Despite the current economy and an Unfair Labor Practice strike at Boeing, Western Territory district and local lodge organizers continue to bring union membership and hope for a brighter future to workers in a wide array of industries.
District Lodge 751's organizing team, led by Jesse Cote, has reported a trifecta of wins in the last few weeks. Solid Ground Waste in Seattle, Washington started the string by voting unanimously for IAM representation. Immediately following that win, another election was held for 34 municipal workers in the city of Woodinville, Washington, and 10 more Service Contract Act workers at Doss Aviation at Fort Lewis near Tacoma. all of which voted "IAM yes" overwhelmingly. And they're not stopping there - there are more campaigns underway as we go to press. Congratulations to Brother Cote, District 751 P/DBR Tom Wroblewski and their team!
Brother Steve Older, one of "Beno's Boys" from District Lodge 190, was successful in organizing a group of auto technicians employed by Hayward Dodge in Hayward, California. the vote was 15-0, despite the company's fierce opposition and retention of an anti-union consultant. Brother Older and members of Local Lodge 1546 deserve congratulations for a fantastic job of educating these new members - even the company observer voted yes!
Last, but certainly not least, Brother Brian Miller of District Lodge 725 brought in another Service Contract group of 10 workers at L-3 Vertex in Yuma, Arizona to wrap up a great September!
"Congratulations to everyone for their hard work and dedication to bringing the benefits of union membership to these new members," said Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson. "Thanks to GLR Bobby Martinez for his advance assistance at L-3, also to Brothers Miller, Older, Cote and Wroblewski for their hard work growing the Western Territory."
