Contracts

SYSCO Foods Teamsters in SF show their readiness to stand united for a better contract

SYSCO Foods Teamsters were out in force on an early Monday morning at 3 AM at SYSCO Foods to show their solidarity as they negotiate for a new contract. They authorized a vote two weeks ago to strike if needed, and now they are boots on the ground in an early morning huddle focused on their mental preparation for the upcoming contract fight. Determination and grit.

This is their first contract since before COVID-19. They are ready to go to the mat to get fairness in this next contract.

👍👍Hoping for the best case; which is being treated fairly at the table.

💪💪 But preparing for the worst with a full understanding that sometimes you have to fight like heck just for a fair shot.

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Recently Organized First Student Bus Drivers hold their first proposal meeting and Appoints Negotiating Committee members

Breaking bread with a new Teamster family.

Welcoming new members is a thing to celebrate. What better way to have a first contract proposal meeting than at the Local with the barbecue running and holding it outdoors on a beautiful fall day.

On Saturday, our newly organized group of Bus Drivers at First Student got together, reviewed their survey data on the needs of their group, and began the process of hammering out their first contract.

“We had excellent discussions on many important topics”, said Business Agent Tracy Kelley, ” these drivers have set out to secure their new future, and are quickly building on their unity to secure the strongest possible contract.”

Big thank you to Natalie Dewers and Vanessa Bumbico, who stepped up and will represent the drivers during negotiations.

Recently Organized First Student Bus Drivers hold their first proposal meeting and Appoints Negotiating Committee members Read More »

Pass Faster Labor Contracts Act Introduced in Congress with Bipartisan Support and Teamster Leadership:

On September 16th, the Pass Faster Labor Contracts Act was introduced in Congress with bipartisan support. The two main sponsors are Don Norcross (D-NJ) and Pete Stauber (R-MN).

The legislation will require that companies cannot stall out the negotiations process and will guarantee first-time contracts after organizing victories. Currently, 62% of the time, unions do not reach first agreements.

Teamster drivers from Breakthrough in Florida and Teamster nurses from Michigan described the frustration that comes from dealing with recalcitrant employers with no interest in reaching a settlement. The Faster Labor Contracts Act will hold employers accountable and reward the efforts of members who have the guts to organize.

Pass Faster Labor Contracts Act Introduced in Congress with Bipartisan Support and Teamster Leadership: Read More »

VISTAR Ratified Super First Contract

💪💪💪 VISTAR, one of the Teamsters 853’s new groups, which had one of the strongest Union Drives in recent history, has proven that a strong group with strong unity always wins the day.

Today, they ratified a monster first contract with substantial wage increases, decreased health costs by 50%, daily OT, seniority bidding, paid administrative leave, and the protection of a Teamsters 853 contract that will secure a healthy future with all of the job protections it provides.

🗣️ Teamsters Local 853 Vice-President Ray Torres said, “I am so proud of these members, they started unified and strong and finished unified and strong, and did everything right in the middle.”

🥇 Congratulations to these members on their first contract!!!

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DRIVE Visits Martinellis – an important way you can support Labor in California and the United States

When you hear that DRIVE is stopping by your workplace, take notice. Last week Beatriz with DRIVE was at S Martinelli & Company, talking with members on the benefits to Labor that DRIVE creates and supports.

Sign up and support if you have the chance. DRIVE is not related to any political party; it only backs and supports Labor-supporting causes and politicians.

🧐 What is DRIVE

The Teamsters DRIVE program—short for Democrat Republican Independent Voter Education—is our union’s political action committee (PAC). It’s a voluntary fund, separate from dues, where members contribute (often around $1/week) to support political engagement and advocacy that results in furthering positive labor-related laws.

🗳️ What DRIVE Does

  • Educates members on political issues and the voting records of legislators.
  • Registers voters and runs get-out-the-vote campaigns at grassroots levels.
  • Supports candidates (non-partisanly) who back labor-friendly policies, and opposes anti-worker politicians.
  • Organizes advocacy efforts, such as rallies, phone banks, mailings, and precinct-level outreach.

💪 Impact Today

  • DRIVE is arguably the largest PAC program of its kind in the U.S., entirely funded by voluntary member contributions.
  • Funds are utilized in everything from voter education and registration to campaign support and legislative lobbying—all aimed at protecting Teamster interests like job security, benefits, and labor rights.

DRIVE Visits Martinellis – an important way you can support Labor in California and the United States Read More »

Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Office Steve Beck Speaks in Arizona on the importance of the BreakThru Liquor Strike

Teamsters Local 853 Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Office Steve Beck was in Arizona speaking to Teamsters Local 104 on the importance of extending the Breakthru Liquor picket line in Arizona, and what this fight means to the entire liquor industry.

“When you strive for equality, you are risking what little “you” possess for improvements. However, when you honor a picket line, you are risking what “you” have for what your sisters and brothers lack. There is no greater feeling than that, and the sisters and brothers at Local 104 in Arizona are 100% behind Florida!” Said Steve Beck.

On behalf of the BBSD division and Director Padellaro, we would like to express our gratitude to all the members of Teamsters Local 104 who stood strong. A special thank you goes to ST Karla Schumann, VP Josh Graves, Russell Medigovich, and Jason Kimley for their unwavering support in this effort!

Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Office Steve Beck Speaks in Arizona on the importance of the BreakThru Liquor Strike Read More »

Douglas Parking in Stanford ready to start negotiations

Teamsters Local 853 members from Douglas Parking in Stanford met today for a proposal meeting and selection of a negotiating committee. The negotiating committee selection is paramount to a successful negotiation. These are the members who will bring your voice to the table.

This group at Douglas Parking is on the front line, transporting hospital staff and people around the hospital. Often, the people that these members transport are going through a traumatic family or personal medical situation, and these members provide safe and reliable transportation throughout the hospital campus. This is important work that entitles them to a strong contract.

We look forward to securing that contract with significant gains and no concessions.

Stay tuned as these negotiations unfold.

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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 »

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.”

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Drivers at Transdev – Ride Plus Microtransit unanimously ratify first contract!!!

Big congratulations to the drivers at Transdev – Ride Plus Microtransit for SamTrans. Last week, they unanimously voted on their first contract after winning their organizing campaign. They received significant pay increases, 401 (k) matching, and improved healthcare. And of course, the most important part, the structure of a union contract, which will protect them on the job both for physical safety and against any unfair labor practices.

On behalf of the entire Teamster 853 organization, we would like to welcome these members to our family.

Drivers at Transdev – Ride Plus Microtransit unanimously ratify first contract!!! Read More »