Event Archives - Teamsters Local 853

What a weekend it was for Teamsters 853 Members as we celebrated member appreciation in Oakland and San Jose

This past weekend, Teamsters Local 853 celebrated the heart and the power of our Union, you, our members.

On Saturday and Sunday, we united to celebrate and culminate a year of success. We have achieved the strongest and most lucrative contracts in many years, largely because of the hard work that all of you, our members, have done to lead, to stick together, and to put in the time.

As Teamsters Local 853 officials, business representatives, and staff, we hold ourselves responsible for maintaining the respect and dignity that has been fought for by our founding sisters and brothers and those who will continue to push the envelope in the future. We’re focused on educating our members so they can defend themselves when push comes to shove and, most importantly, to enforce the merits of our collective bargaining agreements. Every effort we make as an organization is done to provide you with a better future because you deserve the best we have to offer. The dignity and respect that strong union representation brings.

So this past weekend was a great showing of what our local is made of. Our members came out from dozens of different industries and had an opportunity to see that their sisters and brothers were all filled with joy and to partake in our membership appreciation celebration.

From hot dogs, music, and prizes to face painting and a little Elvis Presley sighting, we enjoyed celebrating YOU. As we close the chapter this year and get ready for 2025, we want to thank all Teamsters 853 members for always showing the love, support, and positive energy that makes Teamsters Local 853 a great Union. We are eager to continue the good fight, and we look forward to doing it alongside our sisters and brothers.

Teamsters Local 853

What a weekend it was for Teamsters 853 Members as we celebrated member appreciation in Oakland and San Jose Read More »

Members can never be armed with enough information about workplace issues – DHL Teamsters monthly meeting, aka “The Dumpster Meeting”

– Every month, Teamster 853 members at DHL formally meet 30 minutes before the 10 AM start time. This regular check-in gives our members a chance to get updates on workplace issues, share their complaints and concerns, and discuss actions and solutions.

Big shout out to all the members at DHL PAO in Sunnyvale, CA. And a thank you to Chief Steward Darren Allioto for putting in the time and effort to coordinate and run this effort every month. We want to recognize this crew as a model for good communication and for building a strong, well-informed group.

Members can never be armed with enough information about workplace issues – DHL Teamsters monthly meeting, aka “The Dumpster Meeting” Read More »

Local 853 hosts CTWI fundraiser – keeping Union Labor involved in our major Bay Area Projects

The Construction Trades Workforce Initiative(CTWI) held a fundraiser and mixer at Local 853 last week. CTWI is an important organization that works to ensure the long-term sustainability of the construction industry by bridging the gap between union construction labor and key stakeholders.

Teamsters Local 853 is part and parcel of the inner workings of many organizations like CTWI that keep Unions front and center when work is being done in the Bay Area.

“These functions are very important to members at Local 853”, Said Teamsters 853 Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beck, “we as an organization have to continually advocate for our members and make sure Union workers are used in as many projects as possible.”

Local 853 hosts CTWI fundraiser – keeping Union Labor involved in our major Bay Area Projects Read More »

California Workforce Development Board Visit – Behind the Scenes – Teamster 853 Labor leaders, members, willing companies, and government officials working together to ensure the rights of California workers

The success of the Labor movement depends on many variables. Two of the most important are the solidarity of our members and our leaders’ ability to work with politicians and government organizations to create partnerships and laws that support workers in our communities. If done well, the results are our members’ good contracts.

Member-Company Partnership and Showcase

This year, GILLIG has been a focal point of many high-level political visits because Teamsters Local 853 members and the company have forged a strong worker-company bond that showcases what can be done when the company and their employees work well together. Last week, they hosted a meeting with California Workforce Development Board Executive Director Kaina Pereira, Secretary Stewart Knox, and Asst. Deputy Secretary of Climate, Derek Kirk.

What Got Done

At this meeting, Teamsters Local 853 Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beck, President Steven Lua, and GILLIG Shop Stewards had meaningful discussions with these politicians along with executives from GILLIG. The meeting focused on the continuing need for partnerships at all levels of government to have the support of labor and the companies they represent. These partnerships help secure industry-leading contracts at Teamsters Local 853, which includes important retirement benefits for hundreds of members and their families.

Obligation to Our Members

“The battle between greedy corporations and working families is never-ending,” said Steve Beck, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 853. “As the ones chosen by our membership to lead our Local, we owe them our vigilance and hard work to continue to come out on top, and these meetings and negotiations are one of the ways we fulfill that obligation to our members.”

California Workforce Development Board Visit – Behind the Scenes – Teamster 853 Labor leaders, members, willing companies, and government officials working together to ensure the rights of California workers Read More »

United States Department of Labor Secretary, Julie Su, meets with Gillig and Teamsters 853 members – lauds positive partnerships between Union and company

In a visit to GILLIG this week, Labor Secretary Julie Su’s organization tweeted, “Our clean energy transition needs strong partnerships, including between workers and management. Happy to meet with GILLIG to see their facility creating zero-emission buses, talk about their labor-management partnership, and see the benefits of employing unionized workers.”

The Biden Administration is focused on furthering its commitment to Unions across America as a pathway to worker success. This visit, and many others like it, further solidifies their commitment.

It was a rare opportunity for members of Teamsters Local 853 to meet with a high-level government official from the Department of Labor. Stewards Robert Terry, Erik Vancil, Lyle Funderburk, and Lupe Pinedo put their best foot forward as they represented our Teamster family and the strong partnership between GILLIG management and their Union workforce.

Teamsters 853 members at GILLIG are coming off a stunningly good contract in their recent negotiations, which is a testament to forward-looking companies like GILLIG, who are leading the future in the zero emissions American Built busses. They recognize the true value of a Unionized workforce.

“We are so proud of these members who are being singled out as an example to the country and unions everywhere of what a union workforce can contribute on a national level. They earned this with their consistent commitment to their work,” said Steve Beck, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 853. “We are also aware that regardless of political affiliation, Teamsters Local 853 is willing to work with whoever is in office if they are expanding and strengthening unions across our State and the country.”

Also present for the meeting were Teamsters Local 853 Vice President Ray Torres and Recording Secretary Mike Henneberry.

United States Department of Labor Secretary, Julie Su, meets with Gillig and Teamsters 853 members – lauds positive partnerships between Union and company Read More »

It’s Official! US Foods Drivers Vote “Union Yes” and Join Teamsters Local 853

Unions are in an endless battle, fighting corporations to secure fair wages and benefits for the workers who make those companies successful. Corporations are experts at keeping every penny of profits, and unions have to go to the mat every time to get workers their fair share of their contribution.

Today, Teamsters Local 853 would like to congratulate the US Foods drivers who were able to see beyond the corporations’ tactics as they voted today to join our Union. Without their trust in us and each other, this would not have been possible.

“These drivers were receiving confusing and misleading information from their employer,” Said Teamsters Vice-president Ray Torres, “and they have been seeing their peer drivers at other companies receive better pay and benefits, and so they stuck together today and voted for a better future! I’m proud of these members.”

“We enthusiastically welcome these members to our Teamster family,” said Steve Beck, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 853. “Now we can start the process of getting these members a great contract.”

THANK YOU, TEAMSTERS, NATIONALLY

Teamsters Local 853 would also like to recognize and thank Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien, General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, Vice-President Tom Erickson, and IBT Organizing Director Chris Rosell, all of whom supported our organizing efforts.

THANK YOU TEAMSTERS LOCAL 104

Most importantly, we want to recognize the efforts of Teamsters Local 104 in Phoenix, Arizona, who sent these drivers endless support videos from their US Foods members and stewards and Teamsters Local 104 Staff. Without your critical support, we may not have been successful. We recognize the extra effort you made without any tangible benefit to yourselves.

“This was truly a community effort by our Sisters and Brothers from many places in the country,” said Steve Beck. “That’s what being a Teamster is all about.”

It’s Official! US Foods Drivers Vote “Union Yes” and Join Teamsters Local 853 Read More »

Teamsters Win Battle in the Robotaxi War

Sisters and Brothers,

Over the past weeks and months, the Teamsters in the Bay Area have been focusing on the growing danger that the Robotaxi and autonomous driving vehicles technology poses to Teamsters’ jobs and public safety.

We had the big rally in Sacramento to bring attention to AB316 legislation to Governor Newsom’s attention, and most recently, the rally at the SF Cruise Headquarters to draw public attention to the threat of this unvetted technology being pushed by corporate greed.

And although we don’t win every battle, as evidenced by Governor Newsom’s veto of AB316, it’s the constant pressure and willingness to keep fighting that keeps big tech power in check and under the scrutiny of the public eye.

And, it’s this effort that allows us to claim victory in a battle in this war. Last week, the California DMV, which has oversight over autonomous vehicle development, suspended all RoboTaxi permits in San Francisco, where they were being allowed to be tested. Stopping the entire program, with immediate effect.

It’s a lesson that we continually learn: if you, as a Teamster, come out and support our causes along with Teamster 853 staff, we slow or stop the momentum that corporate greed creates. So, we want to publically acknowledge all the sisters and brothers who made the effort to come out to a rally, support the preparation, or spread the word to keep awareness of our causes in the public eye. You make this victory possible, and without your help and participation, we cannot succeed.

“Something that some of our newer members may be just learning is that when it comes to political action, our union is not always about what our staff can do for our members, but it is what our members do for each other.” Said Steve Beck, Teamster 853 Secretary-Treasurer, “I’ve said it many times: ITS YOUR UNION, and participation at this level is a way to take ownership of your Union and help each other out.”

Stay tuned to this space as we continue to stay active in the interest of our Teamster members.

In Union,

Steve Beck, Steven Lua, and the entire Teamster Staff

Teamsters Win Battle in the Robotaxi War Read More »

After years of being kept apart due to COVID, the 2023 Member Appreciation Day was A Milestone picnic and a great time to say to our members, Welcome back!

It was a great day to come out to celebrate and have some food and family fun at our Member Appreciation Picnic this year. We got very lucky as the weather was perfect at the Alameda County Fair Grounds.

There was a raffle with over a dozen great prizes, hamburgers and hot dogs with all the sides, face painting, and a magician for the kids and willing adults.

We were also privileged to have two special guests: Western Region Vice President Peter Finn and national Teamster star Lindsay Dougherty.

“It was a good day to just celebrate our Teamster community and say welcome back, sisters and brothers,” said Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beck. “The work we all do together, our staff, Business Agents, Trustees, involved members, it’s all vital work, and it benefits not just members but also other workers who don’t have the support of a Union. I don’t think the day could have been better, and it was just fun to celebrate our bond.”

After years of being kept apart due to COVID, the 2023 Member Appreciation Day was A Milestone picnic and a great time to say to our members, Welcome back! Read More »

READY TO STRIKE – Teamsters 853 Truck Drivers authorized to Strike the San Francisco Unified School District along with nine other sister Unions in the Common Crafts Coalition and United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters.

The San Francisco Unified School District has been dragging its feet on an expired contract representing several Unions in the Common Crafts Coalition and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. Last week, these unions, of which Teamsters 853 is one, were authorized to strike if the SFUSD cannot get their act together and hammer out a fair and equitable contract for these workers. This strike will be far-reaching and significantly impact the SF Unified School District’s operations as they represent many members from the following unions.

TEAMSTERS, LOCAL 853
CARPENTERS AND LOCKSMITH, LOCAL 22
UNITED ASSOCIATION OF JOURNEYMEN AND APPRENTICES OF THE PLUMBING AND PIPEFITTING INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, LOCAL 38
UNITE UNION OF ROOFERS, WATERPROOFERS AND ALLIED WORKERS, LOCAL 40
SHEET METAL WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION, LOCAL 104
IRON WORKERS UNION, LOCAL 377
GLAZIERS, ARCHITECTURAL METAL AND GLASS WORKERS UNION, LOCAL 718
LABORERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF AMERICA, LOCAL 261
AUTO, MARINE AND SPECIALTY PAINTERS, LOCAL 1176
MACHINISTS, LOCAL 1414

Stay focused, stay unified, and get that good contract!! All of Teamsters 853 is behind you!!

READY TO STRIKE – Teamsters 853 Truck Drivers authorized to Strike the San Francisco Unified School District along with nine other sister Unions in the Common Crafts Coalition and United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. Read More »

Teamster 853 Women Leaders Attend Women’s Conference in Nashville, Gain insightful knowledge and tools to improve their work and our local

This year, the Teamsters Women’s Conference was held in Nashville, Tennesee. This event is a great opportunity for women Teamsters to partake in educational classes that will help them be better stewards and staff. There was a broad array of workshops during this multi-day event.

Workshops were held to specifically address and educate on topics of Women’s Leadership and strategies in the labor movement, Advanced Union Stewardship topics, Harassment and Crime against women in the workplace, grievances and stewards roles in the general workplace, the rise of women workers in the 21st Century, and many other valuable tools to improve our local.

The conference also had many workshops for Labor Executives to understand better their role in managing a successful local.

“This event is a great opportunity for the Women leaders at Teamsters Local 853 to step back, and evaluate their performance on the job and learn tools that will make them even better.” Said Teamsters 853 Secretary-Treasurer, Steve Beck. “I am very proud of the woman in our local who have embraced the leadership mantle, and I encourage them to be better in every way that can support their members and our local.”

The event was a considerable success and a model for women Teamsters everywhere who want to improve themselves and the members they serve.