Member Advocacy

Teamsters Local 853 secures 1.3 Million dollars in back pay for UNFI Drivers

After three years of battling for our members at UNFI, Teamsters Local 853 secured an incredible win for its members. Due to a contract violation over wage rates, Business Agent and Vice President Ray Torres enforced the merits of the agreement, arguing that significant back pay was due to these members. The company did not agree that they had violated the collective bargaining agreement, and so began a three-year grievance that ultimately resulted in arbitration.

Three long years later, after considerable back and forth, argument, and counter-argument, a decision that ruled in the favor of the Union was reached. The drivers at UNFI were victorious and secured a whopping 1.3 Million dollars in back pay.

This is a great example of why Unions are so important. Without the protection of a contract and the Local Union watching out for its members, that 1.3 Million dollars would never have been given to the workers who are entitled to it.

“It’s not about the size of the win.” Said Teamsters Local 853 President Steven Lua; “all wins, big and small, are important because they give justice to those who are impacted. Our members work hard for their money, and it’s our job to hold the company accountable to the agreements that we bargain.”

Congratulations to the UNFI workers who waited patiently and trusted their Union Leaders to get them what they deserve. Teamsters Local 853 will always have your backs and couldn’t be happier to get this win.

Teamsters Local 853 secures 1.3 Million dollars in back pay for UNFI Drivers Read More »

Victory – California legislature passed SB399, giving workers and unions a big win! But there’s more to do.

California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act (Act) is to take effect on January 1, 2025, and Teamsters Local 853 was there in Sacramento to help make it happen.

The new California law prohibits mandatory employer meetings regarding labor organizations, which are known as captive audience meetings. Specifically, an employer is prohibited from subjecting or threatening to subject an employee to discharge, discrimination, or retaliation because the employee declines to attend an employer-sponsored meeting or refuses to listen to any communications with the employer or its agents where the purpose is to communicate the employer’s opinion about religious or political matters which includes labor organizations. An employer who violates this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of five hundred dollars ($500) per employee for each violation.

“This law prevents employers from punishing their employees for not attending forced anti-union meetings,” said Teamsters Local 853 President Steven Lua, “It’s legislation that will really help combat worker intimidation during union drives, and with the number of organizing drives on our plate, it is a welcome weapon to our arsenal.” “but there are still ways that companies can retaliate, so the end goal is legislation that makes anti-union meetings completely illegal,” added Steven. “Our job is not done here until we see that happen in future legislation.”

Teamsters Local 853 would like to recognize the two State Senators who introduced this legislation. In this election season, it’s important to recognize and vote for these pro-union, pro-worker politicians in California.

Bill introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab

Bill co-authored by California State Senator Maria Elena Durazo

Pictured is Teamsters 853 Business Agent James Long, who, along with peers from Teamsters Local 2785, Teamsters Local 150, and Teamsters Local 350, spent their day walking the halls of the State Capitol building talking to politicians about the importance of this bill.

Victory – California legislature passed SB399, giving workers and unions a big win! But there’s more to do. Read More »

Our Teamster Family all over the Bay Area and Beyond

To our Bay Area Teamster Family. Teamsters Local 853 has members at over 300 companies who work all over the Bay Area. These members hustle like you do, put in the work like you do and are proud teamsters working toward a better future for all working people like you do. Take a moment to recognize each other. Whether you know each other or not, we are all working towards the same goal. Bringing fairness, equity, and dignity to the vital work we do for our communities.

And to all the Teamsters around the country who are part of our extended family. If you ever visit Northern California, know that you are welcome and have family here!! Let’s go, Teamsters!!!

Our Teamster Family all over the Bay Area and Beyond Read More »

Eduardo Garcia Gomez – Shop Steward for Bimbo, Concord Center

Sisters and Brothers,

Pictured here is Eduardo Garcia Gomez, Shop Steward at Bimbo, Concord Center.

Eddie is also on the negotiating committee for the import/express contract fight that we are currently engaged in. All the stewards on the committee, like Eddie, provide critical insight into the inner workings of their particular industry. Without their input, we would not be able to properly engage and support the membership.

Hats off to all the stewards here at Bimbo; they knock it out day after day, representing the rank and file, and are dedicated to ensuring that all the Bimbo Members get a strong contract.

Eduardo Garcia Gomez – Shop Steward for Bimbo, Concord Center Read More »

Going Above and Beyond for Your Union

I’m proud to introduce Chief Steward for MV Transportation Half Moon Bay/Mission Bay Martin Haro. He was instrumental in bargaining their recent contract extension. Because of his hard work and dedication, Martin helped secure a massive wage increase for all classifications, along with improvements to health and welfare.

Its members like Martin allow us as business agents to have an accurate assessment of what any particular group will require during bargaining. We sincerely appreciate Martin and all the hard working members at MV Half Moon Bay.

Sincerely, David Crawford, Teamsters Local 853 Business Agent

Going Above and Beyond for Your Union Read More »

Prepare for your next job interview in the unionized trades

Sisters and Brothers,

Be ready for your next union job when the opportunity presents itself by taking this two-hour training course. Learn about the interview process, what to expect, and how to prepare.

CTWI is holding three separate free seminars during the summer. If you think you can benefit, then show up at Teamsters Local 853. We will see you there!

Register here

Prepare for your next job interview in the unionized trades Read More »

Six months of work come to fruition with the 100% ratification of these Teamsters at Watsonville Community Hospital

This Tuesday evening, the teamsters at Watsonville Community Hospital held a ratification meeting, and they voted unanimously to accept the new contract offer.
This has been a long-running affair. Three years ago, the Hospital was in financial trouble under previous leadership, preventing substantive increases for its employees at that time. However, things have changed as the Hospital is now under new leadership and ownership.

“We spent six months working to improve wages and benefits for our members and came out successful in our efforts.” said Teamster 853 President Steven Lua, “This road has been long and winding. Congratulations to these members. They have really earned this victory!”

Teamsters helping Teamsters in Santa Cruz and Monterey County: The history of how Parajo Valley community residents teamed up with Teamsters Local 853, other locals, politicians, and community leaders to save the Watsonville Community Hospital.

The Watsonville Community Hospital is the go-to facility for many residents in the Parajo Valley community. A community made up of parts of Santa Cruz County to the north and Monterey County to the south. This hospital has been a mainstay in the community. In 2022, the “for-profit” hospital filed for bankruptcy and faced a shutdown, which would have been a devastating loss to the community. So Local Unions, including Teamsters Local 853, several area politicians, and community advocates, successfully lobbied to create a specific Parajo Valley Health District to carve out funding to publically save and run the hospital. And in 2022, the bill was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, and the hospital was saved.

The very same Parajo Valley community is home to many Teamster 853 food processing and warehousing workers. These Teamster 853 women and men process and pack the fruits and vegetables in Watsonville for brand names like Green Giant and Driscolls. That food is then shipped all across the country.

So today we not only celebrate this great new contract for the Watsonville Community Hospital Teamsters, but also the success of the lobbying to keep the hospital running and supporting a community that so many other Teamster 853 members live and work in.

If you are a Monterey or Santa Cruz County resident who voted to approve the funding measure in the last election, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your role in strengthening this community of Teamsters.

Six months of work come to fruition with the 100% ratification of these Teamsters at Watsonville Community Hospital 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 »

MV Transporation Convenes Contract Enforcement Meeting

Way to go, sisters and brothers; this is how you strengthen your group.

MV Transportation members came out to the Teamsters Local 853 hall in San Jose this Saturday for a Contract Enforcement meeting. The group discussed Weingarten’s rights and rights to representation, the Grievance procedure, and NLRB violations.

When everyone knows the protections that the Union provides, every member can advocate for a better work environment with the protections of our contract in their back pocket. Bravo! 👏👏👏

MV Transporation Convenes Contract Enforcement Meeting Read More »

It is with deep sympathy and condolences to the family of 24-Year Teamster William “Scott” Proud

Teamsters Local 853 would like to recognize and offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of 24-Year Teamster William “Scott” Proud, whose sudden passing has shocked and saddened us all.

William was just one block away from getting to work at DHL when he was struck and killed by a car. 

According to friend and DHL Steward Stephen DiNitto, William was known at DHL for being a great Teamster, always willing to give a helping hand to whoever needed it. He will be missed by everyone.

William’s obituary stated that he was a man of his word who considered it an honor to serve others and help anyone in need. His compassion and kindness for all knew no boundaries and came with no judgment or restrictions. 

He leaves behind his three children (Carrilyn, Nikolli and Noelle), other family, friends and loved ones.

William “Scott” Proud will be commemorated at a Celebration of Life on:

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024, 12:00 PM
at BlackBerry Farm Park
10120 Adelheid Ct.
Cupertino, CA 95014

For additional information, contact Catherine Proud – 408-391-5259

It is with deep sympathy and condolences to the family of 24-Year Teamster William “Scott” Proud Read More »