Special podcast: Taylor on UPS Teamsters on the front lines
Apr. 1, 2020 Listen to this special edition of Teamster Nation Podcast focused on the UPS Teamsters who are on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic: General President Jim Hoffa provides an overview of work of the Union on behalf of the entire membership; UPS Package Division Director Denis Taylor on the current issues facing front-line UPS delivery workers; and Lamont Byrd from the Safety & Health Dept. on what his department is doing to support UPS members, including an update on the impact of government decisions (such as the FMCSA hours-of-service waiver) on members. In addition, advisories and industry-specific fact sheets that keep you up-to-date on legislative policy developments around the COVID-19 pandemic continue to become available for download. Read the latest Unemployment and Paid Sick & Family Leave Protections.
Carhaul Division update from Director Kevin Moore
Apr. 2, 2020 | The Carhaul Division was one of the first divisions impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with the announcement by the Big Three OEM’s & Honda (General Motors, Ford and Fiat/Chrysler). On Wednesday, March 18, 2020 an announcement was made that they would idle production until at least March 30, 2020. The remaining automotive manufacturers, Nissan, Subaru, Volvo, Toyota, Mercedes, and BMW have also idled North American plants and European production…Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the loss of approximately 3,700 jobs or about 60 percent of the Teamster-represented industry and that number will dramatically increase as the distribution system empties out next week… Read the full update here.
Update for members in Package and Feeder Delivery operations
Apr. 2, 2020 | The IBT Safety & Health Department has issued this operations fact sheet that includes guidance for package, feeder and inside operations employees. Because the coronavirus pandemic is proving to be a rapidly evolving situation, this and other fact sheets will be updated as more information becomes available. Be sure to check the end of the fact sheet for the most up-to-date information.
Reminder! When your doctor isn’t available, there’s Teladoc
Apr. 6, 2020 | When you can’t reach your doctor, Teladoc provides you with the care you need. So if you are a member of the 355 Health & Welfare Fund Plan and you (or your eligible plan dependent) needs care right now, rather than heading out to the ER or an urgent care center, you can receive immediate quality care via a simple phone call, or have a video consult via your smartphone or computer. Haven’t signed up yet? Call our Teladoc representative, Hank Christiansen at 774-200-1840, or email him: hchristiansen@caDRplus.com.
Guidelines: The Union’s role in workplace preparation
Apr. 7, 2020 | Under the law, it is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace. The union’s role is to make sure the employer takes action. The Teamsters Safety & Health Department issued this updated fact sheet (PDF) outlining some actions that the Union can take to help make your employer ready.
Teamster Nation Podcast: Get the latest health & safety tips for those on the job
Apr. 8, 2020 | Listen to the latest special edition of the Teamster Nation Podcast, and hear the latest health and safety tips for those on the job. You’ll also learn the latest on Capitol Hill legislative action, news from the union’s Industrial Trades and Airline divisions, and inside the daily work of a New Jersey sanitation worker.
New Teamster S&H fact sheet available for law enforcement members
Apr. 9, 2020 | As COVID-19 continues to spread, employers and employees should know about laws and recommendations that govern COVID-19 in the workplace. The Teamsters Safety & Health Department’s Law Enforcement Coronavirus Fact Sheet provides vital safety information for essential employees.
Teamsters Public Services to host a town hall webinar for members
Apr. 9, 2020 | The Teamsters will be hosting a town hall webinar event for members of the Public Services Division on Thursday, April 9 at 5:00 p.m. (EST). The event will feature General President James P. Hoffa, Public Services Division Director Jason Rabinowitz, and the Teamsters Safety and Health Department. Click here to register in advance for the webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Today is the application deadline for the Hoffa Memorial Scholarship
Apr. 14, 2020 | Due to the national emergency, the deadline for applications for the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund was extended to April 14, today. Click the Fund’s website for detailed instructions on submitting your application.
COVID-19 outbreak resources for members
Apr. 15, 2020 | We’ve compiled a list of helpful resource links to various coronavirus guidelines, and Federal and State agencies for our members residing in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. The list will be updated as necessary. Click the COVID-19 Outbreak Resources for Members box on the right. For industry-related information click the Teamster COVID-19 News and Fact Sheets.
Teamsters, DHL reach agreement to help minimize layoffs
Apr. 15, 2020 | The Teamsters and DHL have reached an agreement to ease vacation-use rules aimed at reducing any potential layoffs. The Letter of Understanding between the Teamsters DHL National Negotiating Committee and DHL Express relaxes rules pertaining to vacation use if shipping volumes drop…Teamsters
Teamster Nation Podcast: Episode 190 - Coronavirus Update #5
Apr. 15, 2020 | Listen to the latest special edition of the Teamster Nation Podcast, and hear an update from the union’s Rail Conference and Motion Picture and Theatrical Trade Division, as well as the Organizing Department. Plus, what it’s like to work inside a grocery warehouse in the age of COVID-19.
Teamsters fight for protection, economic relief for its members
Apr. 16, 2020 | More than a month into the nationwide fight to combat the coronavirus, the Teamsters are using their legislative lobbying power to protect workers from both illness and economic distress. The union’s Department of Political and Legislative Action has been active in letting lawmakers know about the needs of members, be it for personal protective equipment (PPE), expanded unemployment benefits or direct stimulus checks many are receiving right now… Teamsters
IBT memo regarding YRCW benefit contribution delays
Apr. 17, 2020 | The following is from Ernie Soehl, Director of the National Freight Division: “…Unfortunately, all of the YRCW companies have experienced a sharp decline in volumes over the past few weeks in light of the closure of many of its customers’ operations and the general economic downturn. We also have a number of members on layoff. Nevertheless, the Company has confirmed that it is paying the contractual wage increase that was due April 1 under the YRCW National Master Freight Agreement…Read the entire memo here.
Hertz furloughs continue
Apr. 17, 2020 | It is being reported that Hertz is seeking government aid through the coronavirus bailout package to avoid bankruptcy. Hertz employs Teamsters at locations around the country [including Local 355 members at BWI]. The company has already reduced the workforce to 10 percent, including management. “Teamsters are in discussion with our local unions and the company about furloughs and extensions of benefits for our members…” Continue reading at Teamsters
Helpful tips for members & stewards posted every week
Apr. 20, 2020 | Do you know what a contract campaign is? Do you know why it's important to file a grievance in a timely manner? Are you aware that besides what is in your contract, your workplace may have its own unwritten rules? Every Monday we provide answers to those questions and quick tips to help you learn more about the Local Union and your role in it. Available under Members, Weekly Tip for Members. Stewards, how do you deal with the Critic? Do you know what your steward rights are? When past practice is relevant? Worried about confidentiality issues? The Weekly Stewards' Tip help make your role as steward a bit easier. Available under Shop Stewards, Weekly Tip for Stewards. (Note: If you've forgotten your password, email teamstersjc62@gmail.com for assistance.)
Hoffa: New workplace safety bill would provide COVID-19 protection
Apr. 22, 2020 | Legislation was introduced yesterday that would require the OSHA to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard that establishes a legal obligation for all workplaces to implement infectious disease exposure control plans to keep workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic. General President Jim Hoffa said in a statement: “More than a million essential Teamster workers are going to work each day during this COVID-19 pandemic… These hardworking Americans, and many others like them, are putting their lives on the line for us. The very least our elected officials can do id to ensure that employers are doing all they can to protect these workers. But right now, that isn’t happening. That’s why it is important for Congress to act to quickly change it.” Full text of Hoffa’s statement here.
Survey reveals worker concerns with PPE, lack of info from management
Apr. 23, 2020 | Amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has spread and intensified across the United States in the last few weeks, hospital workers say that they are still being forced to ration protective gear and it is hard to get vital information about the workplace from their employers. In a new survey by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents more than 50,000 doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other health care workers nationwide, nearly half of the respondents said … Teamsters
Status Update: Health and Welfare and Pension Fund contribution delays
Apr. 24, 2020 | Various news outlets have reported that TNFINC itself has granted a grace period to the YRCW companies to make their Health, Welfare and Pension contribution payments that are due this month and perhaps over the next few months. That is not accurate. TNFINC was/is not in a position to agree on behalf of the various funds. Rather, what has occurred is... Continue reading here
A message from Graphics Communications Conference President Kurt Freeman
Apr. 27, 2020 | The COVID-19 crisis is presenting our union with many challenges. But, it is also showing us how our members and union companies have innovative ideas. The GCC/IBT has numerous companies that have retooled their operations and are now producing face masks and other PPE… Continue reading here
Workers’ Memorial Day: Mourn for the dead, fight for the living
Apr. 28, 2020 | The Teamsters Union, and trade unionists around the world, recognize April 28 as Workers' Memorial Day — an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured or made ill by their work. Workers' Memorial Day is an opportunity to highlight the preventable nature of most workplace injuries and illnesses, and to promote the fight for improving health and safety at each and every workplace. To help mark this important day, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) is providing the following resources to help with the planning of activities at local unions and workplaces… Continue reading here
Remembering the fallen: A message from General President Hoffa
Apr. 28, 2020 | Today, April 28, is Workers’ Memorial Day, a day to remember workers killed or injured on the job and to fight for strong safety and health provisions for all workers. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, this day takes on an even deeper meaning. We have had reports of rank-and-file Teamsters who have been infected, and some who have died, from COVID-19. We are in the midst of a national emergency and essential workers—many of them Teamsters—are putting their own health on the line to keep the rest of us safe, healthy and fed. Before COVID-19, an average of 14 workers died each day of workplace injuries. The most recent data available tells us… Teamsters
Postponed: Drawing for Local 355 Scholarship Awards
Apr. 28, 2020 | The 2020 Local Union Scholarship drawing was scheduled to be drawn at our Sunday, May 3 meeting in Baltimore. Local 355 is adhering to social-distancing restrictions required by the CDC and State of Maryland so the meeting is canceled and the drawing will be delayed. Applications will continue to be accepted. Please click here for additional information.
Teamsters call for enforceable worker protections and testing following EO requiring meatpacking plants to remain open
Apr. 30, 2020 | In response to the executive order issued this week mandating meatpacking plants remain open during the COVID-19 crisis, the Teamsters Union called on the administration and federal, state, and local regulators today to enforce worker protections and increase testing on the job for food supply chain workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the food supply chain in the United States to significant uncertainties and vulnerabilities. The Teamsters Union is calling on the administration to immediately enact enforceable safety standards, compel all employers to provide the highest level of protective equipment, ensure daily testing is available for workers and their communities, enforce physical distancing at all plants, provide emergency premium pay, and mandate full paid sick leave for any workers who are infected… Read the full press release here
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