Policy and Politics

Trish Suzuki Blinstrub
Political Director

Political Director's Report

2025: Our year of investment

November 5 came with a mixed bag of results and a lot of mixed emotions. But no matter how anyone feels about the results of the election, we should take a moment to applaud ourselves for electing some very Teamster-friendly candidates in Joint Council 7’s jurisdiction. We elected Teamster Local 856 members who ran for city council seats in Alameda County, we won tax measures to support our public sector members, and we flipped a Congressional seat in the Central Valley. 

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The Sacramento Report

Drivers testify about autonomous vehicles
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 »
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Legal Update

Supreme Court to hear case about strike activity
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. 

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