GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
For more than 80 years, Local 8 has been on an incredible journey growing in size and strength. What began as a small labor union has expanded into a solid, statewide force organizing Washington workers and uniting members from a wide range of industries. Last year, we decided it was time to put down roots and find our forever home. We did just that. This year, we purchased our new union office in Tukwila. In mid-October, our staff officially moved into the new space.
On Dec. 6, 2025, we proudly opened the doors of our new home for a grand opening celebration. Local 8 members, families, activists, retirees, community allies, and local elected officials joined us to mark this historic moment.
“Today is bigger than a ribbon cutting,” said Business Manager Corinne Cosentino. “This hall is a milestone that generations before us dreamed about but didn’t get to see. This is physical proof that when working people stand together, big things happen.”
“In this home, we build collective power through trust, relationships, partnerships, and a unified purpose,” noted President Sara Franklin in her opening remarks. Guests toured our new space, enjoyed interactive activities, and left with a special keepsake that we hope will grow alongside our Union.
Our hope is that the new space is more than an office – it is a foundation for the next generation of union power, solidarity, and community to continue to grow.
GAME NIGHT HARDSHIP FUNDRAISER
Next Friday, the OPEIU Local 8 Hardship Committee is hosting a fundraiser you don’t want to miss. Join us for trivia and bingo with a musical twist!
WHAT: Game Night
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 23, at 6:30 pm (game play starts at 7:15 pm)
WHERE: Snohomish County Labor Temple (2800 Lombard Ave, Everett)
WHO: Members, families, friends — all are welcome!
WHY: To raise money for Local 8’s Hardship Fund, which goes to eligible members facing emergency financial hardship
The cost to play is $20, and dinner will be included. Click here to register.
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For more about the OPEIU Local 8 Hardship Fund, eligibility, applying, and making a donation, click here
CALLING ALL MEMBERS!
JANUARY MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY
This is where official Local 8 union business is conducted and decided by members – all the more reason why we encourage all to join! To register and attend, click here or below. The deadline to register is Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Staying overnight? Participants need to make their own reservation at the Delta Hotels Seattle Everett no later than Wednesday, Jan. 14, in order to secure the Union’s special rate. To book, click here. Hotel reimbursement will be made in accordance with the Member Expense Reimbursement Policy.
We will be collecting donations for Sea Mar Maternity Support Services at the Assembly – visit our website for more info.
AGENDA INCLUDES:
- Nominations and elections of delegates to the Washington State Labor Council
- Nominations and elections of all vacant CLC Delegate vacancies
- Approval of the Proposed 2026 Local 8 Budget
- Approval of the 2026-2028 Tentative Agreement with OPEIU Local 8 Field Staff, Business Manager Terms of Employment
- Second reading and vote of modifications to the Local 8 Constitution and Bylaws
SOLIDARITY SUMMIT BRINGS US TOGETHER
On Saturday, Oct. 18, Local 8’s RESJ (Race, Equity, and Social Justice) Committee hosted their annual Solidarity Summit, bringing members together from across the union for a day. The Summit is designed to connect, ground, inspire, and strengthen our collective power and resilience.
The day opened with remarks from Vice President Emmanuel Flores, who spoke about the importance of building a culture of belonging within our union. Members then participated in “I Am From” introduction poems. This was an activity that invited people to share their stories, experiences, and identities, helping us root our movement work in who we are – individually and together.
We were honored to welcome guest facilitator Faraji Bhakti, who led a transformative session on setting intentions and living authentically. His message centered on reclaiming space, honoring our humanity, and showing up fully in the work of justice and solidarity.
After lunch, members boarded a bus to join the “No Kings” rally in Seattle, where more than 70,000 people gathered to demand justice and defend democracy. Local 8 showed up strong, adding our voices and presence to this historic moment.
The Solidarity Summit reminded us what becomes possible when we come together with courage, purpose, and joy. It was a day of reflection and renewal, and a powerful step forward in building the inclusive, justice-centered union that we aspire to be.
Distinguished labor studies award goes to local 8 leader
Nestled in the heart of the University of Washington, the independently funded labor school, Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies (HBCLS), has made good trouble for over fifty years. One of Local 8’s own leaders, Corina Yballa, honed her skills through this unique program in 2018. Named in honor of a provocative labor leader from the West Coast Longshore Workers’ union, the Center is dedicated to research on behalf of the working class.
At the 2025 Annual Banquet, Corina’s hard work, leadership, and dedication to the labor movement were recognized when she received the Distinguished Labor Studies Alumni Award. This honor reflects the impact of her work and her continued commitment to workers. Congratulations, Corina, on this well-deserved recognition and on all of your past (and future) accomplishments!
Local 8 came to show support. Shown from left to right, Union Rep Amirah Ziada, Member Amanda Flores, Trustee Joan Weiss, Vice President Emmanuel Flores, Officer Misha Smith, Officer & Awardee Corina Yballa, Officer Brick Kawabata, and Union Rep Hogarth Russell.
Lobby Day 2026 and our future
Political action committee update
The Local 8 Political Action Committee (PAC) was formed to ensure voices of the workforce are heard where decisions are made. Our PAC builds strong, ongoing relationships with leaders, elected officials, and community advocates who share our commitments: strengthening public services, improving workplace conditions, and investing in the workers who serve our communities every day.
With the elections now behind us, new city, county, and state officials are stepping into office and waiting to hear from us. As frontline staff and issue experts in our respective fields, we have a powerful role to play. Our next step is to come together, align our advocacy, and engage with our newly elected officials. That way, we can ensure they stay accountable.
Dozens of candidates sought endorsement from the Local 8 PAC during the election cycle. Through this process, we connected members directly to ask hard questions and share their real experiences in the workplace. That engagement doesn’t end on Election Day. Now, we are continuing our conversations and connecting members with elected officials once they are in office. This is the work that turns campaign commitments into action.
PAC will meet at the January Assembly (details on P4) to share concrete ways members can get involved and have an impact. This legislative session, get ready to join Local 8 at key legislative hearings and in-person lobbying to use our collective voices and create lasting change.
“The Political Action Committee is standing up for our members through every election cycle. We deserve labor champions who will fight for us and with us.”
– Sara Franklin,
Local 8 President and PAC Chair
September membership assembly was a success
On Saturday, Sept. 27, Local 8 held our Membership Assembly in Richland, WA.
The weekend kicked off on Friday night with union-themed Lotería hosted by our Hardship Fundraising Committee. Together, members raised $1,490 for the Hardship Fund, all while enjoying great company and community.
Saturday’s Assembly was filled with purpose and participation. We initiated new members, received a financial report from our Secretary-Treasurer, and elected new leaders to key roles. Members also shared heartfelt reflections about attending the LCLAA, APRI, and WSLC conventions – a reminder of the power of solidarity across the broader labor movement.
A highlight of the day was hearing from representatives of the United Farm Workers (UFW), who spoke about the ongoing boycott of Windmill (Ostrom) Mushrooms and the critical fight against union-busting in Washington’s agricultural industry.
Members then moved into committee meetings, discussed ongoing union work, and connected with one another about the issues facing our worksites and communities.
This assembly was full of energy and we look forward to the next one on Jan. 24 in Everett!
Shop Steward Spotlight: Bill French
Reflections on Building a Stronger Union
To lead effectively, you have to serve the people you’re leading. This is the mentality I bring every day to my work as a union steward.
Stewards have a few clear-cut responsibilities: being there for grievance hearings, helping colleagues exert their Weingarten rights and, ideally, playing a role in the bargaining process.
But that narrow view of a steward’s responsibilities keeps power on the table at a time when working people desperately need to realize and wield their power. Rather than just being there for my colleagues’ worst days, I’ve made a point to be present for their best days, as well. I make myself available as often as I can and manage several lines of communication with my colleagues, including e-mail, encrypted group chats, and smaller working groups. Doing so has gone a long way to build trust, soft power and a sense of community within our shop, which I am confident will translate to a stronger bargaining position during our upcoming contract negotiations.
Our union contract serves as both a sword and a shield. As stewards, it is our job to defend our collective bargaining agreements, but that defense can come in a multitude of ways. Stewardship isn’t all about conflict. Collecting and disseminating information, providing logistical support, and educating our co-workers on the ins and outs of our contract are all valuable skills that any steward team needs to be successful. The only prerequisite for being a steward is a willingness to serve, defend, and build a brighter future with your co-workers.
Trade unionism is a fermenting ground for the exact kind of change the world needs. We exist at a time and place within our country’s history where we desperately need a strong, revived union movement. Being a steward in your workplace is one of the most accessible and effective ways you can help instigate that change and play a role in building a stronger labor movement that helps all working people, union and non-union, alike.
Bill French is a Rental Office Facilitator and Steward at Plymouth Housing.
If you’re interested in contributing a Steward’s Corner article, please reach out to julia@opeiu8.org.