Jackson County Sheriff's Office Workers Vote to Join Teamsters
Employees of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 223. The affiliation brings 130 workers into a larger union structure.
Members of the Jackson County Sheriff's Employees Association (JCSEA) have voted by an overwhelming 99 percent to join Teamsters Local 223. The JCSEA will continue to serve as the employees' bargaining representative but will now be affiliated with the larger union.
The bargaining unit covers 130 regular full-time and part-time sheriff's office employees, excluding supervisors and certain other positions. Austin DePaolo, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 223, stated that these workers deserve fair pay, good benefits, and respect on the job. He added that the union will stand with them and work to translate the strong vote into action.
Steven Sagert II, President of JCSEA, commented that the members understand the demands of their work and want a strong voice in decisions affecting them. Joining Local 223 provides increased support and strength at the bargaining table. Sagert expressed pride in taking this step together.
Teamsters Local 223 has represented workers in Oregon and Washington since 1938. This affiliation integrates sheriff's office employees into a broader union representing various community service workers. Together, JCSEA and Local 223 aim to protect members' rights and build upon past achievements.