What Happened Around the Local

SP+ Parking Driver Foster Frimpong Sent Back to Work with full Backpay:

September 9, 2025

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.

August 29, 2025

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

August 22, 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

August 21, 2025

👉 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

August 19, 2025

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

August 16, 2025

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

July 27, 2025

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

July 1, 2025

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

June 30, 2025

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

June 19, 2025

When you hear that DRIVE is stopping by your workplace, take notice. Last week Beatriz with DRIVE was at S Martinelli & Company, talking […]

Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Office Steve Beck Speaks in Arizona on the importance of the BreakThru Liquor Strike

June 19, 2025

Teamsters Local 853 Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Office Steve Beck was in Arizona speaking to Teamsters Local 104 on the importance of extending the Breakthru […]

Douglas Parking in Stanford ready to start negotiations

June 18, 2025

Teamsters Local 853 members from Douglas Parking in Stanford met today for a proposal meeting and selection of a negotiating committee. The negotiating committee […]

MV Transportation lays groundwork for strong success in their transition to TransDev

June 12, 2025

MV transportation members met to discuss their upcoming transition to Transdev. This group is excited to move to a new company and contract, where […]

50 Years plus of experiece between two leaders inspires confidence to move aggressively forward

June 3, 2025

Meet Chief Stewards Tayde Rodriguez and Tony Montano at MV Transportation. Together, they have over 50 years of combined experience in the Paratransit industry. […]

Another fun time at the JC7 annual ball game

May 28, 2025

The 2025 JC7 Ballgame was another success this year. A 100% ticket sellout event. It was a perfect day, blue skys and great temperatures. […]

Matagrano Votes Overwhelmingly to Ratify New 4-Year Contract

May 28, 2025

Congratulations to all of the members at Matagrano, a family-owned distributor of Anheuser-Busch products. This group of 220 Teamster 853 members secured the best […]

California Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Scholarships Available

May 15, 2025

CALIFORNIA TEAMSTERS HISPANIC CAUCUS WILL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS TO … Deserving High School Seniors Graduating this year, Who are:  A Daughter or Son of an active […]

Business Agent training focuses on involving more and more members to strengthen our Union

May 6, 2025

Teamsters Local 853 held a mandatory half-day training for all Business Agents. A shout out to IBT Strategic Campaign Coordinator and Teamster 853 Member, […]

The final chapter closes on ULP charges against Premier Recycling

May 6, 2025

When an organized group wins a ruling of Unfair Labor Practices(ULP) as the members at Premier Recycling did, by federal law, the company must […]

Ferguson HVAC Teamsters ratify contract at 100%

April 25, 2025

The members at Ferguson HVAC had something to celebrate last week as they finished contract negotiations with significant wage increases, significant pension increases, better […]

Teamsters Local 853 welcomes Center for Community Advocacy to our Teamster 853 Family

April 24, 2025

One of the incredible things about Teamsters Local 853 is its diversity. We have over 300 different companies that we contract with. There are […]

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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Five Teamster Business Agents are sworn in as Alameda Labor Council Delegates

April 9, 2024

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 […]

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United States Department of Labor Secretary, Julie Su, meets with Gillig and Teamsters 853 members – lauds positive partnerships between Union and company

April 6, 2024

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 […]

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Bimbo bakery drivers show up in force for proposal meeting on Saturday.

April 1, 2024

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 […]

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Lets do this right Now

March 30, 2024

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 […]

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Kick-off meeting at Driscoll’s – discussion around pension, health care, and the upcoming ratification vote

March 29, 2024

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 […]

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Teamsters 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.

March 22, 2024

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 […]

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Give it a Rest US Foods

March 21, 2024

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 […]

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Teamster 853 Members at Alhambra Water Engage in Practice Picketing after voting unanimously to authorize a strike

March 20, 2024

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 […]

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Teamsters Reyes Coca-Cola Ratifies new contract and operations changes by an overwhelming 93% YES Vote

March 13, 2024

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, […]

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PFG Success – Performance Food Group drivers Ratify unbelievable contract at 100% YES

March 11, 2024

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 […]

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Skilled union workers from Teamsters Local 853 delivered the first sustainable, low-emission vehicle fleet to ABQ RIDE in New Mexico.

March 6, 2024

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 […]

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Teamster 853 members at Prudential Overall Supply meet to discuss their new contract proposal.

March 4, 2024

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.

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TEAMSTERS ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE CA 2024 PRIMARY – MARCH 5TH

March 1, 2024

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 […]

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US FOODS TRACY – Signup Cards and new videos from drivers

February 26, 2024

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. […]

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US Foods Livermore Negotiating Updates

February 23, 2024

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, […]

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S. Martinelli & Co. Step Up above and beyond for their fellow workers and a ratifies 3-year contract with 91% approval.

February 19, 2024

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 […]

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Del Mar Foods ratified their new 3 year agreement today with an approval of 98%.

February 19, 2024

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 […]

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The 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.

February 16, 2024

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 […]

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After 59 years in business, Bottomley will close its doors on Friday, most Teamsters to Move over to Matagrano.

February 15, 2024

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 […]

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Teamsters Local 853 Secretary-Treasurer And National IBT Liquor Representative Steve Beck leads discussions on Organizing and politics in the liquor industry.

February 7, 2024

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 […]

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February Member Meeting is Thursday, February 8th

February 5, 2024

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

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Teamsters 853 Stewards at Coca-Cola Have a Full Plate with territory restructuring and Contract Expiration this summer.

February 3, 2024

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 […]

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Gatorade contract is stronger because of a strong relationship between the company and our members.

January 31, 2024

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 […]

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Bimbo Bakery Teamsters Ratify Excellent Contract

January 29, 2024

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, […]

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Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update

January 26, 2024

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

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Teamsters Lead the Way in City & County of San Francisco Negotiations

January 19, 2024

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. […]

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Teamster 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.

January 17, 2024

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 […]

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Teamsters 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.

January 16, 2024

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 […]

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US Foods, Welcome to Teamsters Local 853

January 11, 2024

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 […]

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Gillig Members Fill the House to Capacity and Ratify Historic Contract.

January 8, 2024

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 […]

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It’s Official! US Foods Drivers Vote “Union Yes” and Join Teamsters Local 853

January 5, 2024

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 […]

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Thank you to each and every Teamster 853 member who came out, supported, or participated in some way – You made 2023 a huge success.

December 27, 2023

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 […]

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Teamsters 853 Members for Oakland Zoo

It’s Official: Oakland Zoo Keepers are Teamsters!

December 23, 2023

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 […]

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uS Foods Survey

December 21, 2023

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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US Foods Lies

December 19, 2023

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 […]

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US Foods – How To Cast Your Vote – The Dos and Don’ts

December 13, 2023

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 […]

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December Monthly Member Meeting

December 13, 2023

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

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Teamsters Local 853 Representatives Attend This Year’s COPE Convention to Ensure Working People’s Voices Are Heard

December 12, 2023

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 […]

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Oakland Zoo Teamsters Ink First Union Contract

December 11, 2023

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 […]

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DHL Members at Teamsters 853 Are Standing With CVG DHL – Do What You Have to Get the Contract You Deserve!

December 6, 2023

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 […]

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US Foods Drivers Meetings

December 5, 2023

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 […]

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Labor Solidarity Carries the Day, Strike Averted at San Francisco Unified School District.

December 5, 2023

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 […]

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Teamsters 853 website now in Spanish

November 28, 2023

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 […]

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This Week Three Teamster 853 Executive Board Members were sworn in to sit on the South Bay Labor Council.

November 21, 2023

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 […]

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400+ 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.

November 20, 2023

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 […]

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853 Members at Zenith American voted unanimously 51-0 to reject Zenith’s last best and final offer

November 16, 2023

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 […]

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