Above photo: Teamsters at Huttig gather after taking a unanimous strike authorization vote on March 4.
Warehouse workers at Huttig/Woodgrain are gearing up for a strike at the building materials distributor that could kick off as early as this Monday, April 17, 2023. The group of 36 Teamsters will be taking a Final Strike Vote and assembling picket signs this Saturday, April 15 after a negotiations update meeting at the Teamsters Union Hall in Tukwila.
The Teamsters are protesting alleged violations of federal labor law during contentious contract negotiations, including charges of unlawful surveillance and intimidation during a visit to the Huttig facility by Auburn City Councilmember and former President of the Washington State Labor Council Larry Brown. During the visit with Councilmember Brown, company management shadowed Union Representatives who were inviting workers to attend an upcoming strike authorization vote meeting on March 4.
The Union has filed Unfair Labor Practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board alleging violations of federal labor law and the Board is investigating the charges.
“Teamsters at Huttig are refusing to back down from asserting their rights despite unlawful intimidation and surveillance practices by this company,” said John Scearcy, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117. “Workers are prepared to strike as early as this Monday to stop this company from trying to sabotage negotiations and strongarm them into accepting a substandard contract proposal.”