Event

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.

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

AB316: This is a big event that needs your help as a Teamster

Sisters and Brothers,

On September 19th, Teamsters all across Northern California will be attending a significant event that will push back against corporate greed and unchallenged new technology in the state of California.

For many months, Teamsters in the Joint Council 7 have spearheaded support for legislation called AB316. AB316 is legislation that will responsibly consider the impact of driverless vehicles on jobs and public safety. And stop the overreach of corporations to make money without consideration for the workers and the safety of the communities they impact.

This legislation is so vital that Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien will drive the lead truck in a caravan to Sacramento to rally California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign AB316.

So we need your help by joining us and showing up in force in Sacramento on the 19th. We expect Teamsters to come from all over the state and to have a crowd of over 1,000 participants. BUT ONLY WITH YOUR HELP!

This rally is about protecting all teamster jobs, not just drivers. When corporations come in and want to take your job, we all stand together with workers and communities instead of robots and tech billionaires.

WHERE AND WHEN:

Sacramento Capital
Sutter Health Park 
400 Ballpark Dr 
W. Sacramento, CA 95691 

Tuesday, Sept. 19th @10am 
Contact Local 853 for any questions.

If you are considering going, please let us know by signing up here:

Can you attend?: Yes / maybe

In Union,
Steve Beck, Steven Lua, and the entire Teamsters Local 853 Staff

AB316: This is a big event that needs your help as a Teamster Read More »

Teamsters 853 Members speak at PSLbayarea Event, “If you know someone who is not union, and wants a better future, tell them to call our organizers and Unionize your Workplace.”

Trustee Gloria Segura and UPS Santa Cruz members Lilli and Jake Thomas recently participated in a forum with PSLbayarea, where they spoke about UPSers standing up against corporate greed. They spoke on the importance of being united in order to achieve success.

“Just as importantly, we spoke of the importance of every Teamster Member who has family or friends in workplaces that are not union to reach out to them, have a conversation about unionizing their workplace, and put them in touch with our organizers,” said Gloria Segura.

Many workers and the general public doesn’t know that they are legally entitled to organize their workplace. ANYONE on the job is entitled to organize and Unionize their workplace. Many workers just need a starting place.

Teamsters 853 Members speak at PSLbayarea Event, “If you know someone who is not union, and wants a better future, tell them to call our organizers and Unionize your Workplace.” Read More »

I’m just one member of Teamsters Local 853, What can I do?

Sisters and Brothers,

For the entire time you will be a Teamsters 853 member, you will hear from the leadership to get involved with your union. We throw out slogans like “We are stronger together”, and “Strength in numbers”.

But what does it really mean to get involved with the Teamsters 853 union? What can one member do to help. And how does that effort translate into helping our members or working women and men in general?

Three new members make a huge impact.

This is the story of Three Premier Recycler members in San Jose who stood up to testify to the San Jose City Council on wage theft. Their testimony contributed to convincing several council members to aggressively and publically stand up to Premier Recycle and advocate specifically for the workers and their contract.

Roughly a year ago, Premier Recycle workers in San Jose voted to unionize their workplace as Teamster 853 members. For the past year, Premier Recycle has employed standard union-busting tactics to stall a Union contract from moving forward. The longer they stall, the better it is for them.

So recently, Teamster 853 members Alex Obeso, Ramon Castillo, and Mike Flores from Premier Recycle, along with Business Agent Jesse Casqueiro and Vice President Ray Torres, took the opportunity to make statements to the San Jose City Council on wage theft in their industry.

Around the same time, a letter was written on behalf of three of the San Jose city council members to the company that owns Premier Recycle. This excerpt sums up the tone of the letter.

“We are well acquainted with the strategies you are all implementing to intimidate your workers from organizing and ensuring a quality workplace. We have heard concerns of safety & wage theft claims, falsification of votes, unwarranted surveillance and a general environment of hostility, division and divisiveness among other unfair labor practices.
Let it be known that we take jeopardizing the wellbeing of working families as a personal issue. The resilience and strength of San José is built upon the labor of the working-class. This is an understanding that many of our Council colleagues share. ”

San Jose Councilmember, Peter Ortiz

Read the whole letter from three San Jose council members to the owners of Premier Recycle.

This is the power of participation of just three members of Teamsters Local 853, who stepped up and decided to get involved. Their actions resulted in securing strong allies in government who will advocate for workers everywhere. 

So when you say, “I’m just one member of Teamsters Local 853, what can I do?” We say a lot!!! Now you know just one way members can change things for the better.

There are also simple ways to get involved in your union.

Teamsters are stronger together. Get involved in your Union, and make a difference!

Teamsters Local 853

I’m just one member of Teamsters Local 853, What can I do? Read More »