PROTEC17 hired it’s first Eastern Washington-based staff member, Suzie Saunders, who started in July. The Spokane resident and former PROTEC17 member is excited for her new role and has hit the ground running.
Saunders comes from a long-time union family and joined her first union at age 15 when she worked as a courtesy clerk at Safeway in Palouse, Washington. She started working for Spokane County in 2014 as a Stormwater Engineering Technician in the Roads division, and became involved in PROTEC17 right away. In her six years at the County, Saunders served on the bargaining team, as Steward, Labor Council delegate, and Chapter President.
“I am extremely honored to work for PROTEC17 as Union Representative for Eastern Washington,” said Saunders. “I know there are cultural differences between the east and west sides of the state, but I’m hoping to bridge that gap and bring people together for values we all share: standing up every day for the rights of working people.”
In her spare time, you can find Saunders in her garden, cooking, camping, swimming, hiking, and spending time with family or friends.