On Sat., March 1, the PROTEC17 Regional Executive Committee (REC) — our union’s policy-making body — convened online to conduct the business of our union. Among one of their most important roles during the winter meeting of the twice-yearly event, delegates review and adopt the PROTEC17 annual budget. In other significant moments of the March 1st meeting, members also voted to establish a new PROTEC17 chapter, and to adopt a resolution to take action to resist the erosion of our democracy.
The meeting opened with a welcome and tribal land acknowledgement by PROTEC17 Executive Board President Rachael Brooks. Executive Board Trustee Emily Tabachnick reviewed community agreements, and Vice President Renee Thompson swore in new delegates. Then previous meeting minutes were approved by the delegate body.
Attendees heard from newly organized PROTEC17 members at Sound Transit – where a first contract with this new employer had just been ratified. The delegate body then voted to establish the Sound Transit Chapter of PROTEC17. (You can read more about these new organizing efforts on pages 6-7.)
Executive Director Karen Estevenin began her ‘state-of-the-union’ report with a quote about ‘walking in the light’ by the late activist and singer Robert Flack, then recapped our top 10 successes of 2024. She gave a snapshot of our growing union in figures highlighting our expanding membership and burgeoning leadership and training programs.
“As a union, we turn towards light and away from hate,” said Executive Director Estevenin. “The next few years may be hard, but we will remain committed to finding and walking in the light.”
After a review of the proposed budget by PROTEC17 Secretary-Treasurer Mason Emrys, delegates asked several budgetary questions, then voted to adopt the 2025 union budget, which includes more resources for negotiations, organizing, and outreach.
The theme of this REC meeting was ‘Resilience and Action’, and this was well reflected in the presentation of a union-wide resolution from the Executive Board – sponsored by Secretary-Treasurer Emrys – that put forth actionable steps that we will take as a union to use our solidarity and strength to fight back against threats to working people. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the delegate body. You can read the full text of the resolution on our website at: protec17.org/racial-justice.
Delegates then heard from fellow members who shared their union stories and victories with the larger group, and in small breakout rooms. After reconvening, there were short political reports from Political Director Mark Watson and Research Director/Oregon Legislative Advocate Elliot Levin. Organizing Director Jessica Olivas also reported on PROTEC17 organizing efforts planned for 2025.
Thank you to all of the REC delegates for a productive meeting! The next REC meeting will be held in-person at the Museum of Flight on October 25. Delegates will receive more information as we get closer to that time.