Undivided, undeterred, and stronger than ever, Teamsters Local 853 celebrates our members’ unity
Strikes, protracted negotiations, unfair labor practices, worker exploitation, union busters, and income inequality: being a Teamsters 853 member means taking a stand and taking […]
Safeway Milk Plant Teamsters Ratify new contract at whopping 95% yes vote – best contract in memory
As some of the senior members at the Safeway Milk Plant stated, “This is the best contract we have ever had”. Teamsters 853 members […]
Student Transportation of America Members Ratify Strong 4-Year Agreement – w/First Time Pension
Student Transportation of America Teamsters have voted to ratify a new four-year contract that delivers meaningful gains in pay, benefits, and protections. Wage increase […]
On the job safety a major issue in SYSCO Negotiations – Strike Deadline Set
🔥🔥 On the job safety a major issue in SYSCO Negotiations – Strike Deadline Set!! Sysco has less than one week left to present […]
All Teamsters 853 members at Safeway Milk Plant – Contract Vote this Sunday
When: Sunday October 19th, 9 AM – 11 AMWhere: Teamsters Local 853 in Oakland7750 Pardee LaneOakland, California 94621Contact Business Agent James Long: (415) 225-4197 […]
SYSCO Foods Teamsters in SF show their readiness to stand united for a better contract
SYSCO Foods Teamsters were out in force on an early Monday morning at 3 AM at SYSCO Foods to show their solidarity as they […]
Member Appreciation Days to be Held Novermber 1st and 2nd
Sisters and Brothers, Don’t miss a chance to make our Local stronger by coming out and meeting other members from our 300 Teamster 853 […]
Recently Organized First Student Bus Drivers hold their first proposal meeting and Appoints Negotiating Committee members
Breaking bread with a new Teamster family. Welcoming new members is a thing to celebrate. What better way to have a first contract proposal […]
Strike vote Approved: 853 Teamsters at SYSCO Foods were ground zero, and opened the door to every major food service company in the Bay Area, now they go to the mat again
SYSCO Foods San Francisco. When no other food service industry drivers or warehouse workers wanted to unionize, these members did. They broke the Union […]
Pass Faster Labor Contracts Act Introduced in Congress with Bipartisan Support and Teamster Leadership:
On September 16th, the Pass Faster Labor Contracts Act was introduced in Congress with bipartisan support. The two main sponsors are Don Norcross (D-NJ) […]
SP+ Parking Driver Foster Frimpong Sent Back to Work with full Backpay:
Foster Frimpong, an SP+ driver and Local 853 member at the rental car center at the Oakland Airport, was recently sent back to work […]
A Bittersweet Day at Teamsters Local 853 – Business Agent Lennie Kuhls Retires After 57 Years.
Business agent Lennie Kuhls is retiring after a whopping 57-year career in Union representation. Lennie began her union career on September 16, 1968, at […]
Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – August 15th, 2025
Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy.
IBT & JC7 Union Organizers Team Up to Deliver a Great Win for Teamsters 853 Bus Drivers at First Student
👉 Last month, Teamsters Local 853 welcomed a new group of 40 bus drivers from a company called First Student out of San Leandro, […]
First Student Votes to Join Teamsters Local 853
In a final vote today, August 19th, this group of 40 drivers from First Student has chosen to join the ranks of Teamsters Local […]
VISTAR Ratified Super First Contract
VISTAR, one of the Teamsters 853’s new groups, which had one of the strongest Union Drives in recent history, has proven that a strong […]
Stonewalled, bad faith, working against their own employees – This is why this new group of Teamsters is on Strike Against Westlake
Every once and a while, a Union sees a group that is so tight, so unified, that they are already acting like a Union, […]
Important Yellow Update – Check Your Mail for Claims Paperwork Filing
On Friday, June 27, former employees of Yellow who filed individual proofs of claim outside of TNFINC’s filing were mailed the attached notice. Each […]
Local 853 Saves Teamsters Jobs at Golf Courses in San Francisco
In a multi-month effort, Local 853, in coordination with the SF Building Trades Council, saved sixty jobs from privatization at San Francisco’s city golf […]
DRIVE Visits Martinellis – an important way you can support Labor in California and the United States
When you hear that DRIVE is stopping by your workplace, take notice. Last week Beatriz with DRIVE was at S Martinelli & Company, talking […]
THESE 177 NEW TEAMSTERS AT US FOODS ARE ON STRIKE, CAN YOU SUPPORT THEM?
Deciding to go on Strike is somewhat like going to war and should never be taken lightly. Every exhaustible position must be tried between the opposing parties before they reach this boiling point. So when these Teamster members were asked, “Have you explored every possible avenue to secure a fair contract?” and they answered “YES,” […]
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Teamsters Local 912, now 853, was the center of the Universe in the 1980s during the Watsonville Strike – watch the Movie, March 8th
Sisters and Brothers, During a time when Ronald Reagan broke the back of the Air Traffic Controllers, Union work and protections was heavily debated. It was during this time that these Teamsters went on Strike for eighteen(18) months as a beacon of solidarity and justice for the workers who make all the money for the […]
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Genesis Logistics Members stand Unified as contract vote comes in at a perfect 100%
Teamsters at Genesis Logistics have just ratified their new three-year contract. These warehouse workers and drivers have the task of keeping all of the Seven-Eleven convenience stores in the Bay Area stocked. The warehouse picks, preps, and loads, and drivers deliver all the goods to stores as far north as Yuba City, east to Sacramento, […]
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What Does the Union Do For Me Anyway?
These are drivers from Mosaic Global Transportation and inter-campus drivers from Meta. Due to the way the corporation has set up its business to maximize profits at workers’ expense, Meta and other companies rehire different driver companies roughly every year. If these members did not have a union contract with language to keep their standing […]
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Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – February 11th, 2025
Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy.
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VISTAR DRIVERS, Welcome to Teamsters Local 853
VISTAR Brothers,My name is Steve Beck, I am the secretary-treasurer and Principal Officer at Teamsters Local 853. I am responsible for leading Teamsters Local 853. Congratulations on the vote you recently took to become a Teamster. I want to welcome you into our Teamster family formally. I have already heard about and witnessed the unity […]
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Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – January 29th, 2025
Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy.
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Teamsters at Bimbo Bakeries, Castroville, in negotiatins for their next contract
Pictured here are just a few of the outstanding Teamsters 853 from Bimbo Bakeries Castroville. Led by Chief Steward Louis, this group is coordinating the charge in their current contract fight. “I am very proud of this group and all of our members at Bimbo. They are refusing to accept anything other than what they […]
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VISTAR Drivers Vote Overwhelmingly to Join Teamsters Local 853
To all Teamster 853 members, Please join us in welcoming our newest members, who just today voted to join our ranks. These 29 drivers at VISTAR voted to join Teamsters Local 853, and were solid from start to finish. We are looking forward to getting them the wages, benefits, and job protections they have earned […]
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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 […]
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Genesis Logistics contract negotiations
Teamsters at Genesis Logistics are hard at work hammering out their new contract. These warehouse workers and drivers have the task of keeping all of the Seven-Eleven convenience stores in the Bay Area stocked. The warehouse picks, preps, and loads, and drivers deliver all the goods to stores as far north as Yuba City, east […]
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Small battle, big win for 853 Members at DHL PAO, Sunnyvale
DHL Steward Darren and Business Agent James Long used a grievance along with a potential Unfair Labor Practice charge for bad faith bargaining to stop DHL Sunnyvale from enacting a semi-annual bid that the members did not agree to! After a review and further back and forth between Local 853 and the company, DHL was required […]
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First Transit Stanford Members Stand Unified in Contract Meeting
First Transit Stanford Members met at the San Jose Hall to discuss the current contract negotiations. We discussed a variety of topics, including wage, pension, and vacation increases. We also had a deep discussion on Strike prep, grievance procedures, and the role of a shop steward. Most pressing was the importance of unity among the rank-and-file […]
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Martin Luther King Jr.: Champion of Labor Unions and Equality for All
853 Sisters and Brothers, On this MLK day, we would like to remind you of the ties between King’s efforts and the success of the Labor Movement in the 50s and 60s. We felt it important we understand the history of a man whose efforts built a foundation that we all now stand on. Labor […]
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Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – January 8th, 2025
Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy.
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Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – December 18th, 2024
Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy.
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A well earned Holiday Gift – Premier Recycling Inks first contract at 100% Ratification
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
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/
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[application] – James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship for 2025
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/
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Teamsters scholarships for 2025 – There is no better time to work on scholarships than the holiday break
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
Yellow Freight Teamsters Members, here is the latest update published by the IBT regarding the bankruptcy.
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Second Harvest members crush new contract. 100% Ratification with significant gains across many areas.
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
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
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 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 […]
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What a weekend it was for Teamsters 853 Members as we celebrated member appreciation in Oakland and San Jose
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
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.
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 […]
Read MoreLux 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 […]
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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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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