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 […]
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 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. […]
Read MoreTeamsters 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 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 […]
Read MoreTeamster 853 Business Agents and union officials fly to Virginia to show our support for the Teamster’s effort to organize Costco locations nationwide
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, […]
Read MoreJune Membership meeting change Notice
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.
Read MoreMV 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 […]
Read MoreRey Polhen from S. Martinelli
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 […]
Read MoreLocal 853 hosts CTWI fundraiser – keeping Union Labor involved in our major Bay Area Projects
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 […]
Read MoreTeamsters Hispanic Caucus Scholarships Available – Deadline July 26th
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 […]
Read MoreStewards and Members Lead the way in SF City and County Bargaining
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 […]
Read MoreIt 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 […]
Read MoreGolden Brands Sacramento Overwhelmingly Ratifies Contract at 92%
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 […]
Read MoreDouglas 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 […]
Read MoreCalifornia 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
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 […]
Read MoreYellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – April 19th, 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 MoreTEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL 7 Harry Polland/Robert Morales Scholarships Available
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 […]
Read MoreFive Teamster Business Agents are sworn in as Alameda Labor Council Delegates
Teamster Local 853 would like to recognize five Business Agents, Gloria Segura, James Long, David Crawford, Ralph Campos, and Jonathan Pinney, for being sworn in as Alameda Labor Council delegates. These Business Agents will be responsible for advocating for the betterment of our members in the general Alameda Labor community. They take the concerns of […]
Read MoreUnited States Department of Labor Secretary, Julie Su, meets with Gillig and Teamsters 853 members – lauds positive partnerships between Union and company
In a visit to GILLIG this week, Labor Secretary Julie Su’s organization tweeted, “Our clean energy transition needs strong partnerships, including between workers and management. Happy to meet with GILLIG to see their facility creating zero-emission buses, talk about their labor-management partnership, and see the benefits of employing unionized workers.” The Biden Administration is focused […]
Read MoreBimbo bakery drivers show up in force for proposal meeting on Saturday.
Bimbo bakery drivers showed up in force for their proposal meeting this past Saturday. It was a good meeting that covered a wide range of topics, including Health and welfare, pension, pay, increases in sick days, company discipline, and the company not paying employees on time. Special thank you to Stewards Carlos from San Leandro […]
Read MoreLets do this right Now
Today is your day. Your ballot should have arrived by now at your house. There is a reason why so many truck drivers in our Country are in a union, because they know its life changing for the better. So no matter how much attention, and begging. and insincere letters they send you now that […]
Read MoreKick-off meeting at Driscoll’s – discussion around pension, health care, and the upcoming ratification vote
Teamsters 853 held a kickoff meeting this week with Bill Quinteros who presented pension benefits along with Teamster 853 President Steven Lua who reviewed heath care benefits. Driscolls contract negotiations will be finished in the next couple of weeks. Members at Driscolls will then be voting soon thereafter on whether or not to accept the […]
Read MoreTeamsters 853 knows what is fair and what is not because we represent The four largest companies in the food service industry! They all get better pay, benefits, and job protection than non-union employees.
The reason why the company will never pay you what you are worth without the Union is because they can divide you one at a time, and you will never know how much you left on the table. And you have no leverage if you don’t act as one group. But we do. The Teamsters […]
Read MoreGive it a Rest US Foods
US Foods Drivers in Tracy The Union has a heart. It is not like the mindless corporations we battle, whose only goal is to maximize profit at your expense. They want you to squabble about outdated penny fees and unlikely strikes so you don’t hear this:– Union employees get paid better, period!– Union employees get […]
Read MoreTeamster 853 Members at Alhambra Water Engage in Practice Picketing after voting unanimously to authorize a strike
Members at Alhambra Water voted unanimously to authorize a strike and engaged in practice picketing yesterday morning at four Bay Area locations. Progress of negotiations has been very slow with Alhambra and there have been several key areas that Alhamabra is refusing to recognize. The members are being paid below the industry standard for the […]
Read MoreTeamsters Reyes Coca-Cola Ratifies new contract and operations changes by an overwhelming 93% YES Vote
This past Saturday, Teamsters Locals 70, 315, 896, and 853 voted by a margin of 370-29 to ratify a new contract and an extensive change of operations agreement. This was a long and complex contract that incorporated many moving parts, including the restructuring of territories in the Bay Area. Shout out to our Coca-Cola stewards, […]
Read MorePFG Success – Performance Food Group drivers Ratify unbelievable contract at 100% YES
This past Saturday, 80 Performance Food Group drivers in Gilroy assembled at the company to vote their first contract. It was a tremendous success as the members voted 100% YES in unity. This has been a year-long effort made by the IBT, Tom Erickson, and Teamsters Local 630, all of whom graciously sent videos and […]
Read MoreSkilled union workers from Teamsters Local 853 delivered the first sustainable, low-emission vehicle fleet to ABQ RIDE in New Mexico.
GILLIG, America’s premier heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer, built by skilled unionized workers represented by Teamsters Local 853, proudly announces the delivery of the first batch of 35 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ABQ RIDE in Albuquerque, with plans for an additional 18 buses later in 2024. This milestone highlights the collaboration between GILLIG and […]
Read MoreTeamster 853 members at Prudential Overall Supply meet to discuss their new contract proposal.
This past Saturday, members from Prudential Overall Supply had a proposal meeting to discuss their upcoming new contract. Stick together, listen to your committee, and get that good contract. Shout out to shop steward Duke Sevilla for all you do for your members every day.
Read MoreTEAMSTERS ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE CA 2024 PRIMARY – MARCH 5TH
Sisters and Brothers, One of the most powerful tools we have for gaining strong contracts against greedy corporations is our numbers at the ballot box. To protect the hard-earned gains in our contracts, it is critical that we elect politicians who share our values. Electing officials who have our backs will ensure companies will not […]
Read MoreUS FOODS TRACY – Signup Cards and new videos from drivers
US FOODS Tracy, We are crushing it right now and want to go out on a grand slam. If you know anyone left that you work with who has not signed a Union card, please forward this web page to them and ask them to sign it by clicking below and filling out the form. […]
Read MoreUS 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!
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