Workers are Latest to Organize at the Home of the Seahawks

(SEATTLE) – More than 500 guest services workers at Lumen Field have voted to join Teamsters Local 117. The Seattle-area local union was authorized as the workers’ exclusive bargaining representative through a card check process conducted by an independent arbitrator. The new Teamsters will join 39 parking attendants at Lumen who organized with Local 117 in October.

“We are thrilled to welcome more Lumen workers to our union,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117. “We look forward to meeting with workers and hearing their concerns. I have no doubt that we can negotiate a strong contract that gives workers the voice they deserve and recognizes them for the important services they provide.”

The workers are employed by First and Goal, Inc., the master tenant at Lumen Field. They sought a voice with Local 117 several months ago, citing the need for clarity around scheduling, family-sustaining wages, improved communication, and better overall working conditions.

“Unions helped create the middle class in this country,” said Nick Achmon, a guest services worker at Lumen Field. “Being a Teamster means we’ll have a strong backbone. We can fight for our rights, make demands, and things will change.”

Achmon, who was previously represented by Local 117 as a guest services worker at Climate Pledge Arena, encouraged his co-workers to organize. In the coming weeks, representatives of Local 117 will meet with the workers to establish priorities for negotiations and elect rank-and-file leaders who will participate on the union negotiations committee.

Teamsters Local 117 represents 17,000 men and women at 200 employers across Washington State. For more information, visit teamsters117.org.

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