September 20, 2019

Downtown Seattle Amazon shuttle drivers choose Teamsters

Just two weeks after MV Woodinville drivers voted to join Teamsters Local 174, their 70 coworkers at MV Transportation Seattle have also voted to become members of the Teamsters. Both campaigns were led on the ground by Local 174 Organizing Department and MV Transportation Woodinville driver Michael Olhava.

The workers, who shuttle Amazon employees to and from their work locations in downtown Seattle, made their decision last Friday after an effective organizing campaign. The final election results should be certified by the National Labor Relations Board next week.

Olhava was instrumental in organizing his own work group, and then shared his experience with the Seattle group to help them realize the Teamsters were the right choice for them as well. “I am thankful to have had the opportunity to help so many people down the road to a better life,” Olhava said. “This is a proud moment for me.”

“There is so much power in solidarity, and being united with the Woodinville drivers means even more bargaining power when we get to work on our new contract,” said MV Transportation Seattle driver Linda Case. “We are all excited to be Teamsters, and to have both of these groups of drivers all together in the same family makes the victory that much sweeter.”

“We are proud of these workers for choosing to become Teamsters, which will be one of the best decisions for them and for their families,” said Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “Local 174 is an extremely strong Local Union with the best contracts in the country, and we are excited to work with this new group of drivers to show them just how powerful they can be when they stand together as Teamsters.”

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 8,100 working men and women in the Seattle area. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.