Stronger unions are key to a stronger America
Feb. 1, 2021 | Working Americans have been hit hard by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – not just their health, but their wallets as well. Millions are out of work and struggling to keep food on the table. And thanks to some policy changes made during the Trump administration, the social safety net is fraying beneath them… the Teamsters are urging the Biden administration and Congress to take action as part of the union’s new Build Back Stronger campaign. The results of those efforts thus far have been productive… Continued
Covid-19 news update for Feb. 2, 2021
Feb. 2, 2021 | Vaccines will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and bring this pandemic to an end. As Americans get vaccinated over the next few months, it is important to continue to follow public health safety measures. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Teamsters have the latest news here.
Teamsters mourn passing former AFL-CIO Pres. John Sweeney
Feb. 3, 2021 | The Teamsters today are remembering the legacy of longtime AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, who fought for more than six decades to raise wages and benefits and to give hardworking Americans a greater foothold in the middle class. Sweeney, President Emeritus of the AFL-CIO, died Monday at the age of 86. He served as… Continued
ABF Teamsters to receive profit-sharing bonus by month’s end
Feb. 3, 2021 | For the second consecutive year, Teamsters employed at ABF Freight System will receive a one percent profit-sharing bonus—negotiated by the union—after the company reported fourth-quarter results yesterday. Full announcement here.
Two mass Covid-19 vaccine sites to open today in Maryland
Feb. 5, 2021 | Vaccinations will begin at the Baltimore Convention Center and Six Flags America in Largo, Prince George’s County. Appointments are required and there is no walk-up availability. Maryland residents who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine can register for an appointment at the convention center site here or call 443-462-5511 from 9 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays. Appointments for Six Flags will be made available soon. Additional information here. List of other Maryland vaccine locations.
IBT Convention delegate, alternate delegate nomination results
Feb. 10, 2021 | A nomination meeting was held Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, to nominate candidates for delegate and alternate delegate to the IBT International Convention. Click here to view the results of the meeting.
Yellow, ABF drivers edge closer to long-term pension protection
Feb. 11, 2021 | Legislation aimed at bailing out multiemployer pension funds in danger of failing — including the fund that holds pensions for tens of thousands of Yellow Corp. and ABF Freight drivers and their spouses — could finally make it into law under the latest COVID-19 relief measure…. Freight Waves
Local 355 mourns the passing of Brother Dave Simons
Feb. 12, 2021 | It is with great sadness that we inform our members that longtime Teamster and Sysco driver David A. Simons passed away Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021 at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Md. Brother Simons worked for Sysco for nearly 32 years. On behalf of the membership, the Local 355 Executive Board extends its deepest condolences to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. Click here for funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Simons Family Fund at this GoFundMe page.
Teamsters remember James R. Hoffa
Feb. 15, 2021 | On February 14, Teamsters remember the life of the union’s General President Emeritus, James R. Hoffa. Hoffa, born February 14, 1913, served as General President of the Teamsters Union from 1957 to 1971. Hoffa inspired people to stand up for their rights on the job—and their rights as Americans. In the years he served as General President, he raised the membership to its highest number of members and... Teamsters
A shot in the arm
Feb. 16, 2021 | At the UPS center in Baltimore on a cold morning in mid-December, Local 355 member John Guilta prepared to start his work day with a box of the vaccine on board, headed to a warehouse belonging to The Johns Hopkins Hospital...“It just feels good to be doing my part,” Guilta said. “I’m just proud being a UPS Teamster, helping this get to those who need it and helping people’s lives and the economy back on track.” Read more about Local 355 members Guilta, Don Harme, Malik Gordon, and Joe Schwabline Sr., and other Teamsters from around the nation who are doing their part to help get the vaccine to people who need to receive it... Teamsters Previous coverage at 355 News
Honoring the Union’s diverse history and membership
Feb. 17, 2021 | As we reflect upon all of the progress our country and our union have made for racial equality, we are reminded that our work is far from finished. “The history of our union and the history of the civil rights movement are deeply intertwined, just as the work we do today for racial and economic justice is deeply intertwined. In 1917, the Teamsters won a clause in a contract for women laundry workers that required equal pay regardless of race – the first such “color blind” contract clause of its kind. Today… Teamsters
Baltimore Sun Media poised to be acquired by Maryland nonprofit
Feb. 17, 2021 | Returning The Baltimore Sun to Maryland hands, the state’s largest newspaper and its affiliates are poised to be acquired by a nonprofit formed by businessman and philanthropist Stewart Bainum Jr. that would operate the media organization for the benefit of the community… As part of the acquisition, the nonprofit Sunlight for All Institute would acquire The Baltimore Sun, the Capital Gazette papers in Annapolis, the Carroll County Times, and several other Baltimore-area weeklies and magazines, as well as the affiliated online properties. The Sun deal is contingent on the Alden-Tribune deal going forward [with] the approval of Tribune Publishing’s shareholders.… Full story at Baltimore Sun [Note: Local 355 represents Baltimore Sun drivers and pressmen.]
Deadline is March 1 for James R. Hoffa Memorial Fund Scholarship
Feb. 19, 2021 | The deadline to apply for an academic or vocational/training program scholarship from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund is March 1, 2021. The college and vocational scholarship programs are available only for the sons, daughters, and financial dependents of active and retired Teamsters. Visit the scholarship fund's website here for information on who is eligible to apply and how to apply.
New on the Teamsters Podcast: Pension reform fight progresses
Feb. 24, 2021 | Listen to the latest edition of the Teamsters Podcast and hear how Congress is nearing a vote on legislation that would boost faltering multiemployer pensions, saving the retirements of more than 1 million hardworking Americans. Plus, learn how one Atlanta-based USF Holland trucker has set a standard for safety on the streets. Listen here
One step closer: The House is voting on our pensions solutions!
Feb. 25, 2021 | The full House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a bill that includes a solution to protect our pensions. We have an opportunity to ensure that the pensions we earned are there for us in our golden years. The Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Relief Act of 2021 is included in the broader COVID relief bill. Our votes elected pro-worker champions to Congress. Our voices made pension relief a priority. Now, our actions will ensure that this critical bill moves through Capitol Hill. As America’s strongest union, we can make it happen. Take two minutes and send a message to your member of Congress and demand that they vote to secure our pensions and pass critical relief for all working people.
Union pleased by House approval of stimulus bill containing pension reforms
Feb. 28, 2021 | The Teamsters are applauding the House’s passage of a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill today that includes language granting relief to hundreds of endangered multiemployer pension plans that would protect the hard-earned retirements of more than 1 million American retirees and workers. Under the Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act of 2021 language inserted into the legislation, more than 50 Teamster pension plans – including its largest, the Central States Pension Fund – will be eligible for assistance at the outset of the bill’s enactment, with more of the union’s plans becoming eligible in 2022…. Continue reading
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