Contracts

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.

đŸ—łïž 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.

đŸ’Ș 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.

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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.

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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 »

Ferguson HVAC Teamsters ratify contract at 100%

The members at Ferguson HVAC had something to celebrate last week as they finished contract negotiations with significant wage increases, significant pension increases, better drive-cam language, and a shortened probationary period and progression for new hires.

What more could you ask for: wages for today, pension for tomorrow, and privacy protection language.

“We identified our points of opportunity, stayed focused and unified, and brought home a win-win contract that was good for our members while giving appropriate respect for the company,” said Ray Torres, Teamster Local 853 Vice President.

Join us in congratulating these Teamster 853 members for a job well done!!!

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Steve Beck, Teamsters 853 Pricipal officer addressed Teamsters from across the country about the challenges facing the liquor industry

During the Unity Conference, Steve Beck, Principal Officer of Local 853 and IBT representative, addressed Teamsters from across the country about the challenges facing the liquor industry. Southern Glazers, RNDC, and Breakthru are currently dealing with issues stemming from Reyes Beer Company, which has taken several liquor brands away from union companies.

Steve Beck emphasized that the loss of major brands from a prominent union company to a non-union company poses an existential threat to our members nationwide. He has issued a call to action to all Union Locals, encouraging them to unite in response to this challenge.

With the backing from Jeff Padellaro (Director, BBSD) and the IBT, we plan to organize Reyes at every level.

Steve Beck, Teamsters 853 Pricipal officer addressed Teamsters from across the country about the challenges facing the liquor industry Read More »

Local 853 Costco Members Ratify Best Contract Yet

On Friday, March 7, Local 853 Costco Teamsters and Costco Teamsters across the country ratified a new three-year contract. The agreement includes wage increases, a twenty-two percent pension increase, premium increases, improved vacation, and, critically, a provision to make it easier to organize non-union employees for enhanced power at the bargaining table.

The approval of the agreement comes after months of arduous negotiations that took place all over the country, as is appropriate for a national agreement. In addition, rallies were held coast to coast, including a practice picket at the Hayward Business Center that brought together members from across Northern California.

Local 853 Costco Teamsters stood up and fought like they always do and ended up with the best contract in retail. Congratulations to all the members who made this win possible.

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Genesis Logistics Members stand Unified as contract vote comes in at a perfect 100%

Teamsters at Genesis Logistics have just ratified their new three-year contract. These warehouse workers and drivers have the task of keeping all of the Seven-Eleven convenience stores in the Bay Area stocked. The warehouse picks, preps, and loads, and drivers deliver all the goods to stores as far north as Yuba City, east to Sacramento, and a little south of Fresno.

The contract had no takeaways, meaning nothing was lost from the previous contract. There were significant gains in wages and benefits, as well as increased protections in the language of the contract.

The negotiating committee really deserves credit for keeping the group together,” said Business Agent Efren Alarcon; “the vote was unanimous, and he secured a full recommendation. Special thanks to Steward Pete Hall, Steward Miguel Muñoz, and Steward Trent Rivera. 100% votes is very uncommon and shows the strength of this new three-year contract. Very well done.”

Let’s all get behind these Teamsters for a job well done and for sticking together to secure a strong future.

Pictured from left to right are Michael Vasquez, Driver & Member; Jim Borden, a 31-year Teamster; and 25-year Teamster & Steward Peter Hall.

Genesis Logistics Members stand Unified as contract vote comes in at a perfect 100% Read More »