Brian Fisher

MV Transportation lays groundwork for strong success in their transition to TransDev

MV transportation members met to discuss their upcoming transition to Transdev. This group is excited to move to a new company and contract, where they can change from the old power dynamic and take a much more active role at their new workplace.

This transition means these members are charting their own path and have a strong voice in the process to succeed.

Paratransit (short for “parallel transit”) is a transportation service designed to accommodate people who cannot use regular fixed-route public transit due to physical, cognitive, or other disabilities. It offers door-to-door or curb-to-curb rides using accessible vans or minibuses. Para-Transit work is simply amazing work done by amazing members. They work hard every day to ensure the most vulnerable members of society are taken care of.

Stay tuned as this unfolds. We encourage every member to speak up and take their place as a contributing member of this transition. Trust each other, trust your Union Representation, and trust your committee. And let’s move forward together.

MV Transportation lays groundwork for strong success in their transition to TransDev Read More »

Job Opportunities within Teamsters Local 853 – Check Back Frequently – new posting will be added at the top of this page

GILLIG Assembler of Heavy-Duty Transit Buses

 Assembler Req. 859 job posting is live and accepting applications again.

Hourly Rate: 
$37.84 per hour

You can view the posting here:  https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/gillig/jobs/6620992

Members with CDL with Passenger Endorsement and/or Air Brake Endorsement (Need all credentials when they apply)

WeDriveU, Inc.

Apply at WeDriveU.com

Pay Ranges:
CDL Passenger and Air Brake Endorsement
$34.89 -$36.22, Current
$36.03 – $37.40, Effective July 1, 2025

CDL Passenger Endorsement without Air Brake Endorsement
$30.91, Current
$31.92, Effective July 1, 2025

Class C
$28.26, Current
$29.17, Effective July 1, 2025

Teamsters Managed healthcare – Kaiser
401K, A $4.00 contribution per hours up to 2080 hrs., and a 4% Match
12 Paid Holidays, 1 Floating Holiday

Hallcon Corporation

Apply at Hallcon.com

Pay Ranges:
CDL Passenger and Air Brake Endorsement
$34.89 -$36.22, Current
$36.03 – $37.40, Effective July 1, 2025

CDL Passenger Endorsement without Air Brake Endorsement
$30.91, Current
$31.92, Effective July 1, 2025

Class C
$28.26, Current
$29.17 Effective July 1, 2025

Teamsters Managed healthcare – Kaiser
401K, A $4.00 contribution per hours up to 2080 hrs., and a 4% Match
12 Paid Holidays, 1 Floating Holiday

Members with a CDL without Passenger Endorsement, with or without Air Brake Endorsement.

Transdev North America – SFMTA Paratransit – San Francisco

Apply at transdevna.com

Scott Hollis HR Manager, 530-276-6593

Pay Ranges:
Starting Pay Rate: $26.15, Current. Effective July 1, 2025, $26.70

Company Benefits at low cost
Paid Holidays
401K Matching

Transdev North America – Eastbay Paratransit – Alameda County

Apply at transdevna.com
Antoinette Harris, Operations Manager, 510-379-6196

Pay Ranges:
Starting Pay Rate: 
$26.00, Current. Effective July 1, 2025, $26.65

Teamsters Managed Healthcare - Kaiser
Paid Holidays
401K Matching

Zum School Services – Oakland and Alameda Unified School District

Apply at ridezum.com

Leslie Jordon, Operations Manager, 510-355-2076

Starting Pay Rate: 
$31.05 currently, effective August 1, 2025, $32.80

Drivers can be experience rates with a tenure of School Bus Certification. With a School Bus Certificate for the last five years, the starting pay rate is $40.37 currently. Effective August 1, 2025 $42.12.
Non-commercial (Class C) starting rate $26.52 currently, effective August 1, 2025 $26.67.

Paid Training
Five hours Guarantee
401k Matching

Storer Transit Systems – Hayward Unified School District

Apply at Storerbus.com

Christina Mestayer, General Manager, 510-931-1089

Starting Pay Rate: 
$30.21 currently, effective July 1, 2025 $30.81

Drivers can be experience rates with a tenure of School Bus Certification. With a School Bus Certificate for the last five years, the starting pay rate is $39.54 currently. Effective July 1, 2025 $40.33.

Non-commercial (Class C) starting rate $26.00 currently, effective July 1  2025 $26.52.

Paid Training
Five and half hour Guarantee
401k Matching
Paid Holidays

First Student – San Jose (School Bus and Charter)

Apply at Firststudentinc.com

Bertha Chavez, Location Manager, 408-421-5847

Starting Pay Rate: 
$32.36 currently, effective September 1, 2025 $33.49

Drivers can be experience rates with a tenure of School Bus Certification. With a School Bus Certificate for the last five years, the starting pay rate is $38.00 currently. Effective September 1, 2025 $39.33

Air Brake Premium $2.00 per hour

Paid Training
Six hour Guarantee
401k Matching
Paid Holidays

Opportunities at Canteen

From: Escamilla, Angelica Angelica.Escamilla@compass-usa.com
Sent: Monday, June 2, 2025 4:00 PM
To: Ross, Kathleen kathleen.ross@compass-usa.com; Lyle Funderburk lfunderburk@Teamsters853.org
Subject: Re: [Ext] [External] Job Openings

Hi guys,

Here are the links to open positions within our branch:

Mechanic (i.e. technician)
https://jobs.compassgroupcareers.com/job-invite/1421473/

Order Builder (San Leandro)
https://jobs.compassgroupcareers.com/job-invite/1416789/

Order Builder (Fremont)
https://jobs.compassgroupcareers.com/job-invite/1421813/


www.canteen.com

Angelica Escamilla | Office Manager
m. 510-391-0193 | angelica.escamilla@compass-usa.com
Bay Area Vending and Markets | Compass Group NA

Job Opportunities within Teamsters Local 853 – Check Back Frequently – new posting will be added at the top of this page Read More »

50 Years plus of experiece between two leaders inspires confidence to move aggressively forward

Meet Chief Stewards Tayde Rodriguez and Tony Montano at MV Transportation. Together, they have over 50 years of combined experience in the Paratransit industry.

Last month, we met with Transdev to negotiate a transition agreement as their current employer, MV Transportation, lost their bid with the Valley Transportation Authority(VTA).

What would have been an otherwise challenging time for less seasoned leaders, Tayde and Tony’s voices gave levity to the complex challenges that Paratransit Teamsters Local 853 members have been facing over the last few years. The years of dedication that Stewards like Tayde and Tony have put into rising above and helping out their fellow members is selfless work, and we want to recognize their efforts.

“Now our members are excited about the chance to have a fresh start at our San Jose location,” said Business Agent David Crawford. “The opportunity for leaders like Tayde and Tony to sit across the table with the company and chart their carefully thought-out strategy makes us all successful during challenging times. These stewards are an inspiring example of how experience and leadership help motivate all of our members to be invested, informed, and vocal.”

50 Years plus of experiece between two leaders inspires confidence to move aggressively forward Read More »

Transdev Member Rights Document and Contract Update

Transdev is holding back the pre-ratified contract because of language that has been accepted across the country. They want you to give up your right to No Strike and No Lockout language in your contract.

No Strike and No Lockout language is one of the fundamental tools Teamsters use when all other options to get the company to treat you fairly have been exhausted. It is a lynchpin that holds basic Union rights together.

As the bargaining representatives for Ride Plus members, we will continue to press for this crucial language in your contract with the company, and nationally, all eyes are on your group. Please be aware of your rights as explained in the following attachments, and stand strong against this attempt to gut your rights.

Stay tuned for further communications.


Stay tuned for further communications.

Contact me at any time if you want to discuss further at:
Cell: 415-425-3439
Email: tkelley@teamsters853.org

Tracy Kelley

Business Representative and Organizer
Teamsters Local 853

Transdev Member Rights Document and Contract Update Read More »

Another fun time at the JC7 annual ball game

The 2025 JC7 Ballgame was another success this year. A 100% ticket sellout event. It was a perfect day, blue skys and great temperatures.

“This is a great event every year for Teamsters Local 853” said Steve Beck, Teamsters 853 Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer. “When we get together with our larger JC7 family like this, it is inspiring. Our Unity and strength are on full display, and it’s a testament to decades of hard work, progress, and success for workers.”

To every member who came out, we hope you and your families had a great time. Hope to see you again next year!!

Another fun time at the JC7 annual ball game Read More »

Matagrano Votes Overwhelmingly to Ratify New 4-Year Contract

Congratulations to all of the members at Matagrano, a family-owned distributor of Anheuser-Busch products. This group of 220 Teamster 853 members secured the best wage increase to date, added to their pension, and kept their strong, good medical. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor.

Members at Matagrano serve a large distribution area that covers San Francisco City and County, all of San Mateo County, and all of Santa Clara County.

“This was a very good contract process,” said Business Agent Efren Alarcon, “The members got together early; the negotiating committee did an excellent job of understanding the needs of the members, standing up for those needs with the company, and keeping the members well informed throughout the entire process.”

Hats off to every member who put the time in, lent their voice and opinion, and voted with a good working knowledge of what was achievable. The end result was very good gains, and they got it!!

Matagrano Votes Overwhelmingly to Ratify New 4-Year Contract Read More »

Raffle to attend the 2025 Teamsters Women’s Conference in Toronto

The Teamsters Women’s Conference is an annual event organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) to empower, educate, and unite women across the union. It serves as a platform for Teamster women to connect, share experiences, and develop leadership skills that strengthen their roles within the labor movement.

Purpose and Goals

The conference aims to:

  • Foster Leadership: Encourage women to take on leadership roles within their locals and the broader union structure.Teamsters Canada
  • Provide Education: Offer workshops and training sessions on topics such as workplace rights, organizing strategies, and personal development.
  • Build Solidarity: Create a supportive network where Teamster women can collaborate and advocate for common goals.
  • Address Challenges: Discuss and develop strategies to overcome issues faced by women in the workforce and within the union.

Teamsters 853 Applicants

Teamsters Local 853 is doing something different as they choose which women members will represent Teamsters Local 853 in Toronto this year.

We will be offering a digital raffle-style drawing because we have many deserving members who want to attend every year, so we decided this was the fairest way to make this event accessible to all members who qualify.

Applicants are to fill out the form below. Our trustees will hold a drawing video to announce the winners, which will be sent to all of the applicants.

** Participation is only available to members who have NEVER attended a Teamsters Women's Conference in the past.
** Applicants MUST have a valid passport.
** Canada is very strict regarding criminal records.  Even if you have a misdemeanor on your record, you will be denied.
** Please note, Teamsters Local 853 will not fund any extra days beyond the conference.  Should you choose to stay, all costs must be incurred by the member.

Dates and Schedule

The Teamsters 2025 Women’s Conference is scheduled for Sunday, August 24, through Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. 

Sunday, August 24, 2025
Travel Day, Registration, and Exhibits 

Monday, August 25, 2025
Registration, Exhibits, afternoon opening, General Session, and evening Welcome Reception 

Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Registration, Exhibits, and Workshops

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Registration, Workshops, and Closing General Session

Raffle to attend the 2025 Teamsters Women’s Conference in Toronto Read More »

California Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Scholarships Available

CALIFORNIA TEAMSTERS HISPANIC CAUCUS WILL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS TO …

Deserving High School Seniors Graduating this year,

Who are:
  A Daughter or Son of an active Teamster whose dues are current with his/her Local Union;

And are
  Attending or have been accepted by an accredited University, College or Trade School.

Applicants must properly provide:

  1. Proof of Acceptance to their selected University, College or Trade School;
  2. Provide a wallet size photo;
  3. Provide your official High School transcript through the 2024 fall semester;
  4. Secretary-Treasurer from your Local must sign the bottom of the application.

MAIL THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARSHIP TO YOUR PARENT’S LOCAL UNION OFFICE.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2025

Hispanic Scholarship 2025Download

Applications received after July 25, 2025, or incomplete applications will not be accepted

California Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Scholarships Available Read More »

Business Agent training focuses on involving more and more members to strengthen our Union

Teamsters Local 853 held a mandatory half-day training for all Business Agents. A shout out to IBT Strategic Campaign Coordinator and Teamster 853 Member, Nupur Modi-Parekh. Nupur took the agents through a step-by-step process on how to get more members involved with their union during both crucial times, like contract negotiations preparation, and in everyday addressing of member needs.

“Regardless of your experience level, everyone can learn more from additional training. We would be doing an injustice to the job if we weren’t constantly improving how we serve our members.” Said Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beck. “We will be holding more and more training sessions like this to continue to make us better.”

At the training, there was considerable focus on how to draw out and better involve all the members of our union. Every member who decides to get off the sidelines and go to a meeting, help out in their workplace, or learn more about the work we all do is a tremendous success in strengthening our union.

So get involved, go to a member meeting, get on our email list, and talk to your Business Agent or Steward. We need your strength.

Business Agent training focuses on involving more and more members to strengthen our Union Read More »

The final chapter closes on ULP charges against Premier Recycling

When an organized group wins a ruling of Unfair Labor Practices(ULP) as the members at Premier Recycling did, by federal law, the company must post and read aloud the below posting at every employment location and during every shift and leave posted for 60 days.

This is the procedure that was followed last week as the company read aloud and posted the below document with Teamsters 853 Business Agent, James Long, 853 Attorney, and NLRB compliance officer present during each shift change at 9 AM /930 AM /10 AM /1030 AM/430 PM.

This is the power of federal laws put in place decades ago to protect workers.

Congratulations to all of the members at Premier who endured three long years for justice. Your group is a model of determination, and on behalf of every Teamster 853 member, we salute your grit.

The final chapter closes on ULP charges against Premier Recycling Read More »