UNFI gets a Fantastic Win and New Contract
UNFI gets a Fantastic Win and New Contract Read More »
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Suspected Faulty Computers Shortchange Teamster Commissions at the Coliseum in Oakland
Seven Teamsters working for The Mandate Company who run concessions at the Oakland Coliseum recently disputed their wage calculations. The source of the error seems to originate from Aramark equipment. Aramark contracts with The Mandate Company and provides hand-held concession computers for these members. These seven members determined that the end-of-shift sales figures had been incorrect on the Aramark machines, and cheated these members out of rightful commissions.
So, in conjunction with Teamsters Local 853 Business Agent John Arnolfo and Mandate workers and Stewards, they are approaching the company to try to make our members whole by securing the back pay. Should The Mandate Company choose to deny their claim, the Local can exercise the next step by filing a case through the California State Labor Commissioner.
Pictured here are those Concession Vendor Teamsters meeting with Union attorney Sarah Kabnar (bottom right) regarding outstanding wage claims.
Stay tuned and we will let you know the outcome or further developments.
Suspected Faulty Computers Shortchange Teamster Commissions at the Coliseum in Oakland Read More »
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 »
We shouldn’t forget how many Teamsters were on the front line during the pandemic, like these members at Bimbo Bakery
Pictured here are the hard-working Teamsters members of Bimbo Bakeries In Sunnyvale. While this building may not have the numbers or get all of the glory that larger buildings get, they provide an essential service to the community. It is often forgotten that during the pandemic, these dedicated members were out on the front lines, making sure that the shelves in your local supermarket were fully stocked.
At a time when uncertainty and unrest were at an all-time high, these Teamsters members stayed vigilant and focused on their jobs, all while knowing that their health and safety were at risk. So next time you are out and about, and you happen to see one of these drivers, thank them and remember that they are an important part of the food provided to this country.
Lux Bus Drivers Welcome to a better future for you and your family
This is Tracy Kelley from Teamsters Local 853. Congratulations on taking the first step to a better future. And welcome to the battle between you, the Lux Bus drivers, and the big business trying to stop you from getting the benefits and pay you deserve for the work you do.
We want to recognize you and encourage you to speak out and reach for something better at your job. Many of you have invested years of service at Lux Bus, and you deserve more. Now is your chance to speak out. Rule number one: Give yourself a voice at this job.
It has come to our attention that Lux Bus has employed a common tactic by hiring a high-priced Union Buster company to help with their anti-worker, anti-union campaign against you.
So, I’m sure by now you may feel confused, doubtful, and maybe a little scared about unions. That’s their job. To create fear and make you doubt yourself so you don’t vote YES.
So, we want to set the record straight and give you the correct information to make an informed decision about how you can secure a much better future for you and your family.
Meeting Notice
We are having an in-person meeting next week on Saturday, October 5th, at our San Jose Union Hall at 10 AM at 1452 North Fourth Street, San Jose, CA 95112.
Here are some things we will discuss at the meeting.
- You’re being paid below the prevailing wage for the work you do.
- Your health care is too expensive and not compensated at nearly the level that Union companies get in your field.
- Your retirement 401K and pension options are not up to industry standard; this is very uncommon.
- Why has Lux Bus put you behind the 8-ball and strung you out for three years without a raise – this would not ever happen with a Union Contract.
We don’t want to overwhelm you, so I will say just please attend the meeting on October 5th. We can really dive into these deficits you are in and how we can get you the pay, benefits, and job protections you rightly deserve for the work you do.
Please watch your email and texts; we will send you more information a few more times before the meeting to give you more understanding and background of this life-changing decision you are embarking on.
Those of us who work this job have seen how Unions have made the lives of so many workers better, and it’s our mission to bring this success to as many working people as we can.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time if you have questions or concerns. My cell number is +1 (415) 425-3439, or you can email me at tkelley@teamsters853.org. I am available to you.
Respectfully,
Tracy Kelley,
Teamsters Local 853
Lux Bus Drivers Welcome to a better future for you and your family 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 »
Not so fast, Tony’s Fine Foods, we will take our jobs back with full back pay and benefits
Aurelio Mendoza and Ivan Gonzalez are Tony’s Fine Foods stewards who were instrumental in moving the organizing drive forward for their group. So when this group voted UNION YES, what did the company do? They tried to terminate the employment of Aurelio and Ivan on some trumped-up charges. How surprising.
Under the law, this is called retaliation, and it is illegal in the United States.
So despite the company’s best efforts to intimidate these members, we are happy to announce that, yes, the law is on our side. And with the help of Teamsters Local 853 under the guidance of Vice President Ray Torres, Aurelio and Ivan are both back to work with full back pay and back benefits.
And as a general rule, if you are an employer and illegally terminate key union members who also sit on the contract negotiating committee, you have just made extremely motivated enemies of the company. And they are going to bring that energy to the negotiating table and the company will pay the price for such an abuse of power.
Former 853 member, Carlos Reyes, sends us a message from SOCAL: 853 at heart and always sporting my 853 gear
Former 853 member Carlos Reyes from Cresco Labs is now in Southern California after Cresco Labs shut its doors. He sent us a message this morning from SOCAL as he supports Teamsters Local 952 Amazon Picket, saying, “I’m always 853 at heart and always sporting my 853 gear”.
Carlos recently helped organize his company, which delivers for DHL in southern California. A big shoutout to him for being a true Teamster, dedicated to improving the lives of working people up and down the state!
Vern Gonsalves Retires After Long Local 853 Career & He’ll Still Serve
July 31, 1978 that’s when Vern Gonsalve’s odyssey with Local 853 began. Originally employed by Wesco in San Leandro Vern subsequently worked out of the union hall at the Safeway spice plant, Allied Sysco and Macy’s. Then he hit a home run and got hired on under Local 853’s jurisdiction at Gillig in Hayward. He’s been there ever since, up to his retirement in July.
Throughout the changes he’s experienced since that July in 1978, kids, grandkids, advances in technology, a relocation of the Gillig plant to Livermore one constant that was always there was Local 853. And that’s why, in retirement, he’s not going away. “Whenever the union needs me, picket lines, rallies, bbq’s whatever the need is I’ll be there. We have achieved a lot together over the years and we have to fight to maintain what we’ve won.”
Good luck in retirement, Vern; we know we’ll see you around!
Pictured at the Gillig plant in Livermore attending Vern’s retirement celebration: Eric Vancil steward, Robert Terry steward, new retiree Vern Gonsalves, Recording Secretary Mike Henneberry, Lupe Pinedo steward and Lyle Funderburk, steward.
Vern Gonsalves Retires After Long Local 853 Career & He’ll Still Serve Read More »
The Perks of Being a Union Member – Family Leave for Newborns
If you are a parent and work a full-time job, then you know what I am about to say. The incredible toll a family newborn takes can only be described as an overwhelming blessing that requires all hands on deck. Teamster Nabil Al-Zoqari from Laz Parking is soon to be the father to a newborn and is preparing for that time by scheduling time off from work. Time that he is entitled to take because of the (FMLA)Family Medical Leave Act.
So last week, Nabil and his steward, Ghebreyesus, met with Business Agent James Long and Laz Parking to make sure it was clear to the company that Nabil wanted to claim some of his FMLA leave. Without union support and representation, workers at non-union companies might not even know that the FMLA exists or would not have the confidence to exercise this option. FMLA entitles workers to take up to 12 weeks off for medical-related life events like childbirth.
This is an example of the everyday work Teamsters do for its members. Helping you navigate the ups and downs of life, like the birth of a child.
So join us as we congratulate Nabil on his newborn child and wish him well in those first critical weeks when that little baby needs to be surrounded by mom and dad.
History of the Federal Medical Leave Act
Prior to 1993, governments and legislators were not up to speed on the new nuclear family. Mom doesn’t stay home any more, both parents work full time jobs, and having a child was seen by many corporations as an impediment to their bottom line profitability. Workers couldn’t take leave for newborns or other medical circumstances without facing the threat of termination.
However, in 1993, under the leadership of President Bill Clinton, the Family Medical Leave Act was voted by Congress and signed into law. Almost entirely driven by democratic Senators and Congressmen, this legislation prevented corporations from terminating employees wishing to take leave for medical reasons or, in this case, a newborn baby and gave them this protection for up to 12 weeks.
It is this law that keeps Nabil and other Teamsters safe from the threat of termination when faced with a life-changing medical event.
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