Brian Fisher

Let’s Enjoy the holidays because when we get back, The gloves are off and Teamsters Local 853 has monumental things to accomplish in 2026

We are in a time of unprecedented wealth inequality in America. Not only is the widening canyon between workers and corporate elites now politically turbocharged, but we have AI robotics and autonomous vehicles directly enriching corporations as they seek to replace workers everywhere.

My administration’s first three years have been defined by focusing on our unity and transparency, which have lifted us all up, and brought so many more of us into active service of our Union. And with those fundamentals now in place, we look to really take the fight to the corporations and politicians that would seek to take away our security. Teamsters Local 853 is stronger than ever, and in 2026, that strength will be on full display as gloves come off. The days of going along to get along are over.

2025 was an incredible year of record contracts, but it’s simply not enough. Injustice in the workplace and pay inequality demand our full attention if we are to continue to secure our future. The gap is moving in the wrong direction for so many non-union workers, and I humbly ask every member to take up this fight with us.

So, it is with a profound sense of joy, clarity, hopefulness and confidence that I take this moment to wish you and your families a happy holiday!. We have all, collectively, worked so hard to build the Teamster 853 lives we all live. Lives that have the pay, benefits, and protections that allow us all some breathing room.

But in 2026, there is much more that needs to be done. So let’s rest up and then gear up. And let’s use our unity to take it to the next level.

I also want to acknowledge that we still have members right now who do not have the security of a contract. So please keep the Striking members of Westlake in mind as they continue to walk the line for the fifth month for their piece of the pie. They deserve all of our support and respect.

Let’s Enjoy the holidays because when we get back, The gloves are off and Teamsters Local 853 has monumental things to accomplish in 2026 Read More »

Teamster 853 members at Gatorade overwhelmingly ratify new offer

This week, Teamster 853 members at Gatorade overwhelmingly accepted their new contract offer. The new contract provided record pension increases, wages, and protection from ever-growing healthcare costs. Additionally, we added sick days and stronger language to protect against untimely discipline. This contract continues to pave the way for future employees and also increases the benefits members have already earned. Congratulations to our Oakland Gatorade members.

“This is a really tight group, so when it comes to workplace issues or concerns, they always stick together, and they always keep the steward and me honest,” Said Teamsters 853 President and Business Agent Steven Lua, “so the trust factor and believing in me and the committee really allowed us to go into negotiations with a strong backing.”

He continued, “The other important piece to this success is the relationships we have built with the company. We listen and we push each other to be better. The company thanked the committee for their professionalism and honesty so that they could be accountable to make the changes for everyone’s success.”

Teamster 853 members at Gatorade overwhelmingly ratify new offer Read More »

Steeler Inc. ratifies new contract at 100% YES VOTE

🏢 Building the products that build the world.

📣 Big shout-out to these Teamster 853 members from Steeler Inc. These members at Steeler build the metal stud framing that goes into millions of square feet of construction. Our homes, buildings, and skyscrapers.

👉 Last week, they ratified their new contract at 100%. This unanimous vote secured good wage increases, increased sick leave, and PPO. Special thanks and mention to Steward Juan Rubio, who put in the time during negotiations to hit a home run for his fellow members.

Steeler Inc. ratifies new contract at 100% YES VOTE Read More »

Teamsters Local 853 holds General Meeting for ZUM Drivers at Oakland Unified School District

Being on the same page, understanding, and supporting a common goal of workplace improvements. These are the reasons it’s important to have general meetings periodically. The more discussions we have, the more prepared and well-informed everyone is so they can act as one voice when action is needed.

Business Agent Tracy Kelley organized and led this general meeting for Zum Drivers at the Oakland Unified School District. He addressed workplace issues in the yard that need to be brought to management’s attention. Some of the more prevalent issues discussed were workers’ comp and modified duty, extra work, safety meetings, training hours, field trips, and ICE enforcement and protocols.

Big shout-out to all the members who showed up to share their thoughts and experiences, and learn more about the challenges that the group faces.

Teamsters Local 853 holds General Meeting for ZUM Drivers at Oakland Unified School District Read More »

Challenge Dairies Teamsters Ratify new contract at 96% yes vote 

We see the trucks everywhere and signs everywhere. The Northern California butter that lines the shelves of most grocery stores across America. A name synonymous with quality. There is a reason why this quality product continues to be the industry leader it is, and that reason is Teamsters 853 workers.

Because of their work and dedication on the job, Challenge enjoys the reputation it does year after year.

And this year was the year when all that hard work paid off with a very good contract.

For the next three years, these Teamsters 853 members have secured the pay, benefits, and protections commensurate with the work they put in. The new language has a strong pay increase, an increase in pension, and additional vacation pay on top of the already very strong previous contract.

Big shout-out to the members who were part of the process, who expressed their opinions and voted with their voices. And most importantly, thanks to Steward Dave Carlson, who also sat on the negotiating committee and kept members well informed and unified on a strong contract.

Challenge Dairies Teamsters Ratify new contract at 96% yes vote  Read More »

Undivided, undeterred, and stronger than ever, Teamsters Local 853 celebrates our members’ unity

Strikes, protracted negotiations, unfair labor practices, worker exploitation, union busters, and income inequality: being a Teamsters 853 member means taking a stand and taking pride in the struggle to lift each of us up against these forces. There are lists of long-standing practices supported by big money and corporations that are determined to divide and conquer us.

Teamsters Local 853 understands the challenges we face, so we promote and embrace the single most important attribute to overcome all this adversity – our unity! When we speak with the voice of many, we defeat these forces that align against us. It shows in our contract victories, our grievance victories, our strike victories, and so many other day-to-day successes. 

Taking time to break bread, take a breath, and further strengthen our bond.

With all of this hard work, I believe it’s important to press pause and take stock in where we are. Last weekend we did just that. We put aside the work and the battles to recognize our accomplishments and celebrate our unity at our annual membership appreciation event. It was a perfect weekend to celebrate, and I want to congratulate and express my gratitude to every member personally. Whether you could make it out or not, know you are part of a strong family that appreciates everything you do. Your voice matters. Stay engaged by reaching out to a Steward, Business Agent, or fellow member to share your ideas and experiences. Through active participation, we become stronger as a union.

So, on behalf of myself, President Steven Lua, and the entire Teamsters 853 organization, let’s celebrate our unity, and let’s continue to move forward together.

Steve Beck, Teamsters Local 853 Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer

Undivided, undeterred, and stronger than ever, Teamsters Local 853 celebrates our members’ unity Read More »

Safeway Milk Plant Teamsters Ratify new contract at whopping 95% yes vote – best contract in memory

As some of the senior members at the Safeway Milk Plant stated, “This is the best contract we have ever had”.

Teamsters 853 members had another great contract ratification this month. After a fairly long and drawn-out set of negotiations, these members walked away with what is arguably being called the best contract ever negotiated for this group.

This contract was considerable. It included an enhanced bonus structure, a strong wage increase, increased contributions to the pension, health and welfare increases, the first-time addition of the QC workers under the contract who now will receive Teamsters Medical and Pension, the addition of office members to the Teamsters medical, improvements to sick leave, bidding, and union business language.

Congratulations to our members for their focus and unity. And thank you to stewards and negotiators—Billy Mitchell, Rich Finkas, Dennis Corchuchia, Michael Frisch, Obed Mora, and Alex Assefa. Your stewardship and contract work exemplify Teamster excellence. Without your leadership, none of this would be possible.

Safeway Milk Plant Teamsters Ratify new contract at whopping 95% yes vote – best contract in memory Read More »

Student Transportation of America Members Ratify Strong 4-Year Agreement – w/First Time Pension

Student Transportation of America Teamsters have voted to ratify a new four-year contract that delivers meaningful gains in pay, benefits, and protections.

Wage increase was significant, they secured a first-time ever pension contribution, added holidays and sick days, significant health care coverage upgrade, added very important strike language to the contract, and added additional progressive discipline language that more accurately reflects a fairer process.

Of particular importance was the first-ever pension, which makes this important job a more secure long-term career move.

“This group did a great job staying unified and securing improvements that really matter in both day-to-day and long-term on-the-job protections,” said Business Agent James Long. “Big shout out to all the members who participated, lent their voice, and especially those who stepped up for their fellow workers, Stewards Robert and Kelli, who also served on the negotiating committee.”

“These members do the crucially important work of transporting the children in our communities safely to and from school.” Said Steve Beck, Teamsters Local 853 Secretary Treasurer. “By securing a pension along with all of the other improvements of this contract, these members are being recognized for the truly important work they do in our communities. “

Student Transportation of America Members Ratify Strong 4-Year Agreement – w/First Time Pension Read More »