On December 2, 19 clerical workers at Allied Waste in Seattle, Washington voted to become Teamsters with Local 174 in Seattle.

This was the second election for the unit, following an election on May 20, 2005. The workers’ efforts and support from Local 542 in San Diego helped make the latest election a success.

Workers, who contacted the union last spring because they were tired of the company’s empty promises and unfair rules, were thrilled. 

“The union gives us a way to address management’s favoritism,” said Pam Erskine, an accounts receivable clerk at Allied Waste for the last 12 years. “Having a union means that we have a voice. With the union, I’ll be able to speak up if there is a problem. I’ll have rights.”

“We are excited to be Teamsters and have the respect and dignity on the job that we deserve,” said Phillip Corley, a credit collection clerk at Allied Waste.