By Dave Hawley —
On the morning of November 8, in Paradise California, a fire broke out that ultimately destroyed 90% of the town and much of the surrounding area. Over 120 Teamster families from UPS, Sysco Foods, Aramark Linen, Paradise Irrigation District, Land O’ Lakes, Bimbo Bakery, Pacific Coast Producers, Farmers Brothers Coffee, Coca Cola, US Bakery, Butte County, and TransDev, lost their homes. Many more were among the 52,000 who have been displaced and cannot return to their homes.
... Read more »By Dave Hawley —
UPS, the Teamsters’ largest single nationwide contract, is going out to vote as we go to press. This five-year agreement is the most lucrative offer ever negotiated, providing a $4.15 wage increase, with another $5.00 an hour to fund our superior health benefits and grow our pension. The tentative offer also includes new protections on harassment, safety, and forced overtime.
With the advent of significant competition from non-union package delivery companies and owner-operators using the Uber model,
... Read more »By Dave Hawley —
It’s hard to believe we are already more than halfway through 2018. The last few months, in particular, have been wild. Here’s a quick update.
Primary ElectionsWe spent the spring planning and holding meetings and conference calls to develop our endorsements for the June primaries. Being my first go-around as President, I did not realize the time and effort required by so many of our Principal Officers,
... Read more »By Dave Hawley —
Janus v. AFSCME is a case currently before the Supreme Court that may have a significant impact on the power of unions. In my view, this case is an effort by powerful corporate interests to outlaw “fair share” for public employees, allowing some public employees to become “free riders,” not obligated to pay any dues.
Under current law, public employees are not required to join the union,
... Read more »By Dave Hawley —
My first article as Joint Council President is one I never desired to write. For more than 25 years, I have had the pleasure of supporting and working with Rome Aloise in building the strength of our union.
On December 22, 2017, Rome was suspended from holding union office for a period of two years for “bringing reproach on the Union.” Yet even the judge who imposed the suspension expressly recognized in her order that,
... Read more »
Jason Rabinowitz, President