New year brings new pro-worker opportunities
January 25, 2026
As we reflect on the past year, Teamsters Joint Council 7 Locals and its members have really led the way. There is much to be thankful for as we look ahead. At the local level, we have pushed pro-worker ordinances from resolutions, and land-use policies that would restrict certain companies from unregulated expansion, to working with local elected officials to assist with winning strong contracts, or in some cases, first contracts.
The work our local unions have done to build relationships has really paid off. Elected officials are supporting us on our picket lines, for example, at Westlake Stone in American Canyon, where Teamsters have been on strike for six months. Federal, state, and local elected officials have walked with us on the picket line and are also continuing to put pressure on the employer by writing letters, making phone calls, and working with us in other ways to get the company to treat its workers fairly. We encourage every Teamster to go out and support these workers and their fight for a first contract.
I would also like to highlight the Republic Services strike, where local, state, and federal elected officials throughout our jurisdiction and beyond stood up for Teamsters through direct action and using their social media platforms, which eventually led to our members getting a strong contract. We didn’t just get to this point — this was due to the hard work of all of you, building relationships with your locally elected officials, and showing up to get folks elected, and holding elected officials accountable to working people.
This legislative session was a big one for us as well. Teamsters were going to the Capitol monthly, whether it was to advocate for the Film and TV tax credit or to talk about the importance of AB 288 and the right to organize bill we sponsored. We’ve had a steady presence in Sacramento with members showing up and detailing how the decisions made at the state level impacts their day-to-day lives. We had big wins go with our advocacy efforts, as both the Film & TV tax credit and AB 288 were signed by the governor. We should take a moment to congratulate ourselves, as these were no easy tasks and both wins will increase the number of union jobs across California.
2026 is going to be big for us. The passage of Prop 50 gives us the opportunity to elect pro-worker candidates at the federal level, and as folks move around to run for new seats, it gives us the opportunity to elect pro-worker candidates on the state and local level. Joint Council 7 Local Unions are already busy working together to set up interviews to find candidates whose values align with ours. Together, we will work to elect candidates who support our right to organize a union, will demand job protections against automation and AI, and will fight for the rights of all workers to earn a living wage, have safe working conditions, enjoy quality, affordable healthcare and retire with dignity.
We can all do our part in creating a better future for workers this upcoming year by making sure to vote in June and November, volunteering for campaigns, and contributing to DRIVE. The best is yet to come, and our Joint Council is lucky to be on this ride with you.
