IUOE ~ Local 609 is a group of units for Classified Employees of the Seattle School District in Custodial, Environmental, Grounds, Nutrition and Safety & Security Services
Custodial Services
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Environmental Services
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GroundsKeeping
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Nutrition Services
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Safety & Security
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All General Membership meetings have been cancelled until further notice.
To All IUOE Business Managers and Staff:
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
American democracy can be messy, but now that the 2020 presidential election has culminated in a clear winner being declared, I would like to take this opportunity to address each and every Operating Engineer household in the hope that a new period of national healing may now commence.
It is my desire that each and every member of this great organization continue to prosper and grow in the American middle-class. I believe that our common goals for a safe and productive career outweigh any and all allegiance to political party. No matter where we live, our commonality as Operating Engineers is the bond that unites us; it is stronger than any issue that divides us.
Throughout our history, IUOE members have never wavered when this great nation has been called to higher purpose. Through every war dating back to our founding 125 years ago, Operating Engineers have served and sacrificed on the battlefield. We have been an integral part of the industrial supply chain in factories and shipyards, producing tanks, armaments, aircraft and warships to stamp out tyranny around the world.
Operating Engineers are the brave souls who run towards the natural and man-made disasters that threaten our country and our communities. We serve on the frontlines, restoring order and calm, caring for the sick and injured, then building back better and stronger. Our Stationary brothers and sisters carry on by keeping newly restored structures safe and operational. Our work has been recognized as “essential” by state and local authorities during the pandemic.
I have stood in amazement and pride to watch the generosity of our members, as you donate your time, expertise and funding in your communities and to those less fortunate. Millions of people who have benefited from this generosity will never know your name or the career you have chosen, but credit is never sought by those who live by the credo, “There but for the grace of God, go I.”
It is for these reasons that I do not view the members of this amazing union through the lens of political affiliation. I see clearly what makes us great. We are members of the highest skilled workforce in North America.
Therefore, let our message to every elected official of every political stripe be very clear. We are united in protecting the tenets of our great organization–our right to organize, our right to picket unfair practices, and our right to collectively bargain. We demand access to affordable healthcare for us and our families. Lastly, we have a reasonable expectation to retire with dignity through our union pension. On these issues, nothing can divide the hardworking men and women of the Operating Engineers.
In closing, I respectfully remind us all that regardless of whether we identify as Republicans or Democrats, we all read in one way or another from the same bible.We hope and pray for our loved ones, we wish to build a better America for our children, we fear for the health of our families during this pandemic, and we strive for a better tomorrow. I have faith that we will come through this period of history more determined and more united than ever before. May God bless the Operating Engineers.
In solidarity,
James T. Callahan
General President
JTC:jl
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
American democracy can be messy, but now that the 2020 presidential election has culminated in a clear winner being declared, I would like to take this opportunity to address each and every Operating Engineer household in the hope that a new period of national healing may now commence.
It is my desire that each and every member of this great organization continue to prosper and grow in the American middle-class. I believe that our common goals for a safe and productive career outweigh any and all allegiance to political party. No matter where we live, our commonality as Operating Engineers is the bond that unites us; it is stronger than any issue that divides us.
Throughout our history, IUOE members have never wavered when this great nation has been called to higher purpose. Through every war dating back to our founding 125 years ago, Operating Engineers have served and sacrificed on the battlefield. We have been an integral part of the industrial supply chain in factories and shipyards, producing tanks, armaments, aircraft and warships to stamp out tyranny around the world.
Operating Engineers are the brave souls who run towards the natural and man-made disasters that threaten our country and our communities. We serve on the frontlines, restoring order and calm, caring for the sick and injured, then building back better and stronger. Our Stationary brothers and sisters carry on by keeping newly restored structures safe and operational. Our work has been recognized as “essential” by state and local authorities during the pandemic.
I have stood in amazement and pride to watch the generosity of our members, as you donate your time, expertise and funding in your communities and to those less fortunate. Millions of people who have benefited from this generosity will never know your name or the career you have chosen, but credit is never sought by those who live by the credo, “There but for the grace of God, go I.”
It is for these reasons that I do not view the members of this amazing union through the lens of political affiliation. I see clearly what makes us great. We are members of the highest skilled workforce in North America.
Therefore, let our message to every elected official of every political stripe be very clear. We are united in protecting the tenets of our great organization–our right to organize, our right to picket unfair practices, and our right to collectively bargain. We demand access to affordable healthcare for us and our families. Lastly, we have a reasonable expectation to retire with dignity through our union pension. On these issues, nothing can divide the hardworking men and women of the Operating Engineers.
In closing, I respectfully remind us all that regardless of whether we identify as Republicans or Democrats, we all read in one way or another from the same bible.We hope and pray for our loved ones, we wish to build a better America for our children, we fear for the health of our families during this pandemic, and we strive for a better tomorrow. I have faith that we will come through this period of history more determined and more united than ever before. May God bless the Operating Engineers.
In solidarity,
James T. Callahan
General President
JTC:jl
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The IUOE prides itself on being an organization that encourages diversity, and one that embraces members from all walks of life, regardless of their background. We therefore stand firm in our unwavering and resounding commitment to discourage and eliminate all forms of harassment, discrimination, or systemic institutional violence in the workplace and beyond, and to support and help those who suffer any such unfair treatment or abuse.
In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “We must learn to live together as brothers, or we will all perish together as fools.” As the world continues to struggle in the wake of these uncertain and troubling times, we ask that you take these inspirational words to heart, and try your best to live by them. We must, now more than ever, continue to stand together united as brothers and sisters, and do our part to help make this world a better place where every single one of us has a fair and equal opportunity to achieve prosperity and success through hard work and perseverance.
In Solidarity,
James T. Callahan
General President
Brian E. Hickey
General Secretary-Treasurer
The IUOE prides itself on being an organization that encourages diversity, and one that embraces members from all walks of life, regardless of their background. We therefore stand firm in our unwavering and resounding commitment to discourage and eliminate all forms of harassment, discrimination, or systemic institutional violence in the workplace and beyond, and to support and help those who suffer any such unfair treatment or abuse.
In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “We must learn to live together as brothers, or we will all perish together as fools.” As the world continues to struggle in the wake of these uncertain and troubling times, we ask that you take these inspirational words to heart, and try your best to live by them. We must, now more than ever, continue to stand together united as brothers and sisters, and do our part to help make this world a better place where every single one of us has a fair and equal opportunity to achieve prosperity and success through hard work and perseverance.
In Solidarity,
James T. Callahan
General President
Brian E. Hickey
General Secretary-Treasurer
Covid-19 Updates:
Mask requirement
Staying home is still the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but face coverings, along with proper physical distancing, can help to significantly stem the spread. Now that many counties are partially reopened it’s critical that people wear masks and practice physical distancing in public.
There are three public orders that combine to emphasize the importance of wearing masks and to encourage people to wear them in public places. When more Washingtonians wear face coverings in public the combined effect can greatly reduce transmission of COVID-19 from person to person, saving lives and helping us open the economy safely and wisely.
The workplace order: Washington employers are required to ensure workers are wearing face coverings at work in almost all situations. Employers must provide face coverings if workers do not have them; employers are responsible to comply with this order, and the Department of Labor & Industries enforces it.
The general public order: This order from the secretary of health requires Washingtonians, with some exceptions, to wear face coverings in public spaces (indoors in most situations, and outdoors when proper physical distancing can’t be maintained). People are individually responsible to comply with this order.
The governor’s order for customers in businesses: This order from Governor Jay Inslee says businesses cannot allow customers to enter their premises without face coverings. Other accommodations can be offered for customers who cannot wear masks. Businesses, with the help of local law enforcement if needed, are responsible to comply with this order.
Read the Local Health Officer Directive
Frequently Asked Questions
Wear a face covering when you are at any indoor or outdoor public space where you may be within 6 feet of someone who does not live with you.
Seattle Public Schools Coronavirus updates can be found here.
If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.
Mask requirement
Staying home is still the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but face coverings, along with proper physical distancing, can help to significantly stem the spread. Now that many counties are partially reopened it’s critical that people wear masks and practice physical distancing in public.
There are three public orders that combine to emphasize the importance of wearing masks and to encourage people to wear them in public places. When more Washingtonians wear face coverings in public the combined effect can greatly reduce transmission of COVID-19 from person to person, saving lives and helping us open the economy safely and wisely.
The workplace order: Washington employers are required to ensure workers are wearing face coverings at work in almost all situations. Employers must provide face coverings if workers do not have them; employers are responsible to comply with this order, and the Department of Labor & Industries enforces it.
The general public order: This order from the secretary of health requires Washingtonians, with some exceptions, to wear face coverings in public spaces (indoors in most situations, and outdoors when proper physical distancing can’t be maintained). People are individually responsible to comply with this order.
The governor’s order for customers in businesses: This order from Governor Jay Inslee says businesses cannot allow customers to enter their premises without face coverings. Other accommodations can be offered for customers who cannot wear masks. Businesses, with the help of local law enforcement if needed, are responsible to comply with this order.
- Read the Department of Health (DOH) guidance on cloth face coverings (PDF)
Read the Local Health Officer Directive
Frequently Asked Questions
Wear a face covering when you are at any indoor or outdoor public space where you may be within 6 feet of someone who does not live with you.
Seattle Public Schools Coronavirus updates can be found here.
If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.
Elections - be they for local, state, or national, do YOUR part and make sure YOU are registered to vote BEFORE any election rolls around...!
Get involved and stay informed...!
Click the "Your Vote Counts" button to register
(and to check your registration status)Special Election
Get involved and stay informed...!
Click the "Your Vote Counts" button to register
(and to check your registration status)Special Election
Elections Dates & Deadlines 2020
DATES AND DEADLINES 2020
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