On October 15, the Teamsters working at the Save Mart Distribution Center ratified a 3-year contract that includes upgraded medical insurance through the Northern California General Teamsters Security Fund, improved bidding procedures, and significant pension and wage increases. 

“This is the best contract our Save-Mart members have ever earned,” said Secretary-Treasurer Dale Wentz. Business Agent Conor Tobin assisted Principal Spokesperson Ron Cannizzaro during the long negotiations. “Ron’s experience and expertise were apparent every step of the way,” Wentz added. 

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After voting for union representation in early 2021, the 29 drivers at Yosemite Foods in Stockton got a first contract with the company in November. “After being in talks since early February, we had to show the company we were serious by going on a one-day strike,” reported Local 439 Secretary-Treasurer Sal Lomeli who served as lead negotiator along with Ed Speckman. 

“Clearly, it was worth it,” Lomeli adds. “The contract includes excellent wages and improvements in the 401K and medical plans.” 

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UCI Skilled Trades Teamsters won a powerful new contract this month, including substantial across-the-board wage increases, equity wage adjustments, language improvements, and a significant recognition bonus. Of those voting, 94.1% said YES to ratify the agreement, guaranteeing better wages and treatment from the University.

Over the course of fighting for this contract, we stood together and took action like never before. As UCI stalled and low-balled the union month after month, members marched on the Chancellor,

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Local 890 is currently in negotiations with Organic Girl, Taylor Farms Yuma AZ, Dole Value Added, Monterey Disposal, Olam, and Bud of California. At press time, the agricultural workers from Bud of California rejected the company’s proposal and the committee is back at the table. “Teamsters Local 890 will continue negotiating strong contracts and great benefits for the members,” said Business Rep Jesus Rangel. “We hope to be able to report a contract at Bud in the next issue.”

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On October 2, nearly 200 Local 856 shop stewards gathered at the Westin SFO in Millbrae for the Local’s annual shop steward appreciation day.

The event included a retrospective on the past two years showcasing the essential work Local 856 members have performed in nearly every industry throughout the pandemic, including health care, public services, hospitality, airline, and school districts. 

“Our steward appreciation day has become a Local 856 tradition, and we are grateful that we were able to resume it this year,

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“Ten years ago, there were zero Amazon warehouses in California,” said Shaun Martinez, from the IBT’s Strategic Research and Campaigns Department “Today, Amazon is the state’s largest employer.”

Speaking at a training about Amazon for about 100 Local 853 UPS members at the San Jose Teamster office on November 13, Martinez reviewed Amazon’s growth, from bookseller to major customer of UPS to now being UPS’ biggest competitor—already surpassing Fed-Ex’s market share.

The battle has already begun.

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On December 2, Local 533 members employed by Keolis Transit for the Reno-Sparks-Washoe transit agency ratified a new contract agreement. Getting there took three unfair labor practice strikes and 60 days on picket lines, beginning with the Hot August Strike, winding through Striketober and into December.

“This new deal will eliminate the need for further ‘repetitive and harmful strikes’ caused by Keolis,” says Local 533 President Gary Watson. “From day one, this has always been about the safety of our members and riders and improving working conditions in our profession.”  

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