Who we are

The Technical Employees Association (TEA) is an independent professional union that proudly represents the skilled and technical workforce within King County's Wastewater Treatment Division and Transit Division (Metro).

TEA members play a vital role in the planning, design, and construction of essential capital facilities for wastewater conveyance and treatment, as well as the operation of the extensive Metro transit system throughout King County. Our diverse membership encompasses project managers, engineers, designers, construction managers, facilities inspectors, right-of-way/permit agents, water quality planners, environmental planners, and information technology and project control experts. It's important to note that TEA welcomes both professional and technical staff into its fold.

Purpose of TEA

The purpose of the Technical Employees Association is to foster solidarity and professionalism among our members. Our unwavering commitment is to enhance the economic, professional, and employment status of our members through collective bargaining, contract enforcement, and vigorous employee advocacy. TEA members often collaborate on project teams to deliver services that benefit King County residents in the areas of water quality and mass transportation with efficiency and effectiveness.

History of TEA

The Technical Employees Association's roots can be traced back to its formation in 1994 by the professional and technical employees of the Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle (Metro) before its merger with King County. Initially, TEA comprised employees of Metro's Technical Services Department, encompassing professional, technical, and administrative personnel serving the Water Pollution Control and Transit Departments. These Metro employees were previously non-represented. However, during the merger with King County, Metro employees recognized the need for representation, leading to the establishment of an independent professional union.

TEA operates as a nonprofit corporation in the state of Washington and, on April 13, 2001, obtained the right to represent professional and technical employees in the Wastewater Treatment Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks and the Transit Design and Construction Section of the King County Department of Transportation. After extensive negotiations, TEA Wastewater members ratified their first contract in late July 2004.

Services provided by TEA

Collective bargaining – Negotiating labor contract terms for members, including matters like wages and working conditions.

Contract enforcement – Resolving issues, handling grievances, providing legal counsel support, and representing members through arbitration.

Special services/communications – Engaging with members for their input on policies and decisions, ensuring transparency through open meetings, periodic online publications, and a dedicated website. Collaborating with other unions on shared interests and advocating for members in discussions and negotiations with management and the County Council.

Productivity improvement – Working closely with management to enhance productivity in services that benefit members and customers, resolving non-grievance interpersonal issues through formal and informal mediation.

Training – Offering subsidies or providing training for members on labor law and other union-related topics.

TEA’s Structure

TEA stands out from modern unions in that it is run by dedicated volunteer members. The Board of Officers, elected from the membership, leads the organization without compensation. Legal services and specific professional services are contracted.

The union is directed by elected representatives chosen from each work group within TEA. These representatives form the Council of Representatives, streamlining information flow within the membership. The Council elects a chairperson every two years and convenes regularly to address issues of interest to the membership and communicate with the Executive Board.

The Executive Board of Officers, elected to staggered two-year terms, conducts association business in monthly general membership meetings. The President serves as the spokesperson for TEA, while the Vice President chairs the Grievance Committee, dedicated to resolving grievances.

TEA operates with two bargaining teams, one for Transit and one for Wastewater, overseeing negotiations and associated activities. The Secretary and Treasurer handle essential recording, communication, and financial functions.

TEA Times

TEA's primary communication tool is an electronic newsletter known as "The TEA Times," distributed to all TEA members with King County email addresses. This newsletter includes information about upcoming meetings, topics of interest to the membership, details about current officers, and the TEA website address. Members can also use the newsletter to list classified ads.

Get informed. Get involved!

TEA offers numerous avenues for keeping members informed about their work. You can:

• Read the TEA Times and special announcements related to your bargaining unit.
• Attend the monthly member meetings held on the third Wednesdays of each month at noon in the King Street Building (check the Events Calendar for exact locations).
• Participate in the monthly Executive Board meetings, also held at noon (see TEA Times for the schedule).
• Explore the website and associated documents, including past meeting minutes.
• Engage with your council representative or attend periodic Council meetings.
• Contact any TEA Board member through phone, email, or in person.

TEA is always eager to harness your energy and interest. Consider:

• Attending member and board meetings.
• Volunteering as a council representative for your work unit.
• Joining working groups and committees like the Grievance Committee, Negotiations Committee, Salary/Wage survey working group, Political Action Committee, and Wastewater Productivity Incentive Fund Committee.
• sking questions or sharing feedback with the board through the website or in person.

Contact us and become an active part of TEA's mission!