TeamsterSUMMER 2021 - PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT, PENSIONS SAVED
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IN THIS ISSUE 8 16 28 8 Promises Made, Promises Kept, 2 News Pensions Saved • Union Providing Ongoing Coronavirus Response International Brotherhood of Teamsters 25 Louisiana Avenue, NW Multiemployer Pension Relief Legislation Washington DC 20001-2198 • Crisis in Texas Signed 202-624-6800 • Right to Work Defeated in Big Sky State The Teamster (ISSN 1083-2394) is the official publication 16 New Administration Shows it’s • ABF Freight Teamsters Receive Bonus of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 25 Louisiana Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20001-2198. It Pro-Worker • Iron Mountain Teamsters Win Rock- is published quarterly (January, April, July, October). In Personnel and Policy, President Biden is Solid Contract Periodical postage paid at Washington, DC and at on Workers’ Side additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address • Teamsters Remember Roy Gillespie, Mick changes to The Teamster, Affiliates Records Department, Yauger, Ted Daley 25 Louisiana Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001-2198. 21 Teamsters Help Power SUMMER 2021 / VOLUME 118, NO 2 ©2020 International Brotherhood of Teamsters. All rights Georgia Victory 22 Organizing reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written Members Turn Out for Sens. Warnock, Ossoff permission is prohibited. Subscription rates: $12 per year. • CEMEX Victory in Florida Single copies, $2. (All orders payable in advance.) Mem- bers should send address changes to their local union. 24 A Bronx Tale • Local 206 Welcomes So Delicious Dairy Free Teamsters Strike Hard and Win Big at • ScholarMatch Workers Join Teamsters Like us on Facebook Hunt’s Point Market • Victory at Shred-it facebook.com/teamsters 28 Super Bowl, Super Dad • Airgas Drivers Join Local 745 Follow @Teamsters on Twitter. UPS Driver Shares Story With Millions of • Teamsters Welcome National Express Drivers SIGN UP FOR UPDATES— Viewers Before the Big Game Text “IBT” to 86466 30 Election Supervisor’s Report (message and data rates may apply) 32 Crown of the Contenders 33 IDO Report Follow @teamsters on Instagram. Bringing Teamster Pride to the Sweet Science GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD James P. Hoffa VICE PRESIDENTS Fred Simpson TEAMSTERS CENTRAL REGION EASTERN REGION SOUTHERN REGION WESTERN REGION TRUSTEES General President AT-LARGE 41475 Gardenbrook CANADA Bill Frisky William Hamilton John Palmer Rome Aloise Jim Kabell 25 Louisiana Ave. N.W. Gregory Floyd Road Stan Hennessy 6511 Eastland Rd., 12275 Townsend Rd. 25 Louisiana Ave. N.W. 7750 Pardee Lane 1850 E. Division Washington, D.C. 20001 216 W. 14th St. Novi, Michigan 1 Grosvenor Square Suite 120 Philadelphia, PA 19154 Washington, D.C. 20001 Oakland, CA 94621 Springfield, MO 65803 New York, NY 10011 48375 Delta, B.C. Brook Park, OH 44142 Ken Hall Canada V3M 5S1 Dan Kane Sr. Kimberly Schultz Ron Herrera Kevin Moore General Secretary- George Tedeschi George Miranda 25 Louisiana Ave. N.W. Tony Jones 1308 Pierce St. 11705 Boyette Rd, 880 Oak Park Rd., 2741 Trumbull Ave. Treasurer 55 Broad St, 11th Floor François Laporte 555 E Rich St. Rahway, N.J. 07065 Suite 409 Suite 200 Detroit, MI 48216 25 Louisiana Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. New York, N.Y. 10004 20001 1750 Maurice-Gauvin Columbus, OH 43215 Riverview, FL 33569 Covina, CA 91724 Washington, D.C. 20001 Street, Suite 400 Sean M. O’Brien Denis Taylor John Murphy Steve Vairma Laval, Quebec H7S 1Z5 Robert Kopystynsky 544 Main St. Rick Middleton 1030 S. Dukeland St. 348 D St. 10 Lakeside Lane, 25 Louisiana Ave. N.W. Boston, MA 02129 460 Carson Plaza Dr. Baltimore, MD 21223 Boston, MA 02127 Suite 3-A Craig McInnes Washington, D.C. 20001 Carson, CA 90746 Denver, CO 80212 275 Matheson Blvd. E. Fredrick Potter Mississauga, Ontario Avral Thompson 3400 Highway 35 Canada L4Z 1X8 3813 Taylor Blvd. Executive Plaza, Suite 7 Louisville, KY 40215 Hazlet, N.J 07730
GENERAL PRESIDENT JAMES P. HOFFA PENSION VICTORY new administration and a new Congress are runoff in Georgia in early 2021. This dramatically A in place in the nation’s capital. The Teamsters and other pro-worker allies worked hard to get them there. changed the dynamics of the issue. In March, Congress protected the hard-earned re- tirements of more than a million workers and retirees That hard work has already proven successful, but when it approved a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill there is much left to be done. that included language granting relief to hundreds of The Teamsters Union kicked off our “Build Back endangered multiemployer pension plans. Stronger” campaign in January, which prioritizes And now it’s time to ensure these elected officials three big issues backed by our membership in the follow through on the rest of their promises and de- lead up to the November election: protecting pen- liver policy changes that put hardworking Americans sions, strengthening unions and creating good jobs. first. Protecting pensions has been a long-term struggle, Already, the Teamsters are seeing signs from stretching back to the beginning of my more than President Biden and Capitol Hill that they are lis- two decades at the helm with the Teamsters. This tening to our concerns. Several executive orders union has fought for those who only wanted to issued by Biden during his first days in office show receive the nest eggs that they’ve worked so hard he cares about growing American jobs and pro- to earn for their golden years. tecting union rights. When a worker is promised a pension benefit after Taken together, these are all a good start toward a lifetime of work that promise must be kept. creating friendlier worker policies. But Teamsters Members and retirees told us solving the pension aren’t done pushing our priorities. crisis was the number-one priority when making endorsements for the 2020 elections. The union and our members helped elect President Joe Biden and various other worker-friendly politicians, including the
TEAMSTER NEWS Union Providing Ongoing Coronavirus Response COVID-19 TESTS, FOOD FOR ESSENTIAL PORT DRIVERS s cases of COVID-19 surged to historic heights in A L.A. County in December, the Teamsters Union recognized the essential work of port truck driv- ers from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach with two days of events to help drivers struggling dur- ing the holiday season. The Teamsters provided hundreds of port truck drivers with COVID-19 tests or flu shots. They also held a food and toy distribution event for drivers in need during the holidays. Dozens of truck drivers rolled through the event, collecting boxes of toys and food. The Teamsters have held similar food distribu- tion events throughout the year in order to support the drivers who have delivered essential goods across Los Angeles County during the pandemic. Local leaders, including L.A. City Councilmember Joe Buscaino, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Eugene Seroka, and St. John’s Well Child & Family Center President and CEO Jim Mangia, held a press conference on the dire situation facing port truck drivers amid this year’s holiday shipping rush and COVID-19 surge. “This is how we extend our gratitude to port truck sion Director and International Vice President. drivers, who are too often undervalued and unseen. In March, Teamsters held another vaccination We honor and stand with them in this time of need as event for California port drivers. For more information they are essential members of the Teamsters and our about what the Teamsters are doing with regard to the communities,” said Ron Herrera, Teamsters Port Divi- pandemic, visit www.teamster.org. 2 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
Crisis in Texas Teamsters Hit the Ground for Disaster Relief During Extreme Winter power and water crisis in Texas followed a blast A of cold weather across the state in February. For- tunately, when an unexpected crisis occurs, you can expect Teamsters Disaster Relief. “All disasters are the same, but all disasters are dif- ferent,” said Director of Teamsters Disaster Relief Roy Gillespie (see Gillespie’s obituary on page 6). “The commonality is getting help to people as fast as possible. As Teamsters, that’s what we do—move equipment, supplies and personnel in a fast and expe- dient way.” Teamsters were tasked with the management of distributing supplies, particularly water, throughout the state and worked closely with the National Urban through another peak season.” League, the American Red Cross, the National Associ- In spite of increased demand at work, Baldwin has ation of Christian Churches, Congresswomen Sheila been able dedicate most of her free time to helping Jackson-Lee and Barbara Lee, and others. out her fellow members and her community. “We are “There were some who were affected so badly resilient people,” she said. “Not just as individuals. or displaced because pipes had burst in their homes When you’re a Teamster, you stand up, you get to where they couldn’t get to work, at the same time through it. We will get on the other side of this.” the workload increased because of road closures In addition to the Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund, and the other impacts of what’s been happening other affiliates contributed materially or financially to here,” said Sequetta Baldwin, a Local 988 shop stew- assist with on-the-ground efforts in Texas, including: ard at UPS in Houston. “Now we’re just trying to Locals 251, 89, 120, 776; Joint Councils 56 and 10; make sure that the public’s needs are met and we’re the Teamsters National Pipeline Labor-Management getting their things to them, it’s almost like going Cooperation Trust and others. www.teamster.org | Summer 2021 | Teamster 3
TEAMSTER NEWS Right to Work Defeated in Big Sky State Montana Teamsters Actively Fought Anti-Worker Legislation he Montana House of Repre- T sentatives recently defeated an effort to enact right-to-work legislation, a victory for workers in the state that happened in no small part due to the efforts of the Teamsters and other unions who organized their members and suc- cessfully lobbied lawmakers not to turn their back on hardworking Montanans. In the wake of the 2020 elec- tions that gave Republicans control of both the governorship and the state legislature in the Big Sky State, leaders at Local 2 and 190 knew they had their work cut out for them. So they used new tech- nology to engage members. They held weekly legislation updates that were shared with members. They also crafted digital content to get the message out. “The vote to move this bill for- ward was a slap in the face for working families across our state,” said Erin Foley, Local 2’s Secretary- Treasurer. “This was the most ex- treme anti-worker bill Montana has ever seen. History was made when HB 251 was defeated and I am truly blessed to have been a part of it.” realized that right to work isn’t bad for workers and for the state helping anybody.” of Montana. Bipartisan Allies Several other anti-union bills Given the Montana Legisla- that attacked public sector employ- ture’s biennial meeting schedule, The measure’s defeat would not ees also met their demise at the workers won’t have to worry about have happened without the Team- same time, including a measure these bills coming back for another sters and other unions working that attempted to insert govern- two years. But Larson said unions with Democratic and Republican ment-mandated restrictions into will be ready and know who their allies to defeat it. Jim Larson, Local the workplace in order to tell union friends are next time. 190’s Secretary-Treasurer, said leg- members how they could or could- “The Teamsters don’t support islators understood what was at n’t support their union. Democrats or Republicans, we stake if right to work became law. Again, it was Teamster mem- support pro-worker candidates,” he “What they are seeing here is bers and other labor allies who said. “And now we have a record that Montana is a rural state and explained to lawmakers how of who is willing to stand up for jobs are important,” he said. “And such government overreach was workers and who isn’t.” at the end of the day, both sides 4 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
A PIECE OF THE PIE Iron Mountain Teamsters or the second consecutive year, Win Rock-Solid Contract Georgia Waste Workers Ratify F Teamsters employed at ABF Freight System received a 1-percent profit- sharing bonus—negotiated by the union—after the company reported Excellent New Agreement fourth-quarter results. For example, if a member earned ocal 728 members are hailing the ratification of L $80,000 in 2020, the worker received a their new contract at Iron Mountain. The small but bonus of $800. The bo-nus was paid to determined unit voted unanimously in favor of the workers in February. agreement that will cover waste workers with improve- Under the Teamsters 2018-2023 ABF ments across the board, including annual wage increases. National Master Freight Agreement, if The extra pay was good news for Rod Williams, a ABF Freight achieves an annual operat- 33-year driver at Iron Mountain who said the new con- ing ratio of 96.0 or below for any full cal- tract is the best he’s ever seen. endar year, each Teamster-represented “We won big with this contract. We are all thankful employee will receive a bonus based on to Local 728 for standing with us throughout negotia- their earnings. ABF Freight reported a tions and fighting on our behalf,” Williams said. “This is 95.3-percent operating ratio in 2020, the best contract yet, and it will help us for years to which resulted in a 1-percent bonus. come. We are now stronger than ever.” “For the second straight year, our Williams added that workers showed their solidarity ABF members will get a profit-sharing with workers who had been out of work due to the pan- bonus for all their hard work making demic, which allowed Local 728 to secure 12 additional this company successful,” said Ernie months for laid-off employees.The contract also contains Soehl, Director of the Teamsters Na- significant wage increases, stronger seniority protections, tional Freight Division. “This was made better PPE and safety rules, and much more. possible thanks to the efforts of the “The guys were ecstatic and said they had never Teamsters ABF National Negotiating seen work like this before during negotiations. We also Committee, which worked hard to nego- won over three new members, who were so impressed tiate this into the contract.” they signed up with Local 728 and now puts this unit at “In addition to the solid wages and 100 percent,” said Local 728 Business Agent Vickie great benefits negotiated by our com- Beavers. “This contract is proof that bargaining matters mittee, this profit-sharing bonus is a when it comes to overcoming the obstacles of right-to- way to reward the Teamster men and work laws.” women who make this company suc- “I commend these dedicated workers for staying cessful day in and day out,” said Jim engaged and united throughout the bargaining Hoffa, Teamsters General President. process,” said Chuck Stiles, Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Director and Local 728 Vice President. www.teamster.org | Summer 2021 | Teamster 5
In Memoriam Roy Gillespie, 1957-2021 eamsters everywhere are mourning the loss of T Roy Gillespie, the union’s Director of Disaster Relief. With Gillespie leading the charge, the Teamsters Disaster Relief program turned into a true powerhouse. Nicknamed the “Master of Disaster,” his work not only helped millions of people get through disaster, it saved lives. “Brother Gillespie inspired all of us to do more, to do better, and to always keep in mind those who are in need. He never stopped helping or coming up with new and better ways to assist,” said Jim Hoffa, Team- sters General President. Gillespie worked in the freight industry for decades and was a Teamster driver for USF Holland with Local 600 in Missouri. He got fully involved in the “I feel that if it's in my ability to help somebody, Teamsters Disaster Relief efforts after Hurricane Kat- I'm going to do it,” Gillespie said in an interview in rina struck in 2005. The Teamsters Union sent him to 2017. act as a liaison between the Red Cross and the Fed- When the St. Louis chapter of the American Red eral Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Cross honored Gillespie for his disaster relief work, As Director of Disaster Relief, Gillespie helped with they said, "Roy coordinated a recovery effort that will recovery efforts after every major natural disaster be studied and copied for decades,” adding that Gille- since then. He was even leading relief efforts for Tex- spie also counseled people around the country on the ans without power or water in February 2021. logistics for recovery. News for Working Families Check out the Teamsters Union’s podcast at teamster.org/podcast For more information, to listen or subscribe, visit teamster.org/podcast or scan the QR code with your smartphone’s camera or QR reader (available for free). 6 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
Ted Daley, 1929-2021 heodore “Ted” Daley, 91, passed away on January T 18 with his loving family by his side. Born in 1929, he lied about his age to join the army and fight in World War II. After his discharge he got married, started driving a freight truck and became active with the union. In 1955, at the age of 24, Daley became the youngest principal officer in the Teamsters when was elected Secretary-Trea- surer of Local 445 in Rock Tavern, N.Y. He quickly became a close friend and confidant of then-General President James R. Hoffa. Hoffa and Daley had a deep respect for one another and Mick Yauger, 1948-2021 became closer in the years that followed. “When Robert Kennedy launched his ‘Get Hoffa’ resident of Local 786 in Chicago, passed away P on March 21 at home. He is survived by his wife Lynn, stepson Noel and granddaughter Jessica. Yauger founded theTeamsters Military Assistance campaign, Dad started a ‘Justice for Jimmy’ cam- paign,” said his son, Ted Daley Jr. Daley remained close with the Hoffa family the rest of his life, keeping in regular contact with General President James P. Program (TMAP), which assists military personnel Hoffa and Judge Barbara Crancer until his final days. find employment atTeamster-represented freight and “Men of power are lucky to have five friends school bus companies. Over the years,Yauger was a they can count on, and my father always knew he steadfast supporter of all things military, even donat- could count on Ted and thought very highly of ing the POW flag hanging outside ofTeamster head- him,” Crancer said. quarters in Washington, D.C. After his retirement, Daley remained engaged Yauger was a war hero who served in the Viet- and played an active role at Local 445, staying in- nam War with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was volved with union issues and mentoring a new gen- awarded a Silver Star and three Purple Hearts. His eration of local leaders. commitment to his fellow veterans was admired by all who worked with him. He worked for CTS Driver Training before be- coming a Teamster organizer in 1991. He was elected and served in the following offices of Local 786: Trustee, Recording Secretary, Secretary-Trea- surer and President. “BrotherYauger’s experience serving his country informed so much of what he did. He was an effec- tive advocate for veterans and for his members at Local 786,” said Jim Hoffa,Teamsters General Presi- dent. “He will be greatly missed.” Geoffrey Hoffa worked closely withYauger on TMAP and partnering with the military community. “He did everything possible to ensure that veterans had the opportunity to get good union jobs once they left the service. He will be deeply missed,” he said. www.teamster.org | Summer 2021 | Teamster 7
Multiemployer Pension Relief Legislation Signed ore than two decades of work by the Team- M sters to save the retirement nest eggs of a mil- lion-plus hardworking Americans came to fruition in March when President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP) into law, bringing relief to more than 200 multiemployer pen- sion plans teetering on the edge of financial disaster. The culmination of those efforts came rather swiftly after many previous starts and stops that had at times raised the hopes of affected families, only to dash them again. President Biden, working with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, had promised to tackle pension reform in the lead up to the 2020 election if given the reins of power. And some 50 days after Biden took office, they did just that. Fund—are eligible for assistance at the outset of the “Teamster members told the union as it ramped bill’s enactment, with more of the union’s plans be- up its election efforts that pension security was their coming eligible in 2022. top concern,” Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa The union has spent the last six-plus years push- said. “With that in mind, the union put together a plan ing back on terrible pension legislation enacted in late to help elect President Biden and other lawmakers 2014 that allowed struggling multiemployer pensions who promised to prioritize the retirements of hard- to cut earned benefits. working Americans. They followed through with that Under the new law, money to assist eligible plans promise and delivered for us.” will come directly from the U.S. Treasury Department As part of the ARP, more than 50 Teamster pension in the form of grants which would not need to be re- plans—including its largest, the Central States Pension paid. Plan participants will receive 100 percent of their www.teamster.org | Summer 2021 | Teamster 9
earned pension benefits. Affected members and re- Dedication to Pensions tirees are encouraged to contact their pension fund to Several of those retirees came to Washington to tell find out more information specific to their benefits. their stories. They were people like Rita Lewis, widow of former Local 100 President Butch Lewis, who told How it Happened members of the Senate Finance Committee in March The COVID-19 stimulus bill that included multiem- 2016 how her husband was so stressed by the efforts ployer pensions was considered under reconciliation, to cut benefits to his family and other retirees that it a legislative process that allowed the Senate to pass led him to have a massive stroke that killed him. Leg- the legislation with a simple majority of votes instead islation to save pensions was later named after him. of the 60 votes needed under regular rules. “These cuts are hitting us like a ton of bricks and Under the leadership of House Ways and Means none of us has time to prepare for the cuts or make Chairman Richard Neal, a longtime pension reform additional accommodations like we might have done advocate, pension language was inserted in the if we were still young,” she said. “It’s cruel to cut our broader House bill in committee and cleared legisla- pensions now when few of us can go back to work, tive attempts to have it removed. leaving us without options to make up the difference Teamster members, retirees and officials had spent in our incomes.” countless hours in recent years attending meetings, Kenny Stribling, a retiree with Local 200 in Wiscon- lobbying lawmakers on Capitol Hill and even testifying sin who also serves as co-chair of the Milwaukee before Congress trying get elected officials to imple- Committee to Protect Pensions, told a similar story to ment changes that would preserve the retirements members of the Joint Select Committee on Solvency they contributed to throughout their working days. of Multiemployer Pension Plans when he testified be- The Teamsters and other unions had fought off ef- fore it in July 2018. forts to slash multiemployer pension benefits for strug- He said uncertainty over the financial status of the gling plans that would have cut benefits in excess of Central States plan wore on his health and that of his two-thirds in some cases. The move jeopardized the fi- wife, who had terminal cancer at the time. She has nancial security of hundreds of thousands of retirees since passed away. and those nearing retirement who had planned to live “This is an issue of fairness, of keeping promises off their pensions during their golden years. to working Americans who did everything right,” he Story continues on page 15 10 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
“ Teamster members told the union as it ramped up its election efforts that pension security was their top concern. ” –JIM HOFFA, Teamsters General President www.teamster.org | Summer 2021 | Teamster 11
BUILD BACK STRONGER Teamsters Launch Campaign for Working People cross the country, Teamsters elected A new leaders who committed to fight- ing for working people. But elections are only the beginning. As America’s strongest union, we must work together to win the real change our families need. The Teamsters Union has a bold agenda for 2021 and beyond. The campaign, called Build Back Stronger, will create good jobs in safe workplaces for every worker and give us the tools to build strong unions in every workplace. America is facing historic challenges. Even before COVID-19, our economy was rigged for corporations and the wealthy and powerful. As we work to recover and re- build, it’s up to us to make sure we Build Back Stronger. There are big fights to win in our city halls, our state capitols and in Washington, D.C. If we stand together, we can win. For more information on these issues, or to see other key elements of the Build Back Stronger agenda, go to http://ibt.io/BBS or scan the QR code. 12 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
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What’s in the American Rescue Plan? Legislation Benefits All Working Families he American Rescue Plan (ARP) is a god- T send for Teamster retirements, and one that should be celebrated. But it is also protect- ing the livelihoods and safety of workers who have been hit hard by the pandemic. The Teamsters Union played an active role in fighting for additional worker support in the wake of COVID-19 by pushing for stimulus legis- lation. And that continues with the passage of ARP, a $1.9 trillion package that brings billions of much-needed funds for states and local govern- ments, unemployed workers and health care loss, not just unanticipated COVID-19 related benefits as well as in the form of checks to hard- expenses. The flexibility will help states to avoid working American families. mass layoffs and furloughs that would worsen Many Teamsters and other essential workers the recession, delay recovery and undercut pub- are still working in unsafe conditions and with- lic health response efforts. out access to quality personal protective equip- Significant support is given to states and ment (PPE). The ARP sets aside $10 billion to localities to expand vaccine distribution, testing use the Defense Production Act to purchase, and contact tracing. The bill also provides neces- produce and distribute equipment including sary funding to support in-person teaching— tests, PPE and vaccines. where it is safe to do so for teachers, staff and The bill also provides funding to support the students—as well as expenses associated with Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s equitable access to distance learning. enforcement in high-risk sectors and expands Over 600,000 Teamsters start their workday incentives for employers to offer paid leave. by turning the key of a vehicle.The ARP supports More than 200,000 Teamsters work in the transportation industries and workers with fund- public sector. This legislation provides states ing for transit agencies, airports, airlines and Am- and localities with funds to address revenue trak that can be used to cover operating expenses, including payroll costs and purchasing PPE. And while the majority of Teamster mem- bers have been on the job throughout the pandemic, many Teamster industries have been hit hard by lack of consumer demand and man- dated property closures associated with social distancing guidelines. The ARP provides dis- placed workers with access to uninterrupted unemployment benefits as well as mortgage and rental assistance. The bill also authorizes another round of di- rect payments to struggling households to help families pay for their everyday expenses. Addi- tionally, the ARP also supports continued access to affordable health care through the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and a 100 percent federal subsidy for COBRA benefits. Workers deserve all the gains included in this legislation. 14 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
said. “We did our part, forgoing raises and job im- Election Was Key provements for our retirement security. And we are That’s why Teamster members themselves decided simply asking you to preserve what is due to us.” they had to make changes at the ballot box as part of Beyond speaking before Congress, Teamsters also the 2020 election to get this done. Many got out on came by the thousands to rallies on Capitol Hill in the campaign trail in fall 2019 and let candidates know April 2016 and the Ohio State Capitol in Columbus in that pension relief was essential and needed to be July 2018 to stress the importance to lawmakers supported. about finding a pension solution that would allow And candidates in turn responded. All six of those them to support their families. who participated in the Teamsters Presidential Candi- And that doesn’t even take into account the Wash- date Forum held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in December ington, D.C. visits by members and retirees over the 2019 pledged to support pension reforms that would past six-plus years that were almost too many to save these hard-earned retirements, including now- count. Many traveled repeatedly on their own dime to President Biden. let their elected officials know finding a solution was It was a message Biden would repeat frequently critical to more than a million hardworking Americans. after becoming the Democratic nominee, and even “President Biden’s signature on this legislation is did so in a special video to Teamster members in the the culmination of years of hard work by so many closing days of the campaign. with ties to this union,” Hoffa said. “But no one fought Biden’s signing of the legislation brings to a close harder than affected members and retirees who at- that chapter and can bring peace-of-mind to workers tended countless meetings, repeatedly lobbied law- and retirees who only want to enjoy their golden years. makers and rallied to the cause. The Teamsters are “The Teamsters also want to thank Rep. Richard grateful for their dedication to get this done.” Neal (D-Mass.) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) for Efforts to reform multiemployer pensions did sponsoring legislation and recognize the resolve that make progress during the last session of Congress, Rep. Neal showed by filing pension legislation as his when a bipartisan collection of members of the House first act when he became chairman of the House Ways approved legislation in July 2019 to fix them. But the and Means Committee,” Hoffa said. bill languished in the Senate and was never taken up, This is how the Teamsters reached their goal of despite pleas to then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch having pension reform enacted. Promises made, McConnell to do so. promises kept. www.teamster.org | Summer 2021 | Teamster 15
NEW ADMINISTRATION SHOWS IT’S PRO-WORKER In Personnel and Policy, President Biden is on Workers’ Side 16 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
lections have consequences. Right for the Job E It was a lesson learned from the 2016 elec- tion and one workers felt keenly as the Trump President Biden wasted no time in nominat- ing officials to top cabinet posts and issu- administration put in place policies that ing several key executive orders to ensure placed corporate interests first and everyone hardworking Americans are looked after else second. and their interests are protected under his That fueled the Teamsters Union’s agenda administration. heading into the 2020 cycle, when members Even before he officially took office, chose to prioritize pension reform, collective Biden made several significant nominations bargaining rights and later, as the coronavirus that will have a positive effect on Teamster pandemic took hold, workplace safety issues. members for years to come. For example, he And it wasn’t forgotten as members and re- selected Boston Mayor Mary Walsh and for- tirees made hundreds of thousands of calls mer South Bend, Ind. Mayor and presidential and texts to get their fellow Teamsters to get candidate Pete Buttigieg to head up the U.S. out and vote for a pro-worker agenda. Labor and Transportation departments, re- But what has come of all that work? spectively, two choices lauded by the Team- A lot, even in these early days of new sters Union. leadership. www.teamster.org | Summer 2021 | Teamster 17
TEAMSTER POWER COMES TO POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS he Teamsters were committed to being a player in T the 2020 election. But that didn’t stop with making sure the union’s top issues were heard by candi- dates seeking higher office. It also meant organizing those working on political campaigns. Members of the Iowa Democratic Party were the first to sign up as members of Local 238 in the spring of 2019. But that quickly spread to include the campaign staffs of several presidential campaigns, highlighted by those of now-President Joe Biden as well as that of Vice Presi- dent Kamala Harris during her own presidential run. Other candidates whose staffs organized with the Iowa local included Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) as well as Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). “The Teamsters set the standard for future campaign Walsh, a 25-year union man workers, including overtime language and a defined himself, grew up in the movement work week for the first time in history,” said Jesse Case, and understands the struggles of Local 238 Secretary-Treasurer. regular people just trying to earn a living and support their families. More Campaigns He is the former head of the Boston Building Trades and long- Iowa wasn’t the only state, however, where Teamsters or- time president of Laborers’ Union ganized for political power. 223 who also co-chaired the Mas- The staff of Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) voted to be- sachusetts Democratic Party come members of Local 122 in Boston. And more than Labor Caucus while he was a state 100 staffers for the 2020 Coordinated Campaign and Leg- lawmaker. islative Victory Fund of the Georgia Democratic Party— “Marty Walsh knows that including workers on the pivotal presidential and unions and workers have come senatorial efforts in the state—joined Local 728 in under assault in recent years,” Atlanta during the fall of 2020. said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General Most importantly, campaigns fueled by Teamsters President. “At a time when mil- won in November. lions are out of work and strug- Victories by President Biden, Sen. Markey as well as gling, working Americans deserve new freshmen Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and Raphael someone who will be in their cor- Warnock (D-Ga.) were powered by the Teamsters. ner while leading the charge for a The influence of those members who worked on fairer nation.” these winning campaigns will only grow from here. Meanwhile, in Buttigieg the “Teamster campaign workers from this past cycle country is getting the problem- will go on to work not only in future presidential admin- solver that it requires at a time istrations, but coordinate state and congressional races when elected officials in the across the country, as well as gubernatorial races,” Case nation’s capital have talked a said. “We’re already seeing it happen.” big game about upgrading the 18 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
nation’s infrastructure but gotten the lives of workers” million U.S. workers and retirees little done. in faltering multiemployer pen- “We need a strong voice to Policy Changes sion plans to ensure they receive lead the effort to improve the But beyond personnel, there have their full benefits. nation’s transportation networks also been substantive policy As part of the ARP, more than so they can handle the needs of changes. 50 Teamster pension plans—in- a 21st century economy. Pete The biggest, of course, is the cluding its largest, the Central Buttigieg is solid choice to do enactment of pension reform in States Pension Fund—are eligible so,” Hoffa said. “As the largest March thanks to language in- for assistance at the outset of the transportation union in North serted in the American Rescue bill’s enactment, with more of the America, we look forward to Plan (ARP). The new law boosts union’s plans becoming eligible working with him to improve the retirements of more than 1 in 2022. Under the measure, money to assist eligible plans will come directly from the U.S. Treas- ury Department in the form of grants which would not need to be repaid. Plan participants will receive 100 percent of their earned pension benefits. (For more on the union’s efforts on pension reform, see article on page 8). The new law goes further to help. It sets aside $10 billion to use the Defense Production Act to purchase, produce and distribute equipment including tests, PPE and vaccines. It also provides www.teamster.org | Summer 2021 | Teamster 19
funding to support the Occupa- tional Safety and Health Adminis- tration’s (OSHA) enforcement in high-risk sectors and expands in- centives for employers to offer paid leave. (For more on the ARP, see article on page 14). That, however, is far from the entire story when it comes to the issues. Right off the bat, the Biden administration made sure to move quickly using executive or- ders to make changes that would expand the U.S. economy and make workplaces safer. As part of the president’s Buy American order, he set in motion a series of reforms to current federal procurement policies de- by Biden rescindedTrump adminis- guidelines, including emergency signed to eliminate the excessive tration directives which curtailed temporary standards. It also di- and unnecessary use of foreign the collective bargaining, due rected OSHA to establish a na- suppliers through trade-pact process and workplace representa- tional enforcement program to waivers. It also directed federal tion rights for federal workers, ensure any employers that violate agencies to increase the threshold while also putting forward a plan the guidelines or emergency tem- of domestic content—the percent- to raise the minimum wage for porary standards are held account- age of a product that must be federal government workers and able for putting workers at risk. manufactured in the U.S. to contractors to $15 an hour. That said, efforts to improve the qualify under Buy American law And a third presidential execu- lives of hardworking Americans to be purchased. tive order called for OSHA to re- must not stop there. Rest assured, Another executive order issued assess COVID-19 workplace safety theTeamsters won’t allow it. 20 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
TEAMSTER HELP POWER GEORGIA VICTORY MEMBERS TURN OUT FOR SENS. WARNOCK, OSSOFF wo pro-worker candidates running for U.S. Sen- union was calling,” she said. “The back-and-forth be- T ate in Georgia emerged victorious in their run-off elections after the Teamsters put their muscle into turning out Teamster members to vote. The out- cause we were union brothers and sisters was well received.” Matt Weaver, an internal organizer with BMWED, come makes sure President Biden will have a Con- agreed. He added that the access to voter resources pro- gress that will stand up for hardworking families. vided to members were especially helpful. Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff defeated “They liked that we had the links to share and the the incumbents in tight contests. Their wins ensure information they needed,” he said, adding that mem- Democrats have control of the legislative agenda in bers “were pleasantly surprised and I was even the Senate, which has passed pension relief legisla- thanked several times.” tion. Democratic control of the Senate also makes it easier to enact policy changes dealing with collective Pensions a Factor bargaining rights, workplace safety, infrastructure in- Together, PFOs contacted more than 6,000 Teamsters in vestment and more. Georgia by phone and text message.The team made The Teamsters played a sizable role in getting more than 31,000 calls and sent more than 50,000 text Warnock and Ossoff elected, as the union had a team messages between Dec. 1 and Jan. 5. More than 3,527 of 17 political field organizers (PFOs) to reach out to calls were made on Election Day alone. thousands of its members in the state. Additionally, Warnock joined a tele-forum with Team- Local unions from both Georgia and Florida in ster retirees in Georgia to talk about protecting pen- Joint Council 75 empowered members to work on sions.Teamsters consistently connected the 2020 the field program. The union’s Brotherhood of Main- elections to key Teamster issues. tenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) also “I had some retirees who told me they had never built on the work done during the general election to voted for a Democrat on the national level,” said participate in the effort. Local 728 Vice President Chuck Stiles. “But they put Jewel Prevo, Local 528 Recording Secretary and a it aside for pensions.” shop steward at ACTS Security, participated as a PFO Teamster members were also involved in cam- for the first time. She said while the state was deluged paign efforts from the inside as well. More than 100 by outside forces wanting to influence voters, members workers for the Democratic Party of Georgia’s 2020 were glad to hear from their union. Coordinated Campaign and Legislative Victory Fund “A lot of members were open to this because the organized with Local 728 in September. www.teamster.org | Summer 2021 | Teamster 21
ORGANIZING ROUNDUP CEMEX VICTORY IN FLORIDA Ready-Mix Batch Plant Workers Join Local 79 ith over 85 percent voting ers six feet apart to comply with He was called as a witness at NLRB W in favor of representation, ready-mix drivers at CEMEX of Port Charlotte, Fla. COVID-19 precautions—so the workers were prepared for the com- pany’s anti-union tactics. hearings to help certify the union at his plant after the company filed objections to the election. joined Local 79 in January. Local 79 Trustee, Business Agent “All of CEMEX’s stalling and in- “This is the fifth batch plant that and Director of Organizing John timidation tactics have only made has joined us in less than a year Sholtes said CEMEX’s dirty tricks us more determined and stronger and we are thrilled to welcome did little to deter the workers from as a union!” Peregrine said. them to our family,” said Brian voting against the union when they “Ready-mix drivers throughout Rothman, President of Local 79 in got their ballots in the mail. the country know that the only way Tampa. “Essential service workers “These overpaid outside ‘labor to ensure that the skilled workers throughout the Sunshine State are consultants’ can say whatever they in this craft received the wages and realizing their value and exercising want, but these drivers know that benefits they deserve is through a their power accordingly. These in Miami, Chicago, Seattle, New Teamster contract. To all of the workers are heroes for keeping the York City, Oakland and every other CEMEX drivers who don’t have a economy running during the awful city where CEMEX workers have a union yet, come join us!” said pandemic and it’s about time that Teamster contract, things are better Bubba Davis, Director of the Team- they be recognized as such.” than they are at their batch plants,” sters Building Material and Con- The company brought in hired Sholtes said. “Look at the con- struction Trade Division. union busters, making the workers tracts. The company can’t contra- CEMEX workers throughout sit through numerous mandatory dict something that it already North America are organizing with anti-union presentations (commonly agreed to in writing.” the Teamsters. To learn more, go to known as a “captive audience” Carlos Peregrine is a ready-mix https://teamster.org/ready-mix- meetings). Local 79 held organizing driver at one of the Naples batch teamsters or find us on Facebook meetings outdoors—with the driv- plants that recently joined Local 79. and YouTube @readymixteamster. 22 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
LOCAL 206 San Francisco and Los Angeles communi- Dallas voted to join Local 745. The workers So Delicious Dairy Free ties to ensure the mission of the nonprofit. voted by mail, and ballots were counted “Forming a union binds us together in January 15. There are 23 drivers in the With over three-quarters voting in favor our commitment to share power and keep bargaining unit. of representation, 107 workers at So Deli- one another accountable in our work in “I’m ecstatic and elated,” said John cious Dairy Free voted to join Local 206 in the community,” said Samantha Lozano a Durr, a driver who has worked at Airgas for December. The company, a subsidiary of program manager at ScholarMatch. “This eight years. “We have had to deal with fa- the Danone Corporation, manufactures a is about building an equitable and inclu- voritism for too long. The company would variety of non-dairy beverages and novelty sive world for our students where every- hire people off the street and pay them products at this Oregon facility. one has a seat at the table.” more than drivers who have been here for Teamsters have a national agreement “We commend their courage and seven or eight years. But since the votes with the Danone Corporation (whose tenacity in standing up to their employer have been counted, we have seen a products are often branded Dannon in and are proud to stand with them as change in the culture. The company has the U.S.) and two other unions, the United Teamsters,” said Peter Finn, Secretary- scaled things back and my co-workers and Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Treasurer of Local 856. I have a stronger voice now.” and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco In addition to ending favoritism, the Workers and Grain Millers’ International workers are seeking fair wages and a Union (BCTWGM). This neutrality agree- LOCAL 251 grievance procedure to challenge unfair ment allows workers to make their own Shred-it management decisions. choice concerning union representation “The workers stood up against the without any interference from the company. Drivers and helpers for Shred-it in Paw- favoritism they were experiencing and In addition to the neutrality agreement, tucket, R.I. voted overwhelmingly, 13-2, to took a bold step to organize,” said Brent the organizing victory was also a collabora- join Local 251 in Woonsocket on February Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer of Local tion with the Dairy Conference, Joint Coun- 15. The 20-worker unit overcame an ag- 745. “We will work hard to negotiate a cil 37, Local 206 and the International Union gressive anti-union campaign by manage- strong first contract that addresses the of Food Workers, a global federation of ment throughout the organizing drive. drivers’ concerns.” trade unions based in Geneva. “We are proud of what we accom- “The workers recognized the value of plished in this election. Despite the com- union representation by comparing their pany’s efforts to divide and scare us, we LOCAL 391 conditions to that of our members at Local stood strong to win a voice on the job,” National Express 206; we also represent workers at another said Josh Linton, a Shred-it driver who Dannon facility in Portland,” said Tony An- played a key role in the unionization ef- Drivers at National Express have drews, President of Joint Council 37. “They fort. “We knew better than to fall for the voted to join Local 391 by over a two- are due great recognition for their involve- company’s lies. I applaud my co-workers to-one margin. The workers are tasked ment and for achieving success.” for sticking together.” by the Piedmont Area Regional Trans- In addition to improved pay and bene- portation System (PARTS) with provid- fits, the Rhode Island workers are also ing public transportation for 10 of the LOCAL 856 seeking respect on the job and fairer, counties that make up North Car- ScholarMatch safer working conditions. olina’s Piedmont Triad. “This win marks a new beginning for “The drivers at National Express After battling an anti-worker campaign, Shred-it workers, and I applaud this are now part of Local 391 and we will direct service staff at San Francisco- strong group for staying united through- work together on creating a workplace based nonprofit ScholarMatch over- out this tough campaign for Teamster with higher wages and safer working whelmingly voted to form a union with representation. The company waged a conditions,” said Mike McGaha, Local Local 856 by nearly 90 percent in February. vicious anti-union campaign, but these 391 President. “Workers also want ScholarMatch employees began the workers knew better. This campaign was to be shown dignity and respect on process of unionizing in 2020 after be- all about winning respect,” said Matt the job.” coming concerned with instability and Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251. “We wanted to form a union with ensuring equity at the nonprofit. Scholar- the Teamsters so our wages, benefits Match supports first-generation college LOCAL 745 and working conditions can be guaran- students. These new Teamsters work Airgas teed in a contract, whereas before, they in various administrative and direct were not,” said Barbara Townsend, a services functions, including with high By a vote of 15-6, a group of tankhaul driv- PARTS driver for over three years. school and college students primarily in ers at Airgas in Grand Prairie, Texas near www.teamster.org | Summer 2021 | Teamster 23
TEAMSTERS STRIKE HARD AND WIN BIG AT HUNT’S POINT MARKET A BRONX TALE H unt’s Point Market in the South Bronx isn’t demic. They have been essential forever.” just the beating heart of the food supply The fight to get through the COVID-19 pandemic chain in the five boroughs. It’s one of the wasn’t the last struggle the workers were going to most essential food distribution hubs on the planet. endure, but neither was it the last they would tri- The 1,400 workers at the market provide meat and umph over. produce to 22 million people in 49 states, including roughly 60 percent of the fruits and vegetables con- ‘All We’re Asking for is a Dollar’ sumed in New York City alone. As the pandemic dragged on and essential service When the pandemic hit New York City like a hay- workers were continuing to burn their candles at both maker to the temple last March, Hunt’s Point took a ends of the stick more and more to keep the country one-two punch: the near-overnight closure of the moving, they started to be on the receiving end of restaurant industry made supermarket demand sky- more and more empty gestures of gratitude from rocket at a time when many truckers delivering pro- their employers. duce didn’t want to come to New York. The facility Hunt’s Point was no exception. The company was under pressure like never before and the mem- thanked the workers in a Facebook post on May 7, 2020: bers of Local 202 who worked there were shoulder- ing the burden. “Even through the challenging times, the city “Frontline workers can’t telecommute, they can’t never sleeps. Thank you to our incredible staff. phone it in,” said Daniel Kane Jr., Local 202 President. Because of you, we can continue to supply New “These folks didn’t become essential during the pan- Yorkers with food - an essential we all need!” 24 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
Again, on June 18: “Yesterday morning, NYCEDC, DSNY Commis- sioner Garcia, Bronx Borough DOT Commis- sioner Lopez, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Councilman Rafael Salamanca came to thank our businesses and employees for being essential workers during COVID19! Thank you to Local 202 Teamsters for your sup- port! #ThankYou #heroes #appreciationday.” Social media, however, rarely tells the whole story. Toward the end of last year Local 202 went back to the bargaining table with Hunt’s Point Market to re-negotiate their contract. It had been a rough year but they were optimistic that they would get what they were asking for—a raise of one dollar per hour. The workers were shocked then, after all of the platitudes about essential service workers, the com- pany came back with an offer of 32 cents hourly and a push to increase the workers’ out-of-pocket health care costs. “We worry about getting COVID and bringing it home to our family, but we still come to work,” said Local 202 Member Gilbert Moldonado. “They always give us cents. All we are asking for is a dollar.” Conditions had never been tougher. Six Teamsters from the facility died because of COVID-19. Nobody ever wants to go on strike, but Local 202 members at Hunt’s Point knew that they were out of options. “You got to have dignity with yourself, you got to get respect where you work,” said Hunt’s Point Worker Jeff Ratliff. “Sometimes you work for compa- nies, and you’re just like a machine to them. Nothing else. You’re in this market more than you’re home. Who wants to come to a house where you don’t get no respect from your kids?" Local 202 members Neiko Berry and William Brown agreed. “With the pandemic, we fought our fears to feed our families and feed the city,” Berry said. “Now we are fighting for what we are worth.” “Our bosses don’t feel we’re essential work- ers—we’re only essential when they say we’re es- sential,” Brown said. “We’re showing them that they need us.” www.teamster.org | Summer 2021 | Teamster 25
‘You’re Not Just Asking for a Dollar’ Support for the Hunt’s Point Teamsters didn’t just come from the union. A wide variety of community al- Marching a picket line—during a brutal job market, in lies expressed solidarity with the workers, including full view of your employer, in the freezing cold—is a elected officials like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez proposition that would terrify most people. You and New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca wouldn’t know that by talking to the workers who Jr., whose father was a Local 202 member at the stood in front Hunt’s Point in January. Hunt’s Point facility. “We have been out here breaking our backs every “I remember my dad coming in at three in the night, no matter rain or snow, sick or healthy, to sup- morning. I remember my dad coming home and talk- port our family,” said Local 202 member Gerson ing about the struggles and how tired he was. But he Castillo. “We were here during Hurricane Sandy and was proud,” Salamanca said. “You gave a Puerto we’re here during COVID. That’s why we are fighting Rican man with no education, which is my father, an for a dollar.” opportunity. And my father was able to provide for my Predictably, the company didn’t make things easy family. We got health care, he brought food to the for the striking workers. table. And here I am today; this young man from the One night, the NYPD was called and six people on South Bronx, as a New York City Council Member be- the picket line were arrested. Workers were brought in cause of Local 202.” to replace those had walked off the job, which Kane On the day of President Joe Biden’s inauguration, condemned in no uncertain terms. Ocasio-Cortez brought pizza to the striking workers “The people who didn’t stand with us, they’re al- and encouraged them not to give up their fight. ways going to have that little twinge in their belly that “When you’re standing on this line, you’re not just they did the wrong thing,” Kane said. asking for a dollar,” said Ocasio-Cortez. “You’re asking “Every one of you around here with each other is for transformational change—for your lives and for never going to have to feel that,” he said. “Because the lives of every food worker across this country; for when it was your time to stand up, you stood up and the kids of food workers across this country.” did the right thing. That’s the power.” 26 Teamster | Summer 2021 | www.teamster.org
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