Author: Andrew Baker

Trump NLRB destroys historic protections for workers engaged in union activities

September 22, 2020

It can be discouraging to keep track of the Trump NLRB’s rollback of worker rights, but it’s important for unions and their members to stay abreast of the shifting legal landscape. One recent setback alters the decades-old rules for employees voicing support for organizing, for shop steward conduct in the workplace, and for union member conduct on picket lines.

In recognition of the fact that employee discussions with their fellow workers and with management about union-related issues can become heated,

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The final tally after a tough session

Sacramento Report

The 2019-20 legislative session came to an unceremonious end on August 31. Between the difficulties of holding legislative meetings with COVID-19 restrictions and political infighting, the end of the session devolved into bickering between the parties and between the leaders of the Senate and Assembly. The end result was a failure to act on some pretty important issues. Affordable housing bills and legislation on police reform all died because the politicos couldn’t be civil with each other.

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Clerical workers unite

Local 350, Teamster News

Clerical workers unite

On August 17, 2020, in a mail ballot, the clerical unit at the Republic Services Ox Mountain Landfill in Half Moon Bay had their ballots counted, and by a vote of 2-0, these new members said “YES!” to join their new brothers and sisters at Teamsters Local 350.

“Whether it’s organizing two new members or 2,000 members, they are all important, and any organizing victory is a big win for labor,” said Business Representative Robert Sandoval.

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New Teamster phone app

Local 431, Teamster News

Teamsters Local 431 has built a smart phone app that is now available for IOS or Android phones, in both English and Spanish. Download the “Teamsters 431” app today and stay informed and up to date with your Local union.

Secretary-Treasurer Peter Nuñez reports that many members are facing hardship due to the massive Creek Fire in the Sierra National Forest outside of Fresno. As of mid-September, the fire had burned more than 228,000 acres and was only 18% contained.

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Scholarship winner

Local 896, Teamster News

Congratulations to Clay Kapele (C) who won the 2020 Teamsters Local 896/Anheuser-Busch Fairfield scholarship. He’s the son of Frank Kapele, a member at Budweiser Fairfield. He’s pictured here with Budweiser plant manager Travis Moore (L) and Local 896 President Brian Indelicato (R).

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Union helps company fight unfair water bill

Local 890, Teamster News

Valenzuela leads a short march during the July 14 protest at Hollister City Hall. Photo by Noe Magaña.

In July, San Benito Foods suddenly received a bill from the city for $4.5 million for their use of water because the city claimed that they needed to upgrade their storm drains.

Because this would have crippled and possibly forced the company to shut down, the union sprung into action. In addition to sponsoring a demonstration at City Hall on July 14, they initiated calls to the Mayor and the City Council and sued to get the fine reduced.

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Ratification at a beer house

Local 853, Teamster News

Business Agent Efren Alarcon reports that the 120 members at Anheuser Busch, formerly Horizon Beverage, in Oakland overwhelmingly ratified a one-year agreement in August by mail ballot.

“They got a 3% wage increase (about 85 cents/hour) and full retro pay back to April 1. Hopefully, we’ll be back to meeting and voting in person by the time this contract comes due again.”

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Local fights CSU layoffs

Local 2010, Teamster News

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Local 2010 has been fighting hard to protect members from suffering layoffs or other loss of income. The Local won paid administrative leave and prevented any layoffs of California State University members through the last fiscal year. For the current fiscal year, the Local presented CSU with a comprehensive proposal on alternatives to layoffs and pushed for additional federal and state funding for California higher education in light of economic losses due to stay-at-home orders and distance learning.

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