What Happened Around the Local

Undivided, undeterred, and stronger than ever, Teamsters Local 853 celebrates our members’ unity

November 5, 2025

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

October 28, 2025

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

October 28, 2025

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

October 26, 2025

🔥🔥 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

October 17, 2025

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

October 14, 2025

SYSCO Foods Teamsters were out in force on an early Monday morning at 3 AM at SYSCO Foods to show their solidarity as they […]

Yellow Freight Bankruptcy Update – OCT 8th, 2025

October 13, 2025

Member Appreciation Days to be Held Novermber 1st and 2nd

October 7, 2025

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

October 7, 2025

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

September 26, 2025

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:

September 17, 2025

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:

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 […]

PFG Livermore and Dropyards in Ceres, Sacramento, Fresno and Redding get a Boost from Gena Tatupu and Teamsters 630 Staff in LA and the IBT who know what this fight is worth

June 30, 2023

Big shout out to Gena Tatupu, PFG Supervisor from Livermore, who was wrongfully terminated during this union drive. Gena continues to fight for all the PFG workers in Livermore because she knows it’s the right thing to do. She was accompanied by Masiel Garcia (Local 630), Jr Navarro (Local 630), from Teamsters Local 630 representing […]

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Shout Out to those Working on the UPS Practice Strike Next Week

June 29, 2023

Shop Steward Alex Woolner, out of Sunnyvale, is hustling hard for all his UPS Sisters and Brothers. “A big shout out and thank you to Alex and UPS’ers like him who are putting in the time to make a better life for all of the UPS 853 Teamsters.” Said UPS Business Agent, David Crawford

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Second Harvest 853 Members Start Preparing for Negotions early to maximize their negotiating opportunity

June 27, 2023

Last Sunday, Second Harvest Food Bank members met to review current issues and potential strategies prior to starting up negotiations next year. “Preparation is the key to building our unity, and how we get a solid agreement.” Said James Long, Teamsters 853 Business Agent. “Second Harvest members are going to be ready to maximize their […]

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Graniterock and Las Animas voted unanimously to ratify new contract

June 27, 2023

Graniterock and Las Animas Concrete voted unanimously to ratify a new contract. The new offer provided a 40 percent economic increase over the term as well as full maintenance of benefits and guaranteed OT on Saturdays. Members stuck together and got it done, and now they reap the rewards of solidarity. Pictured are also members […]

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PFG Livermore, Just 4 days to go for a better future, see how PFG Gilroy is Paving their Future

June 26, 2023

Stewards – Oscar and Greg are starting negotiations with PFG Gilroy – PFG Gilroy members’ future is simply going to be better!! Wages, Health Care, 401K Pension, safe and fair working conditions….its all on the table now!! PFG Livermore When speaking to your employer or their union busters, here are the questions they don’t want […]

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Statewide Liquor Committee representing Joint Councils 42 and 7 and over 20 Teamster Locals in California Kicks off Negotiations

June 26, 2023

Liquor Committee Chairmen Steve Beck and Mike Pharris kicked off the opening meeting of the Statewide Liquor Committee to begin negotiations to secure a good contract for over 1000 Teamster members who work in the liquor division. Over 20 Teamster locals participate on behalf of these members in California. They continue to lead the industry […]

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ABF Freight Votes Unanimously to Ratify Contract – National Vote Results Expected by June 30th

June 23, 2023

ABF Freight Teamsters 853 members voted unanimously to ratify their contract, which included significant wage increases over the term of the agreement, two additional sick days, and two additional floating holidays. They also removed the cap to any cost of living increases based on the Bay Area CPI. The ABF contract is a national contract, […]

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S. Martinelli and Company Negotiating Committee getting ready for the fight In Upcoming Negotiations

June 20, 2023

S. Martinelli and Company Teamsters started early on their negotiation preparation. Their contract expires in February. The members of this Committee represent every department in the company. And the seniority is from 3 to 34 years.  More time to prepare means better negotiations and a better contract. And this team is going to the mat […]

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UPS Norcal Negotiation Update for June

June 19, 2023

The NorCal committee’s last bargaining session with the Company was on June 6th. The company remains unwilling to bargain over individual proposals and has maintained their position that the only way to get a potential tentative agreement is if the Union will accept the company’s current package deal. There are very few items currently on […]

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President of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors Nate MIley Attends Oakland Zoo Teamster Meeting in support of Upcoming Contract

June 16, 2023

Teamsters Local 853 represents zoo keepers at the Oakland Zoo. These professionals are negotiating a first-time agreement with the venerable Oakland institution. President of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors Nate Miley stopped by a recent meeting of the members to learn about their jobs and voice his support for Oakland Zoo Teamster Zoo Keepers! […]

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Performance Food Group Livermore – Take it from those PFG Members who know – stick together, Hold the line and Your lives will change for the better!

June 15, 2023

PFG Gilroy Members Who Just Voted To Unionize Have a Message for PFG in Livermore. PFG members from Teamsters Local 863 in New Jersey have a message for PFG Livermore. Soldier on and keep up the fight. Don’t believe these Union Busters; they will tell you anything they need to in an attempt to divide […]

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UPS 853 Teamsters come together and get important vote done on very short notice

June 12, 2023

UPS 853 Members got thrown a curve ball last week Wednesday. The IBT needed a national bargaining chip right away as negotiations continued between the Teamsters and UPS for the master contract, which will define the UPS work agreement for the next five years. In less than three(3) days, the Local and members had to […]

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UPS Strike Authorization Vote NOTICE

June 7, 2023

 ATTENTION!! UPS TEAMSTER 853 MEMBERS PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT A VOTE IS SCHEDULED FOR: DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 9th, 2023 TIMES: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM PLACE: TEAMSTERS LOCAL 853 – SOUTH BAY 1452 N. FOURTH STREET SAN JOSE, CA 95112 The Union is recommending a YES vote.Please be prepared to provide a photo id to […]

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An ask from Teamsters 853 Leadership. Every penny helps these Amazon Members. Do not be embarrassed to donate as little as $1. It helps.

May 31, 2023

Sisters and Brothers, Members in Southern California have been fighting with Amazon to bargain, and as most anti-union companies do, they are stalling to negotiate a contract. They have used every tactic possible, and these members refused to budge. They need our help. Please donate to support these members who are taking on a more significant fight […]

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40+ year Teamster Randy Nave retires from Gillig

May 30, 2023

Congratulations to Randy Nave, Teamster 853 member at Gillig, who retired last week. Randy had over 40 years as a Teamster!! Here are a few snapshots at the Barbecue that Gillig threw for him on a beautiful day outside the plant. “Randy has had a wonderful career and is due his ride into the sunset.” […]

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The Teamsters at Pleasanton Ready Mix voted unanimously for a 4-year contract extension.

May 26, 2023
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Teamsters Local 853 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Work with Washington Legislators to protect 500 Teamster 853 Members at Gillig Bus

May 26, 2023

Teamsters 853 members at Gillig bus manufacturing got a big boost from Local 853 and International Brotherhood of Teamsters general president Sean O’Brien last week. In 2020 legislation called the Transit Infrastructure Vehicle Security Funds Act was created. This bill was created and passed to prevent federal dollars from being allocated to foreign, state-supported, companies […]

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MV San Leandro Members Voted Unanimously to Reject Current Proposal

May 25, 2023

MV San Leandro met on Sat the 13th at the Union Hall, where members UNANIMOUSLY rejected company offer due to proposed takeaways. 

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Teamster 853 Tech Shuttle Bus Drivers for META, APPLE, AMAZON, AND TESLA Send Strong, Unified Message, No

May 24, 2023

On May 21st, over two hundred Tech Shuttle Bus drivers who perform work on Meta, Apple, Amazon, and Tesla voiced their frustrations loud and clear and voted unanimously to turn down their offer. “They want a contract that will provide a livable wage.” Said Teamster 853 Business Agent Stacy Murphy. “The Union has been in […]

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Amports Members At the General Motors Compound in Benicia are ready to enter bargaining with employer as CBA expiration nears!

May 24, 2023
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These Teamster Privileges are Available to All Active Teamsters

May 23, 2023

Teamster Privileges offers members-only savings on everything from renting a car to sending a bouquet of flowers. Teamster members can save money by taking advantage of the everyday savings benefits! Go to www.Teamsters.org/benefits

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Douglas Parking, Oakland, Teamsters Members 853 Contract

Douglas Parking in Jack London Square, Oakland, Unanimously Ratify 3-Year Contract.

May 20, 2023

Local 853 members at Douglas Parking in Jack London Square Oakland unanimously ratified a new three year agreement. “The contract includes solid wage increases, improvements in health and welfare, additional holidays, widening of the bargaining unit, and enhanced retirement security,” said Business Agent and Recording Secretary Mike Henneberry. “Douglas JLS Local 853 members get the […]

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This Sunnyvale UPS Driver knew his rights, fought back, and got his job back.

May 19, 2023

When UPS management tried to deny his reinstatement, Nathanael Naranjo, a UPS Driver at Sunnyvale, did something about it. Nathanael was taken off the job because of some educational compliance issues he was required to complete. And when he finished those requirements, he was eager to get back to work. But when he came back, […]

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Peter Ortiz, Domingo Candelas, Omar Torres

San Jose Members – Council Members Back Premier Recycling Teamsters 853 Members

May 19, 2023

We cannot do it alone. Cities and towns that support unions aren’t simply willed into being. Working and living in a city that supports unions is the result of vocal members of the community and body politic. We, as Teamsters 853 members, have to be aware of the politics in our cities and towns and […]

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UPS NorCal Contract Negotiations Update for May 13th

May 13, 2023

The NorCal Committee met this week in Oakland California and concluded the seventh week of supplemental negotiations. The 15 locals covering a geographic area from as far south as Bakersfield California, up north to Eureka California, and spanning east to west from the Bay Area to the far reaches of Northern Nevada. We collectively represent […]

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Premier Recycle Members on Strike

May 10, 2023

Can you spare time to show up and support your fellow members on their strike? After voting to unionize a year ago, Premier Recycle drivers’ negotiations have been met with stall tactics, their safety and grievance concerns remain ignored, there is unwarranted surveillance, and a general environment of hostility to these drivers. So today, they […]

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Teamsters Local 853 Monthly Member Meeting For MAY

May 8, 2023

Sisters and Brothers, Our monthly member meeting for May is this Thursday, May 11th. 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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Greif in Morgan Hill Ratifies New Contract with best Pay Raise they have Ever Seen

May 5, 2023

Greif in Morgan Hill ratified a very strong new three-year contract with the best pay raises they have ever seen. “We pushed negotiations to the limit; the committee stood strong with a wealth of knowledge.” Said Vice-President Ray Torres.“These members received the highest wage increase they’ve ever seen, maintained their Health & Wellfare, and new […]

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The Graphic Arts Industry Joint Pension Trust Fund office is moving to their permanent location.

May 5, 2023

Effective May 6, 2023 the new location and contact information is: 3040 Williams Dr., Ste. 640 Fairfax, VA  22031 Phone: 571-800-1860 Fax: 571-520-4167 Email: jpt@gaijpt.org Website: www.gaijpt.org

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In a Hard fought battle, PFG Drivers in Gilroy gave a lot worse then they got and prevailed. They voted to Unionize!!

May 1, 2023

“Performance Food Group didn’t pull any punches against their drivers. They hired union busters, intimidated and threatened drivers, and terminated employees.” Said Ray Torres, Vice President of Teamsters Local 853. “But in the end, these drivers understood the value of sticking together and successfully voted to unionize. We now look forward to getting these drivers […]

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ABF members at Local 853 are ready for the fight! Read the contract update here.

May 1, 2023

The Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee met last week with ABF Freight to continue negotiations for a new national agreement to succeed the ABF NMFA which expires on June 30.Progress was made on a number of supplements. At the national table, the parties discussed significant issues including the union’s objection to any inward facing […]

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Three Premier Recycler members in San Jose who stood up to testify to the San Jose City Council on wage theft.

April 26, 2023

Sisters and Brothers, For the entire time you will be a Teamsters 853 member, you will hear from the leadership to get involved with your union. We throw out slogans like “We are stronger together”, and “Strength in numbers”. But what does it really mean to get involved with the Teamsters 853 union? What can […]

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MV Transporation Half Moon Bay votes and ratified contract, the vote was unanimous to accept!!

April 24, 2023

MV Transporation Half Moon Bay votes and ratified contract, the vote was unanimous to accept!! MV Teamsters, great job sticking together and getting a strong contract!!!

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a great day. After having to be off work the last month during the Pajaro Valley floods, Driscolls Teamsters are back to work.

April 24, 2023

As many of us know, the flooding in the Pajaro Valley has been devastating to the Agriculture business and the workers who support that industry. This past week, Driscolls workers in Watsonville returned to work after being off for a full month due to the floods. Welcome back, Driscolls Sisters and Brothers.

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S. Martinelli & Co Holds First Contract Proposal Meeting

April 24, 2023

A contract proposal meeting for S. Martinelli & Co was held this past weekend. “This is a contract where inflation hit us hard because we had negotiated the previous agreement during Covid.” Said Ralph Campos, Business Agent for Teamsters Local 853. “The members are ready and eager to do what is necessary to achieve a […]

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UPS Members, April 21st Update – Please Sign Up Here for Future Updates

April 21, 2023

Last week General President Sean O’Brien put out a statement that National would not begin to bargain until all supplements are complete. The NorCal committee had the week of April 10th as the 3rd and final week scheduled for negotiations but we have to make this a priority for our members. We met on Monday […]

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DHL in Sunnyvale Rally Big to Support DHL CVG workers in Ohio and Kentucky

April 21, 2023

In a world where Corporations spend huge amounts of money and time to aggressively prevent workers from unionizing, Unions have a secret weapon. The truth. The truth that Unions provide better wages, benefits, working conditions, and safety for workers in just about every industry across the Country. But Unions don’t have the millions to go […]

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Show Up and rally with Teamsters in Sacramento in support of AB 316

April 18, 2023
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UPS NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE – April 14TH

April 17, 2023

UPS Teamsters Sisters and Brothers, The Nor Cal Committee met with the company this week for the third and final round of negotiations prior to the start of National negotiations. The session ended on 4/14/23 with no real movement. The company was given a history lesson on the origin and intent of long-standing language. The […]

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Teamster 853 Members Make Public Statements & Successfully Convince San Jose City Council

April 15, 2023

Teamster 853 members Alex Obeso and Ramon Castillo from Premier Recycle, along with Business Agent Jesse Casqueiro and Vice President Ray Torres, made statements to the San Jose City Council this week. Their statements were made to convince the San Jose City Council to extend wage theft protections to public works projects. They were successful […]

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Teamsters General President Makes Surprise Stop at Teamsters Local 853

April 14, 2023

The staff at Teamsters Local 853 were caught off guard this morning by a surprise visit from Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien, who was in the area for other business and thought to stop by. “He just showed up this morning at the front window,” said Kim Drinkward, Teamsters Bookkeeper, “everyone was surprised and excited […]

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DHL Day of Action for Sisters & Brothers in Cincinnati Ohio/Northern Kentucky

April 13, 2023

Teamsters 853 Sisters and Brothers, Over 1000 workers will soon vote in a union election at DHL Express’ biggest international package hub in the US. DHL Express managers have increased pressure on these workers with repeated acts of intimidation, threats, and retaliation. As their election date draws near, these workers need your support to know […]

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S. Martinelli & Co. New Contract Meeting

April 13, 2023

Sisters and Brothers at S. Martinelli & Co. We have a new contract meeting scheduled on April 23rd to begin preparations for your new contract. Please be sure to attend. Tenemos una nueva reunión de contrato programada para el 23 de abril para comenzar los preparativos para su nuevo contrato. Por favor asegúrese de asistir. […]

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Teamster 853 Leadership Attends the Annual Brewery and Soft Drink Conference in Tampa

April 11, 2023

Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beck was speaking to Teamsters across the country at the annual brewery, bakery, and soft drink conference in Tampa, Florida. Steve spoke at length on the importance of protecting the three-tier system in the liquor industry to preserve good-paying union jobs. He also shared a recent victory under the leadership of Director Jeff […]

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Join our Panel discussion and Organizing workshop based on the Historical Coors Boycott and Strike of 1973

April 9, 2023
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Alliance Graphics Teamsters – 33 Years and counting as the Standard Bearer for Union-Made Graphics, Design & Products

April 4, 2023

Here are the Local 853 members at Alliance Graphics; they are proud union professionals who are also artists. They’ve been designing and producing union-made hats, buttons, t-shirts, decals, coffee cups and a ton of other items at Alliance since 1990. In an industry where the lowest cost often dictates success, these dedicated professionals at Alliance […]

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Golden Brands in SF Ratifies Four(4) Year Contract with a Full Recommendation from the Union Negotiating Committee

April 3, 2023

Teamsters at Golden Brands in San Francisco on Saturday ratified a four-year contract that had the full support of the Union Negotiating Committee. 87 of 117 members in the unit showed up Saturday morning to vote. “I’m extremely proud of these members and want to say special thanks to my STRONG, VOCAL & FOCUSED negotiating […]

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After Decades in South San Francisco,124 Teamsters with Matagrano Beer Move to Hayward

March 31, 2023

Teamsters at Matagrano Beer’s new facility in Hayward. After decades of being in South San Francisco, all 124 Teamsters at Matagrano Beer were asked to report to duty 30 miles away in Haward, CA. There was a mix of reactions from members. For some, the move brought them closer to home, and for others, farther […]

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853 Teamsters from UNFI, Pepsi, UPS, Costco, Recology,RNDC, Grief and many others show up to rally around Performance Food Group Members on their decision to unionize.

March 31, 2023

Our brothers and sisters at PFG, who have taken up the fight to organize, met their Teamster Local 853 Union family yesterday outside their facility. Supporters and members from all over the area, including the Gilroy City Council, South Bay Labor Council, representatives from Assemblymember Robert Rivas’s office, Pepsi, Central, UPS, Costco, Recology, Grief, RNDC, […]

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UNFI Drivers Bust the Union Buster’s Lies Being told at Performance Food Group(PFG)

March 30, 2023

Performance Food Group drivers in Gilroy. Your vote is on April 6th. We understand that your company has hired some professional union busters to come in and create doubt and fear in your minds that a Union will not benefit you. Performance Food Group nationally is extremely anti-Union and will never give you a fair […]

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