Author: Joint Council 7

Ricardo Barba – Recology Sunset (Local 350)

Ricardo Barba has been a dedicated driver for Recology for 30 years. His career began in 1990 with Recology Golden Gate; he then transferred to Recology Sunset in 1996. For the majority of his career, Ricardo has proudly serviced San Francisco’s Mission neighborhood.

“This career isn’t just about being a Garbage Truck driver; it’s about being an essential part of the community and servicing others. Waking up early or staying late at work is worth it,

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Joseph Gomes – South Bay Recycling

Joseph Gomes has worked at South Bay Recycling for more than 34 years.  He currently works as the transfer station’s heavy equipment operator, and also serves as the unit’s shop steward. “I like operating equipment. I also enjoy my position as the shop steward because I work with great guys and I like working for an organization that helps protect its workers’ rights,” he says with pride.

Aside from being both a proud member and shop steward,

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Miguel Gonzalez – South San Francisco Scavengers (Local 350)

With 53 years of union membership under his belt, Miguel Gonzalez is currently one of the most tenured members at Teamsters Local 350.

His story begins back in 1951 in Mezcala, a small town in Jalisco, Mexico. When he was 16, Miguel immigrated to the U.S. His career in the garbage industry began with the Daly City Scavengers on September 8, 1967. When he learned from his cousin that the wages at South San Francisco Scavengers were much higher,

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Teamsters rally for AAA sales agents seeking representation

The Teamster 665 campaign for AAA agents shifted into high gear with an April 24 rally in front of San Francisco’s City Hall that drew hundreds of workers, their families, and Teamster members from around Northern California.

Between chants of “AAA – TEAMSTERS!” from the crowd of supporters, state and local elected officials stepped up to the microphone to offer encouragement to the 460 AAA workers who are preparing for an NLRB election scheduled for May 14.

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The American Rescue Plan Act: What Teamsters should know about the COVID relief bill

On March 11, President Biden signed into law the “American Rescue Plan Act,” to spark the recovery of the economy from the COVID pandemic. There’s a lot in the $1.9 trillion Act, but the changes described below are things you and your family should know about because they mean money in your pocket.

FREE COBRA

COBRA is the law that allows you to pay to continue your health plan when your employer no longer has to pay on your behalf.

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Elections have consequences; this time they’re good

As nearly 6,000 workers at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama are voting in a union representation election, on February 28, President Biden released a remarkable video statement supporting the right of workers to join unions — perhaps the most forceful support of unions from a U.S. President in nearly a century.

“I have long said that America wasn’t built by Wall Street; it was built by the middle class…and unions built the middle class.

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President makes forceful statement in support of union representation; Teamsters respond with pride and hope

In a remarkable video statement supporting the right of workers to join unions, recorded on February 28, President Biden has completely upended not only his predecessor but almost every president over the last century. The statement was released as nearly 6,000 workers at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama are voting in a union representation election.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZpUD9KgYc4&feature=youtu.be

“I have long said that America wasn’t built by Wall Street; it was built by the middle class…and unions built the middle class.

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Like father, like son in solid waste and recycling industry

“Watching my dad work as a garbage man since I was four years old and loving his job inspired me to follow in his footsteps,” says Pedro Ponce about his father, Toribio Ponce.

The Solid Waste and Recycling industry is one of those unique industries that can span generations within families—fathers working with sons, nephews/nieces working with uncles, cousins working with cousins. It becomes a proud family affair of hard-working men and women who help serve their community,

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Sign petition to support union drive at AAA

AAA insurance sales agents across Northern California have filed for their Teamsters Local 665 election with the National Labor Relations Board. The 460 insurance agents are seeking a more secure future and a strong voice on the job. As the insurance industry evolves, COVID-19 has exposed the need for security and protections for workers. AAA workers in Northern California are experts in providing customers with insurance to protect themselves and their families, but these workers feel increasingly unprotected themselves on the job and are seeking Teamster representation to protect their futures.

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