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Teamster | THE TEAMSTER MAGAZINE • FALL 2022 |
Download the New
U PS TEAMSTERS APP!
SEAN M. O’BRI EN
General President
Stay Up-to-Date on the Fight
for a Strong UPS Contract!
The new UPS Teamsters
App is now available in
the App Store and Google
Play. Scan the code below
with your mobile device or
go to ibt.io/UPSteamsters
to download today.
G E T T H E A P P. G E T R EA DY. G E T ACT I VE . On August 25, Teamsters Local 243 or- accept low wages and poor working
ganized a Chipotle location in Lansing, conditions from employers who are
The app is your one-stop shop for company, immediately send the various stages of the campaign Michigan, making it the first of the chain’s making record profits. According to
everything related to UPS Teamsters info to your steward and pull up and what’s ahead as we fight for a 3,000 restaurants in the U.S. to organize. Gallup, young adults ages 18 to 34
and the fight for a strong contract previous entries in the app. strong contract. Chipotle, like Starbucks and Amazon, approve of unions at a rate of 77 percent.
in 2023, including:
Package & Feeder Driver Logs Updates & News on Negotiations represents a new organizing landscape No matter your industry, no matter
Bargaining Poll Keeping an accurate record is one Get regular updates from the cam- in retail and tech where younger workers your age or how intimidating your em-
Mark your top issues that you want of your best defenses when man- paign on the app and through app are increasingly turning to unions to ployer may seem, organizing is always
your union to address in the 2023 agement tries to take any action notifications to your phone. improve their wages, benefits and the right move to improve your life. It is
contract. against you. working conditions. These younger up to all of us to welcome these young
Get Involved workers are attracted to the Teamsters workers with open arms and share our
National Agreement – all Strike Savings Calculator Learn how you can plug in to the
This in-app tool helps you budget because they see us as militant and knowledge and experience as union
Supplements and Riders campaign, attend future actions
your savings so you are prepared powerful enough to challenge these big members. We can draw inspiration from
Pull up and search the National and download printable campaign
Master Agreement as well as all in the event that we have to strike materials from the app. corporations. each other and expand our movement to
supplements, riders, and adden- UPS for the contract we deserve. This resurgence in union popularity benefit millions more. The revitalization
dums that apply to your local and As we prepare to take on UPS, we is no coincidence. With Big Business of labor has only begun.
Steward’s Guide need all UPS Teamsters informed,
job classification. and crooked politicians making life
Helpful insights for stewards and engaged and ready to take action.
all UPS workers to enforce the
more difficult for workers with every
Grievance Notes Form With regular updates throughout
contract and protect your rights. passing year, working people in this
Build your case in real-time with the campaign, this app will be your
home for this historic fight. country are ready to take back what’s
this tool that allows you to record Contract Timeline theirs. Young people who are entering Teamsters General President
the facts of any violation by the What’s next? Learn about the Get it on your phone now! the workforce are no longer willing to
C ONTE NTS
4 3 STATE OF FREIGHT
4 A B.F.D. AT DHL
8 SALSADARITY
FOREVER
8
12 PEOPLE OVER
PACKAGES
18 PRIME FIGHTERS
12
24 A TOAST TO THE
TEAMSTERS
26 PULLING TOGETHER STATE OF FREIGHT
AT PENSKE
18
Restoring Faith, Rebuilding an Industry negotiations,” Avelyn said. “We’ve
28 FIRED UP AT FIREKING
got two important contracts
The Freight Division is back in ahead of us, but the feedback coming up at T-Force and ABF,
30 AB-5 IMPROVES LIVES
action and busier than ever. has been eye-opening and a and we need everyone to get
National Freight Director John A. crucial first step to tackle many engaged and unite at the
32 SCENES FROM
26 Murphy and Assistant Director of the problems that have long bargaining table.”
THE HALL Danny Avelyn continue to criss- been facing the freight industry.” This fall, bargaining surveys
cross the country, visiting ter- In September alone, represen- were sent out at T-Force Freight
34 BIG WHEELS KEEP minals and meeting with Freight tatives for the Freight Division to get input from the rank-and-
ON TURNING Division members nationwide. visited hundreds of members in file on contract proposals. ABF
“We’ve been all over the map 12 cities, 16 locals, and 18 ter- members are expected to receive
30 37 IDO REPORT meeting with local leaders and minals throughout the country. bargaining surveys later this
members. We have also been Division representatives have month.
holding trainings with stewards also been on the road making “We will continue updating
to teach best practices for rep- sure that Freight members at and meeting with members as
resenting members in the T-Force Freight and ABF are we prepare for national contract
freight industry,” Murphy said. “In united and ready for national negotiations next year at ABF
International Brotherhood of Teamsters • 25 Louisiana Ave, NW • Washington DC 20001-2198 mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Teamster, Affiliates Records
FALL 2022 | VOLUME 119, NO 4 © 2022 Department, 25 Louisiana Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001-2198..
order to rebuild this division, we contract negotiations at both and T-Force Freight,” Murphy
The Teamster (ISSN 1083-2394) is the official publication of the International Brotherhood of International Brotherhood of Teamsters. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part
must be on the ground—in the companies in 2023. said. “We are determined to not
Teamsters, 25 Louisiana Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20001-2198. It is published quarterly
(January, April, July, October). Periodical postage paid at Washington, DC and at additional
without written permission is prohibited. Subscription rates: $12 per year. Single copies, $2. terminals—talking with “The Freight Division has only restore faith in this division,
(All orders payable in advance.) Members should send address changes to their local union.
members to learn the issues made meeting with members but the entire freight industry.
firsthand. We have a lot of work a priority ahead of next year’s They are one in the same.”
facebook.com/teamsters @Teamsters on Twitter @teamsters on Instagram Sign Up for Updates–Text “IBT” to 86466
5
3
A B.F.D. AT DHL
When local leaders met in Phila- with the pay, benefits, and wins at the table. endorsement, voting decisively part-time workers—retroactive
New National Contract delphia this summer to review working conditions they deserve,” “The consensus was clear. by in-person ballot to ratify the to April 1.
the new contract proposal at Hamilton said. We were all in agreement that strongest DHL National Master In addition to the historic
Is Better Than Ever DHL, the entire room was in As Director of the Teamsters the new national contract would Agreement in union history. wage increases, DHL Teamsters
unanimous agreement that it Express Division and Co-Chair of be a game changer,” said Lannis The new agreement contains also maintained strong health
would be the most lucrative the Teamsters DHL Negotiating Shepherd, President of and welfare plans and
national agreement ever nego- Committee, Hamilton has led Local 745 in Dallas and pension plans through
tiated at the German logistics national negotiations at DHL for a member of the na- increases in employer
company. nearly a decade. This time was tional negotiating com- contributions.
They listened intently, nod- different, though. Under the mittee. “Everyone was “This contract is by far
ding along with approval, as O’Brien-Zuckerman administra- very happy with what the best yet. It is a huge
International Vice President Bill tion, the Teamsters were more our team was able to win for us. Obviously, we
Hamilton went over each article, united and militant than ever at accomplish. Bill led the are all thrilled about
highlighting the many improve- the table. way. There’s no way we the pay increases and
ments of the 2022-2026 DHL “There are no givebacks or could have gotten what strong benefits, but
National Master Agreement. concessions, only gains,” he we got without his there are so many
“In all my years negotiating concluded. leadership.” other things in the
on behalf of DHL workers, this One by one, union representa- contract to be happy
agreement is by far the strongest tives from across the country about, too” said Tony
Major Gains
we’ve ever secured. It’s also voiced their support with whole- the biggest pay raise ever at Baxley, a Local 100 member
On August 26, the membership
the richest in terms of wages. hearted recommendations, DHL, with significant wage who works at DHL in Erlanger,
overwhelmingly agreed with
This agreement and its supple- praising Hamilton and the increases across all classifica- Ky., noting several other im-
the local leaders' unanimous
ments will protect DHL workers negotiating team for the historic tions— for both full-time and provements that he and his
4 5
co-workers are excited about, stop the company from imple- crucial, and a key difference shows. They put our best interest DHL,” Hamilton said, noting that Teamsters, Torres and Baxley
“like the extra holiday and new menting inward-facing cameras from previous years,” said John first and really understood the the new national contract is also have been helping their co-
boot allowance.” in delivery vehicles—a major victory McAndrews, a longtime DHL issues that impact us every day an effective organizing tool. “Word workers at CVG win a better future
The negotiating committee in the fight to protect members worker and Local 107 steward on the job." travels fast, and non-union workers under the backing of a strong
also maintained the Cost-of- against the growing threat from who served on the national are quickly finding out about the national contract.
Living Adjustment (COLA), which, Corporate America to surveil negotiating committee. “I've Win-Win gains we made at the table. “CVG workers do the same jobs
with the current rate of inflation, workers on the job. been at DHL a long time, and I Now that North America is the They want in.” we do. They have an opportunity
will most likely result in an ad- “Our success at DHL was all know this contract inside and fastest growing geographic The same week that members to do better, and we are doing
ditional significant wage increase about putting members first. We out. There's no doubt that it's segment at DHL—increasing 25 finished ratifying the national our part to support them,” Torres
next year. went into negotiations prepared the strongest agreement we’ve percent in 2021 to $19.9 billion contract at DHL, more than 60 said. “It’s a win-win. CVG workers
Other highlights include, but to win the strongest agreement ever negotiated. We listened, we in revenue—workers are realizing organizers from the International, will gain representation and better
are not limited to, the addition ever at DHL, and we succeeded,” learned, and ultimately, we won. the need to do better by gaining a Local 100, Local 89, and Local pay and benefits, and we will grow
of MLK Day as an observed paid O’Brien said. “Last year this com- We deserved this." union voice. The Teamsters have 728 descended on Cincinnati for our numbers and become even
holiday; an increase of paid pany made record profits, and we McAndrews’ co-workers in an opportunity to organize DHL a massive organizing blitz for stronger. It’s time for every DHL
holiday leave for part-time demanded that our members Philadelphia are ecstatic about workers like never before. workers at CVG. worker to join us. There’s no telling
workers; improved ability for paid share in the success." the new contract, too. Already, the Teamsters Or- The new organizing campaign how much more we could accom-
funeral leave; reimbursement “The improvements in this ganizing Department is actively is a strategic target for the plish with even more Teamsters
for all required CDL costs; and Members First contract are huge, and it lays the working alongside Local 100 to Teamsters. The CVG Airport is at the table.”
stronger seniority protections for Just as Teamster Carhaulers and foundation for us to win even more organize workers at the Cincin- the company’s nerve center and “With this new contract, the
day-to-day cutting of routes. American Red Cross members in the future. We were already nati/Northern Kentucky (CVG) main hub for DHL Express in North union difference has never been
Another contract win came played an active role to secure doing better as Teamsters, but Airport, where approximately America. Everything that comes more clear at DHL,” Baxley said.
courtesy of General President national contracts in June, rank- now we are truly on top,” said 1,500 workers are uniting for a into the U.S. goes through Cin- “CVG workers see our enthusiasm
Sean M. O’Brien, who served as and-filers at DHL were critical Freddie Torres, a courier driver at union voice on the job. cinnati, much like the UPS World and know that it’s a big deal.
Chair of the Teamsters DHL to the success at the bargain- DHL and member of Local 107. “Between the new national Port hub represented by Local 89 They want the same as us, and
Negotiating Committee and ing table. “The negotiating team knew contract and the campaign at in Louisville, Ky. we are standing with them to
successfully led the charge to “Input from members was what mattered most to us, and it CVG, we are leading the way at Like countless other DHL help them get it.”
6 7
SA L SA DA R I T Y
FO R E VE R
In hindsight, the cake seemed
like the breaking point.
The Chipotle in Lansing, Mich.,
had just been granted “Restauran-
were winning union elections.
When workers at Starbucks and
Trader Joe’s started to union-
ize successfully–in efforts led
no benefits, and no protection
against COVID-19 transmission,
the constant short-staffing was
an issue that was on everyone’s
“ A LOT OF YOUNG
PEOPLE ARE IN FAVOR
OF UNIONIZING BUT
teur” status by its parent com- by rank-and-file millennials and mind. THOUGHT IT WOULD
pany—a designation that is only zoomers who make those com- “There’s rarely a shift where
NEVER HAPPEN HERE.
given to the chain’s most success- panies successful—the Lansing anybody in the store is working
ful operations. It comes with a Chipotle staff started to take only one position,” McNamara THAT PESSIMISM IS WHAT
six-figure salary for managers, notice. said. “I’ve had to do cash reg- IS KEEPING A LOT OF
and paltry pay increases for “After seeing the victories at ister and prepare both hot and
US DOWN RIGHT NOW.
regular workers. The managers Starbucks, it was like, ‘Oh, my God, cold food at the same time.”
put on a big show for the corpo- we can accomplish this,’” said “I noticed pretty soon after GETTING THIS FAR
rate higher-ups who came to Samantha Smith, a Chipotle crew I started that we would be SHOWS US WE HAVE
visit the location and celebrate member. “A lot of young people constantly under-scheduled,
TO TRY, BECAUSE WE
the occasion. are in favor of unionizing but especially during night shifts,”
“They brought all the crew thought it would never happen Overley said. CAN SUCCEED.”
members out and took a photo here. That pessimism is what is Above all, there was no way
in front of a huge cake with keeping a lot of us down right to address the problems workers ––SAMANTHA SMITH
balloons with ‘R’ on them,” said now. Getting this far shows us were experiencing.
Chipotle Crew Member
Atulya Dora-Laskey, a Chipotle we have to try, because we can “It would be fine if you could
worker and organizing committee succeed.” bring up workplace issues and
member. “Then the managers they were addressed, but they’re
all ate the cake and the crew “They Just Ignore You” not,” Dora-Laskey said. “They
members were sent to the back. Dora-Laskey joined forces with say, ‘Ask us for things directly,’
but if you ask someone directly, Beans, Flour, and
That really set people off, so Smith and some of his other
after that, we started looking they just ignore you. That made Teamster Power
coworkers, including Harper
into the union stuff more.” McNamara and Matthias Overley. it crystal clear that an individual The Chipotle Lansing Organizing
In addition to low wages, little to relationship with the employer is Committee was incredibly smart
“We Can Accomplish This” unworkable.” and self-sufficient. They con-
Union busting and high turnover tacted other trade unionists in
have kept organized labor away the community and asked them
from retail and restaurant jobs for advice on how to unionize.
for a long time, but the pandemic They read books and did re-
changed that. Workers weren’t search on the organizing and
just being pushed around, used NLRB process. They held regular
and abused—they were getting meetings, and developed plans
sick and dying with nothing to for having organizing conver-
show for it but a temporary “hero sations with their coworkers.
bonus” and empty platitudes They created a Snapchat group
from their employers’ public rela- to discuss the campaign. They
tions departments. All the while, even developed their own version
these companies were making of what is a critical component of
Local 243 Organizes First record profits. any successful organizing cam-
In an unprecedented surge of paign—a scoring system for
Chipotle Location in U.S. assessments.
organizing activity, workers at
Fortune 500 companies like REI, “Five was neutral,” Dora-Laskey
Activision-Blizzard, and Amazon said. “Anything three or below
8 9
was like, ‘They’re going to snitch After the workers made signifi- by how engaged Local 243 was were really enthusiastic, and they Just the Beginning “Chipotle pulled in revenue of
on us.’ Eight would be, they’re on cant progress in the campaign, compared to some of the other gave us union cards to start sign- The success at the Chipotle in $7.5 billion last year, and just as
board. Nine would be, they’re they decided to vote on which unions they had met with. ing immediately.” Lansing isn’t just about one we’re seeing workers of all ages
willing to do extra work for it. Ten union to affiliate with. Eventually, “The difference was remark- After the workers filed for an location—it’s about the role of and backgrounds across the
was, they’re on the organizing they settled on the Teamsters. able,” Dora-Laskey said. “They election, the company began the the Teamsters in the modern country take on these corporate
committee.” The committee was impressed really took us very seriously and expected union-busting campaign. American labor movement. giants, it’s so inspiring to see
The outside union-buster Chipotle Thousands of workers are on the Chipotle workers stand up and
brought in told the workers infor- cutting edge of organizing new demand more from a company
mation that was outright laugh- industries. The fact that the that can clearly afford it,” said
able—allegedly saying that the Teamsters are winning elections Scott Quenneville, President of
workers would be fined by the and contracts at restaurants, Local 243. “The Teamsters have
union if they were late and they cannabis dispensaries, e-scooter these workers’ backs. They’re
could end up having to pay dues companies, political campaign going to have a union they can
for their entire lives. committees, and so many other be proud of, that knows how to
The scare tactics didn’t work— workplaces is demonstrative of get things done.”
after the ballots were counted, the fact that no matter what “The International Broth-
the pro-union workers won the people do for a living, they rec- erhood of Teamsters is home
election handily. ognize the strength and power to 1.2 million workers, and all of
"We could not be prouder to be of the Teamsters Union. us are fighting for our brothers
the first Chipotle restaurant in “We set out to show that our and sisters at Chipotle to get
the United States to organize,” generation can make substan- the rights and workplace protec-
McNamara said. tial change in this world and tions they deserve,” Teamsters
“I am so excited we won,” Smith improve our working conditions General President Sean M. O’Brien
said. “Being one of the first fast by taking action collectively,” said. “Now is the time for work-
food restaurants to do this said Smith. “What this vote ing people in this country to take
definitely proves a point to the shows is that workers are going back what’s theirs. These young
entire country that we can do to keep taking the fight to big workers made history and they
this. This is a gigantic first step corporations like Chipotle and are an inspiration to working
toward doing that and improving demand the working conditions people everywhere.”
the lives of future generations.” we deserve.”
10 11
PEOPLE OVER PACKAGES Teamsters Unite to Take on UPS and Win a Strong Contract 12 13
A movement is growing at the collective bargaining agreement where members held rally signs
world’s largest package delivery in the nation—are getting ready that read, “UPS: Deliver for Working
company. It has already reached to take on UPS and win a strong Families” and “End Excessive
more than a hundred distribution contract. In August, UPS Team- Overtime.”
centers and sortation hubs in ster locals all over the country “We are going to fight like hell,
more than 40 states. It’s got the participated in a national call to but we can’t win anything unless
full attention of the labor move- action issued by the International, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder,”
ment and the logistics industry. officially kicking off the high- Victor Mineros, Teamsters Local
And it’s just getting started. stakes contract fight. 396 Secretary-Treasurer, told
“Our union is resolved to win the O’Brien led a rally in Boston Compton UPS drivers who gath-
best contract for UPS members where more than a thousand ered in the parking lot ahead of my Teamster brothers and sisters onto the same pay scale as regu- showing temperatures soaring
and to reset the standards for UPS Teamsters gathered to their shift. Mineros, who also at UPS so we can end excessive lar package car drivers is a major to 140 degrees and higher.
wages and benefits in this in- launch the contract campaign. serves as the Western Region overtime, end the two-tier 22.4 priority for members in upcoming News stories have exposed the
dustry by August 1, 2023,” said General Secretary-Treasurer Assistant Director of the Pack- made UPS their profits. Now it’s contract negotiations. Other is- company’s callousness toward
Sean M. O’Brien, Teamsters Fred Zuckerman joined UPS age Division, added, “We need to time to get what’s ours and win sues UPS members are looking to its workers’ safety, including
General President. “We won’t members taking action in demonstrate to the company a strong contract.” address are low part-time pay, ha- headlines about package drivers
extend negotiations by a single Michigan and Maryland. that we are not scared.” rassment, subcontracting, unsafe collapsing in the heat, suffering
day. We’ll either have a signed “Our members are ready to At UPS facilities in every region Turning Up the Heat at UPS working conditions related to from heat illnesses and, in the
agreement that day or be hitting show the company that we of the country, rank-and-file Eliminating excessive overtime is heat, and driver-facing cameras. case of California driver Esteban
the pavement.” are united at UPS, and the Teamsters are building a move- one of the top bargaining issues “We need a contract at UPS Chavez, dying from heat stroke
“
With the Teamsters National International will use every ment to address the members’ for members. while delivering
Master UPS Agreement and its resource at our disposal to win top bargaining issues and reverse “We are working packages.
accompanying supplemental the best contract in our history,” the concessions that were forced up to 60 hours a “ THE APP IS GREAT. IT’S A HUGE Locals from New
agreements set to expire on July Zuckerman said. on the members in the current week with forced York to Nevada have
IMPROVEMENT FROM THE APP THAT WE HAD
31, 2023, more than 340,000 Meanwhile, UPS Teamsters ral- agreement. overtime to meet held actions at UPS
Teamsters—under the largest lied at several hubs in Los Angeles “I am standing together with BEFORE. YOU CAN FIND JUST ABOUT ANYTHING centers, demanding
delivery demands
and increase UPS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AS FAR AS CONTRACT air conditioning in
profits—we’re done trucks and working
LANGUAGE REALLY QUICKLY.”
with the abuse,” said ice machines at all
Mark Miller, a package ––SHIELA MAHANEY centers.
driver and member Article 40 Air Ramp Worker and Shop Steward “The Teamsters
of Local 638 in Maple with Local 959 in Anchorage, Alaska will not stand by
Grove, Minn. and allow a multi-
One of the most hated con- billion-dollar em-
cessions in the current agreement that recognizes the hard work ployer to force our members
that took effect in 2018 remains we do to make this company into extreme heat without the
a major issue for UPS members: so successful and treats us protection they need to avoid
the 22.4 driver classification. accordingly,” said Cesar Castro, heat-related illness and death,”
“The 22.4s are workers like a UPS loader and shop steward O’Brien said. “We demand UPS take
us,” said Deborah Manning, a with Local 396 in Compton, Calif. action now to protect workers.
UPS package driver and member The subject of heat inside The company is literally sending
of Local 251 in Rhode Island. package trucks has generated drivers out to die in the heat. We
“They do the same work as us, significant public attention and are confronting the company
but they’re not getting what outrage this year. Drivers have aggressively on this issue now,
we’re getting. And it’s wrong.” flooded social media with pictures and will continue to do so as
Eliminating the 22.4 classifica- of thermometer readings in their we head into bargaining for the
tion and bringing those drivers cabs and the back of their trucks, 2023 contract.”
14 15
Tapping Into the Movement While no one wants to go on
strike, the new leadership of the
UPS Teamsters are not just tak-
International has made it clear
ing action in the streets. A new
that all options are on the table,
mobile app from the International
and the best way to avoid a
Union is engaging members digi-
strike is to present an imminent
tally as well. The “UPS Teamsters”
strike threat to the company.
app, available in the App Store
To that end, the union is get-
and Google Play, allows every UPS
ting a head start on educating
member to tap into the move-
members about what it means
ment for a strong contract.
to be strike ready, including
“Every local with UPS members
saving money in the event that
should be working to get as many
340,000 UPS workers walk out on
UPSers on the app as possible,
August 1, 2023 to win the con-
working the gates at all the hubs
tract they deserve.
to encourage members to down- “If you are a UPS worker, you for every member to download campaign, keeping member in- Taking on Big Brown “I am ready to go on strike, if
load the app,” Zuckerman said. want this app on your phone. All the UPS Teamsters app. This app volvement at the center of every By just about every measure, that’s what it takes,” said Bianca
“The company is betting on a communications about this his- is how members can plug into this action and initiative. While put- business has never been better Garza, a package driver and Local
divided and apathetic workforce toric contract fight will run through campaign anywhere, anytime.” ting member voices up front, the for UPS. The company’s net 853 member from San Jose, Calif.
to push through a weak contract. the app—everything from bar- International is bringing new profits increased by $11.2 billion “If the company won’t do right by
But the more UPS members we gaining updates to action alerts to Empowering Members member strength into the fold. in the last two years alone. UPS us, we have to remind them who
have on this app, the more we information on practice picketing With an emphasis on rank-and- "We have organizers hitting the Teamsters moved 5.45 billion makes this company successful
can assure we are confronting will take place on the UPS Team- file engagement and leadership, barns in key areas to get as many packages in 2021, a 15 percent and who has the power to shut
UPS with a strong, united and sters app. It’s the nerve center of the International and its newly- workers signed up and helping increase from 2019. it down.”
informed membership.” this movement,” O’Brien said. restructured Package Division them understand why their “Every dollar of profit that UPS That readiness to take the fight
Since August, local unions “The app is great,” said Shiela are working to empower members participation in the union is so has enjoyed in recent years is due to the streets at UPS runs up and
and UPS activists have been Mahaney, an Article 40 air ramp with the tools they need to take essential for winning a strong to the hard work of our members,” down the ranks of the union, from
spreading the word about the worker and shop steward with part in the campaign. contract at UPS in 2023," said O’Brien said. “The company’s the shop floor to the International.
app, which includes the current Local 959 in Anchorage, Alaska. Regional Package Division Chris Rosell, Teamsters Organ- success is built on the backs of “We will put the company on its
Master Agreement and all sup- “It’s a huge improvement from Coordinators are working directly izing Director. Teamsters. Now the bill is due, knees to win the strong contract
plements, riders and addenda in the app that we had before. You with locals in their area to ramp The Organizing Department is and UPS needs to pay up.” members deserve,” O’Brien said.
an easy-to-navigate and search- can find just about anything you up member engagement. The on the ground in “Right to Work”
able format. Once members have are looking for as far as contract International distributed bargain- states, hitting UPS hubs from
selected their local in the app, language really quickly.” ing surveys to all members and is Georgia to Nevada to sign up
they will see the supplemental “The last contract was forced collecting the results, which will new members. Building up the
agreements that apply to their down members’ throats,” said be reported soon on the app. ranks of Teamster membership
work area. Matt Higdon, Secretary-Treasurer As locals prepare for proposal at UPS is critical to the campaign.
The app also features helpful of Local 728 in Atlanta, Ga., meetings and members prepare The larger the membership, the
tools including a logbook for and UPS National Grievance for the dark days of peak, na- more leverage the union has
package drivers and feeder Panel Coordinator. “Never again tional actions are being planned when it faces the company at the
drivers, a grievance notes form, will a contract be forced on the over the next several months to bargaining table.
a strike savings calculator and members. So we have an oppor- confront the company on key “I signed up because being in
other resources for members tunity with this next contract to bargaining issues. the union gives me job security,”
and shop stewards. Additional improve every part of this job. But The contract campaign sub- said Andrew Ridout, a 22.4 driver
information and resources will the way we are going to do that committee, convened by the in Kansas City, MO, who recently
be rolled out on the app as the is with solidarity and staying in- International, is meeting regularly joined Local 41, making his center
campaign progresses. formed. That’s why it’s so crucial to plan out each stage of the 100 percent union.
16 17Prime Fighters TAKING ON AMAZON
On September 17, the Teamsters brought their campaign to organize
Amazon warehouse and logistics workers to the company’s doorstep in
Seattle. Now, the whole world is watching to see what happens next.
18 19“Whose streets?! Our streets!… Seattle, inching closer to Amazon’s amazement, taking photos and to reverberate through the city. broke into a back-and-forth,
Who are we?! Teamsters!” corporate headquarters, a new recording video from their phones. The significance of the mo- singsong chant: “When we fight!”
Seattle residents were stunned refrain broke out: “Fee-fi-fo-fum! “The Teamsters are in town ment wasn’t lost on anyone. “We win!”… “When we fight!”
by the chants and cheers of Bezos is a f’ing bum!” and about to invade Amazon,” one The General President had come “We win!”… followed by a few
more than a thousand voices. Walking in front of the sea of Seattleite tweeted. to let the world know that the more rounds of “Fee-fi-fo-fum.”
They could hear the crowd com- workers—stepping in lockstep, “Just went to grab some lunch Teamsters were prepared to take
ing, but the marchers were still with confident swagger—General and saw the labor movement re- on the corporate giant once and Boo-hoo for Bezos
blocks away from being seen. President Sean M. O’Brien and ignited like never before,” posted for all. The scene in Seattle has already
The shouting chorus grew General Secretary-Treasurer another. “This is the start of something become a milestone for the
louder and louder, until, finally, a Fred Zuckerman led the march. “Great to see that the Team- historic. We are making history!” Teamsters Union, an epic display
sea of Teamster women came They were joined by International sters are back and leading the O’Brien exclaimed as an eruption of strength and bravado. The
into view, holding a big blue banner Vice Presidents Peter Finn, Avral fight!” With fists raised and signs of cheers rang out. march marked the unofficial
that read: Organize Amazon. Thompson, Lindsay Dougherty, waving, the chants grew louder, “We are going to organize launch of the new Amazon
The sisterhood was in Seattle Juan Campos, Rick Hicks, Mark echoing like thunder as a sea of Amazon, but in order to be suc- Division—a new arm of the
for the annual Teamsters Women’s Davison, Joan Corey, and Stan Teamsters snaked through the cessful, we must first state our union dedicated to uniting
Conference, and buzz had been Hennessy. Emerald City. intentions,” he continued. “And our Amazon employees, securing
building for weeks about how the Ahead of the Teamster leaders, intentions today are to let Jeff more workplace protections in
union planned to bring the fight two Teamster semi-trucks rolled “Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum…” Bezos and this white-collar crime the warehouse and logistics
to Bezos’ backyard. slowly in front, clearing the way for With trucks honking and bullhorns syndicate known as Amazon know industry, and defending workers
As more than 1,400 Teamsters the massive parade of marchers blazing, O’Brien climbed up the that we’re here! We’re not going from the unchecked exploita-
turned the corner onto Terry Ave- behind them. steps in front of Amazon’s iconic away! And we’re coming for you!” tion of one of the world’s most
nue in the heart of downtown City bystanders looked on in glass globes as cheers continued O’Brien and the crowd then dangerous employers.
20 21“It’s all very bad news for Jeff Board issued a complaint accus- and support direct action by pany knows it. Our new division
Bezos,” said Beatrice Kelsey-Watts, ing Amazon of targeting union workers across the country to beat affords a nationwide network of
an EMS worker who recently led supporters. The following day, back this corporate threat to resources to all Amazon workers,
her co-workers at Armstrong Amazon was exposed in the LA working people.” behind the wheel of any truck
Ambulance to organize with Local Times for its abusive working or hard at work in any facility,
25 this summer. “Workers are conditions in its California ware- It’s On, Amazon! to strategize with the union,
empowered like never before, houses, reporting that in certain mobilize in their communities,
As workers around the country
and we will do whatever it takes facilities temperatures recently and succeed together.”
continue to rise up and collec-
to unionize every employer. Ama- reached 121 degrees. tively demand better workplace
zon workers need a union more The company also made standards, communities are
than anyone. The time has come!” headlines for promoting a former increasingly rejecting Amazon’s
Watts was in town to speak
at the Teamsters Women’s Con-
ference along with four other
private prison executive to take
over training warehouse em-
ployees. That’s because Amazon
lack of accountability and its
overwhelming worker injury rate.
In coordination with the Team-
Thank You
newly organized workers, all of doesn't see workers as people— Thank you to everyone who
sters, community partners have donated to the 2022 Teamsters
whom had a message to send to it sees them as inmates. succeeded in limiting Amazon’s Women’s Conference.
Bezos. And they weren’t alone. It
expansion on both coasts, as
seemed every speaker saw the during the opening session of the Teamsters stormed Amazon New Vision, New Mission the corporate giant’s growth Joint Council 3 Local 320
importance and symbolism of the Women’s Conference. “This headquarters, Bezos and his After the march, O’Brien had some threatens good-paying jobs, Joint Council 5 Local 350
this year’s conference. corporate giant represents an flunkies were already off to a choice words for Amazon, letting worker safety, and environmental Joint Council 9 Local 362
“Look out, Amazon, we’re existential threat to the labor terrible week. On Sept. 18, a day the company know that the action protections.
coming for you,” said Alauna movement. It’s on, Bezos!” after the march in Seattle, the Joint Council 16 Local 396
in Seattle was only the beginning. Amazon employs one third of
Freeman, a longtime Local 728 The bad news for Bezos didn’t New York Times reported that “Amazon should be afraid—the Joint Council 25 Local 404
the warehouse workers in the U.S.
UPS feeder driver, in her remarks stop there. The same week that the National Labor Relations Teamsters are here standing Joint Council 28 Local 455
but is responsible for half of all
shoulder-to-shoulder with so many workplace injuries in the sector Joint Council 32 Local 471
communities demanding change,” as its employees sustain serious Joint Council 37 Local 481
he said. “The Teamsters aren’t injury at five times the national Joint Council 56 Local 507
going away. Wherever Amazon average. Injury rates at Amazon Joint Council 75 Local 577
abuses workers, we’ll be there. facilities are nearly 80 percent
Joint Council 80 Local 633
Amazon will not bust unions and higher than all other employers in
get away with it. Amazon will not Local 8 Local 653
the warehouse industry.
churn and burn American workers “For 120 years, the Teamsters Local 25 Local 690
and get away with it. This corrupt have proudly and ferociously Local 38 Local 727
corporate giant must answer to protected transportation, logis- Local 162 Local 743
the Teamsters now, and we’re tics, and delivery workers, and Local 174 Local 848
ready for the fight.” we refuse to allow Amazon to Local 186 Local 856
“For Teamsters, and the labor continue to abuse and disrespect
Local 200 Local 927
movement as a whole, Amazon the more than one million Amer-
poses an existential threat to Local 230 Local 988
icans it employs,” O’Brien said.
the rights and standards that “With more than 340,000 UPS Local 231 Local 991
our members have fought for members, most of whom per- Local 236 Local 1150
and won for over 100 years,” form the same roles as Amazon Local 237 Local 2010
said Randy Korgan, the newly workers, the Teamsters are best Local 252 American
appointed Director of the Team- positioned to coordinate and Local 313 Income Life
sters Amazon Division. “The secure guaranteed protections for
Amazon Division is ready to create Amazon workers, and the com-
22 23A TOAST TO THE TEAMSTERS
Due to workers’ dedication and and development phases, up tenacity, camaraderie, and a
hard work, the labor movement is until it is ready to be sold. Their respect for one another.” This
on the rise and booming once duties include ensuring alcohol is apt when speaking about
New Line of Vodka again. As consumers everywhere proofs are correct, monitoring the the Teamsters who are largely
Honors Union Members are openly embracing unions and bottling and labeling machinery, responsible for creating it. Local
supporting the labor movement, operating forklifts within the 500 members at Jacquin’s are
corporations have no choice but warehouse to lodge cases, and clearly a close-knit group who
to take notice. loading trucks that are sched- take pride in their job and per-
Philadelphia-based distillery uled to go out for shipments. sonify the spirit of Philadelphia.
Jacquin’s Spirits recently acknowl- “There are various depart- “This is a great job that we
edged their essential Teamster ments that we are involved in. thoroughly enjoy doing,” Rivera
workforce in a special manner. Whether it be those blending the said. ‘I’m a third-generation worker
The family-owned-and-operated product and making sure it has here. My dad was a steward for
liquor producer (the oldest in the right formulas, designing nearly 40 years, my mom also
Pennsylvania) honored Local 500 works here currently. Even my
members by introducing a new grandmother was employed by
line of vodka: The Union Forge. this company in the past. I’ve had
“It is gratifying to be recog- many aunts, uncles, and cousins
nized for our work. It is the first come through and work here at
time since I have been here times. Many of the workers here in
where the union members—the the facility are local neighborhood
blue-collar folks who work behind people that believe in making
the scenes—are being com- a good, honest living by working
mended. Normally you have hard to support their families. It’s
the front office and sales teams just what we do.”
partake in those types of cele- To embrace these workers and
brations, so it was rewarding to their new vodka, International Vice
be praised and involved as the President Bill Hamilton (who also
hands-on staff who are doing the labels like I do right now, or serves as President of both Joint
the physical work,” said Jennifer working the line to make sure the Council 53 and the Pennsylvania
Rivera, a 19-year union employee bottles are filled and packaged Conference of Teamsters) sent
at Jacquin’s who serves as correctly, we play a major role the joint council’s semi-truck to
assistant shop steward for Local from beginning to end,” Rivera Jacquin’s warehouse to celebrate
500. “We didn’t close during the said. “As time has progressed, job the release of the new spirit.
pandemic, so we picked up more duties and responsibilities have “It was great to have Joint
work, running lines to other enhanced and evolved. It’s no Council 53 here displaying solidar-
states. That work could not have longer just standing in front of the ity and supporting these workers
been accomplished if it weren’t production belt all day long.” who are so deserving,” said Doug
for the Teamsters in the building.” Edwards, Secretary-Treasurer of
The Philly Way Local 500. “As the Union Forge
Union Made Philadelphia is historically known reveal video simply states on its
The Union Forge is a vodka that is as a union town where resilient site, we proudly toast anyone will-
handcrafted with Pennsylvania Teamsters can be found working ing to put in the work and stand
rye and pure spring water, and together to make the city run on side-by-side with one another.
union-made from start to finish. any given day. Fittingly, Jacquin’s Cheers to all the Teamsters at
Teamsters play an instrumental Spirits describes its new vodka Jacquin’s for all their years of
role throughout the supply chain as one that “is distilled with hard work and camaraderie.”
24 25with the understanding that it remain neutral in the Teamsters’ of Local 79 in Tampa. “Penske
would backfill funding so that effort to organize other company was taking this nationwide with
workers who paid into both plans worksites that aren’t currently the pension plan, and from a
would get the full benefit to which part of the union. That is likely to meeting with the General Pres-
they are entitled. lead to a boon in organizing. ident to Rocco coming down
“
It also created and speaking to
the Southeast and the local unions,
South Central “ TEAMSTERS DON’T BACK DOWN we got a master
master agreements. agreement with a
AND DON’T LET COMPANIES UNDERMINE THE
The Southeast covers defined benefit
Florida, Georgia, GOLD STANDARD OF RETIREMENT PLANS– pension plan and
Alabama, North Car- A DEFINED-BENEFIT PENSION.” the best raises we
olina, South Carolina, ever got. They got
Virginia, and eastern ––SEAN M. O’BRIEN this done.”
Tennessee, while the Teamsters General President Mike Keeran,
South-Central covers President of Local
Missouri, Oklahoma, 541 in Kansas City,
Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, “These new regional agree- said the new agreement will cut
Iowa, Louisiana and western Ten- ments empower Teamster leaders costs for families on Penske’s
nessee. on the ground to take a great health insurance, saving them
The master agreements set deal and make it even better for upwards of $575 a month. And
PULLING TOGETHER AT PENSKE minimum standards ensuring
retirement and health care bene-
their members,” Calo said. “It also he expects to see real gains in
will create opportunities to grow membership as there are two
fits as well as paid holidays and our membership by expanding unorganized Penske shops in
vacation time. But the deals also union density within Penske.” his area.
Before the O’Brien-Zuckerman would set baseline standards allow locals to negotiate bene- Locals with Penske members “Neutrality was huge. Now we
administration took office, the and make it easier for the union fits that exceed what is listed in praised the work of Teamster can go in and say this is what
Teamsters Teamsters had a problem at to organize unaffiliated Penske the agreements. leadership to hammer out the you can get,” he said. “We are
Penske Logistics. During a series workplaces. agreements for protecting going to actively start organizing
Press Hard to Secure of contract negotiations with “Teamsters don’t back down pensions and lowering health these workers.”
A Win for Organizing
New Regional Teamster locals across the and don’t let companies under-
An additional bonus, Calo said, care costs. Calo agreed, saying there are
southern half of the U.S., the mine the gold standard of retire- “They pulled this contract out,” real organizing opportunities
Agreement company was trying to back out ment plans—a defined-benefit
is that under the new regional
agreements, Penske agreed to said Brian Rothman, President going forward. He noted that
of its pension obligations with pension,” O’Brien said. “I let the in Atlanta, for example, there
workers. company know that in a meet- are 18 unorganized Penske facil-
But the Teamsters weren’t ing with Penske officials earlier ities, compared to three that
about to stand by and let that this year, and due to the hard are currently affiliated with the
happen. Under the leadership work of Industrial Trades Division Teamsters.
of Teamsters General President Director Rocco Calo, and others, As far as the agreements,
Sean M. O’Brien and International we will now be improving the lives however, Calo said Teamster
Vice President Rocco Calo, they of Penske members and uniting leaders on the ground deserve
got tough and came up with more in the months to come.” credit for all of their work to get
a solution that would protect As part of the deal with the deals done.
Penske members’ pensions. Penske, the company was able “The local leaders in this
Then they got the company to to move its workers out of their effort here were just fabulous,”
agree to enter into two new re- current fund and into one made he said. “I was so happy to be a
gional master agreements that up of only its unionized workers, part of it.”
26 27the support of the entire Team-
sters Union. When workers decide
to strike, they will have the full
backing of 1.2 million members
behind them.”
As FireKing workers held the
line, Teamsters from around the
country showed their support.
In July, members of Teamsters
Local 25 and Teamsters Local
856 showed solidarity with
Local 89 members as they pro-
tested outside the Boston and
San Francisco offices of Cham-
plain Capital—the equity group
that owns FireKing—to pressure
the private equity firm to bargain
a fair contract for its workers
in Indiana. strike ended. “In the end, our members
FIRED UP AT FIREKING “These private equity firms
are vultures that abuse workers
“When we went on strike,
management cut off our insur-
showed this company their true
value and worth. These folks
and think they can get away ance even though we’d already stood together, said ‘enough is
with it. Teamsters are fighting paid the premium for that month,” enough’ and showed their em-
Teamsters at FireKing were fed rights. Throughout the strike, we below 50 percent production,” back and we’re not going to said Veronica Tillery, a Local 89 ployer what real union power
up. After weeks of working pa- all stuck together like glue. We Thompson said. “Management stand for it,” O’Brien said. “Our member at FireKing. “I had a looks like,” Thompson said. “This
tiently to negotiate a new con- are a tight-knit group, and this was constantly dealing with a re- local unions in Boston and San surgery scheduled that I had to victory is a testament to our
tract in good faith, the bad strike made us even closer and volving door of scab temporary Francisco are proving that sol- cancel because of what they’re members that they were able to
blood had hit a boiling point. stronger,” said Dale Beanblos- employees who quit almost as idarity today by taking to the doing to us. It’s heartbreaking endure all of this and still come
The company’s abusive be- som, a 36-year mixer-operator quickly as they were brought in.” streets.” and frustrating to see how little out as winners.”
havior, which led to the filing of at FireKing and Local 89 member “Many of these workers have they care about the employees The new contract includes a
several unfair labor practice who served as strike captain for Fanning the Flames been at FireKing for 15, 20 years who work hard for them.” 22 percent increase in wages
charges with the National Labor the unit. On May 17, Teamsters General —some even 30 years. They over five years, with the first
Relations Board, left Teamsters As Beanblossom and his co- President Sean M. O’Brien and deserve the same loyalty and Blaze of Glory 10 percent immediate upon
Local 89 members with no choice. workers picketed outside, Fire- General Secretary-Treasurer respect from FireKing that they Pressure continued to mount ratification. Other highlights
It was time to strike the Indiana- King brought in scab labor. But it Fred Zuckerman both visited the give the company every day,” as the strike entered its third include lower deductible health
based manufacturer of fireproof was to little avail, according to strike line to stand with members said Thompson. month. The company was on the insurance that will provide signifi-
safes and cabinets. Avral Thompson, International and show their support. Adding insult to injury, Fire- ropes, and FireKing Teamsters cant savings to members, faster
On May 9, FireKing Teamsters Vice President and President of “I’ve known this unit for years. King sought to maintain a high- had the leverage they needed to vacation accrual, bonuses for
unanimously authorized a strike Local 89 in Louisville, Ky. They are a strong and dedicated deductible health insurance plan get a deal that would address perfect attendance, enhanced
after rejecting the company’s “The company struggled with group, and we wanted to let that could leave families with up their concerns. seniority and bidding language,
“last, best and final” offer. More the loss of their experienced and them know that they had every to $13,000 in out-of-pocket On July 30, after 12 long weeks and Juneteenth as a paid holiday.
than 80 members took to the skilled workforce after workers tool and resource at their dis- costs per year. After the strike on the picket line, Local 89 “Let this be a lesson to other
streets, braving the heat and went on strike and immediately posal,” said Zuckerman, who began, FireKing management members at FireKing voted employers that the Teamsters will
holding the line for the next brought in scab labor. The com- served as President of Local 89 cut off workers’ health care, ret- unanimously to ratify a new not back down in our members’
12 weeks. pany released numerous press for more than 20 years. “Local 89 roactive to May 4. FireKing also five-year agreement, success- fight against corporate greed. We
“FireKing Teamsters stood up statements insisting all was well, members at FireKing are taking stated it wouldn’t allow workers fully ending their strike with a will not stop fighting and we will
and fought back for workers’ but the plant was running far a brave stand, and they have to return to their jobs when the resounding victory. not break,” O’Brien said.
28 29AB-5 IMPROVES LIVES
responsible for increasing income is so hard to make a living.
inequality and exploitative work- During the pandemic, truck
ing conditions, and this business drivers and other workers in the
model has exploded at corpora- supply chain were called “heroes”
tions all over the country. and “essential” workers. Truck
The government deregulated drivers don’t need to be put on a
the trucking industry 40 years pedestal—they need to be paid
ago, setting the stage for what and respected.
we see today in the non-union As a society, we need to look
segment of the trucking indus- out for each other and treat
try—low-road employers who are working people the way that we
responsible for supply chain want to be treated. And if corpo-
issues but who seize on every rations refuse to treat workers
loophole or absence of regula- with respect, lawmakers must
tion to deny responsibility for step in with more laws like AB-5
DURING THE PANDEMIC, their workers. to prevent the continued erosion
TRUCK DRIVERS AND Just in the last few years, the of employer responsibility when
California Labor Commissioner’s it comes to their employees.
OTHER WORKERS IN THE
office has awarded over $50 Trucking companies and other
SUPPLY CHAIN WERE million to truckers who were greedy corporations cannot be
CALLED “HEROES” AND cheated out of wages through allowed to use an “independent
“ESSENTIAL” WORKERS. these misclassification schemes. contractor” model to game the
Companies often see such system, deny workers their rights
TRUCK DRIVERS DON’T
awards as simply the cost of and protections, and mislead
NEED TO BE PUT ON doing business when they’re the public under the guise of
A PEDESTAL—THEY making billions in profits off their freedom and autonomy.
NEED TO BE PAID workers’ backs. Policymakers need to be hon-
According to Business Insider, est when determining why
AND RESPECTED.
truck drivers today work signifi- workers are losing ground and
cantly more hours but earn up to why there are unprecedented
50 percent less than they did in labor shortages. Elected offi-
An Urgent Message From General President Sean M. O’Brien the ability to negotiate working the 1970s. An industry that was cials must consider factors
conditions, pay, or how and once highly unionized and pro- other than corporate profits
A California court has finally their own boss. Critics also claim who they work for and how and when they work. vided good middle class jobs when deciding what American
lifted the injunction that pre- these new regulations will when they perform their tasks. By falsely claiming their now has 40 percent of drivers labor law should look like.
vented a state law on worker adversely affect the nation’s They also negotiate pay and workers have “flexibility” and are with no health insurance and a Lawmakers delivered in
misclassification—AB-5—from supply chain. None of these working conditions for each free- “independent,” these same median income of just $45,260. California with AB-5 and stood
going into effect. The decision is claims are true. lance job. They tend to be white- employers avoid paying a mini- That’s why there is a short- steadfast as industry lobbied
a huge win for California truck To understand what AB-5 collar professionals, highly paid, mum wage, health insurance, age of 80,000 truck drivers in our aggressively against it. The
drivers and other misclassified does, first you have to under- and not tied to a single employer. unemployment insurance, Social country, despite more than 10 state will need to continue to
workers. stand what an “independent This is not the case with mis- Security, and other payroll taxes. million Americans holding Com- work hard to enforce this new
Critics of the law claim AB-5 contractor” really is. classified “independent” truck It’s a scam. This is how corpora- mercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). law. AB-5 is certainly a step in
prevents workers from making Traditional “independent con- drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers, tions shove the costs of doing There isn’t a shortage of qualified the right direction in California.
their own choices about their tractors” like consultants, photog- FedEx delivery drivers, and other business on to their workers, and truck drivers, there is a shortage But this is a big country. There
jobs and working conditions, raphers, freelance writers, and low wage “contractors.” These on to taxpayers. We all end up of good truck driving jobs that are thousands of miles of road
hampers worker flexibility, and lawyers are typically small busi- workers are wholly controlled by paying so they can profit. pay well. In fact, most drivers and millions of workers who have
restricts an individual from being ness entrepreneurs who decide their employers and do not have Misclassification is directly leave the industry because it earned and deserve better.
30 31You can also read
