May 22, 2019

A group of Teamsters Local 174 members doing port construction and marine maintenance for the Port of Seattle have ratified a strong new 3-year contract. Among other improvements, the new agreement reinstates paid vacations, holidays, and sick leave, which the group had exchanged for higher wages and pension in negotiations many years prior. This paid leave will result in sizable increases to the group’s overall economic package.

The agreement also brings the group into the newly-created Retirees Welfare Trust XL Plus plan, which will allow retiring Port of Seattle Teamsters to purchase healthcare for just $150/month for the individual or $300/month for their whole family. This plan was first debuted in the Joint Council 28 Rider to the National Master UPS Agreement, and then was negotiated into the Waste Management Common Clauses Agreement beginning in 2020. The Port of Seattle becomes the third Local 174 employer to be brought into this new plan.

“This was a tough negotiation, as the Port of Seattle was extremely reluctant to reinstate the paid leave, but our Bargaining Committee – led by Senior Business Agent Michael Gonzales – won the day through their perseverance,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “The improvements in this new contract are going to have a meaningful impact on these workers’ lives. Local 174 is proud to deliver yet another excellent contract for our members.”

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.