The new members, who handle the transport of the deceased and provide direct support to grieving families, sought union representation to address grievances regarding workplace conditions and compensation. Their decision follows repeated instances where staff felt their physical well-being was overlooked by leadership.
Mt. View Funeral Home staff join Teamsters union
Citing chronic safety concerns and a lack of support from management, 11 staff associates at the Mt. View Funeral Home in Tukwila have voted to join Teamsters Local 117. The decision expands an existing bargaining unit already composed of 17 cemetery workers, embalmers, and funeral directors at the same facility.
"People have been hurt and pressured to return to work before they are fully healed," said staff associate Leía Allen. "Our needs and requests have been repeatedly ignored, forgotten, and dismissed." Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117, emphasized that these employees provide essential support during periods of profound loss and should be backed by a contract that guarantees fair pay and safety provisions. The union, which currently represents 19,000 workers across Washington State, will now move to negotiate a contract covering the expanded group.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!