Local 890

Lettuce workers in Yuma gain union contract

Five years of organizing Taylor Farms workers in Yuma, Arizona led to Local 890 filing an election petition in May, which resulted in card check recognition of the union. As of July, the contract in Salinas, California has been extended to cover 300 workers who work processing, packing and shipping salads in Yuma during the winter months. The contract covers pack machine operators (PMOs), mechanics, technicians, shipping department employees, and crew leaders.

"Five years of efforts by IBT organizers and by 890 members who travel from Salinas to Yuma each year have finally borne fruit," said Local 890 President Crescencio Diaz. "I particularly want to thank Manny Valenzuela and IBT Organizing Director Jeff Farmer for their dedication to organizing the unorganized. They stuck with us for the long haul. The IBT organizers worked with us and with the workers every winter to achieve this victory today. Now the 1,100 workers covered by the union contract in Salinas will be joined by over 300 workers in Yuma, earning the same wages and benefits."

Marlon Alaniz, steward for the PMO Department, appreciates the increased benefits he and his fellow members got with the contract. "Now we have seniority and representation in Arizona, just like in California. Those of us who travel will now have job security, as well as increased travel pay, when we go to Yuma in the winter," he said in Spanish.

Local 890 represents almost 5,000 salad processing workers in Salinas, El Centro, and Yuma. Every winter, Local 890 reps travel south to represent the seasonal workers at the various plants.

Local 315

Robbins honored as Contra
Costa labor leader of the year

 

On September 11, the Contra Costa Labor Council named Local 315 Secretary Treasurer Dale Robbins to be Labor Leader of the Year for his outstanding commitment to the labor movement and to the families and communities of Contra Costa County, and for his tireless work to organize new members into the union. Also honored that evening was Save Mart Supermarkets; Phil Tucker, California Healthy Communities Network; and Rick Alcaraz, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 159.

Local 853

Graniterock strike update

The strike and ambulatory picketing against Graniterock and its ruthless and unethical owner, Bruce Woolpert, is now into its third month. Members working for Local 853 ready-mix companies across the Bay Area have stepped up in solidarity to ensure that the local ready-mix industry is protected from this employer, who is trying to undermine years of bargaining fairly for a decent contract.

The Graniterock negotiations reached a stalemate when Woolpert insisted that Local 853 drivers cross picket lines at company locations, even if our sisters and brothers from other Teamster Locals were on strike. Graniterock's position escalated as the company sought to gain an advantage over its competitors whose drivers have a contractual right to respect picket lines. Finally, Graniterock demanded an open shop.

Local 853 refused all of these demands. The strike became necessary to protect all of the readymix drivers in Northern California. Local 853 members have been picketing on a daily basis—at the Redwood City facility as well as at jobsites.

"Our members, most of whom have never had to go on strike over their own contract, realize that it was important to show the employers that we would fight if pushed too far. Graniterock has pushed too far!" says picket captain Doug Radonich.

"I have seen a new solidarity among our readymix members and a realization of the value of our union contract to our livelihood and to our family's security. It is too bad we had to take on this fight, but in many ways, it has been good for us," adds Bode shop steward and picket captain Terry Post.

Local 853 expects to continue the picketing of Graniterock indefinitely. The Local is also planning other actions to bring attention to the company's unfair practices.

Local 856

Flying the Teamster flag at United/SFO

August 21, 2008 was not your average overcast Thursday morning at SFO. No, something historic was taking place, thanks to the Teamsters.

More than 300 United Airlines Teamster members gathered to watch as the Teamsters' flag was raised at the United Maintenance Base. David Bourne, Director of the IBT Airline Division, and Local 986 Business Agent Rich Petrovsky, who, as a 37- year United Airlines mechanic, spearheaded the two-year organizing campaign, hoisted the flag while the crowd c h a n t e d "Teamsters! Teamsters!" The energy was palpable as the members erupted in thunderous cheers when the flag reached the top of the pole. "Everyone who attended sensed that it was a momentous occasion," Bourne said.

Also in attendance was IBT International Vice President Chuck Mack, Local 856 Secretary-Treasurer Joe Lanthier, Local 856 President Julie A. Wall, Local 986 Secretary-Treasurer Chris Griswold and Local 986 Airline Coordinator Clacy Griswold. Bourne read a letter to the members from IBT General President Hoffa, which noted although the Teamster flag has flown many places, including Mount Everest, it rarely flies on company property, emphasizing how distinctive an occasion this was. "The will of these hardworking men and women, and their pride in the union, has accomplished a great many things since they first approached the Teamsters Union a little over two years ago," Hoffa said.

Earlier this year, the IBT successfully organized more than 8,600 United Airline mechanics nationwide. It was one of the largest organizing drives in recent history.

"Raising the Teamsters' flag was an important step for both labor and mana g e m e n t , " Bourne said. "The mechanics' decision to join the Teamsters Union was not only to secure better contracts and working conditions, but also a concern for the general public," Lanthier said.

It's tempting to call this moment a culmination, however, much hard work lies ahead as the airline industry faces tough economic times. As General President Hoffa noted in his letter, the flag reminds members that the Teamsters Union is there for the