Members in Focus: Danny Nocom
December 23, 2022
Author: Joint Council 7
UPS member speaks about forced overtime in national video
A Local 533 steward, Christina Phoenix, had an opportunity to speak to More Perfect Union videographers about excessive overtime at UPS.
“The Local is very proud of Christina for standing up and speaking for her fellow brothers and sisters,” says Secretary-Treasurer Debbie Calkins. “It’s not easy to speak about this on camera, as UPS has a tendency to target members who put themselves out in the media like she did. But,
Keep readingSupreme Court to hear case about strike activity
On January 10, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Glacier Northwest v. Teamsters Local 174. The outcome of this case may change whether and when labor unions will engage in strikes or work stoppages.
The case involves Teamsters Local 174 in Seattle which represents ready-mix cement drivers employed by Glacier Northwest. Local 174 initiated a work stoppage after contract negotiations broke down and the drivers’ contract had expired.
Keep readingNew contract at School District
Teamsters Local 856 members of West Contra Costa County Unified School District (WCCUSD) have overwhelmingly ratified a new two-year contract that includes significant wage increases and market rate adjustments for overlooked classifications to combat high vacancy rates.
The victory comes after over six months of grueling negotiations, which included numerous actions, including a rally at the WCCUSD Board of Education meeting, where large crowds of WCCUSD members showed up in full Teamster colors demanding a fair contract.
Keep readingNew contract for Sonoma Recology members
Teamsters employed at Recology— Sonoma County’s largest solid waste and recycling company—ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement by a more than two-to-one margin, after sending back a previous management offer members deemed as unfair and substandard.
“These men and women performed as an essential workforce during the pandemic,” stated Local 665 President Mike Yates. “They knew it was time to be recognized for the important work that they do, and that includes economic improvements that adequately support working families.”
Keep readingBig wage gains at UOP
The University of the Pacific’s August move-in weekend for the 2022-23 school year saw a throng of students, parents, and university staff. Amid the shuffling of boxes and retrieving of room keys, sheets of neon green paper were handed out to students by Pacific’s Physical Plant workers. The flier explained that a strike was imminent unless Pacific signed a contract with Teamsters Local 439 giving the workers higher pay.
According to Principal Officer Sal Lomeli,
Keep readingOakland Zoo keepers vote to join union
What happens when you have a motivated workforce, a solid organizing team, and connections with local politicians? The workers at the Oakland Zoo just found out when they voted on September 30 by a four-to-one margin to unionize. Teamsters Local 853 is proud to welcome the 55 zookeepers at the Oakland Zoo and looks forward to negotiating their first union contract.
“These workers demonstrated tremendous courage so they can get a contract that addresses the issues they care about – respect,
Keep readingWelcome to new Butte County members
After countless meetings and a short campaign, the Butte County Management Employee Association voted in July to become Teamsters. This new Mid-Management Unit adds a potential 500 members to Local 137’s ranks and further expands the Teamsters’ presence within Butte County.
Three-quarters of Butte County employees are Teamsters now, and we look forward to a unified and strong group of members. “We welcome our new brothers and sisters in Butte County,” said Secretary-Treasurer Russ Butler.
Keep readingWorking for the Teamsters has been an honor …
After 17 years with Joint Council 7, this is my last column as your political director. It has been an immense honor to work with our union.
Starting as an organizer
I was first hired into the Teamsters in 2006. Under the direction of our then Joint Council President, I ran the organizing campaign with misclassified truck drivers at the Port of Oakland. At the campaign’s peak, we put 5,000 people on the streets of downtown Oakland.
Keep readingSaluting Ernie Yates, retired Local 665 principal officer
December 1, 2022
Ernie Yates, former principal officer of Teamsters Local 665, died on November 30. The following is a joint statement from Local 665 Executive Board principal officer Tony Delorio and Mike Yates, president of Local 665 and son of Ernie Yates:
“Our union brother, Ernie Yates, was a Teamster his entire working life. His guidance, wisdom, and leadership benefited the lives of countless working men and women through his tireless efforts at the negotiation table and in worker advocacy in California and the United States.
Keep reading