Congratulations to Randy Nave, Teamster 853 member at Gillig, who retired last week. Randy had over 40 years as a Teamster!! Here are a few snapshots at the Barbecue that Gillig threw for him on a beautiful day outside the plant.
“Randy has had a wonderful career and is due his ride into the sunset.” Said Steve Beck, “But in true Teamsters fashion, he has assured me with upcoming contract negotiations slated for later this year; he will be ready for anything that we at Teamsters Local 853 need from him, even after his retirement. That’s what Teamsters are about!”
Teamsters 853 members at Gillig bus manufacturing got a big boost from Local 853 and International Brotherhood of Teamsters general president Sean O’Brien last week. In 2020 legislation called the Transit Infrastructure Vehicle Security Funds Act was created. This bill was created and passed to prevent federal dollars from being allocated to foreign, state-supported, companies like Chinese bus manufacturing companies BYD and CRRC. However, there was a loophole in the legislation that allowed federal funds to still flow to these companies.
Teamster Local 853 leadership in conjunction with International Brotherhood of Teamsters general president Sean O’Brien have been working diligently to advocate for the over 500 Gillig jobs that are impacted by this loophole. Below is a letter to Congressional Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), and Angie Craig (D-MN) in support of a bill these representatives penned called the Airport Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act. This bill would further limit the federal purchase of vehicles manufactured by Chinese-owned or operated companies.
This legislative fight directly impacts 500 Teamster 853 members who work at Gillig, building American-made buses.
Teamsters Local 853 would like to thank General President Sean O’Brien, representatives U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), and Angie Craig (D-MN) and the lobbyists who brought this matter to their attention, and for their continuing efforts to safeguard American security and union jobs. Please stay tuned as we keep you up to date on the results of these efforts and the passage of this legislation.
On May 21st, over two hundred Tech Shuttle Bus drivers who perform work on Meta, Apple, Amazon, and Tesla voiced their frustrations loud and clear and voted unanimously to turn down their offer. “They want a contract that will provide a livable wage.” Said Teamster 853 Business Agent Stacy Murphy. “The Union has been in negotiations for 11 months now, fighting to maintain what these members have, as well as building on what they need. We are in for a tough battle and prepared to do what it takes! Stay tuned…”
Teamster Privileges offers members-only savings on everything from renting a car to sending a bouquet of flowers. Teamster members can save money by taking advantage of the everyday savings benefits!
Local 853 members at Douglas Parking in Jack London Square Oakland unanimously ratified a new three year agreement. “The contract includes solid wage increases, improvements in health and welfare, additional holidays, widening of the bargaining unit, and enhanced retirement security,” said Business Agent and Recording Secretary Mike Henneberry. “Douglas JLS Local 853 members get the job done for the public and each other!”
When UPS management tried to deny his reinstatement, Nathanael Naranjo, a UPS Driver at Sunnyvale, did something about it.
Nathanael was taken off the job because of some educational compliance issues he was required to complete. And when he finished those requirements, he was eager to get back to work. But when he came back, UPS management said no. Their response was weak and vague as to the reason why, so Nathanael did what all members should do when they need help; he talked to his steward and his Business Agent.
In the three weeks that followed, Business Agent David Crawford coordinated a full-court press with Nathanael and the foothill center stewards against UPS management to get Nathanael reinstated. At every turn, the group was met with unreasonable and unrelenting resistance, but in the end, UPS management was forced to capitulate and put Nathanael back to work.
“What UPS management tried to do to Nathanael was wrong, so we got in there, wore them down, and forced them to make it right.” Said business agent David Crawford. “Nathanael and the stewards from the foothill center should be commended because they showed fierce Teamster determination and unity and never gave up. And it really paid off. I am really happy to see Nathanael back to work at the job he and his family count on.”
We cannot do it alone. Cities and towns that support unions aren’t simply willed into being. Working and living in a city that supports unions is the result of vocal members of the community and body politic.
We, as Teamsters 853 members, have to be aware of the politics in our cities and towns and then actively vote for elected officials that support union workplaces.
In the case of San Jose, Teamsters Local 853 would like to acknowledge three city council members who have been recent standouts for supporting our members’ causes. They have worked to bring and maintain fair and equitable employment to the people who work and live in San Jose.
San Jose City Councilmember Peter Ortiz, who represents District 5
San Jose City Councilmember Omar Torres, who represents District 3
San Jose City Councilmember Domingo Candelas, who represents District 8
All three of these council members showed up at our Strike at Premier Recycle and also penned a letter to the owners of Premier Recycle expressing support for the workers there. Premier Recycle has benefited from many San Jose city contracts, so the influence on their business from these council members is considerable.
Thank you, Councilmembers Ortiz, Torres, and Candelas, for your support. You have our backs, and come election time; San Jose Teamsters will have yours!!
Below is the letter these council members wrote to the owners of Premier Recycle.
