We are organizing our union at
Sound Transit!
We are the Sound Transit Employees Union, and we are united. We come from all job classifications and divisions, and we are fighting for pay equity, a voice in the decisions that affect our jobs, and the ability to negotiate over the issues that matter to us.
With over 200 Sound Transit employees now represented by PROTEC17 (or are quickly on their way), our power as employees of the region’s growing and expanding transit system is stronger than ever. As Sound Transit continues to evolve and expand, employees deserve to have protections on the job and a seat at the table.
Many have concerns over the recently-announced CEO decision, but know this: PROTEC17 has been leading the King County Coalition of Unions for the past several decades with Dow in the top spot, and while we are cautiously optimistic about the transition, we are confident that Sound Transit employees, too, will be able to make improvements to their working lives as we unify, organize, and win together.
Join us as we unify employees at Sound Transit and form our union! Without a union, Sound Transit is able to make unilateral, arbitrary decisions and take back promises made to us when we were hired. It is time we have a say in how we work!
Why Organize Now?
Equitable Pay
Sound Transit workers deserve equitable pay and wage scales that reflect our service to the organization.
Just Cause
Sound Transit workers deserve protection from arbitrary decision-making and the right to representation.
Flexibility
Sound Transit workers deserve schedules that makes sense, and the flexibility to live and work in this area.
As Sound Transit continues to grow, expanding the light rail to Snohomish County and beyond, Sound Transit employees deserve to grow and thrive along with it.
Without a union, we are forced to accept arbitrary changes to our working conditions without having a say with little or no transparency. Now is the time to stand together and advocate for ourselves. Will you join us and take action to secure better pay, benefits, and working conditions?
Campaign Updates
FAQ
Here are some common questions we have received during our campaign to form a union in Project Controls:
How will Project MOST impact our organizing?
We are working together with various workgroups to gather new org charts and to assess whether we need to adjust who we are doing outreach to as a result. Please consult with the Organizer on staff you are working with about changes to your position or workgroup, but please know that the work remains the same: having conversations with your colleagues about the importance of having a union, and about having a voice and protection during times of change, and in decisions that affect your careers, like RTO and COLAs. Join us at one of our next organizing sessions and invite your coworkers.
Will we be able to stop Return-to-Office if we unionize?
The RTO mandate is top of mind for a lot of people working at Sound Transit right now. When we file our petition for representation, we will enter what is called a "period of status quo", meaning that Sound Transit cannot make changes to our hours, benefits, or working conditions until we negotiate as a union. Because remote work is the "dynamic status quo" for many employees at Sound Transit-- meaning that's what has been promised to people and what employees expect-- we have a fighting chance at stopping the RTO mandate until we are able to negotiate as a union.
Once we have sufficient support to file a Representation Petition with PERC, we will enter into a period of “status quo”, which, if you are already back to working in the office, please know that we will be fighting to ensure you have the ability to telework as part of our negotiated agreement.
When I start paying dues, does that mean I'll make less money?
Union employees on average earn 10-20% more than non-union employees. Once we are certified as a union, we will begin negotiating for the issues that matter to us, including pay scales. The process of unionizing ensures that you're able to see our Collective Bargaining Agreement (a legally binding contract negotiated by both Sound Transit, a professional Negotiator from PROTEC17, and a team of our colleagues) before voting to approve it. No one would vote to approve a contract that gave them less money.
Will we have enough leverage to make real change at Sound Transit?
Yes! There are already over 100 employees at Sound Transit currently represented by PROTEC17, AND employees are organizing across departments to have a voice in the decisions that affect them at work. PROTEC17 represents over 10,000 professionals at the City, County, State, and other municipalities and has the leverage to fight for what we need at the table. Remember: We are the union, so the more united we are, the stronger we are.
About PROTEC17
We are a member-powered union inspiring action, advancing
equity, and building community.
