With an employee base as great as Lewis County Transit, these types of decisions are not taken lightly.

We reached out to LCT to see how Colby stands out among his peers. Here is what they had to say, 

"Over the past year, Colby has embraced new challenges and technologies with an admirable level of dedication and adaptability. When unforeseen circumstances arose, Colby stepped up to lead the shop, ensuring the fleet stayed on the road without interruption. His ability to research, prepare, and execute tasks safely and efficiently shows his commitment to excellence. He has also demonstrated a strong willingness to attend training on the new hydrogen buses, preparing himself to navigate and maintain this emerging technology with confidence.

Colby’s initiative extends beyond his immediate duties. He consistently brings forward valuable safety ideas and concerns, demonstrating his dedication to creating a safer, more effective work environment. Respected by his peers and admired for his dependability, Colby is eager to learn new skills that will benefit his current role and advance his career. Watching his growth over the years has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re proud to call him an integral part of the team. Colby truly exemplifies what it means to be an all-around great employee and person.”

These non-models sure know how to strike a pose! A Northwest Administration photographer was out photographing Teamsters at work in preparation for the launch of their new website. Keep an eye out for your 252 brothers and sisters from Lewis County Transit, IP Callisons, and Winlock Police Department on the updated website.

Teamsters Local Union No. 252 would like to thank the Centralia Downtown Association for hosting such a wonderful event. And the community for being so welcoming. This was our first year participating in the parade. We are excited and plan on seeing you all again next year. Special shout out to everyone who participated in the float building or participated in the parade. If you missed it, click here to visit the Chronicle for more photos and a video. Our float is highlighted at minute 46.

Lewis County Transit employees were all smiles after Sunday's ratification vote. This contract secures competitive wage increases over the three (3) year term. Teamsters Union Local No. 252 and their dedicated stewards have been negotiating strong contracts with Lewis County Transit since 2009.

The golfers were not deterred by the rain!

Teamsters Local Union No. 252 would like to thank the Russ Walpole Golf Tournament Committee,

Sponsors, and Golfers. Because of you, this memorial scholarship is possible. Thank you - see you next year!

Nic Denman poses with Monica Brummer alongside the Centralia Collige Environmental Mobile Classroom at the South West Washington Fair. Monica. The director of the PNW Center of Excellence for Clean Energy reached out to the Teamsters to facilitate the moving of their mobile classroom from Centralia to the Fairgrounds. Nic Denman a CDL Driver for UNFI and Proud Teamster, answered the call. Thank you, Nic, for being active in your Union and your community. 

"I felt honored to be recognized as Law Enforcement Liaison of the Year by the Washington Traffic   Safety Commission. It's a privilege to work with such a great team that includes the Washington Traffic Safety   Committee and local partners like Lewis County Target Zero Taskforce". 

   -Captain Jeff Godbey

There is no question that Teamsters do amazing work! Captain Godbey is a 22-year-Teamster, who has worked in many capacities for Lewis County throughout his career. In 2018 he took on the role of Lewis Counties Law Enforcement Liaison. His efforts were recognized this past June when he was named Law Enforcement Liaison of the Year. We here at Local No.252 would like to showcase Captain Godbey, and thank him for his unwavering dedication to this community. Click here to read the Chronicles full article for more on Captain Godbey's dedication to traffic safety and community involvement.

This morning, the employees at Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) in Olympia ratified their first ever collective bargaining agreement. This is the first agreement for this company in the Nation. The groups top priorities, which the Teamsters were able to secure, were job protections and guaranteed wage increases. We are excited to welcome the ADS group to the Teamsters!

After 44 years, Master Mechanic and Shop Steward Corky Watkins retired from Ocean Spray. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement!

We are happy to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Russ Walpole Scholarship Award! 

Pictured above are Russ Walpole Scholarship recipients Cassidy Phan of Olympia High School and Bannack Firkins of Capitol High School.

First, we want to thank all applicants for their very thoughtful responses. The students that applied made the selection process very difficult. Secondly, we want to thank the Scholarship Award Committee for their care in reviewing each application and thoughtfully selecting this year's recipients.  We are so proud of these students for their hard work and dedication to furthering their education. Wishing all applicants the best luck on their future academic endeavors.

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO:

 Kennedee Woolett: Shelton High School

 Cassidy Phan: Olympia High School

 Kassidy Jack: Timberline High School

 Kylie Buchin: South Kitsap High School

 Bannack Firkins: Capitol High School

Bettering the lives of workers and their families is what we do at Local 252, but we cannot do it alone. Jesus saw an opportunity to improve his life and the lives of his coworkers, never losing sight of the greater good and maintaining a positive attitude all the way. Jesus was outstanding in his organizing role and will undoubtedly be an effective voice for his coworkers in negotiations.

“Hey, I’m Jesus, a proud new member of Teamsters 252. This process has been a good learning experience! In the beginning, not everyone was on board, but I maintained a positive attitude, and everything worked out. In the end, all but one voted yes. During the process, I was not alone. I was there supported by my fellow team members. I was not alone, and that’s the whole meaning of the union and what my team stands by. If we stand as one, we are one.

“” Martin Luther King said, we must learn to live together as brothers, or we will perish as fools. ”” This quote motivated me to make this work. Going forward, we have each other and that gives me great confidence as we fight for what we deserve!" 

Joice McCoy, Lewis County Sheriffs Corrections Lieutenant and Proud Teamster, retired after 38.8 years of service. In 2005, McCoy fought hard to keep the Lieutenants and Corrections Sargent in the union when some members of the group wanted to decertify and become a guild. McCoy said "it was a bloodbath", clearly a fight worth fighting. Local 252 wants to thank you, McCoy, for your hard work and dedication to your community, and thank you for all the time and energy you gave your Teamsters Brothers and Sisters as Shop Steward.

Congratulations Joyce McCoy, we wish you all the best in your retirement!

Lewis County Sheriffs Support Staff leaves their guild for better benefits and peace of mind over healthcare in retirement. 

"The financial hardship of medical coverage for retirement age people is crazy", said Tamra Shields, former Guild President. "We are faced with so much uncertainty about if or when we will be able to retire, not knowing if we will be able to afford medical coverage before Medicare eligibility. This Retiree Medical plan being afforded to us changes that. There is no medical coverage plan with coverage at age 50 that even comes close to what this plan offers".

Vice President of the Guild, now Teamsters' member in good standing Sarah Booker-Godsey says ''joining the Teamsters is refreshing. In an environment always changing, being part of a contract that prioritizes the employees' best interests brings peace of mind to the Support Staff currently working, and I hope it will incentivize new hires to make a career at Lewis County''.

Senior Business Agent Rob ReRosa and the rest of us here at Local 252 are excited to introduce the Lewis County Sheriffs Support Staff. 

 A signing ceremony was held on February 22nd, to officiate the newly ratified agreement between the Teamsters Local 252 and the City of Tumwater Public Works Department.

Dave Schween, Michelle Sutherland, Rob DeRosa, Mayor Debbie Sullivan, and Brian Blaisdell 

"Pay increases on this contract were a big plus for the crew. I was also really happy to see additional things (longevity pay, and City contribution to the pension) make it into the contract that will act as a foundation to build from in the future. These items were just a wish list for so long". Dave Schwenn Shop Steward and Bargaining Team Member

2024-02-28 Teamsters Signing 1.jpg

Public Safety 911 Telecommunicators, worked closely with the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to separate the Telecommunicators from under the Sheriff’s Department contract and supervision to a separate contract under the County. This new contract gives Public Safety Telecommunicators security in their supervisor. Their direct supervision will be hired with the department's goals and needs as the priority. In addition to this security, the negotiation team won historic pay increases.

Bargaining team member Mosley said, “Negotiations went smoother than in years past, and she was happy about the pay increases”.

Teamsters Local 252 members at City of Tumwater Public Works have ratified a new three (3) year agreement. The new three (3) year agreement provides historical pay increases, recognition of longevity, has the City paying into the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust, and the City continues to pay 100% full Medical and Benefits for the life of the agreement. This contract greatly benefits 32 Local 252 members and their families.

“The bargaining committee did an incredible job," said Brian Blaisdell Secretary - Treasurer, "the team of, Senior Business Agent Rob DeRosa, Business Agent Heather Slusher and Shop Steward David Schwen worked hard to achieve this incredible agreement”.

Recently organized UNFI Drivers met with Local 252 staff on Saturday to discuss and prepare for upcoming negotiations with the Company. The 53-worker group overcame a vicious anti-union campaign by the company to win strong representation. They are seeking improvements to wages, working conditions, and health care and retirement benefits.