After a months-long fight that included layoffs, election challenges by the company, and several unfair labor practice charges filed by the union, on February 16, 2021, 22 Sierra Transport LLC drivers based in Bakersfield voted to join Teamsters Local 87.
“This huge victory was won despite the pandemic and the Trump NLRB,” says Secretary-Treasurer John Moralez. “Clearly, the Sierra drivers really wanted union representation because they stood strong through all kinds of employer shenanigans.”
The Settlement Stipulation includes returning the five laid-off employees to work and ensuring that the employer pays out more than $76,000 in back wages to those who were wrongfully laid off.
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Rayland Elzy, Local 948
On Friday, February 5th, a tragic truck accident took the life of Local 948 member Rayland Elzy, Jr. He had been a UPS package driver out of the Visalia hub, and a Teamster since 2018.
Elzy and his long-time girlfriend had just gotten engaged and were ready to start their future before this tragedy. “He was an energetic, young man who had a good heart, and had become a leader at UPS,” says Local 948 Secretary-Treasurer Luis Diaz.
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Governor Gavin Newsom has reappointed Doug Bloch, Political Director of Teamsters Joint Council 7, to the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation, where he has served since 2012.
“We advise the state’s elected and appointed officials on how to make California jobs safer and healthier. The Commission’s work means fewer Teamsters get injured on the job and if you do, we want to make sure you get the medical treatment you need so you can return to work safely and in one piece.,”
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In November, three more rank and file Local 856 members were elected to office after each not only won their race, but were also the top vote-getters in their respective contests. In addition, Local 856 Staff Attorney Malia Vella was re-elected to the Alameda City Council. As the top vote-getter in her race, she will serve as the city’s vice mayor.
“It’s important for working families to have a seat at the table,” says Vella.
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