LOCAL
Pierce County defense attorneys, staff unite
Department of Assigned Counsel employees join together with SEIU 925
TACOMA (Aug. 30, 2022) — Attorneys and support staff at the Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) have joined together with SEIU 925 after winning a card-check election, and now are eagerly looking forward to bargaining with the county.
The nearly 90 DAC employees in the bargaining unit provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County to ensure that eligible people receive professional and effective representation in the county’s Superior, District, Municipal and Juvenile Courts.
The organizing committee reports that support staff and attorneys are seeking transparency in the promotion process, clarity and consistency in remote work policies, reclassification of certain legal assistants whose limited work hours don’t match their workloads, and a greater voice in staff rotations and agency resources, among other things.
“As advocates for others, the attorneys and support staff at DAC truly understand the need for zealous representation,” said Hannah Purcell, a County Attorney at DAC and member of the organizing committee. “I am proud to say that with the backing of SEIU 925, DAC will have a strong voice at the county table and will be able to secure the fundamental resources that we have been lacking for too long.”
“I’m excited for DAC to unionize because it offers an opportunity to have better workplace relations, equality, and support,” said Char Davidson, Legal Assistant 3 and 12-year DAC employee. “The union gives us a straightforward and transparent look into what is expected of the staff as well as management.”
SEIU Local 925 unites some 17,000 people in Washington state who work in education from early learning through higher education, as well as members who work in local government and nonprofits.
Are you ready for a voice at work? Get more information about how you can join together with co-workers and negotiate a fair return for your hard work. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!
CHECK OUT THE UNION DIFFERENCE in Washington: higher wages, affordable health and dental care, job and retirement security.
FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN TOGETHER with your co-workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and a voice at work. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!
