David Freiboth has been hired as a member of the Port of Seattle’s executive team, assuming the role of senior director of labor relations effective July 16.
In his new position, Freiboth will be responsible for providing strategic direction and guidance for labor relations, helping to support workforce development throughout the Puget Sound region. He will also work to build and enhance communication between a wide range of labor unions and the Port of Seattle. The position will report directly to port CEO Ted J. Fick.
“David has been a key player in the local labor community for over 20 years and brings to the port an extensive background and knowledge in maritime labor issues,” said CEO Fick. “As we seek to prepare the next generation of maritime workers throughout the region, his skills will be essential in growing jobs in this state.”
Nearly half of the port’s 1,800 employees are represented by 20 different labor union locals, 22 bargaining units, with an additional six union locals comprising its external labor relations.
As Executive Secretary of the M.L. King County Labor Council since 2006, Freiboth was responsible for representing 125 affiliated local unions, advising national labor leadership, managing local staff, and serving as primary spokesman for labor locals. Prior to that role he spent more than 10 years as the CEO of the Seattle Inlandboatman’s Union, representing more than 3,500 members in the public and private sector.
Freiboth holds a bachelors degree in Labor History from the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Maryland.