500 new Teamsters at Lumen Field

More workers win their union to improve their working conditions at the Seattle stadium, one of the venues for the FIFA 2026 World Cup

SEATTLE, WA (February 21, 2025) — A group of 500 workers in Guest Services at Lumen Field have won their Union with Teamsters Local 117 after a card check process conducted by an independent arbitrator on Friday, February 14, 2025. The group will join 39 parking attendants at Lumen who became members of Local 117 last October.

“We are thrilled to welcome more Lumen workers to our Union,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters 117. “Workers in Guest Services provide essential support to stadium visitors and help ensure that fans and concert-goers have a positive experience at one of the premiere sports and entertainment venues in the country.”

The workers are employed by the main tenant at Lumen Field, First and Goal, Inc. They sought a voice with Teamsters 117 several months ago, citing the need for clarity around scheduling, family wages, improved communication, and better overall working conditions.

Norma Abarca (l) and Brent Schleusner (r) are part of a group of 500 workers in Guest Services at Lumen who have organized with Teamsters 117. Photos: Teamsters 117

“Unions helped create the middle class in this country,” said Nick Achmon, who has been on staff at Lumen for over a year. “Being a Teamster means we’ll have a strong backbone. We can fight for our rights, make demands, and things will change.”

Achmon, who was already represented by Teamsters 117 as a guest services worker at Climate Pledge Arena, encouraged his co-workers to organize. “I talked to people and told them the union would help make things better. At Climate Pledge, we know what positions are available every month. We request a shift, and they just plug us in. If we work longer than five hours, they have to provide us with a hot meal. We need those things at Lumen as well.”

First and Goal, Inc has taken a neutral position as workers organize at Lumen Field. Earlier this year, MLK Labor and 15 affiliates of the Washington State Labor Council, including Teamsters 117, were successful in negotiating a landmark Labor Harmony Agreement with First and Goal, Inc in anticipation of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, some of which will be played at Lumen.

In the coming weeks, representatives of Local 117 will meet with the workers to establish priorities for negotiations and elect rank-and-file leaders who will participate on the union negotiations committee.

“We look forward to meeting with workers and hearing their concerns,” Secretary-Treasurer Dascher said. “We plan on bringing those concerns to the employer when we meet at the bargaining table. I have no doubt that we can negotiate a strong contract that gives workers the voice they deserve and recognizes them for the important services they provide.

Learn more at teamsters117.org.