In Latest Victories, About 140 Drivers, Dockworkers Will Join Locals 952, 542
An overwhelming majority of about 140 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminals in San Diego, Orange, and Calexico, all in Southern California, have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to more than 5,440 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.
The workers in are seeking to join Local 952 in Orange and Local 542 in San Diego.
“For years, we’ve been working with many of these workers to help them win a Teamster contract—it’s been a long struggle,” said Patrick Kelly, Local 952 Secretary-Treasurer. “This victory is a testament to the strength and determination of these workers.”
“This victory is about perseverance—we have been in touch with many of the workers for 19 years,” said Ken Lundgren, Local 542 Secretary-Treasurer. “It’s been a 19-year project and we’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel.”
“These latest two victories highlight the long struggle many of the UPS Freight workers have endured,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division. “They also highlight the workers’ persistence and their desire for a brighter future.”
In addition to the Orange, San Diego and Calexico workers, a majority of UPS Freight workers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Kentucky and New England, including the large cities of Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis, Orlando, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oakland, Seattle, Memphis and Detroit, have submitted cards to become Teamsters.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
UPS Freight Workers in St. Louis Sign Cards to Become Teamsters
In Latest Victory, About 180 Drivers, Dockworkers Will Join Local 600
An overwhelming majority of about 180 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminal in St. Louis have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to more than 5,300 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.
The workers are seeking to join Local 600 in St. Louis.
“Many of the workers were Teamsters when the company was Overnite and owned by Union Pacific, and they are looking forward to once again being part of the Teamster family,” said Dan McKay, President of Local 600. “Our organizer, Tim Meadows, did a great job signing up a majority of the workers in just one weekend, and our executive board also played an instrumental role. We are excited about representing the UPS Freight workers.”
“With this latest victory, we are fast on our way to the halfway point in our goal to get cards from a majority of 12,600 UPS Freight workers,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division. “The excitement is building throughout Missouri and throughout the country.”
In addition to the St. Louis workers, a majority of UPS Freight workers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Kentucky and New England, including the large cities of Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oakland, Seattle, Memphis and Detroit, have submitted cards to become Teamsters.
An overwhelming majority of about 180 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminal in St. Louis have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to more than 5,300 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.
The workers are seeking to join Local 600 in St. Louis.
“Many of the workers were Teamsters when the company was Overnite and owned by Union Pacific, and they are looking forward to once again being part of the Teamster family,” said Dan McKay, President of Local 600. “Our organizer, Tim Meadows, did a great job signing up a majority of the workers in just one weekend, and our executive board also played an instrumental role. We are excited about representing the UPS Freight workers.”
“With this latest victory, we are fast on our way to the halfway point in our goal to get cards from a majority of 12,600 UPS Freight workers,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division. “The excitement is building throughout Missouri and throughout the country.”
In addition to the St. Louis workers, a majority of UPS Freight workers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Kentucky and New England, including the large cities of Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oakland, Seattle, Memphis and Detroit, have submitted cards to become Teamsters.
DHL cutting 600 jobs from U.S. workforce
DHL Express USA Tuesday announced plans to cut 600 jobs from its U.S. work force, including about 35 from its Plantation headquarters, amid a slow economy and tough market conditions.
The delivery company said the decision was part of a broader strategy to reduce general and administrative expenses and grow U.S. business.
The cuts will be a combination of layoffs, attrition and freezing some existing open positions. Reductions are spread out across geographic areas and affect various levels of the organization although they are focused on management, administrative and back-office employees, said company spokesman Jonathan Baker.
The delivery company said the decision was part of a broader strategy to reduce general and administrative expenses and grow U.S. business.
The cuts will be a combination of layoffs, attrition and freezing some existing open positions. Reductions are spread out across geographic areas and affect various levels of the organization although they are focused on management, administrative and back-office employees, said company spokesman Jonathan Baker.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
UPS Freight Workers in Chicago Area Sign Cards to Become Teamsters
In Latest Victories, About 800 Workers Will Join Locals 710, 705 and 179
An overwhelming majority of about 800 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminals in South Holland, Bedford Park, Palatine and Oswego, all in the Chicago area, have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to more than 5,120 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.
The workers are seeking to join Locals 710, 705 and 179.
“We owe a big thanks to our freight and UPS members who volunteered on this campaign,” said Pat Flynn, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 710 in Chicago, who is also an International Union Vice President. “Our members reached out to the UPS Freight workers to get the job done.”
“Our volunteer organizers did a phenomenal job talking about the benefits of being Teamsters,” said Steve Pocztowski, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 705. “All our members were very dedicated in getting the word out, and I want to also thank our organizer San Juanita Gonzalez and the leadership of General President Jim Hoffa and Package Division Director Ken Hall.”
“Our organizing committee kept the UPS Freight workers up-to-date about developments every step of the way,” said Tom Flynn, a Business Agent/Organizer with Local 179 in Joliet, Illinois. “The three local unions also worked together as a team to make the campaign successful.”
“We have now topped 5,000 workers, and the success in Chicago is a great example of member-to-member organizing,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division.
In addition to the Chicago area workers, a majority of UPS Freight workers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Kentucky and New England, including the large cities of Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oakland, Seattle, Memphis and Detroit, have submitted cards to become Teamsters.
An overwhelming majority of about 800 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminals in South Holland, Bedford Park, Palatine and Oswego, all in the Chicago area, have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to more than 5,120 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.
The workers are seeking to join Locals 710, 705 and 179.
“We owe a big thanks to our freight and UPS members who volunteered on this campaign,” said Pat Flynn, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 710 in Chicago, who is also an International Union Vice President. “Our members reached out to the UPS Freight workers to get the job done.”
“Our volunteer organizers did a phenomenal job talking about the benefits of being Teamsters,” said Steve Pocztowski, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 705. “All our members were very dedicated in getting the word out, and I want to also thank our organizer San Juanita Gonzalez and the leadership of General President Jim Hoffa and Package Division Director Ken Hall.”
“Our organizing committee kept the UPS Freight workers up-to-date about developments every step of the way,” said Tom Flynn, a Business Agent/Organizer with Local 179 in Joliet, Illinois. “The three local unions also worked together as a team to make the campaign successful.”
“We have now topped 5,000 workers, and the success in Chicago is a great example of member-to-member organizing,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division.
In addition to the Chicago area workers, a majority of UPS Freight workers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Kentucky and New England, including the large cities of Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oakland, Seattle, Memphis and Detroit, have submitted cards to become Teamsters.
Remembering James R. Hoffa
Beloved Teamster Leader Was Born February 14, 1913The Teamsters have produced many good labor leaders in more than a century of service to working families, but none have earned more respect, inspired and uplifted more members or created a more lasting legacy than James R. Hoffa. In recognition of the 95th anniversary of his birth, we remember and honor this dedicated and visionary leader, who served as Teamsters General President from 1957-1971.
Hoffa, born on February 14, 1913, in Brazil, Indiana, began his working life at an early age following the death of his father in 1921. Hoffa began taking on odd jobs to help support his family and continued this practice when he moved with his mother and three siblings to Detroit in 1924. The memories of those early struggles along with the knowledge that many working families faced hardships everyday just to survive had a profound impact on him and shaped his beliefs and actions in the decades ahead. Full Story....
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Teamsters President Hoffa to be Honored by Rabin Center With Israel Legacy Award
President Bill Clinton To Deliver Keynote Address
Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa will be honored Wednesday evening, February 13 by the American Friends of the Yitzhak Rabin Center with its annual Israel Legacy Award. President Bill Clinton will be the keynote speaker.
The award recognizes the historic, critical and extraordinary contributions of the Teamsters Union, Hoffa and his father James R. Hoffa to Israel as it fought for its independence. For example, the Teamsters transported food, medical supplies and arms to Israeli freedom fighters.
The event will raise funds for the completion of a 1,200-square-foot museum in the fall at the Rabin Center in Tel Aviv to commemorate Israel's 60th anniversary. The Rabin Center, the presidential library established in memory of the prime minister who was assassinated in 1995, will dedicate a permanent memorial to the elder Hoffa and the Teamsters at the museum's War of Independence exhibit.
Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa will be honored Wednesday evening, February 13 by the American Friends of the Yitzhak Rabin Center with its annual Israel Legacy Award. President Bill Clinton will be the keynote speaker.
The award recognizes the historic, critical and extraordinary contributions of the Teamsters Union, Hoffa and his father James R. Hoffa to Israel as it fought for its independence. For example, the Teamsters transported food, medical supplies and arms to Israeli freedom fighters.
The event will raise funds for the completion of a 1,200-square-foot museum in the fall at the Rabin Center in Tel Aviv to commemorate Israel's 60th anniversary. The Rabin Center, the presidential library established in memory of the prime minister who was assassinated in 1995, will dedicate a permanent memorial to the elder Hoffa and the Teamsters at the museum's War of Independence exhibit.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Workers in West Virginia and Indiana Seek Teamster Membership at UPS Freight
In Latest Victories, Workers Sign Cards to Join Locals 175 And 215
An overwhelming majority of about 110 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminals in Charleston, Bluefield, Fairmont and Parkersburg, all in West Virginia, and the terminal in Evansville, Indiana have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to more than 4,320 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.
The workers are seeking to join Local Union 175 in South Charleston, West Virginia and Local 215 in Evansville.
“I am happy for the UPS Freight workers in West Virginia. In just two weeks, the UPS Freight workers in the entire state of West Virginia signed up to become Teamsters,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division who is coordinating the overall UPS Freight campaign and who is also President of Local 175. “I am excited to welcome the UPS Freight workers into Local 175 so that we can help them fight for a more secure future.”
“Many of the workers in Evansville had gone through previous campaigns, so this day has been a long time coming for the workers,” said Chuck Whobrey, Local 215 President. “I want to thank Local 89 in Louisville, Kentucky for helping out by sending a UPS Freight worker who recently signed a card along with an organizer. It was a great example of member-to-member organizing.”
In addition to the West Virginia and Evansville workers, a majority of UPS Freight workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Kentucky and New England, including the large cities of Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oakland, Seattle, Memphis and Detroit, have submitted cards to become Teamsters.
An overwhelming majority of about 110 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminals in Charleston, Bluefield, Fairmont and Parkersburg, all in West Virginia, and the terminal in Evansville, Indiana have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to more than 4,320 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.
The workers are seeking to join Local Union 175 in South Charleston, West Virginia and Local 215 in Evansville.
“I am happy for the UPS Freight workers in West Virginia. In just two weeks, the UPS Freight workers in the entire state of West Virginia signed up to become Teamsters,” said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division who is coordinating the overall UPS Freight campaign and who is also President of Local 175. “I am excited to welcome the UPS Freight workers into Local 175 so that we can help them fight for a more secure future.”
“Many of the workers in Evansville had gone through previous campaigns, so this day has been a long time coming for the workers,” said Chuck Whobrey, Local 215 President. “I want to thank Local 89 in Louisville, Kentucky for helping out by sending a UPS Freight worker who recently signed a card along with an organizer. It was a great example of member-to-member organizing.”
In addition to the West Virginia and Evansville workers, a majority of UPS Freight workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Kentucky and New England, including the large cities of Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oakland, Seattle, Memphis and Detroit, have submitted cards to become Teamsters.
Teamsters Rally at Hearing on Legality of Cross-Border Trucking
Teamsters Get Their Day in 9th Circuit of Appeals
The Teamsters Union argued today in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that the Bush administration broke the law when it opened the borders to trucks from Mexico in September.
Congress set safety requirements before the southern border could be opened to long-haul trucks. Those included upgrading inspection facilities, computer databases and state enforcement capacity. The requirements have not been met, according to the Transportation Department’s own inspector general.
The Transportation Department nonetheless opened the border as part of a pilot program on September 6. A handful of trucking companies are now participating in the program.
“The ink hadn’t even dried on the action taken by Congress when Mary Peters, the Secretary of Transportation, authorized this pilot cross-border trucking program,” said Chuck Mack, Teamsters Vice President. “Its amazing what the Bush administration is trying to get away with in the last few months they have left in office.”
One Mexican trucking company, Trinity Industries de Mexico, dropped out after its safety record was disclosed to the court. Trinity received 1,123 safety violations in the year before the border was opened, or 112 violations per vehicle.
The Teamsters, represented by Altshuler Berzon LLP, filed for an emergency injunction to prevent the pilot program from starting in August. That request was denied but the lawsuit was allowed to proceed.
Congress passed another law in December that cut off funds for the program. The Teamsters will argue in court that Transportation Secretary Mary Peters broke the law when she announced she would not close the border.
At least a hundred Teamsters rallied outside the courthouse before the hearing. Teamsters carried signs that read “NAFTA Kills” and “Fire Mary Peters.”
A family member of victims of an accident caused by a Mexican truck spoke to the crowd.
David Jennings lost his mother, father and son after the truck suffered a catastrophic drive train failure—something that could have been prevented had the truck been properly inspected at the San Diego border station.
“I can tell you that the only reason President Bush, Mary Peters and their cohorts are pushing this agenda is because of big money and, most importantly, because none of them have felt the deep pain that those of us who have lost a loved one as a result of an accident with an unsafe Mexican truck,” Jennings said. “I can assure you that if they had, they would not and could not allow this to happen!”
Also speaking at the rally were officials from the Teamsters and the Sierra Club, another party to the lawsuit.
The Teamsters Union argued today in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that the Bush administration broke the law when it opened the borders to trucks from Mexico in September.
Congress set safety requirements before the southern border could be opened to long-haul trucks. Those included upgrading inspection facilities, computer databases and state enforcement capacity. The requirements have not been met, according to the Transportation Department’s own inspector general.
The Transportation Department nonetheless opened the border as part of a pilot program on September 6. A handful of trucking companies are now participating in the program.
“The ink hadn’t even dried on the action taken by Congress when Mary Peters, the Secretary of Transportation, authorized this pilot cross-border trucking program,” said Chuck Mack, Teamsters Vice President. “Its amazing what the Bush administration is trying to get away with in the last few months they have left in office.”
One Mexican trucking company, Trinity Industries de Mexico, dropped out after its safety record was disclosed to the court. Trinity received 1,123 safety violations in the year before the border was opened, or 112 violations per vehicle.
The Teamsters, represented by Altshuler Berzon LLP, filed for an emergency injunction to prevent the pilot program from starting in August. That request was denied but the lawsuit was allowed to proceed.
Congress passed another law in December that cut off funds for the program. The Teamsters will argue in court that Transportation Secretary Mary Peters broke the law when she announced she would not close the border.
At least a hundred Teamsters rallied outside the courthouse before the hearing. Teamsters carried signs that read “NAFTA Kills” and “Fire Mary Peters.”
A family member of victims of an accident caused by a Mexican truck spoke to the crowd.
David Jennings lost his mother, father and son after the truck suffered a catastrophic drive train failure—something that could have been prevented had the truck been properly inspected at the San Diego border station.
“I can tell you that the only reason President Bush, Mary Peters and their cohorts are pushing this agenda is because of big money and, most importantly, because none of them have felt the deep pain that those of us who have lost a loved one as a result of an accident with an unsafe Mexican truck,” Jennings said. “I can assure you that if they had, they would not and could not allow this to happen!”
Also speaking at the rally were officials from the Teamsters and the Sierra Club, another party to the lawsuit.
Monday, February 11, 2008
UPS Freight Workers in Orlando Area Seek to Join Teamsters
In Latest Victory, Workers Seek To Join Teamsters Local 385 In Orlando
An overwhelming majority of about 110 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminal in Ocoee, Florida, have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to more than 4,200 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.
The workers are seeking to join Local Union 385 in Orlando.
"The UPS Freight workers remained strong and committed throughout the process," said Mike Stapleton, President of Local 385 in Orlando. "Thanks to help from the International Union, we are now ready to negotiate a strong contract."
"In less than a month, one-third of the 12,600 workers eligible for union representation at UPS Freight have indicated their desire to become Teamsters," said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division.
In addition to the Orlando-area workers, a majority of UPS Freight workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Kentucky and New England, including the large cities of Atlanta, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oakland, Seattle, Memphis and Detroit, have submitted cards to become Teamsters.
An overwhelming majority of about 110 workers at the UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) terminal in Ocoee, Florida, have signed authorization cards to become Teamsters, bringing the total number of drivers and dockworkers seeking to join the union to more than 4,200 since January 16, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.
The workers are seeking to join Local Union 385 in Orlando.
"The UPS Freight workers remained strong and committed throughout the process," said Mike Stapleton, President of Local 385 in Orlando. "Thanks to help from the International Union, we are now ready to negotiate a strong contract."
"In less than a month, one-third of the 12,600 workers eligible for union representation at UPS Freight have indicated their desire to become Teamsters," said Ken Hall, Director of the Teamsters Package Division.
In addition to the Orlando-area workers, a majority of UPS Freight workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Kentucky and New England, including the large cities of Atlanta, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oakland, Seattle, Memphis and Detroit, have submitted cards to become Teamsters.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Teamsters Overwhelmingly Ratify National Master Freight Agreement
Teamster freight members overwhelmingly ratified the 2008-2013 National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA) that protects existing Teamster jobs, maintains a strong wage and benefit package and provides new language to allow the largest unionized carriers a chance to better compete, which will give Teamsters more job security.
"This is a landmark contract because we won many economic gains despite this poor economy, and we have taken steps to allow the largest unionized companies a better chance to compete against the non-union competition," said Tyson Johnson, Director of the Teamsters National Freight Division.
"This contract provides a more secure future for the 70,000 Teamsters covered by the NMFA and their families," Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said.
The NMFA was ratified by a 67-percent margin. In addition, all but two of the 22 regional agreements were also ratified. The two, covering Joint Council 7 in Northern California and the Carolina Automotive Supplement, will be resolved within a week.
The strong gains include record employer health, welfare and pension contribution increases of $5 per hour over the life of the agreement, and wage increases of $2.20 per hour and 5.5 cents per mile over the life of the agreement, including 50 cents per hour in the first year. That's an average increase of 3.9 percent in wage and benefit-contribution increases.
The union also maintained the COLA, or cost of living adjustment, which kept wages up with inflation by providing an additional 10 cents per hour increase under the current contract. The new language to help unionized companies compete allows the transfer of some long-haul, dedicated rail traffic back to the road and creation of a new classification, a "utility employee," who can service freight on a more expedited basis.
"This is a landmark contract because we won many economic gains despite this poor economy, and we have taken steps to allow the largest unionized companies a better chance to compete against the non-union competition," said Tyson Johnson, Director of the Teamsters National Freight Division.
"This contract provides a more secure future for the 70,000 Teamsters covered by the NMFA and their families," Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said.
The NMFA was ratified by a 67-percent margin. In addition, all but two of the 22 regional agreements were also ratified. The two, covering Joint Council 7 in Northern California and the Carolina Automotive Supplement, will be resolved within a week.
The strong gains include record employer health, welfare and pension contribution increases of $5 per hour over the life of the agreement, and wage increases of $2.20 per hour and 5.5 cents per mile over the life of the agreement, including 50 cents per hour in the first year. That's an average increase of 3.9 percent in wage and benefit-contribution increases.
The union also maintained the COLA, or cost of living adjustment, which kept wages up with inflation by providing an additional 10 cents per hour increase under the current contract. The new language to help unionized companies compete allows the transfer of some long-haul, dedicated rail traffic back to the road and creation of a new classification, a "utility employee," who can service freight on a more expedited basis.
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