When you joined the Teamsters ...

You became part of a very large family of working men and women fighting every day to improve working conditions in your shop and at workplaces across the U.S. and Canada. You will always have the support and strength of your union brothers and sisters, active and retired. Your voice matters. Your vote counts.

The union contract ...

Is a negotiated agreement that governs the terms and conditions under which you work. It covers such rights and benefits as:

• Wage levels and pay increases
• Hours and overtime
• Shift schedules
• Health coverage
• Job security
• Promotions
• Paid time off for vacations and holidays
• Retirement benefits

The contract is negotiated by your coworkers and Teamster leaders. You have the right to make suggestions about what should be in the contract, and to vote on the final agreement.

To win a good contract however, workers have to show management that they are united in support of their negotiating team. And sometimes the support from other unions, community groups, public officials and local citizens is needed to persuade the employer to reach a reasonable agreement.

Your contractual rights and benefits are guaranteed: Management cannot legally change them without negotiating with the union.

If you think management may have violated your rights or have questions and/or problems about work, talk to a Teamster steward. He or she, and other local union leaders, will answer your questions and together help you figure out the best way to solve the problem.

That's the Teamster advantage.