I felt it was time for a podcast created by and for the rank-and-file, so I created one.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Jeremy Rich and I am the Chief Steward at UPS’ small, but growing, Oakley building. I am also the Warden of Local 315. I have been at UPS for almost 20 years, the last 18 years of it as a package car driver. I originally started in UPS’ Concord building as a peak season part-time hire in 1999.
Keep readingIn March, Local 315 held its First Annual Ready Mix Meeting. The ready mix membership attended to learn about the challenges facing cement drivers and the industry.
The meeting addressed the nonunion competition in the area and how bolstering union membership strengthens wages for everyone statewide.
Drivers are committed to spreading the good word of the Teamsters so that fellow drivers know the benefits of collective bargaining and contract protections. Business Agent Mike Hughes presented on many facets of the industry,
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On March 9, Teamsters 315 was thrilled to host an Informational Seminar for Part-Time UPS employees. The purpose of this meeting was to empower our part-time members by strengthening their contractual knowledge. Along with Sheila Sexton and Kena Cador from the Beeson, Tayer, and Bodine law firm, business agents reviewed details of the contract, workplace concerns, and future opportunities. This annual event always promises a good turnout, and this year was no exception.
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Working to engage the next generation of Teamsters, Local 315 staff and members attend career fairs at schools and colleges.
Business Agent David Rodriguez was recently at Richmond High’s Career Fair. “My father was a 40-year Teamster, so I had the privilege of growing up in a union household. It was great to speak with students about the importance of unions and the value of having a contract,” he says. “Hopefully, they will enjoy the same type of benefits we have,
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Teamsters Local 315 members pushed for contracts from Republic Services that guaranteed safety and parity among workers. With good agreements in hand at West County Resource Recovery, West Contra Costa Sanitary Landfill (Golden Bear Transfer Station), and Richmond Sanitary Services’ (RSS) Garbage and Recycling Divisions, members at the four Contra Costa facilities ratified their deals.
With guidance from IBT Solid Waste Representative Carlos Borba, Business Agent David Rodriguez embarked on what would become a 6-month effort,
Keep readingJesse Gregory, a recently promoted service provider, was reaching a delivery stop along his route in December when he spotted white smoke wafting from a mobile park. Gregory observed the smoke worsening as it turned black. The UPSer pulled over his truck, threw on his hazard lights, and pulled in his mirror to further investigate the scene. He then started to hear a woman shouting in Spanish.
As he approached the park, Jesse realized that a motor home was on fire.
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Trina Johnson has worked for UPS at the Bayside hub in Richmond for 18 years, and she loves her work and her union. “I’m a gal in brown. I deliver packages for young kids all the way up to the elderly. They love to see me coming because I’m the one bringing gifts,” she says with pride. Dealing with different people each day is one of the most interesting aspects of Trina’s job. “I like to put a smile on people’s faces and they put a smile on mine.
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