Teamster News
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 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 readingSaluting Ernie Yates, retired Local 665 principal officer
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 readingGreenWaste drivers and mechanics vote for union; expand base in that industry
The 40 drivers and mechanics at GreenWaste of Palo Alto in Santa Clara, Calif., voted overwhelmingly on November 17 to become Teamsters. This group will join join the thousands of waste workers throughout the Bay Area already represented by Local 350.
“Ever since I started working for this company, I felt we needed representation. Everyone around us was doing better because they were Teamsters. We’ve seen the support, protection, and contracts they get from the union.
Keep readingBest-ever new contract for SF parking workers
More than 1,200 union members who work in the parking industry in San Francisco’s commercial and hotel sector announced unanimous approval of a new 4-year agreement slated to provide the best wages and benefits in that industry, nationwide.
“We’re very proud of this agreement,” said Tony DeIorio, Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 665. “It will continue to provide economic security and job protections for workers at nearly 300 off-street parking locations in our City.”
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