use of autonomous vehicles or freight transportation without drivers/operators, safeguarding job security. 

“The Teamsters Local 231 members covered under this agreement showed their determination to achieve a fair contract through strong participation throughout the bargaining process”, said Secretary-Treasurer, Rich Ewing. “It’s a true testament that every voice counts and solidarity wins the fight.”

Ridwell Employees Ratify First Teamster Contract

On Sunday July 9, 2023, the employees at Ridwell in Bellingham unanimously voted to approve their first Teamster Collective Bargaining Agreement. This group of Drivers and Warehouse workers will now enjoy the protections and benefits of a Teamster contract. Included in the contract are the protections of just cause in disciplinary actions, seniority, and successor language; normally only found in mature contracts. The members also secured an excellent vacation schedule that has them receiving 4 weeks of vacation when they have completed 4 years of employment. Additionally, the members will receive a minimum raise of $6.50 per hour at the Bellingham location and have the unique opportunity for a Stock Option Program. Congratulations to these new Teamsters Local 231 members for their success in this amazing first contract.

Whatcom County Master Bargaining Unit Members Ratify Strong 3-year Successor Agreement! 

Congratulations to Teamster members working in the Whatcom County Master Bargaining Unit who voted on June 5th, 2023, to overwhelmingly ratify a three-year successor Collective Bargaining Agreement. Following ratification by the Union membership, on the evening of June 6th, 2023, Whatcom County Council members voted to adopt the successor agreement. Negotiations proved to be very challenging and resulted in the parties working through mediation to reach a tentative agreement to bring to the Union Membership for a vote. Through the process, your bargaining committee was successful in negotiating several significant language improvements (some of which provided changes to the overtime exemptions in both the Parks department and Juvenile Detention), as well as wage increases, improvements to employer paid healthcare contribution coverage, and a $750.00 signing bonus. The work, time, and emotional effort that go into bargaining a successor agreement is very difficult and would not have been possible without the patience and commitment of your negotiating committee. Thank you to Ali Jensen, Allen Mason, Kyle Anderson, Ty Mount, Jill Jacoby, Nick Smith, Matt Martin, and Rebekah Roberts for all of your input, collaboration, and the dedication you exhibited throughout the process.

Americold Lynden Contract Extension Approved! 

By an overwhelming vote (16-1) and 100% bargaining unit participation, Teamsters at Americold Lynden approved an economic only 3-year extension on Tuesday, May 16^th. Some highlights of the ratified contract include an early $1.46 raise with retroactivity to April 10^th, a shorter wage progression period, and an increase in pension contributions. Special shout-out to Shop Steward, Jerry Scholten, for assisting in the negotiation and ratification process.

Whatcom County Corrections

Congratulations to the dedicated membership of the Whatcom County Corrections Bureau on the successful ratification of their new three-year agreement. Highlights: The new contract realizes great wage increases- including retention incentives, Emergency overtime improvements, increased employer contribution towards Health & Welfare, and new Education and Bi-lingual incentive premiums. The contract has been fully ratified and is now in effect.

Skagit County Juvenile Corrections Ratify Successor Agreement

The mediated settlement between the Juvenile Corrections Unit and the County was ratified by the membership in March and adopted by the County in April. The mediated settlement provides decent wage increases retroactive back to January 1, 2022, and provides other language improvements. The mediated settlement also provides, in conjunction with a wage study, an avenue for the County and Union to potentially create a progression tier system for officers. This Union and County have recently started the process of working through this and we are optimistic future discussions will produce a positive outcome.

Teamsters Local 231 Island County Sheriff Support Staff Specialist Ratify New Contract! 

Congratulations to our new Teamsters Local 231 members at Island County! After months of negotiations, the Island County Sheriff Support Staff Specialists voted to ratify their first-ever Agreement with Teamsters Local 231. The group became members of Teamsters Local 231 back in August of 2022 and will now enjoy the benefits of a strong Teamster contract and representation. Some contract highlights include increases to wages among other compensation improvements, generous PTO language, and improvements to overtime language. The Island County Board of Commissioners adopted the agreement on May 9^th and the contract is now in effect.

Island County Corrections Deputies Ratify First Contract! 

Congratulations to our new Teamsters Local 231 members at Island County! After months of negotiations, the Island County Corrections Deputies voted to ratify their first-ever Agreement with Teamsters Local 231. The group became members of Teamsters Local 231 back in July of 2022 and will now enjoy the benefits of a strong Teamster contract and representation. Some contract highlights include increases to wages among other compensation improvements, generous PTO language, and improvements to overtime language. The Island County Board of Commissioners adopted the agreement on May 9^th and the contract is now in effect.

Teamsters Local 231 welcomes new members at Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits

On Saturday morning, March 4th, a group of nearly 200 warehouse workers and CDL delivery drivers at Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits voted to ratify a strong new three-year contract. The new contract covering members of Teamster Locals 174, 58, 231, 589, 690 and 839 across Washington state includes critical language improvements, on top of strong wage increases, pension increases, and a new Teamster medical plan that will improve coverage while putting money back into workers’ pockets annually.

The contract addresses problems plaguing the group, including mandatory forced overtime, discipline, and working on holidays. Strong wage increases not only reward workers for the essential jobs they perform, but will also help attract and retain workers, helping to alleviate some of the overtime members have been consistently forced to perform. The biggest victory by far was moving the group into a Teamster medical plan, which lowers costs and improves coverage for members and their families.

Cascade Ambulance Teamsters Ratify New 2-year Agreement 

In the Spring of 2022 Cascade Ambulance was bought by MetroWest Ambulance, a private ambulance company based out of Portland, Oregon. Instantly, the Company started implementing unilateral changes without first bargaining the effects with the Union: Teamsters Local 231. These changes included mandatory subjects of bargaining,  such as healthcare benefits, retirement, and adding an additional shift. The Union went to work quickly and diligently, filing grievances and Unfair Labor Practice charges, in an attempt to get the issues resolved. Unfortunately, the Company wasn’t willing to bargain in good faith and the National Labor Relations Board found merit to all three unfair labor practice charges that were filed against the Company. In November 2022, the Company obtained a new attorney, but bargaining was still stalled as the Company would not acknowledge the need for a new schedule. During the last bargaining session on January 24, 2023, the Company came to the table with concessions that the bargaining committee believed would finally address the employees’ issues. With this bargaining session going late into the night, both the Employer and the Union were able to come to a tentative agreement on a contract. On February 1, 2023, the employees at Cascade ambulance overwhelmingly voted to ratify the new agreement that included major improvements to the schedule that will allow employees to have a better work-life balance and will eliminate over 120 hours of mandatory overtime each year. Some of those changes included a set working schedule instead of what was a rotating schedule, wage increases and maintaining the same level of medical benefits for the duration of the agreement. A huge shout out to the Shop Stewards of the group and bargaining committee members, Dwight Worden and Cameron Clark, who kept the employees at Cascade Ambulance always as their first priority and having patience in this very time consuming and tedious process!   

City of Bellingham Supervisory and Professional Teamsters Ratify New Agreement

Congratulations to Teamsters working in the City of Bellingham Supervisory and Professional bargaining unit on the ratification of a one year successor agreement.  The membership voted to ratify a one-year agreement which includes several language improvements, a 7% wage increase, and an increase to their deferred compensation match from the City. 

Miles Sand & Gravel Teamster Members Ratify Historic Agreement.

On December 27^th , the group of more than forty Teamsters employed at Miles Sand & Gravel unanimously ratified a new 3-year Agreement. This historic contract provides unprecedented wage increases, as well as improved Pension contributions. These Teamsters will also move from the Washington Teamsters Welfare Trust Plan Z medical to the Plan B medical, providing better coverage for their families with no premium cost share for 2023. “This incredible outcome wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering solidarity of the bargaining unit members and the hard work of Bargaining Committee members Martin Witt and Lee Aipperspach” said Secretary-Treasurer, Rich Ewing, who led the negotiations alongside Business Representative, Daron Smith. “ This Agreement now sets the new standard for the Sand & Gravel/Redi-Mix industry in our region” he added.

City of Stanwood Public Works and Clerical Contracts Ratified!

On January 3, 2023, both the City of Stanwood – Administrative Employees and Public Works voted overwhelmingly to ratify new 3-year contracts. This landmark deal maintains rock solid Teamster healthcare and pension and will significantly raise salaries by-way-of a City salary study and cost-of-living increases. Shout out to the Bargaining Committee: Gina Seegert & Kevin Pellham, who tirelessly put in the time and effort to achieve these results. Great contracts don’t happen by accident!

Commercial Cold Storage Teamsters Ratify New Agreement

On December 19, 2022, the Teamster members working at Commercial Cold Storage unanimously ratified a new three-year contract. The base wages were increased by over $2.00 per hour for the first year. On the previous wage scale, it took about 25 years to get to the top scale, in this new contract we reduced that to about 6 years. The premium pay was also increased so that Forklift drivers will start at $21.00 per hour after the 250-hour trial period, and they will top out at $23.00 per hour. For years 2 and 3 the wage increases will be based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) with no minimum or maximum. The bargaining committee was also able to negotiate an increase in the Pension from 30 cents to $1.10 the first year, $1.50 the second year and $2.00 per hour the third year. There was also a reduction to the percentage that the members pay out of pocket for their healthcare and a vision benefit was added for the employee. Lastly, the group will see some great language improvements that include a better grievance procedure and an additional personal holiday. Congratulations to the Teamsters at Commercial Cold Storage!

Recycling and Disposal Services Operators, Tarpers and Scale Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify Extraordinary New 3-Year Agreement

Just over 5 years ago, the Operators and Tarpers at Recycling and Disposal Services (RDS) made a historic improvement by adding the Western Conference of Teamsters pension to their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). On November 4, 2022, they had another huge victory by getting full family Washington Teamsters Medical, Dental and Vision added to the agreement, as well as the retirees XL medical plan for all employees. All of these benefits are fully funded by the employer over the next 3 years! If that were not enough, the group was able to go from around 20 members to 34 by adding the scale operators and cashiers to this new agreement. There are also improvements to language covering vacation, daily guarantees, seniority, discipline, use of technology and many other areas. The agreement contains economic improvements that are nothing short of astonishing. “These language and economic improvements are not only life-changing for the Teamsters at RDS”, said Teamsters Local 231 Secretary-Treasurer, Rich Ewing, “but will also allow the Employer to retain and attract the best in the industry, and continue to provide first class service to the local communities.”

These negotiations, led by Business Representative Heather Ewing, built off of the recent historic multi-local Solid Waste agreement achieved by Teamsters Locals 174 and 231. This is further evidence that we truly are stronger together.

City of Ferndale Public Works Teamsters Ratify a New 3- year Collective Bargaining Agreement

After several months of negotiations,  the City of Ferndale Public Works group met on November 16,2022,  to vote on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The group was able to maintain their current healthcare benefits and receive a 5.5% Cost of living wage increase. They also changed their step increases from 2% to 2.5%as well as added another step to the wage grid. Overall improvements were made to the sick leave cash out, longevity pay, certificate pay and the deferred compensation match. In years 2 and 3 the cost of living adjustment will be based on CPI with a minimum of 3% and a maximum of 4.5%. The Ferndale City Council unanimously approved the Collective Bargaining Agreement on Monday, November 21st. Congratulations to these essential workers for all that they do for the City of Ferndale!

Bellingham School District Teamsters Ratify New Contract

On the sweltery evening of July 26^th, 2022, Bellingham School District Teamsters overwhelmingly voted to approve the fully recommended 2-year contract (15-0) and the Motor Pool MOU (12-1) allowing the district to use vans to deliver special needs students (with guardrails).  Great contracts come from great Bargaining Committees. A big thank you to our two shop stewards, Dave Vanderyacht and Stacy Frost, and three other members, Mike Ingham, Drew Graham, and Bruce Henninger, who volunteered their time to make this fantastic contract happen.

City of Lynden Clerical and Public Works Teamsters Raftify new 2-Year Agreement 

A long eight-month bargaining session came to a close for the Teamsters of both the City of Lynden Clerical and Public Works Bargaining Units. Both groups unanimously voted to ratify their new 2-year agreement. A few of the highlights for both contracts include massive wage increases, a new deferred compensation plan option, and language assuring that a wage study will happen during the life of the agreement. A huge thank you to both bargaining committees for their hard work and patience throughout this process: Dave Timmer, Heather Sytsma, Josh Libolt, and Tom Zylstra!

Ferndale School District Teamsters agree on a 3-year agreement

After some lengthy negotiations, Teamsters Local 231 and Ferndale School District agreed to a 3-year successor agreement that increased the pay for Bus Drivers to historic levels. As good as the Drivers did, the Mechanics faired much better with a large market adjustment and step improvements to make them leaders in the market. On July 13th, 2022, the group overwhelmingly voted 22-1 to approve the contract! A shout out to the excellent Bargaining Committee of Don Forbes, Sherie Cobb, Rick Berry, Sue Middlestaedt, Brent Richards, and Laurie Maassen. It truly could not have happened with all of their hard work and dedication! 

Milky Way Ratifies New Three-Year Agreement  with Teamsters Local 231 

The membership at Milky Way (LTI, Inc.) ratified a three-year agreement on May 27, 2022. The contract provides substantial wage increases over the duration of the contract and also captures improvements to Health & Welfare and retirement. This was a long, tough bargain that took many months, and the negotiating committee put a lot of time and effort into bringing this to fruition, and they deserve our thanks.

APP Ratifies New Three-Year Agreement

The membership at Associated Petroleum Products (APP) ratified a three-year agreement on May 16, 2022. The newly ratified contract secures considerable wage increases over the duration of the contract and contains a substantial increase to pension. In addition, bonuses for signing and retention were also achieved. The membership should be proud of the hard work their negotiating committee put in in achieving this well-earned result for the crew at APP.

Americold- Burlington Ratifies New Agreement with Teamsters Local 231

Business Agent, Gunnar Birkeland, is pleased to announce that on the evening of March 30, 2022, Teamster members at Americold – Burlington overwhelmingly ratified a new 3.5 year contract. Some of the highlights are historic raises for the Lift Truck Operators, added incentives for the Maintenance Mechanics, and maintaining the maintenance of benefit percentages for health care. The bargaining was tough, but worthwhile. In the end, it took over four months to come to an agreement. Thanks to our employee representative, Logan Burns, for all his hard work and to Rich Ewing for closing the deal. Congratulations to all!

Northwest Farm Foods Ratifies New Agreement

Business Agent, Gunnar Birkeland, is pleased to announce that Northwest Farm Food Co-op (NWFF) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement on Sunday, March 20, 2022. The 3-year contract includes exceptional raises, increased pension contributions, improved holiday language, and movement to an improved dental plan for all employees. NWFF is a cooperative owned by mink farmers that produces food for the animals they raise. Special thanks to our Shop Steward and Bargaining Committee representative Chuck Rowe.

Island County Deputy Prosecuters Ratify New Agreement

Congratulations to the Island County Deputy Prosecutors who recently ratified a 3-year successor agreement.  The successor agreement includes improvements to language regarding compensation for work completed during non-business hours, a severance package should a new Prosecuting Attorney determine their services are no longer needed, and a significant increase to the current wage table with scheduled increases to wages for each successor year of the agreement. The Union and the County are hopeful that the improvements made to the Deputy Prosecutors contract will provide a competitive advantage when seeking the employment of talented Deputy Prosecutors in the future.

Whatcom County Corrections Ratifies a 1 year Contract Extension Agreement

On March 10, 2022, the membership at Whatcom County Corrections ratified a one-year contract extension agreement. The extension agreement will provide a 3% wage increase retroactive to January 1, 2022, full maintenance of benefits for healthcare, eight (8) additional hours of holiday pay, and a lump sum payment of $2,000.00 to each active employee. 

City of Blaine Ratifies New Agreement

Two-year contract was ratified by the membership at the City of Blaine! This deal was highlighted by significant improvements in longevity accumulations, vacation time, solid COLA’s, and a ratification bonus for our hard-working members in Blaine. We had some new faces on the Teamsters bargaining committee this time around and they were invaluable in the negotiating process, and it showed up in the resulting contract. Thanks to Lauren Huffman-Kahre, Matt Lattrell, and Stacie Wood for stepping up!

City of Ferndale Councilmembers vote 7-0 to approve the 2-year Agreement with the Teamsters Local 231 Clerical Unit

February 7, 2022

Amid strong support from several Local Union members, Jobs with Justice, and the NWWCLC, the Ferndale City Council reversed their previous vote and unanimously approved the recently negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters Local 231. Over the past several months, the Union and the City Administration negotiated in good faith to reach a tentative agreement. The Members of Teamsters Local 231 voted to approve the tentative agreement on December 27^th. However, on January 3, 2022, four members of the Ferndale City Council rejected the tentative agreement, citing large unforeseen wage increases as the main issue. Immediately, Teamsters Local 231 took action by sending a letter to the City Council explaining the Collective Bargaining Process and the good faith bargaining that had occurred, as well as rallying our Union and community allies for support. Because of these efforts and the strong solidarity of the membership, these Teamsters prevailed in getting a fair and reasonable contract that takes into consideration the current inflation and job market trends.

The contract increases the wages in 2022 by 5.25% and an additional 4.5% in 2023. There is also the addition of the Juneteenth holiday and language that was added to provide uniformity between departments when allowing for vacation and flex time. Teamsters Local 231 would like to thank the bargaining committee for all of their hard work and patience during this turbulent process.

Bellingham Technical College Ratifies 4-Year Agreement

On January 21, 2022, by a unanimous vote, the membership at Bellingham Technical College ratified a 4-year agreement! This historic agreement provided an immediate market adjustment for all employees and significant raises in the successor years of the contract. This agreement also provided a ratification bonus for all employees. A special shout-out to the bargaining committee of Tim Hawkins, Todd Saulsbury, and Chris Glatz. This agreement would not have been possible without their long hours and steadfast commitment to the process.

Whatcom County PUD Members Ratify new 3-year Agreement

Teamsters Local 231 Members at Whatcom County PUD #1 have ratified a new contract that raises wages, adds 2 paid holidays, increases pension contributions and moves the group to the new retiree’s healthcare plan, with all benefits fully paid by the employer for the duration of the agreement. The wage increase for 2022 is 5%.  For 2023 and 2024 the minimum increase is 4% with the potential for a greater increase based on CPI. General Manager Steve Jilk added these comments to the memo that was sent to the PUD commissioners: “I want to express my appreciation to our employees in the Union for their willingness to bargain in good faith and in a realistic and fair-minded manner to get this agreement reached in a timely manner.”  On January 25, 2022, the PUD commissioners unanimously approved the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Heather Ewing, Business representative for Teamsters Local 231 said, “Over the past 4 years we have worked through issues collaboratively to preserve the intent of the Agreement and I look forward to continuing that relationship with the new PUD General Manager Chris Heimgartner.”  Teamsters Local 231 would like to thank Guy Gleason, Teamster Shop Steward, for his dedication to the negotiation process and his willingness to volunteer his time in order to get this agreement done.

Sudden Valley Community Association Ratify Historic First Contract

October 28, 2021:

Congratulations to the newest members of Teamsters Local 231! After nearly a year of negotiations, a group of 25 essential workers at Sudden Valley Community Association voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first-ever Agreement with Teamsters Local 231. The group had voted to become members of Teamsters Local 231 back in October of 2020. The workers who include Golf, Maintenance, Recreation, Accounting and Administration departments, will now enjoy the benefits of a strong Teamster contract that includes language normally found only in mature contracts. This agreement is an historic win, as it is the first group of Homeowners Association employees to be represented by Teamsters Local 231.

“We are extremely proud of the solidarity this entire group displayed throughout this process,” said Rich Ewing, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 231. “The new agreement will bring much needed stability, as well as many improvements to the working conditions and lives of these members.”

Wages will increase across the board, with guaranteed future increases built into the agreement. It also includes strong language governing non-economic issues like discipline, bargaining unit work protections and seniority.

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 231 represents 2,200 working men and women in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and Snohomish Counties.

Associated General Contractors: AGC 

Teamsters Local 231 is pleased to report that our coalition of local unions has ratified a three-year agreement with AGC. This agreement is historic. The total package increase is more than $10 per hour over the duration of the agreement. Among the many highlights that were achieved are: great wage increases on the check, full MOB including the RWT Plus XL, 8-hour guarantee for night shifts, and adding MLK holiday. There was a lot of hard work that went into this agreement by all parties involved and I would like to recognize our two union committee members, Barrie Salmonson and Michael Frickberg, I would also like to extend a big thanks to our Negotiations Chair, Rick Hicks (JC28 President), for a very well-orchestrated bargain. I believe this would not have been achievable without him at the helm.

Mount Vernon School District

On August 5^th, Teamster bus drivers at Mount Vernon School District overwhelmingly ratified a two-year agreement. Highlights include language improvements, increased salary steps, and unprecedented raises of 7.5% the first year and potentially even more the second year!! Shout out to the amazing Bargaining Committee of Rose Flo-Banks (Teamster Local 231 Vice-President), Robin Paul, Laurie Hillman, Tamee Driver, and Tammy Force, and Bonnie Pierson. Strong contracts come from strong Bargaining Committees!

New 3-Year Contract at Americold Lynden:

On July 1, 2021, Americold-Lynden members unanimously approved a new 3-year successor agreement that provides substantial new pay raises, more paid time off, all while maintaining the solid health care package. A big thank you goes out to the Bargaining Committee of Shop Steward-Jerry Scholten, Business Agent-Jennifer Thompson, and Business Agent-Gunnar Birkeland for achieving the improved contract after a 7-month virtual negotiation.

Bellingham Cold Storage Teamsters Ratify Agreement

Teamsters Local 231 would like to thank the various community members and Union members that were out on the strike line with Bellingham Cold Storage (BCS).  Because of the support we received, we were able to emerge from this uphill battle with a fully executed collective bargaining agreement. There is no doubt that the goal of BCS and Doug Thomas was to bust the Union. Ultimately what BCS wanted most was to have a non-union facility, and we are proud to say that they failed in their goal. BCS used reprehensible tactics in an attempt to force the Union out and make it a non-union facility. Which proved to us that they had no intention of getting a contract and that our best option was to vote their package proposal that was presented on July 21^st.When we met with the membership on August 25^th, to vote the July 21^st package proposal, we were still unsure if the Company would sign their own proposal. In fact, we continued to get emails with demands that we add more conditions to the July 21^st proposal in the weeks preceding the vote, and for several days after the vote. We held firm in our position that the Company could not hold up the agreement over the illegal settlement offer that they were attempting to force the Union to sign. Finally, on Monday, August 30^th we were notified that BCS would sign their own package proposal. They clearly realized that they could not explain away requiring the Union to sign an illegal settlement agreement and that they had no choice but to sign their own proposal.

Because of the tactics used by BCS to try to bust the Union, the employees have had to endure a struggle that most workers will never understand. Instead of breaking the spirit and solidarity we will regroup and reaffirm the solidarity that we all witnessed on the picket line. The staff at Local 231 were honored to stand with each and every member as part of the BCS strike and we are happy that in the end we prevailed in our ability to come away with a Union contract intact.

Aramark

Aramark Teamsters Ratify Agreement!

After a tense 9-month negotiation, Teamster’s locals 231 & 117 voted unanimously to ratify a historic successor agreement that will bring the commissions of our drivers up to the levels of our west coast brethren. This long process involved a unanimous strike authorization and getting our statewide Joint Council and Labor Councils down the I-5 corridor involved. Having such a united front both in our bargaining unit and the others, were critical to our success. United we stand, divided we fall! Special thanks go to your own Tyler Scott, Shop Steward and Bargaining Committee member for his tireless work to get this done.

City of Burlington

Business Agent, Gunnar Birkeland, is pleased to announce that Teamsters Local 231, representing the Clerical and Public Works employees at the City of Burlington, unanimously ratified a new 3-year contract on May 3, 2021, with 96% of the membership participating. Some of the highlights of the ratified documents are a transition to a 10-step wage schedule that provides a legitimate path to market wages, and significant language improvements in many parts of the contract. This has been a long, tough battle with the City and reaffirms that hard work and persistence is rewarded! A special thank you to the members of our Bargaining Committee Greg Ackerman, Paul Tingley, Brady Miller, Simeon Brown, Audrey Mattingly, and Katrina Kallio for their longstanding commitment to improving these contracts!!

City of Mount Vernon

We are pleased to announce that on March 23^rd, 2021, the City of Mount Vernon voted to ratify a new one-year agreement for the Public Works Department. Some of the highlights are creation of additional positions in the Parks Department for weekend work, an increase in the hourly shift differential pay, an increase in the equipment allowance for the mechanic, and a 2% cost-of-living-allowance for 2021. We look forward to start bargaining on a successor agreement in the Fall to incorporate changes found in a comprehensive salary study that the City has committed to.

Whatcom County Corrections:

The Union and County reached consensus on a one-year extension agreement that was unanimously ratified by the membership and fully executed in February. The extension expires at the end of 2021 and we expect to start prepping for upcoming negotiations soon. The Union and County also reached agreement on a Letter of Understanding regarding COVID-19 exposures.

Local 231 Teamsters at Reisner Distributer Unanimously ratify a new 3 year Agreement:

On January 7, 2021, Teamsters at Reisner Distributer ratified a new 3-year agreement. This Agreement includes wage and pension increases that add up to over $5.00 per hour during the term of the Agreement. However, the greatest achievement for the group is that they maintain their Teamsters Medical and Dental plans that they have fought for over the years. Congratulations to the Members at Reisner Distributer on this incredible victory.

Freight workers across Washington State all vote to ratify Agreement

On December 20, 2020, seven different Teamster Local Unions across Joint Council 28 all voted unanimously to ratify a strong new Agreement with Peninsula Truck Lines. The group of workers includes drivers, dock workers, and clericals from Teamsters Locals 174, 231, 252, 589, 760, 763, and 839. The Union Bargaining Committee was led by Teamsters Local 231 Secretary-Treasurer and Teamsters Joint Council 28 Freight Division Chair, Rich Ewing, and included representatives from each of the signatory Local Unions.

The contract represents a victory for all involved. Workers will receive meaningful pay increases, pension increases, and will maintain their Teamster Medical coverage. We also achieved better holiday language and an extra personal holiday, and codified stronger overtime language into the contract. As for Peninsula management, this contract means they will be able to continue to meet customers’ needs as they navigate historic volume surges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This contract victory is what happens when a strong Bargaining Committee comes to the table with a management team that understands the sacrifices their workforce has been making,” said Teamsters Joint Council 28 President Rick Hicks. “The language and economic improvements in this contract will go a long way towards properly rewarding these Essential Services workers for everything they have been through during this pandemic. That the offer was unanimously ratified by every member in seven different Local Unions shows this is a great deal that the members should be proud of, from an Employer that recognizes their value and is not afraid to show them.”

EPL FEED Teamsters approve 3 year Agreement

On December 5, 2020 the rank and file members at EPL feed voted unanimously to approve a new 3 year agreement. The new contract includes a 3 year commitment to the Teamsters Medical, Dental and Vision plans as well as strong wage increases over the term of the Agreement. Congratulations to the Members at EPL Feed!

Darigold Contract Update:

On September 10^th, 2020, a ratification meeting was held for Local 231 & 252 Darigold members to vote on the company’s “Last, Best, and Final” contract offer. The members at both Locals overwhelmingly voted to ratify the offer. Moving forward over the next couple weeks, we expect to obtain a fully signed and executed contract to print and distribute to our Darigold members in  Lynden, WA.

This particular negation ended up being very long and difficult for all. A big thank you goes out to all our 231 Darigold members for their patience, support, and steadfast perseverance during this arduously long process.

Skagit County Juvenile Corrections:

Skagit County and Teamsters Local 231 recently reached a settlement extending the current Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Juvenile Corrections group. It was ratified by the membership on April 14, 2020, and was fully executed by the County on May 4, 2020. The extension package secured medical at the current levels and will provide wage increases in each year, of the 2 year extension. In addition, the package also secured premium pay for the Juvenile Corrections Officer in charge of a shift, in the absence of a shift supervisor. We would like to recognize and extend a big thank you to our committee member, Mike Keeler, for his steadfast commitment on behalf of the membership during negotiations!

Commercial Cold Storage Teamsters vote to approve a new 3 year agreement!

On February 26, 2020, Teamsters at Commercial Cold Storage voted to approve a new three year agreement. Contract improvements include large wage increases, pension increases and a reduction in medical insurance costs for the members.  Congratulations to all the Employees at Commercial Cold Storage and a big "thank you" to the Bargaining Committee Members, Sandi Granberry and Scott Wallawine, for your dedication and all the hours you volunteered during this process.

4-Year Contract for the Town of La Conner

January 28^th marked a great day. The Public Works Teamsters at the Town of La Conner ratified a new four-year contract creating a new on-call system, they maintained their great health care, and will receive great cost-of-living adjustment every year of the contract. Our Negotiating Committee of Kevin Palaniuk, Secretary-Treasurer Rich Ewing, and Business Agent Gunnar Birkeland held the line and made significant improvements to the existing collective bargaining agreement.

Cascade Ambulance Teamsters vote to approve a new 3 year agreement!

On January 22, 2020 Teamsters at Cascade Ambulance voted to approve a new three year agreement. Language improvements include a new guarantee on pre-scheduled transports, more opportunities for OTEP training, an increase in PTO accrual as well as improvements in uniform and meal reimbursement. The wage increases range between 3% and 14%! Congratulations to all the Employees at Cascade Ambulance and an enthusiastic thank you to the Bargaining Committee Members, Dwight Worden, Ian Taylor-Mixon and Sean Fouts, for your dedication and all the hours you volunteered during this process.

New Contract at the City of Blaine!

On January 8^th, 2020, a new two-year contract was overwhelmingly ratified by the membership. Some of the highlights are: significant language improvements, increased vacation accruals for newer employees, an additional personal holiday for 2020, and a solid cost-of-living adjustment. Special thanks go to the Negotiating Committee made up of Brenna Sartain, Steve Hrutfiord, Frank Arnett, and Jeanie Mayotte-Davies (alternate).

City of Ferndale Clerical unanimously approve a new 2-year contract

The City of Ferndale Clerical Bargaining committee, Toni Segerman, Todd Anderson and Kim Martin went above and beyond for their fellow Teamsters during the recent contract negotiations. With their dedication and solidarity, we were able to accomplish a Collective Bargaining Agreement that the entire group is proud of.

The City and the Union utilized the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) to work together through Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) to achieve a contract that both sides could be proud of. This new approach helped us work through several complex issues including the disciplinary procedures, flex-time and the establishment of a Labor Management Committee. Economic Improvements include the reclassification of 8 out of 15 employees as well as a 3.5% increase the first year and 3.25% the second year.

Vienna Cleaners approve new 2 year agreement

On January 8, 2020 all the Teamster members at Vienna Cleaners unanimously approved a new two year agreement!

One-year Contract Extension for the City of Mount Vernon

A one-year contract extension was ratified by the City of Mount Vernon on January 2, 2020. A nice cost-of-living increase was achieved and the process of bargaining a longer term agreement will begin shortly. Thanks to the Bargaining Committee of Rich Block, Sean Corcoran, Serge Derrick, Daryl Hornbeck, and Chad Tesarick.

SSC Recycle Drivers Ratify Groundbreaking New 4-Year Agreement!

Teamsters Local 231 members employed at Sanitary Service Company in the Recycle Division met on December 30^th at the Union Hall to review and vote on a new 4-year agreement. This new agreement has improvements to language covering vacation, daily guarantees, seniority, discipline, use of technology, sick-leave, and safety. It also has significant improvements to health & welfare contributions and the addition of the new Retirees Welfare Trust XL Plan in 2023.

The negotiations were led by Business Representative Heather Ewing, with committee members Rainger Harris and Justin Best. This contract follows the Sanitary Service Company Shop and Garbage Division contracts that were ratified earlier in the year. All of  these contracts built off of the historic multi-local solid waste agreement with Waste Management and set the new standard for the solid waste industry in the Pacific Northwest.

City of Ferndale Public Works approve a new 3-year contract

On November 19, 2019, the City of Ferndale Public Works, Parks and Water Department ratified a new 3 year contract agreement. The City and the Union worked together with a representative from PERC to try a different approach to the Collective Bargaining process called Interest Based Bargaining (IBB). Through this process we were able to collaborate on issues of joint concern, including flextime, labor-management committee meetings as well as how to handle inclement weather in a safe and efficient way and defining essential personnel. With this approach we were able to define the problems and address them in the Collective Bargaining Agreement when appropriate.

Based on a wage study, we were able to re-classify about a third of the positions in the group to a higher grade. Additionally, we were able to get cost of living increases of 3.5, 3.25 and 2% while keeping the medical cost split the same for the duration of the contract. We also added an additional Holiday and improved the Deferred Compensation Match.

The solidarity of the group helped us achieve the goals that we set at our proposal meeting. A huge thank you to the committee members, Jason Valley, Jesse Pagnossin, Bo Westford and Jim Slaughter; they spent countless hours at the bargaining table and beyond working on behalf of their brothers and sisters!

City of Bellingham

On December 12, 2019, members of the City of Bellingham Supervisory and Professionals Unit overwhelmingly ratified a three (3) year successor agreement.  The agreement includes improvements to the salaries of several positions based on a compensation study and in addition, provides each position with a 3.25% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) each year of the agreement. Other improvements include clarity in the use of “flex time”, as well as accrual of vacation and sick leave based on compensated hours verses hours worked.

Morse Distribution

On November 1, 2019 the bargaining unit at Morse voted to ratify a four (4) year successor agreement which includes language improvements, significant wage rate increases, and an increase in the employer/employee matching contributions for the Company 401K plan. Congratulations!

Bellingham School District Teamsters

Business Agents Heather Ewing and Gunnar Birkeland are proud to announce Bellingham School District Teamsters overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year agreement on July 22, 2019 This new contract represents significant language improvements and unprecedented wage increases for the group. It couldn’t have been accomplished without the huge commitment from the Negotiating Committee of Dave Vanderyacht, Vicki Bradford, Betsie Upton, Staci Michaelson, Patty Johnson, and Joel Barker. Great things can be accomplished when we stick together and speak with one voice!

EPL Feed Teamsters Ratify a new contract!

On June 30, 2019, the members of EPL Feed members met and ratified a new one year agreement that included a move to the Washington Teamsters Health and Welfare plans in January of 2020, as well as historic wage improvements. “The Company is looking at the future of the industry and working toward preparing the workforce for modernization, and with that they are making large investments in their employees,” said Heather Ewing, Lead Negotiator and Business Representative at Teamsters Local 231.

Sanitary Service Company (SSC) Shop Ratifies New 5 year Agreement: June 11, 2019

The SSC Mechanic Bargaining Unit unanimously ratified a 5 year agreement that included several major language improvements as well as historically large wage increases.  There were also significant improvements to health & welfare contributions and benefits, including a move to the new Retirees Welfare Trust XL Plan. “This contract was only possible due to the solidarity and strength of these Teamster members and the support of their Brothers and Sisters in the Solid Waste Industry. We are excited about the developments in the Waste industry and look forward to negotiating a strong contract with the Recycling group at SSC later this year” said Rich Ewing, Principle officer at Teamsters Local 231.

Twin City Foods contract ratified-

Congratulations to our last two employees of Twin City Foods in Stanwood! On May 28^th, 2019, they ratified a one-year contract extension with a nice Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA.) Back in their

heyday, Twin City Foods had over 125 employees processing pees in downtown Stanwood. With the disappearance of farm land on the west side of the cascades, Twin City Foods moved most of

their operations to Pasco but the last two folks just got a new agreement!

May 27^th, 2019: LTI Freight and Mechanics overwhelmingly ratify a new 4 year contract

Teamsters Local 231 is happy to announce a new contract with the LTI freight and mechanics at the Lynden facility. Negotiations  were very positive and collaborative. The group was able to achieve the goal of moving from the Washington Teamsters Z medical plan to the B plan, an achievement that was long overdue. They also received improvements in their retirement plans and large wage increases.  “Both parties realize that the work needs to get done and the members needed wage and benefit improvements,” said Business Representative Heather Ewing. The Bargaining Committee, including John Van Wingerden, David Ahrens, and Jeff Davis, worked closely with Heather to come to an agreement that satisfied the members’ and the company’s needs.

SSC Garbage Drivers Overwhelmingly Ratify Extraordinary New 5-Year Agreement

34 Teamsters Local 231 members employed at Sanitary Service Garbage Division met on April 30^th at the Union Hall to review and vote on a new 5-year collective bargaining agreement. This new agreement has improvements to language covering vacation, daily guarantees, seniority, discipline, use of technology, sick-leave, and many other areas. It also has significant improvements to health & welfare contributions and benefits, including a move to the new Retirees Welfare Trust XL Plan. The agreement contains economic improvements that are nothing short of astonishing. A full-scale driver will see wage and pension increases of ten dollars per hour by the fifth year of the contract! “These language and economic improvements are not only life-changing for the Teamsters driving the trucks”, said Teamsters Local 231 Secretary-Treasurer, Rich Ewing, “but also will allow the Employer to be able to retain and attract the best drivers in the industry, and continue to provide first class service to the local communities.”

These negotiations, led by Business Representative Heather Ewing, with committee members Don Hughes and Dean Simpson, built off of the recent historic multi-local Solid Waste agreement achieved by Teamsters Locals 174 and 231. This is further evidence that we truly are stronger together.

Now these Teamsters Local 231 members are ready to stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers working under the SSC Shop and Recycle agreements, as they too negotiate agreements that meet the new standards for the Solid Waste industry in the Pacific Northwest.

Northwest Farm Foods Contract Ratified,

On April 28^th, 2019, with Secretary Treasurer-Rich Ewing and Business Agent-Gunnar Birkeland presiding, Northwest Farmed Foods Co-op Teamsters ratified a new three-year agreement which increased the starting wage by $1.43 per hour and provides increases of $1.25 for 2019, $0.90 for 2020, and $0.90 for 2021 for the senior employees. This represented a huge improvement over the last three-agreement! The members also bargained in significant language improvements in the document. Congratulations NWFF Teamsters!

Whatcom County Master Contract Approved:

We are pleased to announce that the Whatcom County Council has approved the Teamsters Master Bargaining Agreement. Secretary-Treasurer, Rich Ewing and Business Representative, Daron Smith were in attendance at the Council meeting on the evening of April 23^rd to witness the members of the County Council vote unanimously to approve the new agreement. It will now go to the County Executive and the Union for signatures. The payments for retroactive wage increases and H&W contributions will be made to the members of the Bargaining Unit in the very near future. The unwavering solidarity of the Teamster membership and the hard work done by the Bargaining Committee during the difficult negotiation process were the keys to achieving this agreement.

Milky Way Contract Ratified!

On December 11, 2018 the Milky Way Teamsters Local 231 members ratified a new 3 year contract agreement that included a company paid 401K planthat is in addition to the current Teamsters Pension Plan, a reduction in the costs to the members for the medical plans, protection of the current sick leave benefits and the largest yearly wage increases that the group has seen. In November the group had unanimously authorized an unfair labor practice strike. The company was not bargaining in good faith and refused to add any additional money to retirement. The solidarity of the group allowed them to make several Important gains in this contract. Congratulations to the Teamsters at Milky Way!

AGC Contract Ratified!

All AGC local Unions held their ratification meeting on October 21^st. After a productive meeting with Local 231s AGC members, the membership present unanimously voted to ratify the offer presented to them. This was the trend of the day throughout our Joint Council, as the offer was overwhelmingly ratified by the AGC membership.

Aside from very significant pay increases in wages and pension over the next three years, this group will also see an improved medical plan in 2019 with any future increases being picked up by the employer for the duration of the agreement. A lot of hard work went into getting us to this point and we would like to thank our negotiations committee and the membership for staying the course throughout the long process in bringing this to a positive and fruitful close.

ABF Contract Ratified!

The last supplement to the ABF NMFA has now been ratified. Consequently, the new collective bargaining agreement has been approved and will take effect. Pay increases will be retroactive to July 1 as per the new agreement.

It is the union’s understanding that the company will actually implement the new agreement on Sunday, July 29. Also, pay for week ending 7-28-2018 will be processed at the pay rate that includes the July 1, 2018 increase.

Retro pay for weeks ending 7-7-2018, 7-14-2018 and 7-21-2018 will be paid by a separate check processed on or about 8-2-2018, and distributed with the paychecks for the week ending 7-28-2018. The ratification bonus will be processed and distributed within the next 30 days.

Skagit County: Courthouse, District Court & Parks Membership-

The PERC mediated settlement was ratified by the bargaining unit yesterday. We had the largest turnout in recent memory (maybe ever) and I’m glad so many wanted their voices heard. It was also great to see so many members exercise their right to vote on a contract. It has been a long and arduous road to get to this point, but we are finally here. Now, the numbers….

We had about an 88 to 89 percent voter turnout.

Thank you all for your support and solidarity during negotiations and through mediation! 

Daron Smith

Aramark 

Bimbo Bakeries

Cascade Ambulance

City of Mount Vernon

Community Food Co-Op

Skagit PUD #1 

Whatcom PUD