Press Releases
500 Public Safety Workers in Washington State Vote to Join Teamsters
Workers in Two of Washington’s Largest Counties Choose Local 117 Representation
Press Contact: Paul Zilly Phone: (206) 794-6673 Email: paul.zilly@teamsters117.org
(TUKWILA, Wash.) – A group of nearly 500 public safety employees have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 117. The workers, who are currently members of the Public Safety Employees Union (PSEU) Local 519, voted in favor of affiliating with Local 117 in an election conducted by their union on Monday, August 31, 2026.
As soon as the Public Employment Relations Commission certifies the change in representation, which Local 117 anticipates will occur by the end of the year, the workers will become members of their new union and Local 117 will be certified as the group’s exclusive bargaining representative.
“We are thrilled that these workers have voted to become Teamsters,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117. “As public safety employees, they play critical roles in ensuring that the communities across King and Snohomish Counties are protected. We are committed to providing them with outstanding representation and bargaining strong contracts that honor their indispensable work.”
The workers, who comprise a range of classifications at numerous worksites across King and Snohomish Counties, sought representation with Local 117 because they wanted a strong, professional union with vast experience representing workers in the public safety professions.
“I’m excited about joining the Teamsters Union,” said William Welty, a court administrative specialist in the King County Department of Judicial Administration. “They have a robust staff and a large pool of resources, which will be very helpful to our growing team. The union’s experience with legal administrative specialists in other departments gives them a much better understanding of how our dynamic workflow functions. This change will benefit all of us!”
Teamsters Local 117 represents 19,500 workers across Washington State in both the public and private sectors. For more information, visit teamsters117.org.