Labor Day – The battle between the rich and the working class – How FDR(Franklin D. Roosevelt) Changed everything for Unions in 1937
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
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!
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
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
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
“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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Transdev Stanford 853 members hold a proposal meeting for their upcoming contract.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Summertime Member Meetings Cancelled
In observance of the Summertime for vacationing members, a vote was taken and approved by membership to suspend monthly member meetings for July and […]
Golden Brands holds proposal meeting in San Jose
Last weekend, Teamster 853 members of Golden Brands in San Jose held a proposal meeting to discuss their upcoming contract negotiation. “We are unified […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
US FOODS in Livermore enter into their first contract negotiations
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 […]
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 […]
Teamsters at Tonys Fine Foods are preparing for their first-time contract negotiations.
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 […]
US Foods Livermore Negotiating Updates
US Foods Drivers Group in Livermore, We have a lot of movement going on right now regarding your progress and wanted to give you some updates. Please stay tuned, and please attend the proposal meeting when we announce it to ensure you have your say and are informed of our progress. In Union, Ray Torres, […]
Read MoreS. Martinelli & Co. Step Up above and beyond for their fellow workers and a ratifies 3-year contract with 91% approval.
Saturday morning, over 130 members of S. Martinelli & Co. gathered to vote on their new agreement. The members secured improvements to both language and economics that led to a ratification vote with an approval of 91%. We got our members what they deserve and then some. This doesn’t mean the fight is over; we […]
Read MoreDel Mar Foods ratified their new 3 year agreement today with an approval of 98%.
Del Mar Foods ratified their new 3-year agreement today with an approval of 98%. This contract improves working conditions and a cumulative wage increase to double the previous agreement. Del Mar Foods members have been classified as essential workers in the food processing industry. Its Teamsters like these members who take extra risks and continue […]
Read MoreThe fight against autonomous vehicles continues with a new political season and a new Assembly Bill AB2286 – and Teamsters 853 is there standing up for members statewide.
Public safety and good-paying Teamster’s jobs are on the line. In light of many public safety incidents that have risen in the past year with autonomous vehicles, Teamsters and aligned politicians this week organized to say we need this law. This week, Teamsters from all over the Bay Area assembled in Sacramento under the lead […]
Read MoreAfter 59 years in business, Bottomley will close its doors on Friday, most Teamsters to Move over to Matagrano.
Due to changes in the marketplace, longtime distributor Bottomley will close its doors for good on Friday, February 16th. They have been in business for 59 years in the Bay Area. You might ask, what are the Teamsters there going to do? Well, luckily, just as these 55 members take off the Bottomley uniform this […]
Read MoreTeamsters Local 853 Secretary-Treasurer And National IBT Liquor Representative Steve Beck leads discussions on Organizing and politics in the liquor industry.
Hundreds of representatives from Teamsters local unions across the country participated in workshops this week at the annual Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Steve Beck led the liquor meeting as the National IBT Representative. The group has achieved a successful organizing push in the industry, and IBT Locals all […]
Read MoreFebruary Member Meeting is Thursday, February 8th
Our monthly member meeting for December is this Thursday, February 8th, at 7 PM. Show up and participate in the events and decisions that affect your Union and workplace. Time: Doors Close at 7 PM(usually 30-60 min. long) Where: Teamsters Local Union 853, 7750 Pardee Lane Oakland, California 94621 – Phone: 510-895-8853
Read MoreTeamsters 853 Stewards at Coca-Cola Have a Full Plate with territory restructuring and Contract Expiration this summer.
Coca-Cola stewards Jerry Trujillo and Jason Aguilar sit down with members of Teamsters Locals 315 and 70, along with members of the company management, to discuss the restructuring of territories. To top it off, this restructuring occurs just months before the Coca-Cola contract expires for Drivers, Merchandisers, and Warehouse workers. Teamsters Local 853 would like […]
Read MoreGatorade contract is stronger because of a strong relationship between the company and our members.
It’s not always the case that to win a fight, you have to bloody someone’s nose. Case in point with PepsiCo brand Gatorade and Teamsters Local 853 members.Pictured are Gary Hodgson, a 17-year shop steward, and Darryl Carter, an 8-year shop steward for Teamster 853 members at Gatorade. This group meets monthly along with Teamsters […]
Read MoreBimbo Bakery Teamsters Ratify Excellent Contract
Under the leadership of the bakery chairs Don Garcia & Mike Pratt, and with the assistance of the IBT Director Jeff Padellaro and IBT Rep Pete Lamb, and Teamsters 853 Secretary-Treasurer and IBT Rep Steve Beck, the members at Bimbo Bakery voted overwhelmingly to ratify an excellent contract. They received significant gains across all divisions, […]
Read MoreYellow Freight Bankruptcy Update
Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy. Please download the original document to review.
Read MoreTeamsters Lead the Way in City & County of San Francisco Negotiations
On January 17, well over 2,000 union members representing 22 unions gathered out front of SF city hall to demand a just & equitable contract. Teamsters Local 853 was right up front, leading the way shoulder to shoulder with Teamsters Local 856. Local 853 vac trucks revved up the crowd and got the rally going. […]
Read MoreTeamster 853 Members Operate The Last Salt Harvesting and Packaging Company in the United States: Cargill Salt: Take A look inside at the Members that Keep this company running smoothly.
Some info about the sea salt that comes from the last American sea salt manufacturer right in our Bay Area backyard in Newark, CA. A 25-man Teamster 853 crew from Cargill Salt – solar plant keeps the whole operation going. They harvest the salt from the ponds you see when you cross the San Mateo […]
Read MoreTeamsters 853 Meets with District 20 Assemblymember Liz Ortega to discuss Labor-related priorities for the Hayward, San Leandro, Dublin, Union City, and Pleasanton Working Communities.
On Saturday, Teamster 853 Staff met with Assemblymember Liz Ortega to discuss Labor-related priorities for the Hayward, San Leandro, Dublin, Union City, and Pleasanton Working Communities. Pictured with assemblywoman Ortega are Trustee Joel Bellison, Recording Secretary and Business Agent Mike Henneberry, and Business Agent Cesar Martinez. Liz Ortega is a longtime labor leader and activist […]
Read MoreUS Foods, Welcome to Teamsters Local 853
US Foods Brothers,I am Steve Beck, the secretary-treasurer and principal officer at Teamsters Local 853. I am responsible for leading Teamsters Local 853. Congratulations on the vote you took to become a Teamster. I welcome you into our family. Today is a great day for you and your coworker’s future at US Foods. Teamsters Local […]
Read MoreGillig Members Fill the House to Capacity and Ratify Historic Contract.
Yesterday, Gillig bussing members showed up in force and overwhelmingly voted to ratify their new contract. It was the highest percentage ever for a ratification vote for this group at 97%. The Gillig membership made it clear that they stand together with one another and Local 853’s leadership moving into the future. “This contract was […]
Read MoreIt’s Official! US Foods Drivers Vote “Union Yes” and Join Teamsters Local 853
Unions are in an endless battle, fighting corporations to secure fair wages and benefits for the workers who make those companies successful. Corporations are experts at keeping every penny of profits, and unions have to go to the mat every time to get workers their fair share of their contribution. Today, Teamsters Local 853 would […]
Read MoreThank you to each and every Teamster 853 member who came out, supported, or participated in some way – You made 2023 a huge success.
Turnout of sheer numbers are where we get our power. That is why we have good contracts, pay, and benefits. Because we stick together and always operate as one large group. So even though you may not be working on your specific contract, participation in all Teamster activities makes some member a recipient of a […]
Read MoreIt’s Official: Oakland Zoo Keepers are Teamsters!
This week, votes were tallied to ratify the first-ever Oakland Zoo Zoo Keepers agreement between Local 853 & the zoo. The results were overwhelming; as a matter of fact, the vote was nearly unanimous to accept the agreement! The union looks forward to representing our new members at Oakland’s premier institution. Local 853 would like […]
Read MoreuS Foods Survey
Vote Deadline is Coming Up – Have you Voted? Please take this anonymous survey so we can stay on top of this vote!
Read MoreUS Foods Lies
There is a reason US Foods is giving you confusing and conflicting information. And, in some cases, outright lying about this vote. WHY?: US Foods will lose a lot of money once you become a union group. They can no longer dictate what they pay you and how they treat you. And that is a […]
Read MoreUS Foods – How To Cast Your Vote – The Dos and Don’ts
US Foods Drivers, ballots were mailed out to your home on December 14th. A better future for you is today. CHECK YOUR MAILBOX!!! There has been some confusion on how to vote. We have heard that US FOODS has been giving confusing, conflicting, or straight-out misinformation regarding this vote. When you vote, ONLY MAKE ONE […]
Read MoreDecember Monthly Member Meeting
Our monthly member meeting for December is this Thursday, December 14th, at 7 PM. Show up and participate in the events and decisions that affect your Union and workplace. Time: Doors Close at 7 PM(usually 30-60 min. long) Where: Teamsters Local Union 853, 7750 Pardee Lane Oakland, California 94621 – Phone: 510-895-8853
Read MoreTeamsters Local 853 Representatives Attend This Year’s COPE Convention to Ensure Working People’s Voices Are Heard
Unions and politics go hand-in-hand. Without legislators (Elected Officials) to make laws to protect working people, our Union efforts would be very difficult to maintain. Unions are outspent 15 to 1 by big businesses trying to marginalize Union protections. Their goal is always to weaken laws so they can get more profits by squeezing their […]
Read MoreOakland Zoo Teamsters Ink First Union Contract
After eleven and a half months of negotiations, zoo keepers at the Oakland Zoo signed off on the first union contract ever at the venerable institution. Amazingly, since its founding over one hundred years ago, the workers at the East Bay landmark have been non-union. Organized last Summer, negotiations began under Local 853’s new administration […]
Read MoreDHL Members at Teamsters 853 Are Standing With CVG DHL – Do What You Have to Get the Contract You Deserve!
1500 Teamster members from Local 100 in Northern Kentucky and Ohio who work for CVG DHL voted to Unionize earlier in the year. Since then, DHL has chosen not to negotiate in good faith, which has resulted in these workers voting nearly unanimously to strike. Subsequently, today, December 6th, we have been informed that DHL […]
Read MoreUS Foods Drivers Meetings
Health Insurance covered for whole family, better pay and pension when he left non-union US Foods for a Teamster Job Take it from a US Foods driver who knows, Vote Yes! THIS WEEKEND – Teamsters Local Union 853 is having two separate meetings based on your location to discuss your upcoming vote to Unionize the […]
Read MoreLabor Solidarity Carries the Day, Strike Averted at San Francisco Unified School District.
Teamster Local 853 members at the SF Unified and members of the Crafts Coalition (ten locals including Carpenters, Machinists, Painters, and six other trades coordinated by the Building Trades Council) forced the district to do the right thing and pay up what they’ve owed the members for a long time. Two years of dysfunction and […]
Read MoreTeamsters 853 website now in Spanish
Sisters and brothers, read about current events that impact your work and your workplace. Learn about healthcare, retirement, scholarships, member discounts, paid leave, workers’ compensation, retirement, and many more items. Sign up to receive email updates from Teamster 853 Locals. Specify Spanish as your preferred language and we will send important notifications and events to […]
Read MoreThis Week Three Teamster 853 Executive Board Members were sworn in to sit on the South Bay Labor Council.
Congratulations to Teamster 853 President Steven Lua, Vice-President Ray Torres, and Business Agent and Trustee Gloria Segura as they were sworn in this week to sit on the South Bay Labor Council. The meeting was joined by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, who represents the 18 District, and Congressman Jimmy Panetta, who represents the 19th District in […]
Read More400+ Days Since Premier Recycling Voted to Organize as they continue to work towards a first contract. After 3 wrongful layoffs, 1 wrongful termination, and countless hours of picketing, they deserve our respect and support for Staying Strong.
To all the members at Premier Recycling, we see you and applaud all the strength you have shown to stand up for your rights. You have maintained a steadfast commitment to a fair and equitable contract. A big shout-out to all of you as you continue to grind it out. You make us proud. These […]
Read More853 Members at Zenith American voted unanimously 51-0 to reject Zenith’s last best and final offer
On November 15th, Zenith American members voted 51-0 to reject their employer’s last, best, and final contract proposal. The union has reached out to the company to get back into bargaining to negotiate a contract that meets the members’ needs. Zenith American Local 853 members administer health and welfare, and pension benefits for Operating Engineers […]
Read MoreTeamsters Call to Boycott Smart & Final in California
Hundreds of Teamsters working at Smart & Final in Southern California are on strike in the face of the company’s ongoing unfair labor practices.Workers voted for union representation, but now Grupo Comercial Chedraui – a $13 billion Mexican company that owns Smart & Final – plans to fire them all and force workers to re-apply […]
Read MoreSunday, Nov 5th, was a historic day for Teamsters in the liquor industry. We Completed a Statewide Contract Ratification for 1500 members at Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits(SGWS) and Republic NationAL Distribution Company(RNDC)
Approximately 1500 members from 17 Teamster Locals in the Liquor industry in California came to an agreement and ratified their contract on Sunday. “This was a great contract,” Said Liquor Chairman and Teamster 853 Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beck. “We secured strong improvements to contract language and increases to benefits. But the thing I’m most happy with […]
Read MoreOur Monthly Member Meeting is This Thursday, November 9th at 7:00 PM
Our monthly member meeting for November is this Thursday, November 9th at 7PM. Show up and participate in the events and decisions that affect your Union and workplace. Time: Doors Close at 7 PM(usually 30-60 min. long) Where: Teamsters Local Union 853, 7750 Pardee Lane Oakland, California 94621 – Phone: 510-895-8853
Read MoreAmports overwhelmingly ratifies new 5-year contract.
Today was a good day for all the Teamsters who work at the Amports compounds on this new contract. Negotiations secured the highest pay raises in Amport’s history while not giving up any other current benefits. Gains were also made on Vacation and some other important language in the contract. “Our members stuck together and […]
Read MoreSysco, RNDC, and Kelloggs Members Fight Big Business in Politics by contributing to “Drive” this week. You can, too!
Through grassroots political action and aggressive lobbying on Capitol Hill, State Houses, and City Halls across America, Teamsters have stopped some of the worst attacks on working people. But Big Business is always aggressively pushing their agenda to increase profits at workers’ expense. They outspend working families on politics by more than 15-1. But you […]
Read MoreTeamsters Win Battle in the Robotaxi War
Sisters and Brothers, Over the past weeks and months, the Teamsters in the Bay Area have been focusing on the growing danger that the Robotaxi and autonomous driving vehicles technology poses to Teamsters’ jobs and public safety. We had the big rally in Sacramento to bring attention to AB316 legislation to Governor Newsom’s attention, and most recently, […]
Read MoreRight Away Teamsters 853 & 315 ratified a 3-year contract extension!
Big shout out to the Right Away crew, who just ratified a 3-year contract extension. Congratulations!!!
Read MoreAfter years of being kept apart due to COVID, the 2023 Member Appreciation Day was A Milestone picnic and a great time to say to our members, Welcome back!
It was a great day to come out to celebrate and have some food and family fun at our Member Appreciation Picnic this year. We got very lucky as the weather was perfect at the Alameda County Fair Grounds. There was a raffle with over a dozen great prizes, hamburgers and hot dogs with all […]
Read MoreAutonomous Vehicles are not ready, Join us as we take the fight to RoboTaxi Company, Cruise, in San Francisco this Tuesday, Oct. 24th
Sisters and Brothers, When Governor Newsom vetoed AB316, a bill that would have protected Union Jobs and put corporate greed in check, Teamsters do what they have always done. Continue the fight at a different angle. Because we only lose when we stop fighting. So we continue using our considerable voice for working women and […]
Read MoreNew Smart and Final Owners, Grupo Commercial Chedraui, from Mexico, Engages in worker exploitation. fires two entire Union warehouses of employees, then forces them to re-apply at a lower wage to keep job.
Imagine if you were on the job, and one day management just fired everyone, then said you can apply for the same job at a lower wage in a new location. This is exactly what happened at Smart and Final when Grupo Commercial Chedraui from Mexico purchased Smart and Final. These workers demand their jobs […]
Read MoreREADY TO STRIKE – Teamsters 853 Truck Drivers authorized to Strike the San Francisco Unified School District along with nine other sister Unions in the Common Crafts Coalition and United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters.
The San Francisco Unified School District has been dragging its feet on an expired contract representing several Unions in the Common Crafts Coalition and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. Last week, these unions, of which Teamsters 853 is one, were authorized to strike if the SFUSD cannot get their act together and hammer […]
Read MoreTeamsters Lost 5 Billion to Yellow. Take One(1) minute to Write Senator Padilla here: Mismanaged companies like Yellow should not be able to avoid accountability by simply filing for bankruptcy.
Sisters and Brothers, An informed and active electorate can get things done. That is why we are writing you today. You may have heard the news that the freight company Yellow recently filed for bankruptcy, which put 22,000 Teamsters out of work and allowed Yellow to walk away from their responsibility and debt. Leaving Teamsters […]
Read MoreAmports Members are in the middle of negotiating their next contract.
If you have ever purchased a new car and asked for something to be added to the car like a tow hitch or roof rack, where do you think these additions happen? Not at the factory. Large car companies ship cars with basic model builds, and when a dealership receives an order for a car […]
Read MoreAfter the last and best offer, Bimbo Teamsters vote overwhelmingly to strike If needed.
In August, Teamster members working at Bimbo turned down the company’s Last Best and Final offer during contract negotiations. They then overwhelmingly voted to authorize us to strike if the need arises. Some of the issues still not adequately addressed were the two-tier workforce as well as wage increases that can keep up with the […]
Read MoreTeamster 853 Member’s Son Awarded Joint Council 7 Harry Polland/Bob Morales Scholarship
Alex Nakano, son of RNDC Teamster 853 member Kurt Nakano, was presented with the JC7 Scholarship this year at our September monthly meeting. Alex was selected as the winning recipient after providing his most recent education transcripts, extracurricular and community activities, and an essay he wrote on “The Importance of Labor Unions.” Pictured with Alex […]
Read MoreWatsonville Community Hospital Teamsters are gearing up for contract negotiations Post-COVID – Time to be treated and Paid for the Heroes They Are!
Can we please give a big shout-out to our Watsonville Community Hospital Teamsters 853 members? They are gearing up for contract negotiations. This upcoming contract is important as it is the first time they bargain since COVID. The city of Watsonville depends on these hard-working members who were at the front line of the pandemic, […]
Read MoreTeamsters Get Longtime Laz Employee’s Seniority Back
Teamsters 853 Member Ali Shabana (in vest) was laid off in June 2016 when Laz took over parking management at Kaiser, Oakland. Laz rehired him four months later without recognizing his original seniority date of 2012. So Ali has been forced to BID with lower seniority. When Ali brought his circumstances to his Business Agent, James […]
Read MoreTwo Teamster Employers Connect Coincidentally in a Goodwill Effort to Support our Underprivileged Communities
853 Teamster members from two employers unexpectedly connected last week in a goodwill effort to package thousands of pounds of food for the underprivileged. Props to Teamster 853 members from RNDC Liquors and their employer for giving members a paid day to go to another Teamster 853 company, Second Harvest. There, they worked their day […]
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