What Happened Around the Local

A well earned Holiday Gift – Premier Recycling Inks first contract at 100% Ratification

December 16, 2024

Courage, integrity, tenacity, grit, justice, fairness….These are all words that come to mind when speaking about the drivers at Premier Recycling, who, in 2022, […]

[application] – Teamsters Scholarship for 2025

December 15, 2024

Sisters and Brothers, If you have a child or dependent moving on to higher education this year, please consider applying for this scholarship. Details […]

[application] – James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship for 2025

December 15, 2024

Sisters and Brothers, If you have an eligible child or dependent, take advantage of this opportunity to lessen the financial burden of higher education. […]

Teamsters scholoarships for 2025 – There is no better time to work on scholarships than the holiday break

December 15, 2024

Sisters and Brothers, Every year, the Teamsters offer several scholarship opportunities for children and dependents of Teamster members who are in good standing. Last […]

Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – November 25th, 2024

November 27, 2024

Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy.

Second Harvest members crush new contract. 100% Ratification with significant gains across many areas.

November 21, 2024

Sometimes you just get it right. A non-for-profit whose sole purpose is to provide for underprivileged communities. Teamster workers who put in the time […]

Kelly Spicers overwhelmingly approves new three year contract with best increase in wages they have ever received

November 18, 2024

Congratulations to the Teamster 853 Members at Kelly Spicers, who ratified a new three-year contract. The contract included the best increases in wages ever […]

Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – October 29th, 2024

October 31, 2024

Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy. Please download the original document to review here.

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

October 30, 2024

After three years of battling for our members at UNFI, Teamsters Local 853 secured an incredible win for its members. Due to a contract […]

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

October 15, 2024

This past weekend, Teamsters Local 853 celebrated the heart and the power of our Union, you, our members. On Saturday and Sunday, we united […]

We shouldn’t forget how many Teamsters were on the front line during the pandemic, like these members at Bimbo Bakery

October 8, 2024

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 […]

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

October 3, 2024

California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act (Act) is to take effect on January 1, 2025, and Teamsters Local 853 was there in Sacramento […]

Teamster 853 union officials support Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien and Congressman Adam Schiff and the Recent NLRB ruling for Amazon workers

September 10, 2024

Amazon. The company has grown so fast that no single organization or government agency has been able to keep up. Among the large transport […]

Our Teamster Family all over the Bay Area and Beyond

September 9, 2024

To our Bay Area Teamster Family. Teamsters Local 853 has members at over 300 companies who work all over the Bay Area. These members […]

Labor Day – The battle between the rich and the working class – How FDR(Franklin D. Roosevelt) Changed everything for Unions in 1937

September 1, 2024

In the 1920s and 30s, union membership had been decreasing significantly for decades. The gap between the rich and middle class was at a […]

Celebrating our Teamster Children – Second scholarship awarded to Claire Porter

August 23, 2024

This summer, three Teamster 853 children were lucky enough to be the recipients of scholarships funded by our local. One of these students is […]

Golden Brands in San Jose ratifies new four-year contract at overwhelming 98% approval!

August 21, 2024

This week Golden Brands in San Jose enjoyed the fruits of their labor. They prepared well, participated greatly throughout the entire proposal process, and […]

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

August 14, 2024

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 […]

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

August 8, 2024

Former 853 member Carlos Reyes from Cresco Labs is now in Southern California after Cresco Labs shut its doors. He sent us a message […]

Niko Glafkides was awarded one of Three 853 Scholarships this Summer

August 5, 2024

“This is one happy kiddo.  Please let everyone know how thankful our family is for the scholarship.” wrote Niko’s mom, Stacie. Niko Glafkides took […]

Vern Gonsalves Retires After Long Local 853 Career & He’ll Still Serve

August 4, 2024

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 […]

A well earned Holiday Gift – Premier Recycling Inks first contract at 100% Ratification

December 16, 2024

Courage, integrity, tenacity, grit, justice, fairness….These are all words that come to mind when speaking about the drivers at Premier Recycling, who, in 2022, voted for union representation. They courageously stood up for their rights in the face of a very combative employer. So today is a very special day. We are proud to report […]

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[application] – Teamsters Scholarship for 2025

December 15, 2024

Sisters and Brothers, If you have a child or dependent moving on to higher education this year, please consider applying for this scholarship. Details can be found here: https://teamster.org/scholarships/

Read More

[application] – James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship for 2025

December 15, 2024

Sisters and Brothers, If you have an eligible child or dependent, take advantage of this opportunity to lessen the financial burden of higher education. Details on the application can be found here: https://www.jrhmsf.org/

Read More

Teamsters scholoarships for 2025 – There is no better time to work on scholarships than the holiday break

December 15, 2024

Sisters and Brothers, Every year, the Teamsters offer several scholarship opportunities for children and dependents of Teamster members who are in good standing. Last year, Teamster 853 members were awarded several scholarships. It’s a very good opportunity to reduce the financial burden of sending our children to higher education. So, this holiday, we would like […]

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Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – November 25th, 2024

November 27, 2024

Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy.

Read More

Second Harvest members crush new contract. 100% Ratification with significant gains across many areas.

November 21, 2024

Sometimes you just get it right. A non-for-profit whose sole purpose is to provide for underprivileged communities. Teamster workers who put in the time and work to enable that company to succeed and thrive in its mission. It wasn’t exactly that way at the beginning of negotiations for this contract; however, after many, many, many […]

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Kelly Spicers overwhelmingly approves new three year contract with best increase in wages they have ever received

November 18, 2024

Congratulations to the Teamster 853 Members at Kelly Spicers, who ratified a new three-year contract. The contract included the best increases in wages ever received over the three years, a good increase in pension, improved sick leave, “shift premium” and “specialty skills” increases, and maintenance in health benefits. Pictured are Stewards Oscar Perlia and Francisco […]

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Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – October 29th, 2024

October 31, 2024

Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy. Please download the original document to review here.

Read More

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

October 30, 2024

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 […]

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

October 15, 2024

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 […]

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We shouldn’t forget how many Teamsters were on the front line during the pandemic, like these members at Bimbo Bakery

October 8, 2024

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, […]

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

October 3, 2024

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 […]

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Lux Bus Drivers Welcome to a better future for you and your family

September 30, 2024

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 […]

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Teamster 853 union officials support Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien and Congressman Adam Schiff and the Recent NLRB ruling for Amazon workers

September 10, 2024

Amazon. The company has grown so fast that no single organization or government agency has been able to keep up. Among the large transport and delivery companies like UPS, FedEx, and DHL, Amazon is widely known for providing their drivers and warehouse workers with wages and benefits below industry standards. Consequently, all eyes are on […]

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Our Teamster Family all over the Bay Area and Beyond

September 9, 2024

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 […]

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Labor Day – The battle between the rich and the working class – How FDR(Franklin D. Roosevelt) Changed everything for Unions in 1937

September 1, 2024

In the 1920s and 30s, union membership had been decreasing significantly for decades. The gap between the rich and middle class was at a high point in history for that time period. It was a time when the rich were able to exploit workers almost unrestricted. Federal laws protecting workers’ rights to Unionize were weak, […]

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Celebrating our Teamster Children – Second scholarship awarded to Claire Porter

August 23, 2024

This summer, three Teamster 853 children were lucky enough to be the recipients of scholarships funded by our local. One of these students is Claire Porter. Claire is the stepdaughter of RNDC employee and Teamster member Kathryn Ingram. Claire is in her last year at CSU Fresno studying kinesiology. Claire wrote an essay on the […]

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Golden Brands in San Jose ratifies new four-year contract at overwhelming 98% approval!

August 21, 2024

This week Golden Brands in San Jose enjoyed the fruits of their labor. They prepared well, participated greatly throughout the entire proposal process, and stuck together. And the end result is a whopping 98% approval vote for this new four-year contract. “The stewards, negotiating committee, and all of the Golden Brands members who put their […]

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

August 14, 2024

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 […]

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

August 8, 2024

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 […]

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Niko Glafkides was awarded one of Three 853 Scholarships this Summer

August 5, 2024

“This is one happy kiddo.  Please let everyone know how thankful our family is for the scholarship.” wrote Niko’s mom, Stacie. Niko Glafkides took home a $500 scholarship from Teamsters Local 853 for his first year attending Boise State. Niko, the son of Gillig employee Dennis Glafkides, wrote a paper on the importance of Labor […]

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Vern Gonsalves Retires After Long Local 853 Career & He’ll Still Serve

August 4, 2024

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 […]

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Eduardo Garcia Gomez – Shop Steward for Bimbo, Concord Center

July 30, 2024

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, […]

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

July 26, 2024

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 […]

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Transdev Stanford 853 members hold a proposal meeting for their upcoming contract.

July 23, 2024

Pictured are Teamsters Members from Transdev Stanford. These bus drivers are of the utmost importance to Stanford’s students and staff around the campus. They provide excellent service and safety and are a prime representation of what 853 Teamsters do. This week, we held a proposal meeting to discuss their upcoming contract fight. “The goal of […]

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

July 19, 2024

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 […]

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Teamsters 853 Transdev Stanford shop steward Kris Vegas

July 19, 2024

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 […]

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Summertime Member Meetings Cancelled

July 10, 2024

In observance of the Summertime for vacationing members, a vote was taken and approved by membership to suspend monthly member meetings for July and August. Teamster Local 853 member meetings will resume on September 12th at 7 PM at the Oakland Hall.

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Golden Brands holds proposal meeting in San Jose

July 9, 2024

Last weekend, Teamster 853 members of Golden Brands in San Jose held a proposal meeting to discuss their upcoming contract negotiation. “We are unified and on the right path,” said Teamsters 853 Vice President Ray Torres. “Our members are motivated, involved, and behind their committee; it’s the best way to get a great contract for […]

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

June 24, 2024

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 […]

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Going Above and Beyond for Your Union

June 24, 2024

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 […]

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Prepare for your next job interview in the unionized trades

June 22, 2024

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 […]

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

June 19, 2024

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 […]

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US FOODS in Livermore enter into their first contract negotiations

June 13, 2024

Now, it’s time for the payoff. These members voted to Unionize just a couple of months ago, and now are bringing their A-game to the negotiating table. “Stay unified, trust your committee and guidance from the Local,” said Teamster Vice President Ray Torres. On behalf of every member and staff at Teamsters Local 853, we […]

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

June 12, 2024

– 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. […]

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Teamsters 853 Members at Tonys Fine Foods

Teamsters at Tonys Fine Foods are preparing for their first-time contract negotiations.

June 11, 2024

Congratulations to these new members from Tony’s Fine Foods, who got together on Sunday with Teamsters 853 President Steven Lua and Vice President Ray Torres to begin preparations for negotiating their first contract. There are 190 drivers who span a large geographic area across multiple Teamster Locals. Stick together, be smart about your contract, trust […]

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Teamster 853 Business Agents and union officials fly to Virginia to show our support for the Teamster’s effort to organize Costco locations nationwide

May 29, 2024

This month, in Virginia, COSTCO employees did something no COSTCO location has done in 20 years. They voted to join the Teamsters. Nationally, many workers at COSTCO believe that the corporate culture has been changing for the worse. This change has made it more difficult to get good jobs with good benefits at COSTCO. So, […]

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June Membership meeting change Notice

May 28, 2024

As motioned and seconded at the membership meeting, our June Member Meeting has been changed from Thursday, June 13th to Tuesday, June 11th at 7 PM.

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MV Transporation Convenes Contract Enforcement Meeting

May 22, 2024

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 […]

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Rey Polhen from S. Martinelli

May 15, 2024

Teamsters Local 853 would like to extend our condolences to the family of Rey Polhen who worked as a Teamster for 40+ years at S. Martinelli. Rey was known to be kind, friendly, and loved cracking jokes. Every year during the holiday, Rey would stop by the Teamsters Watsonville office to drop off S. Martinelli’s cider […]

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

May 14, 2024

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 […]

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Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Scholarships Available – Deadline July 26th

May 9, 2024

Sisters and Brothers, Every year the California Teamsters Hispanic Caucus awards scholarships to: Deserving High School Seniors Graduating this year, Who are: A Daughter or Son of an active Teamster whose dues are current with his/her Local Union; And are: Attending or have been accepted by an accredited University, College or Trade School. If you […]

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Stewards and Members Lead the way in SF City and County Bargaining

May 1, 2024

Teamsters Local 853 represents a large unit of truck drivers (Class 7355’s) and track maintenance supervisors (7251’s) employed by the City and County of SF. Bargaining for a new contract for these members began in January. From the onset of bargaining in the new year 853 members at the city made it clear that they […]

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

April 30, 2024

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 […]

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Golden Brands Sacramento Overwhelmingly Ratifies Contract at 92%

April 26, 2024

Roughly 125 Teamster drivers and warehouse workers at Golden Brands in Sacramento ratified their new four-year contract at 92% approval this week. Wages and Medical Benefits took center stage at the negotiating table as this was a multi-vote effort. The members rejected the company’s first proposal outright. The committee took the second set of negotiated changes back to […]

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

April 25, 2024

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 […]

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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

April 23, 2024

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 […]

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Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – April 19th, 2024

April 21, 2024

Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy. Please download the original document to review here.

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TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL 7 Harry Polland/Robert Morales Scholarships Available

April 19, 2024

Sisters and Brothers, The Teamsters Joint Council 7 awards annual scholarships for Teamsters 853 members’ children and wards. Scholarships are available to all children or wards of any active Teamster 853 member.  This scholarship can be used for any scholastic or vocational field or school.  If you are interested in applying, you can download the […]

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US Foods Tracy Survey

April 12, 2024
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