May 3, 2019

SeaTac Airport Fuelers Will Vote on New Contract May 11

After nearly a year of negotiations, and after an overwhelming strike authorization threatened to shut down SeaTac airport through the busy holiday travel season, the Bargaining Committee representing a group of 150 SeaTac Airport fuelers has reached a fully-recommended offer with their employer Swissport. The full group of fuelers will be voting on the proposed Agreement on Saturday May 11.

Workers were thrilled and energetic to hear news of the agreement and impending vote. “If you want to know how much of a raise you get, you’ll have to come to the meeting!” Local 174 Organizer Meaza Ogbe teased the work group as they pressed her for details of the proposed agreement. Ogbe led the successful organizing drive to bring the Swissport fuelers into the Teamsters last year. The workers laughed, and promised to attend the ratification meeting.

“This was a tough fight from the beginning, but it was important for us to change the way the industry has abused these workers,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “This Bargaining Committee was steadfast in their mission to make sure their coworkers were finally rewarded for the work they do for the airlines every day at SeaTac Airport. We are proud of their accomplishments!”

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 7,600 working men and women in the Seattle area. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.

View the meeting flyer as a PDF here.