Stop intimidating workers! Huttig workers rally in Auburn

WSLC joins Teamsters at May 5 rally to support millwork, warehouse workers

UPDATE (May 6, 2023) — Thank you to all who turned out to show solidarity with the Huttig workers!

AUBURN, Wash. — The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (WSLC) is calling on union and community members across the Puget Sound area to join workers at Huttig, members of Teamsters Local 117, at a solidarity rally this Friday in their fight against the company’s intimidation and surveillance tactics. A Union Rally to Stop Huttig Intimidation will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 5 at Huttig’s warehouse facility, 525 C St. in Auburn.

Speakers at the May 5 rally will include WSLC President April Sims, WSLC Secretary Treasurer Cherika Carter, City of Auburn Councilmember (and former WSLC President) Larry Brown, Teamsters 117 Secretary-Treasurer John Scearcy, and rank-and-file Huttig leaders. Parking is limited, so please consider carpooling to the event.

On April 15, the group of 36 millwork and warehouse workers at Huttig/Woodgrain voted unanimously to strike in protest of the company’s ongoing violations of federal labor law during contract negotiations, including unlawful surveillance and intimidation of workers. Workers say they will not let the company intimidate them into accepting a substandard contract.

“After the Woodgrain buyout, they told us nothing was going to change, that everything was going to stay status quo. They haven’t held to their word,” said Alex Boynton, a Teamster shop steward and seven-year Huttig/Woodgrain employee. “They’ve pushed their agenda and now they’re trying to intimidate us into accepting a substandard contract, but it’s not going to happen.”

PREVIOUSLY at The Stand:

Huttig Teamsters vote unanimously to strike (April 17) — Strike action at building materials company could commence at any time.

Teamsters at Huttig take a stand with unanimous strike authorization vote (March 7)