Nearly 500 Public Safety Workers Join Teamsters Local 117 in Washington

Public Safety Workers in Washington Opt for New Union Representation

In a significant move by public safety workers within two of Washington's largest counties, nearly 500 employees have chosen to join Teamsters Local 117. This decision was made following an election held by their current union, Public Safety Employees Union (PSEU) Local 519, on August 31, 2026.

The transition to Local 117 will be official once the Public Employment Relations Commission provides its certification. This step is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year, allowing workers to be fully integrated into their new union and granting Local 117 the authority to act as their exclusive bargaining representative.

Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117, expressed enthusiasm about the development, stating that the workers play crucial roles in maintaining the safety of communities within King and Snohomish Counties. "We are thrilled that these workers have voted to become Teamsters," Dascher said. The union aims to offer robust representation and negotiate strong contracts that truly reflect their invaluable contributions.

The decision to affiliate with Local 117 was driven by the workers’ desire for representation from a seasoned and professional union experienced in the public safety sector. The workers encompass various roles across different sites in King and Snohomish Counties.

William Welty, a court administrative specialist at the King County Department of Judicial Administration, shared his optimism, stating, “I’m excited about joining the Teamsters Union. They have a robust staff and a large pool of resources, which will be very helpful to our growing team.” He emphasized that the union's familiarity with similar roles in legal departments enhances their understanding of the demands and dynamics of his work environment.

Teamsters Local 117 represents a diverse workforce of 19,500 across Washington State, covering both public and private sectors. For additional details, visit teamsters117.org.

Press Contact: Paul Zilly Phone: (206) 794-6673 Email: paul.zilly@teamsters117.org