Teamster Nation Podcast: Standing united, demanding racial justice
June 3, 2020 | Listen to the latest special edition of the Teamster Nation Podcast and hear how the Teamsters are demanding racial justice in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Plus, get the latest news from the Passenger Transportation Division, and learn about the challenges facing Local 922 transit workers in the nation’s capital. Click here to listen.
Union applauds unveiling of new transportation legislation
June 4, 2020 | The Teamsters are lauding the release of a new House transportation measure today, saying the bill is a win for workers and will enhance roadway safety. It will not only make nearly $500 billion available for road, transit, and rail needs but will also roll back new rules that placed the lives of transportation workers and the traveling public at risk. The INVEST in America Act would suspend changes made to the hours of service (HOS) rules that increase the amount of time truckers could be on the road without a rest break. Read the full statement here.
MDOT MVA will move toward a “phased reopening” Monday, June 8
June 4, 2020 | The Maryland Dept. of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) will reopen select branch offices to customers on a limited basis beginning Monday, June 8. Click here for a list of the branches that will reopen. Customer service will be conducted by appointment only in order to reduce foot traffic and limit the number of customers in branch offices at any one time. Recent system upgrades allow CDL holders with a valid medical certificate and REAL ID documents on file to order a renewal license online here. Additional information about CDL forms here.
Baltimore to ease some restrictions Monday, June 8
June 5, 2020 | Mayor Young announced today that the city is moving into phase one of recovery, with some coronavirus-related restrictions lifted beginning Monday. The three-stage reopening plan varies slightly from state guidelines. (Gov. Hogan said Wednesday the state is moving into the second phase of his three-phase opening plan.) Learn more ... Baltimore Sun
A message from the Public Services Division
June 5, 2020 | In these challenging times, when our members’ lives and livelihood are on the line, and our Union is standing strong to protect worker safety and jobs, communication is crucial to our success. This why the Public Services Division has been working closely with our local unions throughout this unprecedented time, holding biweekly webinars with locals to better address the issues facing all public sector workers during the COVID-19 crisis. We are also communicating regularly with our members through virtual town halls to keep public sector workers informed of all the work the Union is doing to protect workers... Read the full report here.
Reminder! Spring Golf canceled
June 8, 2020 | Regrettably, we've canceled our spring outing scheduled for June 13 at Queenstown Harbor on the Eastern Shore. Because the course is not fully opened, it can't accommodate a tournament with our numbers. Hopefully, we'll get tee time together in the fall. We'll let you know.
Shop stewards: The May/June issue of On The Front Line is now available
June 12, 2020 | You may view and download the current issue here. Please note that the newsletter contains clickable links to external pages for additional information. Mail delivery of our Joint Council 62 steward newsletter is suspended until further notice.
Teamsters launch resources website for non-union essential workers
June 10, 2020 | During this public health crisis, bosses aren’t keeping workers safe, the federal government isn’t keeping workers safe, workers are keeping each other safe. We see workers across the country coming together to make their workplace safer and improve work standards and we want all workers to know we’ve got your back… Visit us at solidarityisessential.org
More restrictions are being eased Friday. Here’s what you need to know.
June 11, 2020 | Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday that he’s going to ease more restrictions from coronavirus-related shutdowns with indoor dining and outdoor amusements opening Friday and indoor gyms, casinos and malls resuming limited operations next week. Day cares and summer school will also be able to start back up in some capacity. Hogan said the looser restrictions will be safe only if people continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. “The fight against this virus is far from over.” … Get the details at The Baltimore Sun
Trucker safety and health concerns raised at House committee hearing
June 15, 2020 | More must be done to protect the lives of truck drivers who have placed themselves and their families at risk during the coronavirus pandemic to deliver groceries and other necessities to the public. Testifying in front of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee last week, Lamont Byrd, the Teamsters’ top safety and health official, said the union’s 600,000 members who transport goods have played an important role in keeping other essential workers safe. He noted, for example, that YRC drivers transported plexiglass safety shields to 1,500 locations nationally so workers and customers could be protected… Click here to read more.
Teamsters has a dedicated page for Hertz bankruptcy news
June 16, 2020 | Our union has started a page on their website specifically for Hertz Teamsters as the company works its way through bankruptcy. It can be found here. “The Hertz bankruptcy is affecting the lives of thousands of Teamsters and their families, and the union has been working nonstop on behalf of those members,” said Bob Lennox, Western Region Industrial Trades Director and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 495 in West Covina, Calif. “Hertz Teamsters should check this page often for the latest information on the bankruptcy and what their union is doing about it.”
Today in DC: Workers First Caravan for Racial + Economic Justice
June 17, 2020 | More than a thousand union members will hit DC streets today in the Workers First Caravan for Racial and Economic Justice, the headline event of a massive national mobilization with hundreds of actions calling for bold policies to confront the three crises facing America: a public health pandemic, an economic free fall and long-standing structural racism. The Workers First Caravan is organized by AFSCME, AFT, IUPAT, IBT, UFCW, UNITE HERE, and the AFL-CIO… DC Labor
COVID-19 and the food supply chain
June 17, 2020 | In the latest edition of the Teamsters Podcast you’ll hear how union members took action all around the country last week to demand increase safety precautions for food supply chain workers. Plus, Teamsters Safety and Health Department Director Lamont Byrd tells lawmakers more must be done to protect truckers. Listen here.
Newspaper, magazine conference update
June 18, 2020 | Printing the news about the COVID-19 pandemic and providing CDC information on safety guidelines for the public has been an important part of what’s been carried in the news over recent months. Our brothers and sisters working as “essential” workers in the newspaper industry have diligently gone to work, worn protective gear, and taken other precautions to stay safe and healthy on the job. I am proud that we are part of the news distribution system in the United States. But, our health is of utmost importance. I want to make sure that every one of our members which work the newspaper, magazine, or with electronic media that are part of the Teamsters take special precautions… Read more here
COVID-19 update: Openings & restrictions in our area
June 19, 2020 | We’ve updated our COVID-19 Outbreak Resources for Members. While restrictions on businesses and social activity are gradually lifting in states where our members live and work, their governors and public-health experts warn that lifting restrictions to allow openings have the potential to cause a second wave of coronavirus infections. You can do what you need to do to stop coronavirus so you and others stay safe and well: Wash your hands often. Wear a mask. Keep a safe distance. And read the update here. Related: Baltimore eases coronavirus restrictions as city moves to Phase 2 of recovery.
Teamsters join other unions in demand for racial, economic justice
June 22, 2020 | Teamsters joined with fellow union members in the nation’s capital and across the country last week to participate in the Workers First Caravan for Racial and Economic Justice, a massive mobilization calling for bold policies to confront the coronavirus pandemic, an economic free fall and long-standing structural racism. Some 1,000 cars met up at locations in Silver Spring, Md. and Arlington, Va. before heading to Capitol Hill, where they drove around the U.S. Capitol demanding passage of the HEROES Act, which would boost worker safety rules, secure pensions and make necessary funds available to state and local governments to keep them up and running and their workers employed… Read more here
Update from the Tankhaul Division
June 23, 2020 | The tankhaul industry has not been hit as hard as some during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teamster Tankhaulers are still working at full employment in most industries. According to industry publications, oxygen demand has increased dramatically due to the pandemic. For any patient diagnosed with COVID-19, access to oxygen is essential. In many parts of the country, Teamsters deliver that oxygen to hospitals and other medical care facilities. Teamster drivers in gasoline and diesel delivery are still working and are considered essential workers. Since many Teamsters in the Tankhaul Division are… Continue reading here.
Hoffa: Changes to guest worker programs will help protect U.S. livelihoods
June 30, 2020 | In a statement released yesterday about a White House effort to temporarily curtail guest worker programs during the current economic downturn, General President Hoffa said, “U.S. workers are facing a nearly unprecedented loss of jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. Given the current conditions, it only makes sense to prioritize the lives and the livelihoods of hardworking Americans and protect their wages…” Continue reading here.
Teamster Union lauds Cares Act relief for YRCW workers
June 30, 2020 | A $700 million loan provided by the United States Treasury under the CARES Act will help YRC Worldwide, Inc.’s operating companies pay its employees’ health care and other benefits and get through this pandemic while protecting the livelihoods of about 24,000 Teamsters and their families, Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa said yesterday. The CARES Act assistance will be used to pay for employee health care and pension costs and other obligations. YRCW employs 30,000 freight workers, including 24,000 Teamsters at YRC Freight, Holland, Reddaway and New Penn. Read more here.
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