Trish Suzuki Blinstrub
Political Director
Political Director's Report
Teamwork makes the dream work. AB 316, which would require a licensed operator in any automated vehicle over 10,000 lbs, has shown the best in all of us in Joint Council 7. Your hard work shined bright during the Assembly floor vote, where Assembly Members voted overwhelmingly in favor of AB 316 in a 69-4 bipartisan vote.
The Sacramento Report
February 1, 2023
Drivers testified to the DMV at a January 27 hearing about their on-the-road concerns about the introduction of Autonomous Trucks without human drivers. Powerful stuff. This is not only about safety on the road for Teamster drivers and the driving public, it’s also about the future of good driving jobs in this country. Thanks to Assembly Member Cecilia Curry-Aguiar and Tom Lackey for introducing AB316; this bill will ensure that all vehicles over 10,000 pounds have a human operator.... Read more »
Legal Update
December 23, 2022
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.
... Read more »