2025 was an incredible year
To all my sisters and brothers at Teamsters Local 853. Because of all of your efforts, we are closing 2025 stronger than ever. Over the past three years, our priorities have focused on unity and transparency, which have defined my administration. These priorities have reinvigorated us all and brought many more members into active service of our Union. Reinvigorated unity that drove more courageous and record-breaking contracts than at any time in our recent past.
So with these in-house priorities now in place, and our positive momentum surging, 2026 will be a time to turn outward and take the fight to the corporations and politicians who seek to take away our security. If we are going to maintain and build on this success, we must keep pushing.
Our pursuit of justice
We are living in a time of unprecedented wealth inequality in America. The widening canyon between workers and corporate elites is now politically turbocharged. At the same time, AI, robotics, and autonomous vehicles are enriching corporations as they look for every way possible to replace workers in the name of greed and profits.
So as long as I hold this position, I will be asking the same thing. Be active in your Union. Talk with your fellow members, stewards, and Business Agents. Take an interest. Speak up about what’s happening on the job. Share your experiences to improve your workplace. Be ready to step up and show up when Teamsters Local 853 needs to demonstrate our strength in public. Support politicians who support unions. This is how we become a real and intimidating force against corporate greed.
Happy holidays, and thank you
So with 2026 in mind, and 2025 in the rear view mirror, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for stepping up for your Local. Congratulations on your significant achievements: every contract, every grievance won, every wrong that you have made right. The Executive Board and I, along with all the Business Agents, are here to support you in every way we can, and wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season. As members of Teamsters Local 853, we’ve built lives with the pay, benefits, and protections that give our families breathing room and peace of mind. The Teamsters Local 853 badge is an honor—wear it proudly.
I also want to acknowledge the members we are working to lift up who still do not have the security of a contract. Especially my RNDC sisters and brothers, who, through no fault of their own, were hurt by market forces and a sudden corporate decision, and our 260 members at Westlake. The Westlake members are now in their sixth month on strike, holding firm for their fair share. Their fight is our fight, and they deserve our full support and respect.
On behalf of myself, President Steven Lua, our Executive Board, and all of our Business Agents and staff: Happy Holidays— let’s crush it again in 2026. There is nothing we can’t do when we are unified and moving together.
In solidarity,
Steve Beck
Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer
Teamsters Local 853
