Hoffa on Obama's immigration reform proposal
Jan. 30, 2013 | Yesterday President Obama announced his proposal for immigration reform and challenged Congress to act quickly. Teamsters President Jim Hoffa said the the President's plan offers a straightforward approach to a problem that can no longer be ignored. "The President' plan offers a more complete approach to addressing challenges that are at the root of the problem…For the first time, we have a proposal that will hold all parties accountable – undocumented workers, unscrupulous employers and the federal government…" Please read President Hoffa's full statement here.
Call to action! Preserve Social Security, Medicare and education
Jan. 27, 2013 | Teamsters everywhere are needed to step up in this IBT Call to Action: Extremist lawmakers on Capitol Hill are calling for cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and education as ways to reduce the national deficit…Reducing the deficit on the backs of the middle class is just plan wrong. On January 30th, events will be held across the country to send Congress a clear message: No cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and education. Instead of cutting vital programs, Congress needs to make sure that big corporations and the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. Find an event in your area here. If you can't join a direct action, you can send a loud message to Congress by joining our Thunderclap.
Arbitrator: AA County Executive ‘intended to punish the Union’
Jan. 21, 2013 | In a decision issued Jan. 19, 2013, arbitrator Andrew M. Strongin sustained Local 355's grievance against Anne Arundel County for the County's failure to pay its Deputy Sheriffs their pay increases for fiscal year 2010 and awarded all affected employees to be made whole with interest and retroactive to July 1, 2009. Strongin wrote that the County negated its Agreement with the Union "with the apparent intention of punishing the Union in retaliation for its refusal to accede to the County's request for a concession" and "despite it's ability to afford a 3% increase to the Union, if not also 7% provided by the negotiated Agreement, the County intentionally gave the Union nothing." Continue reading…
UPS negotiations recess; will reconvene Jan. 28
Jan. 18, 2013 | Two weeks of negotiations with UPS and UPS Freight wrapped up yesterday in Washington with progress made on both contracts. In UPS Freight negotiations, the committee addressed seniority and work issues as well as protections for medically disqualified drivers. In UPS negotiations, progress was made on 9.5 language, military leave and stewards' rights. More info here.
New contract in place at US Foods
Jan. 14, 2013 | The protracted bargaining under a number of extension agreements with US Foods centered around two important issues that had to be resolved in order to seal the deal: the company needed to agree to return to the correct calculation as defined by our contract of our Health & Welfare benefits and withdraw its proposal that would eliminate our right to strike. The Union prevailed on both issues and members overwhelming ratified the tentative agreement in late December 2012. The 3-year agreement provides significant wage and pension increases retroactive back to March 16, 2012 when the previous contract expired. Look for details in our next newsletter.
Reduce your debt and get your budget in shape
Jan. 14, 2013 | Managing your money and credit doesn't have to be risky business. But conquering debt may be more challenging than ever in today's economy. The good news: union members have access to expert tools and resources to help them cut debt and improve their financial health. The advice is designed and discounted especially for union members. Services include free budgetary analysis, personal budgeting tools and savings tips, and experienced credit counselors available 24/7. Click here for helpful information from Union Plus.
ABF, Teamsters in talks again this week *
Jan. 11, 2013 | Bargaining began Tuesday, and talks are scheduled to run until March. The current contract expires March 31. When the parties met in December, they ended negotiations far apart. Gordon Sweeton, the co-chairman if the Teamsters' National ABF Negotiating Committee said the union is disappointed with ABF's proposals so far. Read more here * Jan. 17 update - "The Company seeks to undo 50 years of bargaining history and completely rewrite the current agreement." Teamsters criticize ABF's stance at negotiations.
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