(SEATTLE) – Parking attendants who service the Parking Garage, North Lot, and King County Parking Garage at Lumen Field have chosen to join Teamsters Local 117. The Teamsters were authorized as the workers’ exclusive bargaining representative through a card check process conducted by an independent arbitrator.
“I am excited to welcome Lumen Field parking attendants to our union,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117. “These workers provide critical services to fans and concertgoers at one of the Pacific Northwest’s premiere sports and entertainment venues. We are eager to sit down with their employer soon to negotiate a strong union contract that recognizes the value of their labor.”
The 44 new Teamsters are employed by First and Goal, Inc., the master tenant at Lumen Field. The workers sought a voice with Local 117 two months ago, citing the need for secure scheduling with sufficient hours, family wages, and better overall working conditions.
“We wanted to form a union with Teamsters Local 117 to have strong representation,” said Aklilu Worke, a parking attendant at Lumen Field. “At Lumen Field, we should have the right to guaranteed wage increases and job security. As Teamsters, we will now have a voice to achieve those goals.”
Dascher praised the company for taking a neutral position during the unionization process, especially in anticipation of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which will host events at the venue. “We commend this employer for making sure workers have a fair chance at union representation and for pledging not to interfere with the organizing process. With a marquee event like the World Cup coming soon to Lumen Field, the whole world will see that Seattle treats this group of workers with respect.”
In the coming weeks, representatives of Local 117 will meet with the members to establish priorities for negotiations and elect rank-and-file leaders who will participate on the union negotiating committee.
“Forming a union at Lumen Field with Teamsters Local 117 is important because we have the opportunity to have a job with more hours and better benefits,” said Gashaw Abebe, a parking attendant at Lumen Field. “As parking attendants, we help visitors at the stadium have an enjoyable experience. That service should be valued.”
Teamsters Local 117 represents 17,000 men and women at 200 employers across Washington State. For more information, visit teamsters117.org.
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