We had a great day yesterday at Seattle’s May Day march!
The Teamster truck was, as usual, driven by our very own Senior Business Agent Carl Gasca. He managed to maneuver our slightly ancient and slightly decrepit (but still good!) truck down the narrow streets of Seattle and park it safely and legally on the side of Jackson Street — a feat I could barely manage with my compact SUV.
The gang’s all here! From Local 174, Senior Business Agents Carl Gasca and Dave Jacobsen, Business Agent Abe Taylor, and of course behind the camera, Communications Specialist Jamie Fleming. Representing Teamsters Local 117 was Anarudh Prasad, IT and official fixer of broken internet connections
As we waited for the march to begin, a friendly Seattle Police officer told us that the march did not have a permit for motor vehicles, and so we would not be able to drive the truck with the march. So we decided to stay put and support the marchers as they passed by, honking the horn and screaming along in support. It was great! Lots of people were happy to see the Teamsters out there.
First, the officers on motorcycles went by
They were followed by a veritable Tour de France of officers on bicycles
The first marchers went by playing drums and chanting
Next came the CeAtl Tonalli, a traditional Aztec dance group. They danced, played drums, and wafted incense to create an incredible atmosphere.
The crowd of marchers became thicker and thicker. Everyone was peaceful and respectful.
When the march finally passed us by, we felt energized and excited to be part of the Labor Movement!
Bye everyone, see you next year!
Abe Taylor, Jamie Fleming, and Carl Gasca from Teamsters Local 174
The Associated Press took some pretty incredible pictures of us out there too!
Lots of high-fives from Union supporters. AP photo from http://www.kiro7.com/news/photos-may-day-2017/518100951
Dave Jacobsen smiling at marchers. AP photo from http://www.kiro7.com/news/photos-may-day-2017/518100951
More high fives! AP photo from http://www.kiro7.com/news/photos-may-day-2017/518100951
Abe Taylor having a good time! AP photo from http://www.kiro7.com/news/photos-may-day-2017/518100951
“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my Union representative or steward be present at this meeting. If this discussion could lead to my being disciplined and you deny my request for representation, I choose not to answer any questions.”
