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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.

Not so fast, Tony’s Fine Foods, we will take our jobs back with full back pay and benefits Read More »

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!

Former 853 member, Carlos Reyes, sends us a message from SOCAL: 853 at heart and always sporting my 853 gear Read More »

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.

The Perks of Being a Union Member – Family Leave for Newborns Read More »

Let’s welcome back Tony’s Fine Foods as they start negotiating their first contact

These Teamsters at Tony’s Fine Foods are breaking ground and pushing new boundaries in their first contract negotiations. They are drivers working in four states; California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Working towards a master contract to cover them all.

“This group is special because Tony’s Fine Foods was once a union company nationwide, and many years ago, they lost their way. Now they have found their way back to the protection and work justice that they deserve,” said Teamster Local 853 Vice President Ray Torres.

And so they work together dilligently between these four states to lock down a contract that represents the fair pay and benefits that they are due, and a return to the Union work that took care of them so many years ago.
Stay Tuned, Sisters and Brothers, and watch this space. More to come.

Let’s welcome back Tony’s Fine Foods as they start negotiating their first contact Read More »

Teamsters 853 Transdev Stanford shop steward Kris Vegas

Pictured here is Transdev Stanford shop steward Kris Vegas. Kris is the voice for the rank and file at the Stanford Transdev location. His skills in contract enforcement and communication with the members, as well as management, are the key to success in the workplace. “We are lucky to have Kris working side by side with the union and members.” Said Business Agent David Crawford

Many members don’t realize all the hard work that goes into the role of being a shop steward. These members know the contract, protect their fellow workers, and are the go-to between the union and the company, which is vital to keeping a solid working relationship in place between workers and the company. Big shout out to Kris and other Teamster 853 stewards for going above and beyond.

Teamsters 853 Transdev Stanford shop steward Kris Vegas Read More »

Teamsters 853 hosts barbecue for Costco Teamsters in San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Redwood City in preparation for national contract negotiations

Teamster 853 Costco workers in the Bay Area will soon be gearing up for contract negotiations. And what better way to start getting our Costco Teamster family focused and united on this coming contract than a delicious barbecue? Costco has a National contract with thousands of members across the country, and a good way to start getting our Costco Teamster family focused on this coming contract is to have a meal together and discuss strategy. So last week, Teamsters Local 853 served barbecue to our members in San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Redwood City.

“When Teamsters are unified, we win big. So, we are bringing our Costco family together to get ready for our upcoming National Contract negotiations.” Said Teamster President Steven Lua. “We’re looking forward to working with our Costco sisters and brothers across the whole country.”

“We come out to these members’ workplaces, serve them food, and talk about the best way to maximize our opportunity in this contract.” Said Teamster Business Agent Cesar Martinez, “It’s a great way to kick things off among a group that is already very strong and focused.”

This was a multi-day affair. Local 853 made sure there were enough staff in attendance to talk to members and help with the barbecue. In attendance were Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beck, President Steven Lua, Vice President Ray Torres, Recording Secretary Mike Henneberry, and Business Agents Scott Gonsalves, James Long, Cesar Martinez, Efren Alarcon, Gloria Segura, and Jonathan Pinney.

San Jose Almaden Costco

Sunnyvale Costco

Redwood City Costco

Teamsters 853 hosts barbecue for Costco Teamsters in San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Redwood City in preparation for national contract negotiations 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 »

Douglas Parking Teamsters at Stanford Hospital sit for an Issue Meeting.

We give you the fine gentleman from Douglas Parking at Stanford Hospital. These Teamster 853 members are critical in making sure people have a safe way to travel around the campus and hospital.

 “I have the pleasure of getting to know these members on a personal level,” said Business Agent David Crawford, “knowing and understanding our members this way is the best way we can effectively address their issues. We are building a community based on trust and mutual understanding, so when we need each other to stick together, we are already most of the way there.”

At the meeting we discussed a variety of topics, including sick pay, vacation entitlements, and how to build better relationships and communication between the union and the company so that we all may benefit. 

Thank you, Brothers, for putting the time in to make things better.

Douglas Parking Teamsters at Stanford Hospital sit for an Issue Meeting. Read More »