LOCAL
Dignidad Siempre
Failing to break the spirit of 20 resilient Teamsters, ICS/Mauser shuts down facility in Seattle
SEATTLE, WA (July 17, 2025) — For three months, twenty dedicated workers stood unwavering at the gates of Mauser/ICS. “Dignidad siempre!” (Dignity forever) was their chant. When during contract negotiations Teamsters were united in rejecting a subpar proposal, the multinational giant shut the gates of the Seattle facility down ruthlessly locking out their workers. Yet Teamsters refused to leave. Every workday for three months straight, they showed up with picket signs sending a powerful message. They were here to stay because they take pride in their difficult and dangerous work, but they will not accept to be treated as lesser than. The story of Teamsters at Mauser/ICS is one of unbreakable resolve and of community solidarity.
“It was a difficult situation,” said Julio Diaz, who served the company for 18 year. “We had to fight for our jobs and for fairness. The union has been there 100% for us, and we continue to be proud about our decision to stand strong.”
United, these Teamsters held the line for three months. Photo: Teamsters Local 117
Eleven Years of Fighting for Dignity
When this bilingual and diverse group first organized eleven years ago, they were fighting truly inhumane conditions. They had no sanitary break room, and their only water source was a broken, rusted pipe. Mauser/ICS have a track record of health and safety violations and environmental pollution. Through years of persistent negotiations and collective action, Teamsters increased safety at their workplace, winning basic dignities that every worker deserves. Still, every contract cycle brought new battles.
The Stand That Shook a Company
When the contract negotiations began this cycle, the company’s demands were particularly egregious. They wanted to reduce hours so severely that workers couldn’t support their families. On top of that, they wanted to eliminate the workers’ modest $150 annual bonus —a mere $3,000 total across all twenty workers — that the company deemed too much to pay those who handled their most dangerous work.
However, than negotiate in good faith with the people who made their operation possible, Mauser/ICS locked out their workers outside the gates of the facility they had served faithfully for years.
12 Hours a Day, 90 Days Strong
What happened is nothing short of inspiring. For three months, these twenty workers held the line for 12 hours every day. They didn’t retreat to the comfort of their homes — they knew the value of their labor, and they made sure everyone else knew it too.
A rally brought together an international union president and local officials, all speaking out in support of these twenty workers who had become a symbol of resistance against corporate greed. NGOs, faith-based groups, elected officials, other labor unions, and environmental organizations pressured Mauser/ICS to clean up its act. Hundreds have signed an online petition urging the company to negotiate an end to the lockout. Teamsters community made sure to visit the picket line with food and words of encouragement.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, WSLC President April Sims & Secretary Treasurer Cherika Carter pose for a photo with the workers at an April rally. Photo: The STAND
“Luchamos asta al final – We fought until the end,” said Margarito Barajas, and Armando Quezada echoed his sentiment. “We were very strong until the end. We are grateful to the community that supported us throughout.” Both workers have given over 20 years of service to Mauser/ICS.
Ultimately, the company decided to close the facility rather than treat their workers with respect.
“It was an all-hands on deck fight for these workers, and we were there for them every step of the way,” said Paul Dascher, Teamsters 117 Secretary-Treasurer. “The company may have closed its doors, but it could never break their courage. They walked away with something more valuable — their community that stood by their side and the knowledge that principles are worth fighting for, that dignity cannot be purchased.”
The twenty unwavering Teamsters are planning to stay in their union family and are seeking Teamsters employment. If you want to support them, please consider donating to the Teamsters Hardship Fund.
Teamsters Local 117 represents more than 17,000 workers in Washington, from accountants to zookeepers. Learn more at teamsters117.org. This story was originally published on the Teamsters 117 blog.