Teamsters at Prince George’s County TheBus authorize strike
Nov. 1, 2024 | Bus drivers, mechanics, and utility workers at RATP Dev represented by Teamsters Local 639 have voted 120-1 to strike if an agreement is not reached soon. The 155 Teamsters provide transportation services for TheBus in Price George’s County, Maryland. The workers are demanding a contract that includes increased pension contributions and wages that are comparable to other professional bus workers in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Learn more here.

SYSCO/SYMGA drivers vote to join Teamsters
Nov. 4, 2024 | Despite shameful union-busting tactics, more than 60 delivery drivers at Sysco/SYGMA have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 955 in Kansas City. SYGMA is a subsidiary of Sysco that supplies food and other goods to major chain restaurants. Drivers at Sysco/SGYMA in Kansas City join warehouse workers from the same facility already represented by Local 955. Earlier this month, Sysco forced these workers on strike after failing to present an acceptable contract offer. The one-day strike resulted in a unanimously ratified contract. Learn more here.

Marathon, Teamsters to resume contract talks as strike enters 2nd month
Nov. 5, 2024 |  The Teamsters union and Marathon Petroleum Corp will resume labor contract negotiations this week as a strike at the refiner's Detroit facility enters a second month. A new round of contract negotiations between Marathon and the union, which represents hundreds of refinery workers, is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7, said Steve Hicks, President of Teamsters Local 283, following weeks of a standstill. Learn more here.

Nearly 10,000 Michigan nurses vote to join the Teamsters
Nov. 18, 2024 |  Nearly 10,000 registered nurses at Corewell Health in Michigan have voted to join the Teamsters union. Teamsters announced the vote Friday afternoon. A total of 9,600 nurses at nine different hospitals voted. It was one of the largest National Labor Relations Board elections in almost 20 years. “Despite Corewell waging one of the most expensive and aggressive union-busting campaigns we’ve ever seen, these nurses knew their value and were determined to become Teamsters,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien in a written statement. “Corewell nurses chose the Teamsters because they knew it was the only way to secure a strong union contract. This organizing win is exactly what we mean when we say we are building the biggest, fastest, and strongest Teamsters Union.” WILX 10

Apply now for the 2025 Teamsters Scholarship Fund 
Nov. 18, 2024 |  High school seniors of the Class of 2025 who are financial dependents of a Teamsters member in good standing are encouraged to apply for the scholarship by May 1, 2025. Scholarships will be available to use towards a four-year college or university and training and vocational programs that are related to work in a Teamsters-represented industry, class, or craft. Apply here.

Sysco/SYGMA workers vote to join Teamsters
Nov. 21, 2024 | Warehouse workers at Sysco/SYGMA have voted to join Teamsters Local 337 in Detroit. SYGMA is a subsidiary of Sysco that supplies food and other goods to major chain restaurants. The group of 74 workers join a growing wave of organizing victories at Sysco nationwide. The Teamsters represent more than 10,000 workers at the company. Learn more here.

Striking port workers get support from Teamsters, UAW, and other unions
Oct. 1, 2024 |  The roughly 45,000 longshoremen on strike across more than a dozen major U.S. ports are getting kudos and the rare sympathy strike from fellow labor unions. The ILA, in a statement Tuesday, blasted the “greedy” employers unwilling to meet its demands. “These companies... they don’t give a f—k about us,” ILA President Harold Daggett told members Tuesday in a video published by the union. “Well, we’re gonna show them they’re gonna have to give a f—k about us. Because nothing’s gonna move without us.” “The U.S. government should stay the f—k out of this fight and allow union workers to withhold their labor for the wages and benefits they have earned,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said in a statement Monday.

US Foods members ratify a new three-year contract
Oct. 9, 2024 |  Local 355 drivers at US Foods in Manassas, VA ratified by more than a 2 to 1 margin a new collective bargaining agreement. The contract has a three-year term. The deal includes substantial annual wage increases, maintains Health & Welfare benefits, provides new language on key safety issues, calls for the Union’s participation in safety committees, and adds stronger strike language, drafted and approved by the national Union. Local 355 represents more than 100 US Foods van and CDL drivers.

Support the Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund
Oct. 15, 2024 |  The Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund is collecting monetary donations to support those who are suffering because of recent catastrophic climate events.Teamsters Disaster Relief has been on the ground in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee to help our members and their communities who have been impacted by the recent catastrophic hurricanes. Please donate today!

We need UPS drivers to fill out the dog bite survey
Oct. 17, 2024 |  The National Teamsters and UPS Dog Bite Committee — in partnership with worker safety experts from the Teamsters Industrial Initiatives Department — want your help understanding how animal attacks affect workers’ lives at UPS. If you’re a driver at UPS, visit the UPS Teamsters app today and complete this important survey. Personal information will only be used to verify your status as a UPS Teamsters driver. All other data will be confidential. Responses will be anonymous.  

Shop stewards take a breath, and a break 
Oct. 18, 2024 |  Local 355's shop stewards work hard to ensure contracts are enforced and their members are fully represented when workplace issues arise. Besides doing their own jobs, they're on the look out to make sure the company is held accountable when something goes awry. In recognition of their hard work, every two years the Local Union Executive Board sponsors an evening when stewards and their guests can kick back, relax, mingle, share stories, and enjoy a great meal and good music. Check out the fun pix from last weekend's steward's banquet in the Photo Gallery here.

Owner, operator of ship that struck Key Bridge to pay $100M settlement
Oct. 24, 2024 | The owner and manager of the cargo ship that caused the Key Bridge collapse [in March 2024] have agreed to pay more than $100 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Justice Department. The settlement comes a month after the Justice Department sued Dali owner Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and manager Synergy Marine Group, both of Singapore, seeking to recover more than $100 million that the government spent to clear the underwater debris and reopen the city’s port. [Local 355 members at Amports International were out of work until the port reopened in June 2024. ] The Baltimore Banner

Contract enforcement webinar, November 3
Oct. 25, 2024 | Join the UPS Teamsters Contract Enforcement Webinar on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 12 pm EDT to learn how to safeguard your rights. The webinar will cover crucial topics like securing penalty pay for payroll errors, especially over peak season, under Article 17. We'll also dive into the specifics of Article 26, focusing on feeder operations and important updates to the SDLA Clearinghouse, which mandates states to downgrade licenses for drivers with past substance violations. In addition, this session will introduce the high stakes fight to protect and organize Amazon workers. This is your chance to stay informed and make sure our contract is enforced to the fullest. Registration is required. Click to reserve your spot today!

Largest Teamsters organizing drive in decades moves forward
Oct. 30, 2024 | The largest Teamsters organizing drive in 50 years took a leap forward last week, when the National Labor Relations Board set a Nov. 12-14 unionization vote for about 9,600 Corewell Health nurses in metro Detroit. Registered nurses at eight Corewell hospital campuses are to vote on whether to organize as Nurses for Nurses, a committee with the Michigan Teamsters Joint Council No. 43. Learn more here. PHOTO/DETROIT FREE PRESS

Teamster carhaul carrier aims to get into the LTL freight industry
Sept 3, 2024  |  Jack Cooper, which operates the largest Teamster carhaul carrier intends to get into the LTL freight industry by purchasing Standard Forwarding from DHL. The IBT has notified members that DHL intends to sell it, and has agreed that the union contract will remain intact. Jack Cooper is determined to break into the freight industry. Their attempt to acquire part of Yellow Freight was stymied by Yellow management, which preferred to sell of the carrier for parts and prevent any continued operation. Why this matters: Local 355 represent carhaul industry Teamsters in the Baltimore area.

Enrollment open for Teamsters Voluntary Income Protection Plan 
Sept. 9, 2024 | Open enrollment is happening now for the Teamsters Voluntary Income Protection Plus Plan, available to all dues-paying Teamsters in the U.S. The benefits will help provide you with additional financial protection if you can’t work due to illness, injury, or loss of DOT certification for medical reasons. Guaranteed approval! No medical questions asked! No matter your age, smoker status, or current health, you’re approved when you enroll during Open Enrollment. Visit TeamstersVIP.com to learn more. 

Teamsters Canada celebrate professional truck drivers
Sept. 13, 2024 | During the month of September, our Canadian brothers and sisters honor the dedication and hard work of their members in the trucking industry. “Whether we see them on the roads or not, truck drivers touch our daily lives delivering crucial goods into every community.” A big shout out too, to all our Local 355 truck drivers: Thank you for your hard work helping to move America forward!

Hundreds of Amazon delivery drivers in NY join Teamsters
Sept. 16, 2024 | Hundreds of Amazon delivery drivers at one of the company’s New York facilities joined the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union announced Monday, marking the latest escalation of organizing efforts in its logistics network. The drivers work for three contracted delivery firms out of an Amazon facility known as DBK4, located in New York’s Queens neighborhood. The drivers work for Cornucopia Logistics, DnA Logistics and Champion Logistics, a Teamsters spokesperson said. Learn more

September is Suicide Prevention Month
Sept. 16, 2024 | September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the Teamsters reaffirm our commitment to prioritizing mental health for all workers. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988 to connect with a professional at the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are interested in exploring additional mental health resources and services, please visit the Union’s HRDC's website. ~ via Teamsters Facebook

O’Brien indicates a presidential endorsement may be announced Wednesday
Sept. 17, 2024 | Vice President Kamala Harris held a sometimes tense meeting with Teamsters leaders on Monday, defending the Biden administration’s labor policies against pointed questions and concluding with a promise that she would win the presidency and treat the union fairly with or without its backing… After the meeting, Mr. O’Brien said that he still needed time to consider the union’s next move. More at New York Times   Related: Teamster History Segment on Sept. 22 @ 1pm - The importance of Teamster involvement in elections.

Teamsters: No endorsement for U.S. president
Sept. 18, 2024 | The General Executive Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on Wednesday elected not to endorse any candidate for U.S. President. After reviewing six months of nationwide member polling and wrapping up nearly a year of rank-and-file roundtable interviews with all major candidates for the presidency, the union was left with few commitments on top Teamsters issues from either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris—and found no definitive support among members for either party’s nominee. Full press release

Teamster polling for presidential endorsement available for review
Sept. 24, 2024 | All rank-and-file Teamsters poll data on the U.S. Presidential endorsement, including methodology, is available at Teamster.org for all participating local unions and Joint Council affiliates. Poll results are organized by U.S. state and affiliate. Via the Teamster FB page: "By several metrics, union outreach helped drive the most transparent and sustained engagement in the political process by Teamsters in decades."

Teamsters Joint Councils 55 and 62 endorse Harris-Walz ticket
Sept. 26, 2024 | Teamsters Joint Councils representing more than 22,000 Teamsters in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia and the vicinity join Teamster local unions and joint councils across the country with this week's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as our next President and Vice President of the United States. In a joint statement, JC 55 President Rudolph Gardner and Joint Council 62 Sean Cedenio said in part, “Our members and communities deserve an administration that will prioritize the needs of working people and not put profits over people. ... Your vote will make all the difference in this election cycle, so plan to vote and vote for our collective values this fall.”

Sale of Yellow Corp.’s remaining properties moving forward
Sept. 30, 2024 |  The sale of bankrupt Yellow Corp.’s remaining properties is moving forward, a Wednesday filing in a federal bankruptcy court in Delaware showed. The estate will accept nonbinding indications of interest for its remaining 112 terminals beginning Tuesday and running through Oct. 18. Proceeds from the sales will be used to repay Yellow’s unsecured creditors, which have claims totaling in the billions. Yellow faces claims from former employees who say they weren’t given proper notice ahead of mass layoffs last summer as well as an environmental claim from the Department of Justice. FreightWaves

Happy Birthday, Teamsters Union!
Aug. 5, 2024  |  One hundred and twenty-one years ago on Aug. 4, 1903 in Niagara Falls, NY, the founding delegates of our union wrote, “The Teamsters of this country are determined to get their just rewards and to make their organization as it should be – one of the largest and strongest trade unions in the country now and beyond.” We honor previous generations who made great sacrifices and worked tirelessly to build the Teamsters into North America’s most powerful union, our tens of millions of members throughout our 121-year history, and every Teamster fighting today to always be the very best union we can be.

Costco workers in Virginia vote to join Teamsters national contract
Aug. 16, 2024  |  Today, Costco workers in Norfolk, Va., voted overwhelmingly to join the union's national contract at Costco, securing strong job and retirement protections under the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan. For nearly 300 workers at the location this will be their first collective bargaining agreement. This group, who voted to join Teamsters Local 822 in December, marked the first organizing victory at the wholesale retailer in over two decades. More than 900 Costco workers in Maryland are represented by Teamsters Local 570 in Baltimore. Negotiations for over 18,000 Costco Teamsters covered under the National Master Agreement are set to begin next week. Learn more here.

Vice President Harris to meet with Teamsters
Aug. 19, 2024  |  Members of the Teamsters will host Vice President Kamala Harris for a roundtable discussion in the near future, but union President Sean O’Brien has yet to get an invitation to speak at next week’s Democratic National Convention. Kara Deniz, a spokeswoman for the 1.3 million member union, said in an email Friday that the Teamsters are working with Harris’ campaign on dates for the roundtable. A person briefed on convention planning said Saturday that O’Brien will not speak, but the Teamsters will have a presence on the convention stage. Learn more here.

Costco Teamsters suspend national contract talks
Aug. 22, 2024  |  Costco Teamsters were forced to suspend negotiations for a new National Master Agreement after the wholesale giant, despite its claims of being pro-union, refused to accept a card check agreement that would make it easier for nonunion Costco workers to join the Teamsters. “This is not the Costco I joined 37 years ago. Something has changed, and not for the better,” said Christopher Reed (left), a front-end cashier at Costco’s Glen Burnie, Maryland location and a member of Teamsters Local 570 in Baltimore. “We can all feel the shift in the corporate culture. Management has become disconnected and dismissive, eroding the appreciation and respect we once had. The top executives have chosen to prioritize corporate shareholders over the very workers who drive this company’s success.” The current national contract, first negotiated in 2022, is up for renewal and protects more than 18,000 workers across the country. The contract expires January 31, 2025. Learn more here.

Federal labour board orders rail workers back on the job, imposes binding arbitration
Aug. 26, 2024  |  Freight trains must start rolling again first thing Monday morning, the federal labour board ruled on Saturday as it ordered thousands of rail employees back to work to end a bitter contract dispute that shut down the country's two major railways. The decision by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) imposes binding arbitration on the parties following an unprecedented dual work stoppage at Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) that halted freight shipments and snarled commutes across the country. But the matter may not be settled for good, since the Teamsters union, representing 9,300 workers with both companies, is pledging to appeal the ruling in court. Learn more here.

UPS drivers won ‘historic heat protections’ but vehicles are still hot – and dangerous
Aug. 27, 2024  |  A year after a union contract won “historic heat protections” for UPS drivers, the Teamsters are still pushing the company to do more to protect workers in vehicles that can reach up to 120 degrees. While the company has made good progress on installing more fans, heat shields, and induction systems in trucks, air conditioning appears to be the most intractable change. Teamsters spokesperson Kara Deniz says the company’s lag in refurbishing trucks with air conditioning is “unacceptable.”... In interviews with Mother Jones, employees emphasized the gap between contract language and the day-to-day reality of the workplace—which the union is working to close. Read more here.  Teamsters wanna know: "Wheres our f*cking trucks?"

NLRB certifies ALU’s affiliation with Teamsters at JFK8
Aug. 30, 2024  |  The Amazon Labor Union has fully and officially completed its affiliation with the Teamsters Union, following a ruling on Thursday from the National Labor Relations Board rejecting outstanding objections by Amazon. ALU members at Amazon’s JFK8 fulfillment center voted this summer by over 98% to affiliate with the Teamsters. The ruling further establishes ALU-IBT Local 1, a newly chartered local union of the Teamsters, as the representative for 5,500 Amazon warehouse workers at JFK8 on Staten Island. Learn more here.

Newly-organized Costco fleet drivers vote to authorize a strike
Aug. 30, 2024  |  For the first time ever, a group of 150 Costco fleet drivers voted in April to become members of Teamsters Local 174. As the company drags its feet and the deadline looms, the group came together [last] weekend and voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if one is needed. “With the finish line in sight, Costco management slammed on the brakes, giving us no choice but to take this vote,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “I don’t know what management is waiting for, but this vote showed that our members are not willing to wait any longer. They’re strong, they’re motivated, and they’re ready to fight. Learn more here.

Amazon ULP strike in Illinois over labor law violations
July 1, 2024  |  Amazon drivers at the company’s DIL7 delivery station in Skokie, Illinois went on strike yesterday over the delivery giant’s numerous violations of federal labor law. The 100 drivers who organized with Teamsters Local 705 in Chicago are holding strong, demanding Amazon recognize their union and bargain a fair contract. “I work for one of the richest men in the world and I’ve had to skip meals to make sure my child eats and my bills are paid,” said Ebony Echevarria, a striking Amazon driver. “That’s just not right…” Learn more here.

Richard Joseph Petro: Rest in peace
July 2, 2024  |  The father of Mike Petro, Local 355 Recording Secretary and UPS business agent, passed away on June 29, 2024. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Schimunek Funeral Home, 9705 Belair Rd., Nottingham, MD, 21236, on Tuesday July 2, 2024, from 2-4 p.m., and 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 3024, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. On behalf of all our members, Local 355 officers, trustees, and staff extend our deepest condolences to Mike and his family.

Teamster-made, Teamster-delivered products for July 4th
July 3, 2024  |  Getting ready for Fourth of July barbecues, cookouts and picnics? We have an online list of Teamster-made and Teamster-delivered products so that you can celebrate the July 4th festivities and support the Teamster brothers and sisters behind many of your favorite brands. The list is here.

High heat advisory for Baltimore area
July 8, 2024  |  Update: Baltimore City Health Department is extending its Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Thursday.  Much of Maryland — including Baltimore, Frederick, Columbia, Annapolis, Gaithersburg and Bel Air — is under a heat advisory from the National Weather Service until Tuesday, 8 pm. Heat indexes of around 105 degrees are expected. What to know about Baltimore's Code Red Extreme Heat Alert. Remember if you work outside: Water. Rest. Shade. Heat illness can be deadly.

Warehouse Worker Protection Act needs co-sponsors
July 11, 2024  |  A bipartisan legislation called the Warehouse Worker Protection Act would require large warehouses like Amazon to disclose quotas that workers are judged by and make sure that workers are not required to meet a quota that interferes with their health and safety, or their ability to take breaks and to use the bathroom. Amazon’s injury rates are more than double the injury rate of competing warehouses. Email your representative today, and ask them to become an original co-sponsor of the Warehouse Worker Protection Act. 

O’Brien takes on Big Business at RNC

O’Brien to take the podium at tonight's Republican National Convention
July 15, 2024 |  Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien will address the American worker — and the nation at 10 pm EDT tonight. Teamsters labor, and Teamsters votes, will not be taken for granted. According to the Associated Press, a number of networks have announced special programming for the prime-time portions of the convention and prime-time speeches. Tune in. You don’t want to miss it!

Disneyland cast members authorize a strike *
July 23, 2024  |  * Update: Tentative agreement announced. In a direct response to Disney executives’ refusal to negotiate in good faith and the company’s numerous unfair labor practices, Teamsters at Disneyland overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. In California, 6,000 of the over 14,000 cast members at Disney are Teamsters. At Disneyland, these workers, including resort parking and transportation staff, attraction hosts, and animal care workers, are fighting for higher wages, better benefits, fair attendance policies, seniority rights, safer working conditions, and greater respect on the job. Learn more

Teamsters invite Harris to rank-and-file presidential roundtable
July 23, 2024  |  Yesterday, the Teamsters Union officially invited Vice President Kamala Harris to sit down with rank-and-file Teamsters for a member roundtable following the recent announcement of her candidacy for U.S. President. “The Teamsters look forward to welcoming Vice President Kamala Harris to International Union headquarters in the near future to meet with our members directly,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “As we have said throughout this process, our members’ voices must be heard at all levels of our government to ensure the needs of working people are put first." All major candidates for President participated in roundtables between March 2023-2024.here.

Amazon workers strike at major West Coast hub
July 26, 2024  |  Amazon workers organizing with the Teamsters at the company’s major air hub in Southern California walked off the job [last] Sunday in an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike over retaliation workers have faced for union organizing. The KSBD warehouse in San Bernardino is a crucial cog in Amazon’s logistics network and the largest air facility on the West Coast.  The walkout in San Bernardino comes as Amazon workers nationwide organize in droves in a fight for better pay, safer working conditions, and a voice on the job, including Amazon Teamsters from Palmdale, California and Skokie, Illinois, who are currently on strike and extending their picket line to facilities across the country. Learn more here.

Amazon Labor Union formally affiliates with Teamsters
June 4, 2024  |  The Amazon Labor Union has formally affiliated with the 1.3 million-member strong Teamsters Union. The affiliation was announced by Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien during the union’s General Executive Board meeting today in Washington, DC. The Teamsters' board unanimously approved the affiliation. This story is developing. Stay tuned for more details. Update: The affiliation agreement must be ratified by the ALU membership.

Maryland archeologists join Teamsters 992
June 13, 2024  |  Archeologists at Goodwin and Associates, a cultural resource management firm, have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 992 in Hagerstown. This is the second group of archeologists to join the Teamsters in two months. “Congratulations to the newest members of North America’s strongest union,” said Secretary-Treasurer Tom Krause. “These workers are experts in their field and deserve to be treated as such by their employer.” The 13 new Teamsters formed their union with Local 992 because they wanted a structured work-life balance and fair compensation that aligned with their expertise. Learn more here.

Take care: Heat can endanger workers
June 19, 2024  |  A heat advisory is in effect for our region. Heat indexes will hover around 100 degrees throughout this week in Baltimore. The highest heat index forecast is 102 degrees on Sunday. While some of us work inside where air-conditioners will keep us cool, many of you will have to face sweltering conditions, so drink plenty of water and take a look at some of these useful safety tips from the American Red Cross. Related: How to cool your body down fast

Some UPS drivers still waiting for AC in trucks as temps soar
June 26, 2024  |  Some UPS drivers are still waiting for air-conditioned trucks as some areas around the country face sweltering heat just days into the official summer season. Under the UPS Teamsters National Master Agreement, ratified in August 2023 following extensive negotiations between the Teamsters Union and UPS, all trucks purchased from Jan. 1, 2024 onward must be equipped with air conditioning. Teamsters spokesperson Kara Deniz told FOX Business Monday that UPS "has asserted to the Teamsters that all vehicles they've purchased this year have air conditioning." Deniz added, "We are midway into the summer and frankly, UPS is not moving fast enough." Read more here.

Final rule clarifies employee representation during OSHA inspections
Apr. 3, 2024 | Teamsters applaud OSHA for finalizing the new Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process, which affirms the right to worker representation during OSHA workplace inspections. This is an important step toward ensuring the integrity of inspections and preventing employers from abusing the process in order to hide unsafe working conditions from regulators. The rule is effective May 31, 2024. Learn more about the rule here.

Teamsters warehouse workers ratify first contract at Sysco Louisville
Apr. 8, 2024 | More than 100 warehouse workers at Sysco Louisville have overwhelmingly ratified a first Teamsters contract in Kentucky. The new four-year agreement includes improved safety standards, better working conditions, more paid time off, and substantial wage increases, with some members seeing 29 percent pay bumps. The workers have been in negotiations for a first contract since they voted to join the Teamsters in September. In early March, Local 89 members unanimously authorized a strike if needed. Learn more here. Why this matters: There is strength in numbers -- Sysco Baltimore drivers and warehouse workers are Local 355 members. 

Reminder: Applications available for the 2024 Local 355 Scholarship Awards
Apr. 11, 2024 | Applications are now available for the children and stepchildren of Local 355 members who seek to fulfill their dreams through higher education. There are no tests and no lengthy application process. The deadline for application submission is May 3. The scholarships will be awarded during the May 2024 regular monthly membership meeting. Additional information and application here.

Teamsters extend largest strike against Amazon in the U.S.
Apr. 15, 2024 | Today, Amazon delivery drivers represented by Teamsters Local 396 in Southern California escalated their unfair labor practice (ULP) strike against the company by picketing at Amazon’s DAX5 warehouse in the City of Industry, CA. This marks the latest picket extension by Amazon Teamsters in their unprecedented strike, now the largest and longest strike against the company in the U.S. The extension arrives weeks before the one-year anniversary of the Palmdale-based workers’ vote to organize with Local 396, becoming the first union of Amazon delivery drivers in the country. The drivers demand that Amazon address low wages and dangerous working conditions. Learn more here.

Teamsters stop UNFI from outsourcing jobs in Florida
Apr. 17, 2024 | After a vigorous argument from the Teamsters, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ruled in favor of 80 drivers at United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) in Sarasota, Fla., refusing to accept the company’s plans to outsource jobs to notorious nonunion employer J.B. Hunt. The decision by the NLRB protects jobs and safeguards the rights of UNFI workers seeking union representation with Teamsters Local 79 in Tampa, Fla. Teamsters

Latest bankruptcy update regarding member WARN Act claims
Apr. 19, 2024 | The Union filed claims on behalf of members citing Yellow Corp.’s failure to comply with the Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act (“WARN Act”) and its State law analogues. Not every member affected by the Yellow bankruptcy will be eligible to receive potential WARN Act damages, but the Union will work to ensure all eligible members receive the WARN Act damages to which they are entitled. Click here for more information.

Chicago Teamsters win racial discrimination suit against DHL Express
Apr. 24, 2024 | Members of Teamsters Local 705 have won a $8.7 million racial discrimination lawsuit against DHL Express. The suit, filed in 2010 by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), revealed DHL subjected Black Teamsters in Chicago “to different terms and conditions” and to “less desirable, more difficult and/or more dangerous dock and route assignments than white employees.” Nationwide, the Teamsters represent more than 6,000 workers at DHL, including more than 60 Local 355 Teamsters. Learn more here.

Reminder: Contract enforcement training webinar
Apr. 26, 2024 | Remember to register for this Sunday's UPS Teamsters national contract enforcement training webinar. Join the Teamsters Package Division and the Teamsters Training and Grants Department on Sunday, April 28, to learn about new restrictions on SurePost and combat feeder subcontracting. All UPS locals, business agents, and rank-and-file UPS Teamsters are encouraged to participate in this virtual training. Let’s protect Teamsters jobs. Register now here.

Drivers at Rider Logistics ratify first Teamster 355 contract
Apr. 24, 2024  | Organized with Local 355 last August, sixteen drivers at Rider Logistics (formerly Hills Pet Nutrition) unanimously approved their first Teamster contract on April 12. The new three-year agreement provides substantial wage increases annually, protects existing healthcare coverage benefits, and gives the workers a grievance procedure and job security, among other benefits of a strong Teamster contract. “We didn’t have a voice on the job, which is why we started the ball rolling to get organized,” said Tony Lewis, a veteran Rider driver and new Teamster shop steward. “Management wouldn’t listen to us. We got tired of all the disruptive unilateral changes.” Lewis said he feels a lot better having gone through the [unionizing] process from start to finish. “We are grateful to be under the protection of a Teamster contract.”

Important change to administration of Local 355’s Health and Welfare Plan
Effective April 1, 2024, we changed plan administration from Zenith American Solutions to BeneSys, Inc. The change will enhance the efficiency and quality of services provided to you and provide positive improvements to the administration of your health benefits. Please click here to learn more about what has changed and what has not changed.

Reminder: Apply for a Teamster Scholarship today
Mar. 1, 2023 | Thousands of educational scholarships are available to the children and dependents of active Teamster members through the Teamsters Scholarship Fund. Applications are open and available through the Teamsters Scholarship Fund portal here. Deadline for applications is March 29!

Maryland Teamsters call on lawmakers to end captive audience meetings
Mar. 4, 2023 | Teamsters gathered in Annapolis earlier this week to testify in favor of HB 802, a bill in the Maryland Legislature that would ban forced attendance at captive audience meetings. The purpose of a captive audience meeting is for an employer to convince workers not to join a union, usually through intimidation, false promises and outright lies. “This legislation is critical to enforcing the principles of economic democracy and free speech on the job,” said Sean Cedenio, President of Teamsters Joint Council 62. “This bill is a significant step towards creating a fairer process for those seeking union representation.” Learn more here. Pictured: (L-R) Joe Fowler, Local 570 recording secretary; Larry Wolfe, Local 570 business agent; Moses Jackson, Local 570 organizer; Brandon King, Local 570; and Bill Davis, Local 639 president. 

Maryland Teamsters call for passage of House Bill 1447
Mar. 10, 2023 | Members of Teamsters Locals 570, 639, and 922 testified before the Maryland House of Delegates to call for the passage of House Bill 1447 (HB 1447), legislation that would require a human operator in large commercial vehicles. Similar legislation has been introduced in California, Iowa, Indiana, and New York this year. “Autonomous vehicles pose a grave threat to hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs in Maryland,” said Sean Cedenio, President of Teamsters Joint Council 62. “One in 14 jobs statewide are in trucking, with countless more in the postal service, transit, and other sectors. Workers are the backbone of our supply chain. They pay taxes, patronize small businesses, and support local charities and civic organizations across the state. By passing HB 1447, we can protect Maryland’s families, communities, and economy.” Learn more here.

Teamsters in no rush to endorse following Biden, Trump meetings
Mar. 12, 2023 | The head of the Teamsters union emerged from a meeting with President Joe Biden on Tuesday with warm words for his labor record but said any potential endorsement would be a ways down the road. “Historically the Teamsters union do not make an endorsement until after the respective conventions,” General President Sean O’Brien told reporters at the union’s D.C. headquarters shortly after the roundtable event. “However, this has been a different process. We’ve never had candidates into the building, never had rank-and-file participation.” The union intends to survey rank-and-file members before convening its leadership later this year to issue its endorsement, “most likely after the conventions.” Read more at Politico

New contracts ratified at Amports and Holly Poultry
Mar. 19, 2023 | Amports Teamsters ratified a five-year contract with major gains in wages and full retroactivity back to the working contract’s January 16, 2024 expiration date. The new agreement provides mandatory overtime protection, maintains Health & Welfare benefits, and an increase in employer contributions to the 401k retirement plan. Drivers and warehouse and production Teamsters at Holly Poultry approved new contracts providing annual wages increases, Health & Safety protections, and paid sick time. Learn more here.

Teamsters Local 25 hits back at UPS harassment 
Mar. 20, 2023 | Management bullying against UPS Teamsters has consequences – especially when locals aggressively enforce the contract. At this month’s National Grievance Panel, Teamsters Local 25 called the company to the mat for its harassment of a Boston-area shop steward. Details here.

Enroll now for Teamsters Voluntary Income Protection Plan 
Mar. 20, 2023 | Open enrollment is happening now a new Teamsters Voluntary Income Protection Plus Plan, available for all dues-paying Teamsters in the U.S. The new benefits will help provide Teamsters with additional financial protection if they can’t work due to illness, injury, or loss of DOT certification for medical reasons. Active members are encouraged to visit TeamstersVIP.com to learn more. 

Judge dismisses Yellow’s frivolous lawsuit against Teamsters
Mar. 26, 2023 | The Union won a major victory against Yellow Corporation yesterday with the dismissal of the company’s frivolous $137 million-dollar lawsuit by U.S. District Court Judge Julie A. Robinson. The lawsuit, Yellow Corporation et al., v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters et al., was a blatant attempt by Yellow Corp. to undermine the rights of workers and discredit the Teamsters. The union vigorously defended its position and challenged the meritless breach of contract claims filed by Yellow Corp. The court agreed with the union’s position that the lawsuit be dismissed. Learn more here.

Strike and boycott continue as Molson Coors negotiations collapse
Mar. 28, 2023 | Negotiations that included a mediator with Molson Coors broke off on Thursday over the multibillion-dollar beer maker’s refusal to agree to real wage increases for Local 997 Teamsters in a new three-year contract. The company offered just five more cents — on top of its original degrading offer of 99-cent per hour — in its wage proposal to the workers who brew and package its signature beers. Since workers were forced onto the picket line 41 days ago, Molson Coors CEO Gavin Hattersley has been paid more than $5.1 million. Molson Coors is a major sponsor of the NCAA’s March Madness. Teamsters will be out in full force in Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Los Angeles, Boston, and Phoenix, informing and urging the public to boycott Molson Coors products throughout the college basketball tournament.

IBT increases future strike benefits* for Anheuser-Busch workers 
* Updated Feb. 8 to include Molson Coors Teamsters.   Feb. 5, 2024 |  In a major development in the fight for a strong contract protecting 5,000 Teamsters at Anheuser-Busch, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced today it will more than double strike pay to $1,000 per week for Anheuser-Busch Teamsters nationwide. The increase will go into effect in the event Anheuser-Busch forces the Teamsters who brew, package, and ship Budweiser, Bud Light, and dozens of other beverage brands out on strike March 1. O’Brien, Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, and the Teamsters General Executive Board approved the increase in strike benefits in a special vote today, which was announced at the union’s annual Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. On February 8, the Union announced it would increase strike benefits to $1,000 per week for Local 997 members who are fighting for a new contract at Molson Coors in Fort Worth, Texas. Learn more here.

Applications available for the 2024 Local 355 Scholarship Awards
Feb. 12, 2023 | For the past 49 years, our Local has offered scholarships to the children and stepchildren of Local 355 members who seek to fulfill their dreams through higher education. Applications are now available for the Teamsters Local Union No. 355 50th Annual Scholarships to be awarded during the May 2024 regular monthly membership meeting. Eligibility requirements: You must be in continuous good standing in Local 355 for 12 consecutive months before May 2024, and your student must be a graduating senior this year. There are no tests and no lengthy application process. Additional information and application here.

Washington State Teamsters lead the way with pro-union legislation
Feb. 15, 2023 | Thanks to the dogged advocacy of Washington Teamsters, three pivotal bills aimed at safeguarding workers’ rights, enhancing safety measures, and addressing critical issues impacting the labor movement are making their way through the state legislature. “The issues we are advocating for in Olympia will determine the future of the labor movement in our state and nationwide,” said Rick Hicks, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and President of Teamsters Joint Council 28. Learn more here.

Teamsters strike Molson Coors
Feb. 20, 2023 | Members of Teamsters Local 997 at Molson Coors in Fort Worth, Texas, were forced to strike [Saturday] over the company’s disgusting pay package and complete unwillingness to reach a fair agreement with workers. Teamsters walked off the job after Molson Coors failed to come to terms on a new three-year contract that respects the 420 workers who make, package, and warehouse the company’s beer and beverage brands. The strike shuts down production at the only brewery that services the entire Western region of the United States with major Molson Coors products. Learn more here. Related: ‘Honk for beer’

Colorado Teamsters applaud introduction of Worker Freedom Act
Feb. 26, 2023 | The Worker Freedom Act is critical legislation that seeks to enhance workers' rights by outlawing employers from forcing workers to attend captive audience meetings. “We thank our allies in the state legislature for introducing this important piece of legislation that will uplift the rights of working-class people in our state,” said Dean Modecker, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 455, which represents over 10,000 members working throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New York, and Oregon have all passed similar legislation banning mandatory captive audience meetings. Learn more at Local 455.

President Biden to meet with Teamsters leadership March 12
Feb. 27, 2023 | The union will host a rank-and-file Presidential roundtable with President Joe Biden on Tuesday, March 12, at the union’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. President Biden has committed to meet with union members, the Teamsters General Executive Board, General President Sean M. O’Brien, and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. The union held a roundtable with former President Donald Trump in January, and convened roundtables with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Asa Hutchinson, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Cornel West, and Dean Phillips in December. Nikki Haley declined to participate. Learn more here.

Teamsters applaud FTC’s block to grocery merger
Feb. 28, 2023 | President Sean M. O’Brien and Teamsters Warehouse Division Director Tom Erickson issued a statement Monday on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit to block the Kroger-Albertsons merger: “The Teamsters commend the FTC for taking decisive action against the Kroger-Albertsons merger, recognizing the detrimental impact it would have on workers at both companies.“We extended numerous opportunities to Kroger and Albertsons to prioritize our members, but they repeatedly declined. Rather than cooperating and working with us, Kroger and Albertsons chose to partner with C&S Wholesale Grocers, the grocery industry’s worst operator for organized labor.” Learn more here. Related: The lawsuit alleges that a combined grocery giant would make elective bargaining more difficult.

Tentative agreement reached with Anheuser-Busch
Feb. 29, 2023 | Yesterday, the Teamsters Union reached a five-year tentative agreement significantly raising pay, improving health care and retirement benefits, and providing critical job security for all 5,000 Teamsters at Anheuser-Busch breweries nationwide. Texas Teamsters at Molson Coors continue to hold out for a fair contract. Learn more here.

Teamsters respond to UPS layoffs at Louisville facility
Jan. 3, 2024 | On Thursday, UPS said it would eliminate the day shift sort at the Louisville Centennial ground hub (LCH) in February 2024. The company said the move was made due to low package volume. The company said the layoffs are not related to the unionization effort by some administrative and specialist employees. In a statement released Friday, Teamster Local 89 said it’s unclear how exactly UPS plans to accomplish the closing. However, the union is actively investigating the situation and plans to meet with UPS Labor Management soon to discuss the company’s plans. WHAS11.com

2023-2028 National Master Agreement now available
Jan. 4, 2024 | A full copy of the UPS Teamsters National Master Agreement is now available on the UPS Teamsters app. Members are encouraged to view the full document and use it as a reference and resource to help enforce their rights and job protections. Open the UPS Teamsters app or use the link below to access the National Master Agreement. Supplemental contract books will all be added to the UPS Teamsters app soon. Look out for more updates. View the contract here.

16,000 CWA-IBT members at American Airlines ratify contract
Jan. 8, 2024 | Passenger service workers at American Airlines, jointly represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA)-International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Association, have voted by a three-to-one margin to ratify a groundbreaking, five-year agreement. The contract covers approximately 16,000 passenger service workers and provides for average initial wage increases of 20 percent for members, many of whom have not received pay raises in four years despite working for one of the largest U.S. airlines. Learn more here.

Senators, Amazon Teamsters call out Amazon’s mistreatment of delivery drivers
Jan. 10, 2024 | Amazon delivery drivers from Palmdale, CA, joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and a bipartisan group of senators on Capitol Hill this morning to put a spotlight on Amazon's exploitative Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program. Murphy led 28 of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy requesting information about the company’s business model, which subcontracts delivery drivers while controlling their working conditions at every level. Continue reading at 355 News

DHL-CVG Teamsters ratify contract by 98%
Jan. 11, 2024 | Following a 12-day unfair labor practice strike that saw picket lines extended nationwide, 1,100 DHL ramp and tug Teamsters at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) have ratified their first contract with the logistics giant by a 98 percent margin. The new contract significantly increases hourly wages, doubles the company’s 401(k) retirement contribution, establishes a worker safety committee at CVG, and requires DHL to pay for the costs of health care premiums. Represented by Teamsters Local 100, workers load and unload airplanes at the company’s largest and busiest logistics hub in North America. Press release here. Why this matters: Local 355 proudly represents DHL Express drivers and clerical workers in Hanover, Maryland.

Teamsters celebrate King’s struggle for civil rights, workers’ rights
Jan. 15, 2024 | The Teamsters are proud to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of fighting for civil rights and workers’ rights on January 15, 2024. King, an honorary Teamster member, gave his life in 1968 while standing alongside striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee. With the help of strong unions, much progress has been made for workers in the years following Dr. King’s work, but the fight for higher wages and better working conditions for all workers continues. The Teamsters remain committed to continuing Dr. King’s fight for social and economic justice for workers and their families across North America. Teamsters

Baltimore Sun sold to chairman of Sinclair TV stations
Jan. 16, 2024 | The Baltimore Sun, the largest newspaper in Maryland, has been sold to David D. Smith, the executive chairman of the nationwide Sinclair network of television stations and other media. Mr. Smith, who grew up in Baltimore, bought Baltimore Sun Media, which includes The Sun, in a private deal from Alden Global Capital. In an interview with the paper, Mr. Smith said, “We have an absolute responsibility to serve the public interest,” adding, “I think the paper can be hugely profitable and successful and serve a greater public interest over time.” New York Times  Why this matters: Teamsters 355 proudly represent The Sun’s delivery drivers.

Teamsters, union allies make the case for unionization at Delta Airlines
Jan. 19, 2024 | The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) joined the Congressional Labor Caucus on Capitol Hill for a roundtable on the coalition’s ongoing organizing campaign at Delta Air Lines. In November 2022, the Teamsters, AFA-CWA, and IAM announced a coordinated campaign to unionize the 45,000 workers at the passenger carrier. “Airline technicians and mechanics are highly skilled at their craft and are the reason we are safe when traveling via aircraft,” Teamsters Organizing Director Chris Rosell said. “But one of the biggest issues these workers are facing across the country is maintenance outsourcing…” Learn more here.  Did you know? Teamster 355 mechanics, dispatchers, and store clerks are employed at Piedmont Airlines on the Eastern Shore. Piedmont is a regional subsidiary of American Airlines, Inc., and is headquartered at the Salisbury Regional Airport.

Trump, Biden invited to meet with members, leadership on Jan.31
Jan. 24, 2024 | The Teamsters Rank-and-file Presidential Roundtables will continue on Wednesday, Jan. 31, as former President Donald Trump has committed to meet with union members, the Teamsters General Executive Board, General President Sean M. O’Brien, and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman at the union’s international headquarters in Washington, D.C. President Joe Biden has been invited to join a Teamsters rank-and-file roundtable the same day. The Teamsters have extended invitations to all Presidential candidates, regardless of party, to sit down with union members and discuss issues most important to working Americans. Learn more here.

Teamsters at Anheuser-Busch ‘prepared for full-scale strike and national boycott’
Jan. 26, 2024 | Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien delivered a stern message to Anheuser-Busch as contract negotiations resumed [yesterday] in Washington, D.C. — agree to the demands of the workers or risk another brand boycott and national walkout. Joined by Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference Director Jeff Padellaro and the Anheuser-Busch Teamsters National Negotiating Committee, O’Brien reminded AB InBev negotiators that Teamsters will not work a minute beyond the expiration of the current contract on Feb. 29, without a new deal. After telling Anheuser-Busch to respect the workers and sign the model contract that Anheuser-Busch Teamsters across the country overwhelmingly pre-ratified last week, O’Brien walked out of negotiations. Full release here. Why this matters: More than 5,000 Teamsters at Anheuser-Busch brew, package, and ship Budweiser, Bud Light, and other products, maintain breweries and equipment, and care for the world-famous Clydesdales. 

Drivers at Up To Date Laundry vote unanimously to join Local 355
Jan. 29, 2024 | A group of 27 delivery drivers employed by Up To Date Laundry in Baltimore, Maryland, unanimously voted on January 24, 2024, to join Teamsters Local 355 in a secret ballot vote supervised by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Jamon Conway, a driver with the company for 13 years, was pleased with the vote’s outcome. “We knew we were not getting a fair shake, so we reached out to the Teamsters for assistance.” More at 355 News

Trump attends rank-and-file presidential roundtable
Jan. 31, 2024 | Former President Donald Trump met with Teamster union workers from around the country on Wednesday, including the Teamsters General President, General Secretary-Treasurer, and General Executive Board, as the union continued its series of rank-and-file Presidential roundtables. Trump met with the Teamsters for more than an hour at the union’s international headquarters in Washington, D.C., and heard directly from rank-and-file Teamsters about critical issues for the labor union of 1.3 million members. Read more on Teamsters Facebook.

Jan. 10, 2024  |  Amazon delivery drivers from Palmdale, CA joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and a bipartisan group of senators on Capitol Hill this morning to put a spotlight on Amazon's exploitative Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program. Murphy led 28 of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy requesting information about the company’s business model which subcontracts delivery drivers while controlling their working conditions at every level.

The senators expressed concerns that Amazon's DSP program is a scheme to avoid legal liability for high injury rates and the persistent mistreatment of DSP drivers. “Delivery drivers at Amazon have an injury and accident rate of 20 percent,” Murphy said. “It’s time for Amazon to do the right thing and take responsibility for the working conditions of some of its most important employees.”

"We filed our case with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in April and we need your help to pressure the NLRB to do its job so myself and my co-workers can get back to work driving for our true employer, Amazon," said Jesse Moreno, a DSP driver and member of Teamsters Local 396. "We thank everyone who has signed on to this letter and we encourage more to sign on so every Amazon employee can fight for what our brothers and sisters at UPS have: a fair contract, a livable wage, and the respect we all deserve."

“Amazon is the hand. Amazon has decided to get all of its goods delivered across America by pulling on a glove. That is, using a corporate third-party to shield the hand. With the hand in that glove, Amazon feels safe to break laws that guarantee drivers fair and safe working conditions and to ignore the union that represents those drivers,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who has signed on to the letter to Amazon.

“Make no mistake, these workers are paid for by Amazon, they wear Amazon’s uniform. They are, in effect, Amazon workers. Amazon doesn’t have to treat these workers unfairly. It doesn’t have to injure these workers. It doesn’t have to avoid its responsibility to make a profit. It’s all about corporate greed,” added Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), another signatory to the letter.

The letter to Amazon from Murphy and others cites numerous alleged violations of the National Labor Relations Act, including refusal to recognize and bargain with workers who joined Teamsters Local 396 last year, holding captive audience meetings to stifle worker organizing efforts, reducing DSP routes in response to union activity, and terminating DSP employees in retaliation for union organizing and other protected activities.

"Amazon controls nearly every aspect of DSP drivers’ jobs, including their routes, and subjects them to constant surveillance and harassment. Yet Amazon claims these drivers are not its employees. Amazon has created a vast delivery network that is driving down wages and safety standards, undermining good American jobs in the industry. It’s time for Amazon to be held accountable for this dangerous business model," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien.

"Last year, my co-workers and I came together to organize for better working conditions, wages, and benefits -- all of which are controlled by Amazon," said Jarrid Long, a Local 396 Amazon driver. "Amazon refuses to recognize or bargain with our union because it claims we don’t work for them. So we are fighting back. We've been on strike since June and have extended our picket line to dozens of Amazon delivery stations and warehouses. Everywhere we go, we find other Amazon workers who are fed up and ready to join the fight."

"As Amazon drivers, we are regularly put in unsafe conditions while on route. My kids shouldn’t have to worry about mom getting home safely because of Amazon’s greed and negligence," said Brandi Diaz, another Amazon Teamster from Palmdale.

Other U.S. senators who signed the letter: 

Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) 
Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)
Ben Cardin (D-Md.)
Bob Casey (D-Pa.)
Catherine Cortez Mastro (D-Nev.)
Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.)
Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)
Martin Heinrich (D-N.Mex.)
Maizie Hirono (D-Hawaii)
Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)
Ed Markey (D-Mass.)
Roger Marshall (R-Kansas)
Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
Gary Peters (D-Mich.)
Jack Reed (D-R.I.)
Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.)
Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)
Tina Smith (D-Minn.)
J.D. Vance (R-Ohio.)
Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)
Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.)
Peter Welch (D-Vt.)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)
Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)

Originally posted on Teamsters Facebook

O’Brien, other labor leaders speak to AI threats at Harvard workers panel
Dec. 1, 2023 | General President Sean M. O’Brien joined other labor representatives for a deep discussion into artificial intelligence, automation, and the current state of democracy during a workers panel at the Harvard Kennedy School of Business in Cambridge, Mass. “The Teamsters and all of labor face a seismic shift with the expansion of AI and the rise of autonomous vehicles. For the Teamsters especially, the issue is not about rejecting technology. Change of this nature and on this scale must come down to the future and preservation of jobs in this country,” O’Brien said. Learn more here.

Update* Teamsters authorize strike at DHL’s largest hub
Dec. 4, 2023 | DHL Teamsters at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. The vote allows the DHL Teamsters Negotiating Committee to call a work stoppage at any time should DHL fail to remedy its illegal behavior and come to terms on a fair contract covering 1,100 ramp and tug workers. The members of Teamsters Local 100 load and unload airplanes at DHL’s largest and busiest logistics hub in North America. Learn more here  * Update Dec. 7: Teamsters strike DHL over unfair labor practices and stalled contract negotiations.

Apply now for a JRHMSF academic or vocational scholarship
Dec. 4, 2023 | The application process is now open for James R. Hoffa Memorial scholarships. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000 for Academic and $500 to $2,000 for Vocational. Eligible students must be high school seniors who are the sons, daughters, or financial dependents of Teamster members. The deadline for completing the application process is March 1, 2024. Apply here.

UPS fires newly organized workers in Louisville hub
Dec. 8, 2023 | The roughly three dozen affected specialist and administrative workers at UPS's Centennial hub in Louisville, Kentucky, organized with Teamsters Local 89 this autumn, the union said. It would respond to the firing of about 35 newly organized workers at the delivery company by filing unfair labor practice charges and potentially striking. "If UPS doesn't get its act together, they'll be on strike next. Our union will not hesitate to act, and we will not back down," said Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien. Learn more here. 

UPS reinstates recently organized workers who were fired 
Dec. 11, 2023 | About 35 recently organized workers were reinstated on Friday after they were laid off by UPS, the Teamsters union said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The reinstatement avoids any potential labor action. All affected workers will receive full back pay and return to their positions on their next scheduled workdays. “The union achieved a great result for our UPS members in Louisville, and we couldn’t be happier to see them clock back in as Teamsters,” O’Brien said. “Both sides immediately came together and were able to resolve the situation on the ground. This is the outcome we were looking for. Now it’s time to do what the Teamsters do best, and that’s get back to work.”

Teamsters kick off first presidential roundtables
Dec. 15, 2023 | The International Brotherhood of Teamsters will host its first member roundtables with five declared candidates for U.S. President on December 14-15 in Washington, D.C. Candidates will participate individually in a conversation with O’Brien, Zuckerman, and members on issues important to Teamsters and their families. The union is scheduling with all campaigns and will announce additional roundtables in the New Year. Learn more.

Teamsters expand DHL-CVG strike over unfair labor practices
Dec. 15, 2023 | Members of Teamsters Local 100 on strike against DHL Express at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) have expanded their picket lines to numerous locations nationwide. On December 7, DHL walked away from the bargaining table in an attempt to slow-walk negotiations until January, leaving Local 100 with no choice but to launch an unfair labor practice strike over the holiday season. Teamster members from Boston to Los Angeles have stood in solidarity with Local 100, refusing to cross the picket lines established by CVG workers at various DHL locations across the United States. Learn more here. Related: Philly-area DHL Teamsters honor Ohio picket line

Protect yourself from excessive overtime: Sign the 9.5 list!
Dec. 18, 2023 | Stronger protection against excessive overtime was a major part of our historic contract fight at UPS this year—and it was a huge part of our victory. The 9.5 list is designed to stop UPS from working you over 9.5 hours per day more than twice a week—and to make UPS pay for violations. When UPS violates your 9.5 rights, the company must adjust your work schedule and pay triple time for hours worked over 9.5 hours in a day. Drivers have a major role to play in enforcing this new language: Talk with your steward and sign up for the 9.5 list! Learn more here.

By 99%, Teamsters authorize strike at Anheuser-Busch
Dec. 19, 2023 | The resounding vote allows the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee to call a strike if Anheuser-Busch fails to come to terms on a strong new contract. The union is seeking an agreement that improves wages, protects jobs, and secures health care and retirement benefits for 5,000 Teamsters across the company’s 12 U.S. breweries. “Anheuser-Busch can’t kick this can down the road much longer. The Teamsters don’t want to be forced onto the picket line at any employer, but we are fully prepared to walk if Anheuser-Busch doesn’t get serious about negotiating a record contract that also protects good union jobs,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. The current agreement expires Feb. 29, 2024. There are no dates currently set for negotiations. Learn more here.

Update: Teamsters reach tentative agreement at DHL-CVG
Dec. 20, 2023 | After a 12-day unfair labor practice strike that united thousands of Teamsters in nationwide picket line extensions, the Teamsters Union has reached a tentative agreement with DHL Express to bring all members back to work. The agreement protects 1,100 ramp and tug workers of Teamsters Local 100 at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) who were forced out on strike on Dec. 7. 

FedEx Express workers seek to join Teamsters
Dec. 26, 2023 | Thousands of FedEx Express mechanics and related workers have signed Teamsters Airlines Division Authorization cards. Bob Fisher, Deputy Director of the Teamsters Airline Division, said compensation, representation, job security and working conditions as issues the union is committed to fight for on behalf of the future members. FedEx Express is the largest cargo line in the U.S. Learn more here.

Nov. 8, 2023 | Massachusetts Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren have formally requested the Department of the Treasury to act to preserve union jobs while ensuring taxpayer money is not used to reward Yellow Corp.’s bad behavior.

The senators sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expressing concern about Teamster jobs put in jeopardy by Yellow’s bankruptcy, noting the company’s financial troubles despite Teamster concessions and a $700 million loan from the federal government.

“Yellow workers from Massachusetts and around the country should not be forced to bear the brunt of Yellow’s mismanagement, and neither should the taxpayers,” Senators Markey and Warren wrote. “We urge the Treasury Department to consider all options at its disposal to protect union jobs at Yellow while ensuring the taxpayers are not on the hook for Yellow’s misdeeds, including delaying the due date of Yellow’s federal loan.”

The letter points out that liquidation may only result in partial payment to unsecured creditors, including Yellow workers. Instead, Yellow could accept a bid by another company to save jobs. A number of companies have offered to extend such bids, which may also require an extension of the maturity date of the federal government’s loan.

Yellow Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Aug. 6, resulting in job losses for 22,000 hardworking Teamsters. With bankruptcy proceedings underway and the threat of liquidation of Yellow’s freight and real estate assets, the Teamsters are fighting for significant corporate bankruptcy reform to ensure workers are first in line for financial restitution. Teamsters at Yellow were the company’s biggest creditors, voluntarily sacrificing more than $5 billion in wage and pension concessions to keep Yellow afloat for the last 20 years.

“Teamsters remain laser-focused on Yellow’s bankruptcy proceedings, and we thank Senator Markey and Senator Warren for standing up for American workers,” said General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Working with lawmakers and the federal government, our union is doing everything in our power to protect workers and union jobs in the industry in the wake of Yellow’s reckless corporate mismanagement.”

Read the letter here.

October 20, 2023 

Fifty-four Local 355 golfers on Saturday, October 14, waved off inclement weather to participate in the Local’s Fall Golf Outing on the challenging 18-hole course in Westminster, Md.

Local 355 staff and retirees joined members employed at Amtote, ABF, DHL Express, UPS (Hunt Vally, Quad Ave., Aberdeen, and Baltimore), and the movie industry. 

Photo Gallery images are here. Click on the first photo to enlarge it, then use the arrow at the bottom right to navigate through the file. All photos are ready to download.

In Second Place: (above, L-R) Joe Deisvaldi, Travis Charette, Peter Williams, and Michael Lynch, UPS Feeders

In Third Place: (L-R) Matt Parks and  Matt Gunzelman, UPS/Hunt Valley; Felix Guinto, Local 355 staff; and Brandon Carter, UPS/Hunt Valley.

Closest to the Pin: Scott Harris, UPS/Aberdeen

Longest Drive: Matt Parks, UPS/Hunt Valley

Local 355, Hoffa scholarships help fund science, technology studies
Oct. 3, 2023 | This year’s recipients of the Teamsters Local 355 48th Annual Scholarship Awards are Jamie Jones, daughter of David Jones (UPS), and Trinity Mosley, daughter of Autumn Mosley (Kraft Heinz). They will each receive $4,000 paid out at the rate of $1,000 per academic year. Patrick Fangmann, son of John Fangmann (Sysco), and Charles Bradshaw, son of Michael Bradshaw (Piedmont Airlines), each received a $1,000 Bootstrap Award from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund. We reached out to the students recently to find out about their academic aspirations. Read more at 355 News.

Jobs, jobs, jobs! at the Maryland Dept. of Transportation
Oct. 6, 2023 | The Maryland Dept. of Transportation, in conjunction with the Maryland Workforce Association, has scheduled three job fairs this month that may be of special interest to Local 355 members impacted by Yellow Corp.’s bankruptcy filing. Click here for more information. To register, scan the QR code.

Notice of nomination and election of Local 355 officers 
Oct. 12, 2023 | Official notice is hereby given of the nomination for election for the following officers of Local Union 355: President (Principal Officer), Secretary-Treasurer, Vice President, Recording Secretary, and three Trustees. The terms of office for these officers will commence on January 1, 2024, and conclude on December 31, 20026. Nominations, seconds of nominations, and Candidates’ acceptances must be made in writing and received by the Local Union Secretary-Treasurer no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 3, 2023. For detailed information, read the Official Notice posted here.

UPS Teamsters take winners circle in Fall Golf Outing
Oct. 20, 2023 | Fifty-four Local 355 golfers on Saturday, October 14, waved off inclement weather to take part in the Local’s Fall Golf Outing in Westminster, Md. Get the details on the winners and see the photos here.

Senators step up to help secure financing, save Yellow Corp. jobs
Oct. 23, 2023 | Eight U.S. senators have formally requested the Department of the Treasury consider a potential “going concern” bid to save good-paying, union trucking jobs as Yellow Corp.’s bankruptcy proceedings continue. They have asked the Treasury to work with the U.S. Justice Department to extend the maturity date of loans that Yellow obtained under the CARES Act — a move that would secure financing for the bid and help retain thousands of trucking jobs that may otherwise remain lost in the wake of Yellow’s collapse. Learn more at Teamsters.

Rest in Peace: Cesar Yepez, US Foods/Manassas, 1990-2023
Oct. 27, 2023 | Local 355 mourns the tragic death of Teamster Cesar Yepez on Oct. 2 from injuries suffered in a fiery crash the evening of Sept. 18 while operating a US Foods semitrailer in Sterling, Virginia. The truck was struck by a speeding driver, flipped over and burst into flames. Yepez leaves his wife, Brianna, and two small children. A Celebration of Life was held Oct. 8. Contributions to a GoFundMe online campaign to support his wife and family can be found here.

Local Union 355 and James R. Hoffa scholarships help to fund educations in Science and Technology

Oct. 3, 2023 | This year’s recipients of the Teamsters Local 355 48th Annual Scholarship Awards are Jamie Jones, daughter of David Jones (UPS), and Trinity Mosley, daughter of Autumn Mosley (Kraft Heinz). They will each receive $4,000 paid out at the rate of $1,000 per academic year. Patrick Fangmann, son of John Fangmann (Sysco), and Charles Bradshaw, son of Michael Bradshaw (Piedmont Airlines), each received a $1,000 Bootstrap Award from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund. We reached out to the students recently to ask them about their academic aspirations.

JAMIE JONES (right), is the daughter of David Jones (UPS/Baltimore). She graduated last spring from Western School of Technical and Environmental Science in Catonsville, Md. She is studying Communication Arts -- specifically, in the realm of social media -- at Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore. “I’m interested in the use of algorithms in social media,” Jamie explained. Algorithms are a set of rules and calculations that sort and prioritize content on a social platform. She said more diversification in social media platforms is needed to have a positive impact on all people. She hopes to run an e-commerce business that supports community interests.

TRINITY MOSLEY (not pictured), daughter of Autumn Mosley (Kraft Heinz), graduated from Cesar Romney High School in Dover, Delaware, and is enrolled at Delaware State University in the Bachelor of Science in Biological Forensics program. She thought about studying to be an emergency room physician, but a new forensics science course introduced during her senior year sparked an interest in toxicology. “I was interested in how often science solved crimes. Scientific test results don’t lie.” Trinity also received a full academic scholarship from Delaware State.

PATRICK FANGMANN (left), son of John Fangmann (Sysco) graduated from Baltimore’s George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology. Enrolled in the Information Technology program, Patrick was top in his class for his work in Interactive Media production. He is attending Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, and majoring in computer science. He became interested in computers when he decided to make something fun for a friend. He learned enough programming to make a small game. Interest in programming grew and he chose audiovisual arts for the more structured education in computer science. Patrick likes to follow where ever his interests take him – maybe developing programs for big companies, or “lean into activism.”

CHARLES BRADSHAW (right), is the son of Michael Bradshaw (Piedmont Airlines). An honor roll student in the top 10% of his class, he graduated from Mardela Middle and High School on the Eastern Shore. He played the alto saxophone in the school’s band and marching band. Charles is pursuing a degree in computer science at Salisbury University. Interest in computers began during the pandemic when students had to adapt to online learning. He used the opportunity to build a custom PC and learn about software. Charles’ long-term goal is to enter the field of software development, beginning with a university internship at the Department of Defense or NASA. Writing to us via email, he said, “Ideally, I’d like to find a job that lets me do something positive for the community.” That’s if he “survives his first semester of college in the classroom” environment, he said.

On behalf of the members, Local 355 Officers and Trustees applaud Jamie, Trinity, Patrick, and Charles for their achievments. We wish them much success in their pursuits of higher education. 

Code Red alert declared for Baltimore region
Sept. 5, 2023 | As temperatures ticked toward triple digits and broke at least one century-old record, Baltimore City Health Department officials declared a Code Red extreme heat alert through Thursday. “Excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States,” Acting Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller said in a statement Monday announcing the alert. The Baltimore Banner Related: Protect yourself by recognizing the symptoms of heat disorders in this Teamsters Safety & Health fact sheet.

It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week!
Sept. 11, 2023 | This week, Teamsters pay tribute to the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication of the truck drivers who keep America moving. Without these men and women behind the wheel, the essential goods and services we take for granted every day would not exist. To salute truck drivers everywhere, you are invited to post photos here of you and your truck or email them to us. Please include what company/employer and Teamster local you’re with in your post. At the end of the week, we’ll share your photos in a gallery on our Facebook page.

Teamsters release principles framework for federal AV policy 
Sept. 12, 2023 | As a union that represents hundreds of thousands of workers who turn a key for a living, the Teamsters have a deep interest in the outcome of federal autonomous vehicle (AV) regulation and legislation. For the first time in our history, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is releasing an “Autonomous Vehicle Federal Policy Principles” framework, a guiding document for federal policymakers as they continue to address issues surrounding AVs. Read the (one-page) policy proposal here.

Teamsters fight for union jobs and safe roads in California
Sept. 13, 2023 | Teamster drivers are on the frontlines in the battle against driverless semi-trucks hitting California’s road without a human operator. AVs pose a serious threat to Californians’ lives and livelihoods. On Monday, Sept. 18, a Teamster convoy will travel from Los Angeles to Sacramento, the state’s capital, to demand that Gov. Newsom sign AB 316 to protect good union jobs and keep California streets safe. Learn more here.

Safe roads: Teamsters rally with Calif. labor allies, public safety leaders
Sept. 19, 2023 | Teamsters rallied with California elected officials, labor allies, and public safety leaders to demand Gov. Gavin Newsom sign California Assembly Bill 316 (AB 316) into law. The Teamster-backed bill, which sailed through the California legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support, would require a trained human operator in autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds. Gov. Newsom has until October 14 to sign the bill into law A recording of Monday’s rally can be viewed here. 

Teamsters urge Senate to begin bankruptcy reform hearings on Yellow
Sept. 20, 2023 | The Teamsters Union is calling for the Senate to investigate the unfolding bankruptcy at Yellow Corp. following today’s special Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on corporate manipulation of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. An expedited liquidation would preclude a potential purchase of Yellow’s assets from any party that may want to re-establish operations, which would benefit the economy, thousands of workers and their communities, and American taxpayers. Learn more here.

Shop stewards review basics, explore new strategies
Sept. 29, 2023 | Local 355’s biannual shop steward training seminar was held earlier this month in Williamsburg, Virginia. More than 100 stewards attended the three-day event where in-depth training was balanced with scheduled time for relaxation. Courses included grievance handling, bargaining contracts, and facts and information about the Family Medical Leave Act. Offered new this year – a review of the new UPS national master agreement with Johnny Sawyer, IBT Package Division Coordinator; CPR training conducted by a certified team from Teamsters Local 519; and Paul Trujillo (Teamsters Local 822) from the IBT’s Education & Training Dept. gave us a closer look at the opportunities and challenges social media and generational differences present in today’s workplace. Photo Gallery here.

Register for the August 6 Atlantic Area Supplement webinar
Aug. 4, 2023 |  (Updated to include video.) Local 355 UPS members are covered by the Atlantic Area Supplement, which includes wage increases, pension benefits, and other gains specific to the new TA. In the webinar on Sunday, August 6, at 7 pm, we’ll hear from International Vice President and Atlantic Area Chair James Wright and the supplemental committee for updates on the supplement and a full presentation of the tentative agreement. Registration is required. Active UPS Teamsters have received voting instructions in the mail. Watch the Atlantic Area Supplement webinar, then this video for step-by-step instructions for casting your ballot.

Members at YRC, New Penn: Visit the Teamsters Career Center for current job openings
Aug. 7, 2023 |  All Teamsters impacted by Yellow Corp.’s profound mismanagement and its recent shutdown of operations are strongly urged to visit the Teamsters Career Center for state-by-state resources of current job openings at union facilities and other valuable tools. The online database can quickly assist members in need with good-paying union work opportunities and resources regarding health care and retirement benefits. Members at Yellow and other companies can use the Teamsters Career Center to search job openings or find benefit information by local union or geographic areas.

Teamsters want Yellow members ‘first in line’ for relief payments
Aug. 8, 2023 |  The Teamsters Union on Monday said that, following Yellow officially filing for bankruptcy, its legal and economic teams are closely following Yellow’s moves throughout bankruptcy proceedings. John A. Murphy, Teamsters National Freight Director, said the union will do everything it can “to prioritize our members at Yellow and their families during this bankruptcy.” Commercial Carrier Journal 

Ratification vote update tonight at 8 pm ET
Aug. 22, 2023 | Join Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien this evening for a full report on the ratification vote results. The update is audio only. No registration is necessary. Listen in at: https://teamster-org.zoom.us/j/81634057818

Local 355 mourns retired UPS shop steward, Bobby Walls
Aug. 24, 2023 | Robert B. “Bobby” Walls, retired Eastern Shore UPS package driver and shop steward, passed away August 12, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life for Bobby will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church Street, Milford, Delaware, where friends may visit with the family from 11 – 12 pm. Obituary and details here.

Contract Update: Ratifications at Dry Ice, ABF, Kraft-Heinz, others
Aug. 24, 2023 | Contracts recently approved by Local 355 members will provide substantial wage increases and improvements to benefits and contract language. Three national master agreements were ratified, including an “historic” contract with the largest private-sector employer of unionized workers in the nation, UPS. Sadly, there was bad news for 150 Local 355 Yellow Corp. freight drivers and 22,000 of their Teamster brothers and sisters nationwide who, despite giving back more than $5 billion in wages and benefits since 2009, were abruptly out of jobs at the end of July. Details here. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Final supplement ratified; contract takes effect
Aug. 25, 2023 | The Teamsters’ new National Master Agreement with UPS has officially gone into effect, protecting more than 340,000 full- and part-time workers, after an outstanding supplemental contract was resolved and ratified in Florida. The LAI supplement for 174 members of Teamsters Local 769 was voted and successfully passed by affected workers Friday afternoon. New wage increases for 340,000 UPS Teamsters will take effect on Sunday, August 27. UPS will soon issue retroactivity checks to workers for the month of August. Teamsters

Ryder Transportation Solutions workers join Local 355
Aug. 30, 2023 | Workers at Ryder Transportation Solutions in Eldridge, Md. have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 355. The 15 drivers distribute Hill’s pet food to retailers along the East Coast. The new Teamster members stood strong, overcoming a well-funded anti-union campaign by their employer. “We wanted to have a voice at work, so we collectively decided to join the Teamsters,” said Tony Lewis, a 13-year driver. “We were well prepared for the anti-union tactics the company used in attempt to trick us, but their attempts to divide us only made us stronger.” “These drivers endured weeks of harassment and stress from management, and they held together in solidarity. I am proud to have the opportunity to represent such a strong and united group,” said Mark Gary, President of Local 355. “This is the first organizing victory under my administration, and we plan to keep the momentum going. We have several groups who have inquired about joining Local 355, and we are confident we will follow our success at Ryder by helping more workers gain strong Teamster representation.”

O’Brien: SCOTUS attacks all U.S. workers
June 1, 2023 |  “The political hacks at the Supreme Court have again voted in favor of corporations over working people,” said General President Sean M. O’Brien in a statement on today’s Court ruling in Glacier Northwest, Inc. v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local Union No. 174 which opens the door for corporations to sue their own workers. “These corruptible justices should be ashamed of themselves for throwing out a long-standing precedent and legislating from the bench. The ability to strike has been on the books for nearly 100 years, and it’s no coincidence that this ruling is coming at a time when workers across the country are fed up and exercising their rights more and more.” Full statement here. NBC News: Supreme Court rules company can pursue strike damage claim

Sign up for June 7th webinar for latest updates on national negotiations
June 2, 2023 |  All UPS Teamsters are strongly encouraged to join an important Zoom webinar scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 8 pm ET. General President O’Brien, General Secretary-Treasurer Zukerman, and other members of the National Negotiating Committee will provide updates on the status of negotiations, the contract campaign, the current campaign timeline, a summary of the tentative agreements reached to date, and other important news. Registration is required! Click here to sign up.

Successor contracts at Perishable Deliveries and RNDC ratified
June 5, 2023 |  Local Union 355 bargaining for a new contract at Perishable Deliveries produced an agreement that increases wages 25 percent over its three-year term. In addition, members will receive an increase in the employer’s contribution to the pension and a reduction in the number of hours employees must work to receive overtime pay. In April, with 90 percent of eligible members voting, a new contract at Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) was overwhelmingly approved. Wages will increase by 15.5 percent over the term of the three-year agreement. Other significant improvements include... Continued

Teamsters Rail Conference wins gains, protections for members
June 6, 2023 |  The Teamsters Rail Conference recently notched victories in the ongoing fight to improve the lives of its members. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) in May reached a tentative agreement with Norfolk Southern Corporation to provide seven paid sick days per year to BLET members. More at teamster.org

Union reaches tentative agreement with ABF
June 7, 2023 |  The Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) and ABF Freight System have tentatively agreed to terms for a new national contract. Once ratified, the proposed five-year contract will provide members with wage increases and improvements to benefits and working conditions, among other gains. Teamster representatives will meet in Chicago next week to review the tentative agreement before sending it to the membership for a ratification vote. The Teamsters represent approximately 8,600 ABF truck drivers, dock workers, and other members nationwide. The current five-year agreement expires June 30. Full release here.

Temp Check! New feature available on the UPS Teamsters app
June 12, 2023 |  Right now our National Negotiating Committee and Safety and Health Subcommittee are pushing UPS to take meaningful steps to protect UPSers from heat-related injury and illness. To that end, a new feature on the UPS Teamsters app allows members to report issues related to heat safety and health risks, including water fountains, moldy ice machines, and excruciating temperatures. Tap “Report Heat Issues” on the app, then complete the simple form and attach photos.

Secret ballot strike authorization vote scheduled for TForce Teamsters
June 7, 2023 |  The strike authorization vote for the Elkridge TForce members is scheduled for Sunday, June 11, at 10 am at Local 355's Baltimore union hall. The vote for Federalsburg TForce members will be conducted at the Federalsburg terminal on June 12, 7:30-9:00 am. Results will be announced on Friday, June 16.

Secret ballot strike authorization vote schedule for UPS Teamsters
June 7, 2023 |  The schedule for the UPS Teamsters strike authorization vote in Baltimore and on the Eastern Shore is set. Click here to view. Strike authorization votes will be recorded in person at the local union halls and at the gates of UPS facilities. Results will be announced on Friday, June 16.

UPS must negotiate with Teamsters before introducing new technologies
June 12, 2023 |  UPS Inc. and the Teamsters union have reached 24 separate tentative contract agreements, including the ban on UPS introducing new technologies without first bargaining with the union. Under one of the agreements, UPS would be required to negotiate with the Teamsters at least 45 days before it introduces certain technology such as drones, driverless vehicles, and platooning into its network, Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien said during a webinar on Wednesday updating members on progress in negotiating a new master contract once the current five-year agreement expires July 31. Freightwaves

Teamsters secure air conditioning for UPS fleet
June 14, 2023 |  The Teamsters and UPS agreed to tentative language to equip the delivery and logistics company’s fleet of vehicles with air conditioning systems, new heat shields, and additional fans during national contract negotiations on Tuesday. The new contract language would mandate UPS equip in-cab air conditioning systems in all larger delivery vehicles, smaller sprinter vans, and all of UPS’ most recognizable brown package cars purchased after Jan. 1, 2024. Read more here.

President Denis Taylor retires; Executive Board appoints Mark Garey 
June 14, 2023 |  Effective June 1, 2023, Teamsters Local 355 President Denis Taylor retired, concluding almost 30 years as the Local’s principal officer. The Executive Board appointed Mark Garey, Local 355 recording secretary since 2016, to complete Taylor’s term. The Board also appointed Business Agent Mike Petro to fill Garey’s position. President Garey said about Taylor’s well-earned retirement, “I want to extend my personal thanks to Denis for all his years of service to the members of this Local Union. Denis took pride in representing them with integrity and honesty, and his commitment to always do the right thing on their behalf was indisputable. Congratulations to Mike Petro on his new role as Local 355 recording secretary. He will be a valuable asset to our Executive Board.” 

Union officials unanimously approve national contract proposal
June 15, 2023 |  Union local leaders have announced their endorsement and support for the tentative agreement reached between the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) and ABF Freight. The national contract covers over 8,500 members. Highlights of the tentative agreement here.

Ninety-seven percent of UPS Teamsters approve strike
June 16, 2023 |  UPS Teamsters have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, giving the union maximum leverage to win demands at the bargaining table. The powerful vote allows the UPS Teamsters National Negotiating Committee to call a strike should UPS fail to come to terms on a strong new contract by July 31, when the union’s current National Master Agreement expires.Read more here.

Ninety-one percent of TForce members approve strike 
June 16, 2023 |  Teamsters at TForce Freight have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. This strong mandate reflects the strength and unity of the members’ fight for a strong national contract. The Teamsters represent more than 7,000 workers at TForce nationwide. Read more here.

Teamsters honor Juneteenth
June 19, 2023 |  Today, Teamsters join communities around the nation to honor the 158th anniversary of the first Juneteenth, a federal holiday marking the end of slavery. In recognition of Juneteenth, Teamsters Human Rights & Diversity Commission Director Anthony M. Rosa released the following statement: “As a union that is deeply committed to social justice and equality, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is proud to celebrate Juneteenth. …While June 19, 1865, marked a historic day in our nation’s history, it was only the beginning of a long journey towards true social and economic freedom for Black Americans.” Read the full statement here. Related: The UPS National Negotiating Committee is pushing the company to do the right thing.

BREAKING: Teamsters, UPS come to terms on all non-economic issues
June 20, 2023 |  With a tentative agreement on new language — and new money — to safeguard members and their vehicles in company parking lots, the Teamsters and UPS came to terms on all non-economic issues during national contract negotiations on Tuesday. “We have reached tentative agreements on well over 40 non-economic issues that affect all our members at UPS, and we did it as a team. The Teamsters haven’t sacrificed a single concession in these negotiations,” said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. Read more here.

Tonight! UPS Teamsters member update webinar
June 21, 2023 |  Hear about the status of national negotiations from General President Sean M. O'Brien, General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, and other members of the UPS Teamsters National Negotiating Committee tonight at 8 pm. Registration is required: https://t.co/dxD8aJicP2.

ABF members to vote Sunday, June 25 on contract TA 
June 23, 2023 |  ABF Teamsters nationwide are currently voting on the tentative agreement reached between the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee and ABF Freight. Local 355 will conduct the in-person secret ballot vote beginning at 10 am Sunday, June 25. The submission deadline for ballots to the IBT is June 29. 2023-2028 ABF National Master Freight Agreement & Supplements and Highlight Flier

Teamsters to UPS: No more meetings until money gets real
June 23, 2023 |  UPS executives gave the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee an appalling economic counterproposal on Thursday as negotiations resumed in Washington. The company’s proposal, which would affect more than 340,000 UPS Teamsters, included minimal raises and overall wage cuts to workers’ cost-of-living adjustments. The Teamsters’ committee unanimously rejected UPS’s disrespectful package. The negotiating committee told UPS they will not meet again until the company makes a realistic and respectful economic offer. Read more here.

General E-Board reviews organizing, contract fights, national campaigns
June 26, 2023 |  The Teamsters are prepared to mount and win big battles for better contracts and secure protections for more workers organizing into the union for the first time. That was the message made clear by General President O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Zuckerman during a regular meeting of the union’s General Executive Board on Saturday in Washington. Teamster leaders from across the country and Canada reviewed the growth of organizing victories from the previous three months and analyzed legislative campaigns to put more pressure on elected officials to support working people at federal and local levels. “On any given day, corporations are out there looking for every chance to take something back from working people. Weaker wages, fewer rights. The Teamsters will not take our eye off this constant threat,” O’Brien said. “We will grow, we will attack, we will never back down, and workers will reclaim what’s rightfully theirs.” Teamsters Facebook

Spring Golf 2023: And the winners are…
June 26, 2023 |  RNDC Teamsters (right) denied their UPS brothers another winners circle sweep with a Third Place score at this year’s spring golf outing on the Eastern Shore. Details and photos at 355 News.

Teamsters blast Yellow Corp.’s baseless lawsuit 
June 27, 2023 |  The union today called out the freight company for false claims and gross mismanagement. It categorically denies the baseless allegations made by Yellow Corporation in its frivolous lawsuit filed today. Read the full press release here.

Teamsters to UPS: You’ve got one week
June 27, 2023 |  UPS returned to the bargaining table with the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee on Tuesday morning — without a revised or respectful economic proposal in hand. With the full committee behind him, General President Sean M. O’Brien took UPS to task, harshly reiterating that the Teamsters will not work beyond July 31 without a new contract. “UPS has wasted enough time and hoarded these record profits. Our members want what they have earned.”

National contract overwhelmingly ratified
June 30, 2023 |  ABF Teamsters have overwhelmingly ratified a new national contract at ABF Freight, as well as 25 of 27 supplemental agreements. The five-year master agreement provides members with improvements to wages, benefits, and working conditions, among other gains. Ballots were counted today after two weeks of in-person voting. The agreement covers approximately 8,600 members at 137 local unions throughout the U.S.  Learn more here.

Secret Ballot UPS Strike Authorization Vote Schedule

June 8: 
Hunt Valley: 7:00 - 10:00 am and 3:30 - 7:00 pm
Aberdeen: 7:00 - 10:00 am and 3:30 - 7:00 pm
Easton: 7:30 - 11:00 am and 3:30 - 7:00 pm

June 9:
Hunt Valley: 7:00 - 10:00 am and 3:30 - 7:00 pm
Quad: 7:00 - 10:00 am and 3:30 - 7:00 pm
Harrington: 7:30 - 11:00 am and 3:30 - 7:00 pm
BWI: 5:00 - 7:00 am and 7:00 - 9:00 pm

June 11:
Baltimore Union Hall: 11:30 am - 5:00 pm
Salisbury Union Hall: 11:30 am - 5:00 pm

June 12: 
Baltimore: 6:00 am - 10:00 am
Baltimore Main Gate: 9:00 pm - 12:00 am

June 13:
Baltimore: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 
Baltimore Main Gate: 5:00 - 7:00 pm

June 14:
Salisbury: 3:30 - 7:00 pm

Logistics workers at DHL’s largest hub join Teamsters
May 1, 2023 |  Our union scored a massive organizing victory for more than 1,100 DHL Express workers at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Ramp and tug workers voted to join Teamsters 100 in Cincinnati after a yearlong campaign for representation. Throughout their organizing campaign, DHL-CVG workers were fiercely supported by DHL Teamsters around the country, including Local 355 DHL employees Doni Mason and Eric Garcia. Watch Mason deliver his advice and support via FB video here. PHOTO: DHL shop steward Doni Mason, right, with a DHL-CVG worker during the organizing campaign.

Union makes gains across supplements
May 2, 2023 |  In today’s UPS Teamsters Contract Update, the union lists five areas where gains have been made. Across supplements, riders, and addenda, the Teamsters have given nothing back. UPSers will make gains under all new agreements. Note that all supplemental agreements are subject to a tentative agreement of the UPS Teamsters National Master Agreement. Download a one-page copy of the update here.

End unfair treatment of UPS Teamsters
May 5, 2023 |  In its latest update, the Union, on behalf of more than 340,000 UPS Teamsters, calls on the company to “stop harassment by management and supervisors, reject the installation of driver-facing cameras, and quash unfair discipline in all its forms. UPS executives will not just roll over hardworking Teamsters.” Yesterday, the Union reported that tentative agreements have been reached on all supplements and riders except for the Northern California Regional Supplement and the Local 89 Air Rider. “After making $100 billion on the backs of our members last year, UPS is dragging out these negotiations over a few dollars and cents,” said General President O’Brien. Read the latest updates on the UPS Teamsters app. Additional info and photos on the Teamsters Facebook page.

Teamsters blast CSX for putting profits over workers
May 22, 2023 |  Updated 2:53 pm For over a week, 40 dedicated Local 355 Teamster carhaulers have been subjected to an outrageous lockout at the CSX railhead in Annapolis Junction, Md. This is a blatant display of corporate greed by CSX, where the company shamelessly prioritizes profits over the very workers who make their success possible. The Local 355 members have stood strong since the lockout began May 9, protesting outside the company gates to call on CSX to do the right thing. The lockout at CSX is not just an attack on the workers; it's an assault on the entire community and on Teamster carhaulers nationwide. Teamsters call on CSX Transportation to end the lockout in Baltimore. 

Membership meetings suspended until September 
May 22, 2023 |  Members in attendance at the May meetings in Baltimore and Salisbury voted to suspend meetings in June, July, and August. Dates for the September meetings will be posted as soon as they are scheduled. Photos from this month's membership meeting in Baltimore can be viewed here.

Union keeps eye on protecting jobs as UPS reviews tech
May 23, 2023 |  The union’s National Negotiating Committee and company heads convened multiple times on Monday, May 22, in Washington. UPS discussed technology and external relationships, particularly with the United States Postal Service. Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien reminded management that attempted implementation of any advanced technology that may harm workers or eliminates jobs will be combatted aggressively by the union. Continue reading the latest update here. 

In case you missed it: TForce and ABF Freight negotiation updates
May 30, 2023 |  The union’s National Negotiating Committees met last week with TForce Freight in Chicago and ABF Freight in Kansas City. ABF Teamsters voted by a secret ballot to strike if needed. Read the ABF update here and TForce update here.

Freightwaves: UPS, Teamsters take a break after SurePost agreement
May 31, 2023 |  UPS Inc. and the Teamsters union will resume national bargaining June 5 as both sides spend the week negotiating the final two supplemental agreements covering workers in Louisville, Kentucky, and Northern California. The hiatus comes as both sides reached a tentative agreement to reduce the size of UPS SurePost packages eligible for handoff to the U.S. Postal Service, according to a report in Supply Chain Dive confirmed by a Teamsters spokesperson. In an email to FreightWaves, Kara Deniz said that “we’ve reached (a) tentative agreement … to reduce the overall size of packages eligible for SurePost delivery — so more existing volume is going back onto Teamster trucks rather than coming off.” Read more.

New local contracts ratified, national contracts still in talks
Apr. 1, 2023 |  Though negotiations are ongoing for successor national master agreements at ABF, TForce, and UPS, Local 355 members working under contracts with individual employers like Capitol Carbonic, Linde, and Penn Fibre, approved pacts providing significant wage increases. Details here.

Teamsters to UPS negotiators: A hard ‘NO’ to cost-neutral bargaining
Apr. 3, 2023 |  The union put UPS on notice during supplemental bargaining meetings throughout the country last week, refusing the company’s outrageous insistence on cost-neutral agreements. While some progress was made on various proposals by the union, Teamsters also saw some disturbing backsliding by the company… The Atlantic Area Supplement Negotiating Committee met with UPS for three days last week. No major tentative agreements were reached. The Teamsters addressed the ability for members to requalify and the company expressed it wanted something in exchange for extending the time period for requalifying. The next bargaining date is scheduled for April 10. Get the full update on the UPS Teamsters app; scan the QR code below.

Teamsters triumphant at Sysco
Apr. 10, 2023 | The union won big for workers as members at two Sysco locations ratified record-breaking contracts. The victories successfully ended two-week strikes by securing higher wages and better retirement benefits for more than 160 members of Teamsters Local 135 in Indianapolis and 100 members of Teamsters Local 89 in Louisville. Strike lines extended to more than 1,000 workers nationwide. The new five-year agreements mark the latest round of coordinated bargaining for Sysco members in Indianapolis and Louisville. More at Teamsters Facebook

Supplemental Update: UPS refuses to talk money
Apr. 11, 2023 |  The union held the line on its proposals during supplemental negotiations with UPS last week. While some progress was made on various proposals from the union, the overall pace of bargaining remains slow as UPS refuses to discuss economic provisions. The Atlantic Area Supplement Negotiating Committee did not meet with UPS last week. Bargaining resumed yesterday (April 10). Full update on the UPS Teamsters App. (If you are experiencing any difficulties with the app, go to the App Store or Google Play on your device and download the latest update from there.)

Teamsters oppose TForce’s efforts to shrink workforce * Update
Apr. 11, 2023 |  As negotiations resumed today, union representative Kris Taylor blasted the company for trying to shrink its workforce through the use of job reductions masquerading as “buyouts.” TForce has been trying to lure certain drivers to voluntarily leave the company, thereby shrinking the workforce. “We oppose the elimination of any union driver jobs. What makes it even more offensive is that the company already diverts an unacceptable amount of freight to rail and purchased transportation. We intend to put a stop to this,” Taylor said. Teamsters press release  * Apr. 14, 2023: Progress was made on numerous supplemental agreements, including the Central Region, Central Pennsylvania, and Western Pennsylvania supplements. National negotiations formally resume on April 24. Update here.

Teamsters to UPS: No national talks until supplemental contracts resolved
Apr. 12, 2023 |  The union today demanded UPS stop stalling and negotiate in good faith to finalize supplemental contract negotiations as soon as possible, telling the company that bargaining for a new national agreement will not start until UPS gets its act together. The Teamsters began supplemental negotiations with UPS in January. Out of 40 supplements to the national contract nationwide, 30 remain unresolved after repeated delays by UPS. Teamsters Press release

Update on ABF negotiations 
Apr. 14, 2023 | This week, the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) met with ABF Freight in Kansas City to continue negotiations for a new ABF National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA) to succeed the current agreement expiring on June 30.  Progress was made on numerous supplemental agreements, including the Central Region, Central Pennsylvania, and Western Pennsylvania supplements. Teamsters National Freight Director John A. Murphy is leading negotiations. “We had a lot of good discussions across the table on a wide variety of issues. The company knows our positions,” Murphy said. Full update here.

National committee continues to push UPS on supplemental agreements
Apr. 19, 2023 |  For the third straight day, UPS National Negotiating Committee members broke up into regional supplemental committees and continued to negotiate their respective supplements with the company. Yesterday, the regional committees worked on their agreements late into the night with members of the Western Region, Southern Region, and Atlantic Area supplements working until midnight in meeting rooms at the International. One rank-and-file Teamster said, "These negotiations involve a lot of moving pieces..." Read today's entire update on the Teamster UPS app.

Tell your senators: Confirm Julie Su as Secretary of Labor
Apr. 24, 2023 |  We need your help today to make sure Julie Su becomes the next Secretary of the Department of Labor (DOL). She had her nomination hearing with the Senate HELP Committee last week and will now be voted on by the full Senate this week on Wednesday, April 26th. As Deputy Director at the DOL, she helped implement pro-Teamster policies, job-creating initiatives, directing funds and resources to workforce training programs and apprenticeships. Ms. Su is exactly the right person to take on this job because of her extensive experience and dedication to worker rights. With such a slim majority in the Senate, every vote counts, so please ask your Senator to vote YES on confirming Julie Su as the next United States Secretary of Labor. Click here.

Union praises Calif. law requiring human operators in autonomous big rigs
Apr. 25, 2023 |  The Teamsters has issued a statement of support for a proposed California law that would require humans inside the cabs of autonomous tractor-trailers. Autonomous vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds would need trained operators, according to California Assembly Bill 316 (AB 316), which passed through the Assembly’s Communications and Conveyance Committee on Wednesday, April 19, with broad bipartisan support. Learn more here

Teamsters securing agreements, staying locked in
Apr. 28, 2023 |  After another long night Thursday, with many Teamster negotiating committees working past 3 am, the union emerged Friday morning securing more movement from UPS on a range of issues affecting supplemental agreements. But with some key articles – including grievance procedure language, meal breaks, and the MLK holiday – still being opposed by UPS negotiators. Full update now available on the UPS Teamsters app. 

Mourn for the dead, fight for the living
Apr. 28, 2023 |  Today, Teamsters and other trade unionists worldwide honor Workers' Memorial Day, remembering and taking action on behalf of workers who have died, been injured, made ill, or disabled from their work. 2.6 million workers were injured on the job in 2021, per the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Decades of effort by workers and their unions have significantly improved working conditions. But workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths continue to inflict enormous pain and suffering on millions of American workers and their families. Teamsters Facebook

Teamsters add a seat on Yellow’s board
Apr. 28, 2023 |  Yellow Corp. said Tuesday it has approved Teamsters' selection David Webber to serve on its board of directors. As a holder of the company’s series A preferred stock the union is allowed to hold two board seats. … In recent weeks, Yellow and the Teamsters have been involved in a heated exchange regarding the carrier’s proposed change of operations it asserts is integral to its survival. Union heads maintain the proposed change of operations violates supplements in the National Master Freight Agreement and is merely a workaround to the existing agreement. It had previously suggested reopening the contract a year early, which Yellow has formally requested. More at Freightwaves

Update: Atlantic Area Supplement negotiations
Mar. 6, 2023 | The Atlantic Area Supplement Negotiating Committee met with UPS February 17 through March 2, exchanging 30 proposals and counter-proposals between the parties. Tentative agreements were reached on two proposals. Bargaining is set to resume Monday, March 13. 

Teamsters begin negotiations at TForce Freight
Mar. 6, 2023 | The Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) met with TForce Freight today in Washington to begin negotiations for a new TForce National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA). The Teamsters will formally exchange proposals with the company this week. The current national agreement expires July 31. “We have assembled a top-notch negotiating team with the experience and know-how to take on this company and put members first. We have a plan, and a vision focused entirely on the membership,” said Teamsters National Freight Director John A. Murphy. Mark Garey, a Local 355 officer and business agent, is a member of the committee. Teamsters

O’Brien testifies at Senate hearing on unlawful anti-union activity
Mar. 8, 2023 | Today, Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien testified at a hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). The committee hearing — “Defending the Right of Workers to Organize Unions Free from Illegal Corporate Union-Busting” — was initiated by HELP Committee Chair Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in response to unlawful anti-union activity at Starbucks, Amazon, and other multi-billion-dollar corporations. O’Brien gave extensive testimony to senators about the various ways that corporations break the law with impunity and shut down operations in response to union organizing and collective bargaining efforts, often with no consequences. Learn more at Teamsters.

Meet the Teamsters unionizing the cannabis industry
Mar. 15, 2023 | As more states and districts around the country push for legalization, the cannabis industry has exploded in recent years, with researchers estimating that the industry could generate over $70 billion in sales by 2030. While investors and business owners have dollar signs in their eyes, though, it is the everyday employees, from growers and packers to bud tenders, who are making the industry run. But the vast vast majority of those workers are not reaping the benefits of these booming profits… Learn more here.

Attention UPS stewards!
Mar. 17, 2023 | A National UPS Teamsters Call with Stewards will be held on Sunday, March 19, at 12 pm ET to discuss April rallies and other actions, provide information on contract action training for members, and share details about the upcoming kickoff of national negotiations. We urge all Stewards to register for this call and participate to hear important updates from General President Sean O’Brien, General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, and other leaders from the International. To register for the call, click here.

Update: ABF negotiations begin March 27
Mar. 17, 2023 | The Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) is meeting today with local representatives in Arlington, Va., to review contract proposals for the new national agreement at ABF Freight. General President Sean M. O’Brien and National Freight Director John A. Murphy will chair negotiations, which begin March 27 in Arlington. The negotiating committee is made up of Teamster leaders from around the country as well as rank-and-filers who are committed to securing a new national agreement that raises standards. The national contract, which expires June 30, covers approximately 8,500 ABF Teamsters nationally; 85 are members of Local 355. Photos at Facebook/Teamsters

Update: Atlantic Area Supplement negotiations continue March 27
Mar. 20, 2023 | Supplemental bargaining continued nationwide last week as Teamster negotiating committees for 14 of the 30 open supplements and riders met with the company. While committees have reported some progress over the last week, UPS continues to stonewall on substantive Teamster proposals. Bargaining is scheduled to resume March 27-29. To get updates on the Atlantic Area Supplement negotiations – and the national negotiations set to start April 17 – download the UPS Teamsters app.

Union rejects proposed operations changes at Yellow Corp.
Mar. 23, 2023 | The Teamsters forcefully rejected change of operations proposed by Yellow Corp. during a meeting today with the company at union headquarters. Yellow’s proposal seeks to jam through operational changes without a vote of the Teamsters’ freight membership, a clear violation of Article XII of the union’s constitution as the company’s request would change the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement. At the direction of General President Sean M. O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, the Teamsters canceled a Change of Operations Committee meeting with Yellow planned for April 5-7. Learn more here

On Strike: Sysco Teamsters in Indianapolis, Louisville
Mar. 27, 2023 | Teamsters at Sysco Louisville and Sysco Indianapolis are on strike in response to unfair labor practices (ULPs) after weeks of contentious contract negotiations at both locations. Picket lines could extend to more locations across the country in the coming days. “We’re asking to be compensated fairly for the hard work that we do,” said Michael Bonner, a Sysco driver and Teamsters Local 89 member in Louisville. “The company would rather put its employees and customers in a negative situation than just compensate us fairly.” The Teamsters represent more than 10,000 Sysco workers nationwide. Learn more here.

Teamsters begin negotiations with ABF
Mar. 28, 2023 |  The Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee met with ABF Freight this week in Arlington, Va., to begin negotiations for a new national contract for more than 8,000 members at the company. “We are militant in our resolve, and we will not settle for anything less than a contract that reflects the value of our members’ hard work and dedication,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “We are demanding a national contract that protects our members and resets standards in the freight industry.” The current national agreement expires June 30. Full update here.

Teamster committees call out UPS at the table, uphold union proposals
Mar. 28, 2023 | The Teamsters’ supplemental negotiating committees are holding firm against UPS’s concessionary proposals. In bargaining meetings with the company last week, 11 supplements continued to hold the line on issues ranging from 22.4s to market rate adjustments (MRA), and PVDs. With UPS negotiators initially dragging their feet and failing to take bargaining seriously, supplemental negotiating committees saw more movement on the company’s side as committee chairs reminded UPS of the looming April 17 deadline. Full update at UPS Teamsters app.

Teamsters oppose House bill that would threaten worker, motorist safety
Feb. 1, 2023 | Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien sent letters to members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee urging them to oppose H.R. 471, the Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act. The legislation, introduced by Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), would jeopardize the safety of workers, motorists, and any American that uses an interstate highway – all while doing nothing to address the root causes of our nation’s supply chain woes.” Press release at Teamsters.

Negotiations Update: Contracts ratified at Penn Fibre, Baltimore Sun
Feb. 2, 2023 | Local 355 members employed at Penn Fibre on the Eastern Shore ratified in January a new three-year contract providing wage increases averaging 18% to 24% over the term. Members will be covered by the Teamster health plan at no cost. Other wins include an increase to shift differentials, no exclusions of probationary employees regarding holiday pay or paid holiday shutdown, and an annual safety shoe allowance increase. Baltimore Sun drivers ratified a new one-year contract with additional money to the Health & Welfare Fund to maintain the drivers’ benefits and a signing bonus. Bargaining continues for successor contracts at Auto Warehousing, Horseshoe Casino, Renzenberger, Republic National Distributing Co., and Capitol Carbonic. 

Teamsters applaud call to pass the PRO Act, antitrust laws during Biden SOTU
Feb. 8, 2023 | In a statement released today, our union applauded the call on Congress to pass the PRO Act during President Biden’s State of the Union address. New labor legislation that puts the needs of working people ahead of corporations was mentioned throughout the speech, including bipartisan antitrust legislation to rein in the power of Big Tech bullies like Amazon. But such laws must be passed and enacted to actually turn the tide in the battle against corporate greed. Read it here.

Applications now available for the 2023 Local 355 Scholarship Awards
Feb. 6, 2023 | For the past 48 years, our Local has offered scholarships to the children and stepchildren of Local 355 members who seek to fulfill their dreams through higher education. Applications are now available for the Teamsters Local Union No. 355 49th Annual Scholarships to be awarded during the May 2022 regular monthly membership meeting. Eligibility requirements: You must be in continuous good standing in Local 355 for 12 consecutive months before May 2023, and your student must be a graduating senior this year. There are no tests and no lengthy application process. Download the instructions and application here.

Union prepares for major freight negotiations with TForce, ABF
Feb. 10, 2023 | The Freight Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is preparing for upcoming national negotiations on new collective bargaining agreements protecting more than 15,000 Teamsters at TForce Freight and ABF Freight. The current ABF Freight agreement expires June 30. The agreement with TForce Freight expires July 31. The negotiating committees will be made up of leaders from around the country as well as rank-and-file members committed to securing strong new agreements. Learn more at Teamsters.

Teamsters demand answers to proposed operation changes at Yellow
Feb. 15, 2023 | The Teamsters Union is demanding answers to the proposed change of operations at Yellow Corp. after the company sent revised change-of-operations notifications to the union on Feb. 7. The massive proposal — following the withdrawal of a previous draft Yellow issued in December — fails to address serious concerns raised by the union. The Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) does not endorse or approve any operational changes at Yellow. The Teamsters demand that established work standards and contractual protections be maintained, that primary lanes be preserved, and traditional road driver classifications and dock workers be protected. Teamsters

UPS cutting back on some jobs as Teamster labor talks loom
Feb. 16, 2023 | United Parcel Service on Monday confirmed it is taking steps to reduce its workforce in regions where delivery demand has softened, a comment that comes days after a local union reported that the company had begun nationwide layoffs of some drivers. UPS is "reassigning" affected employees, the company said in a Monday email. [The company] announced plans to lay off so-called 22.4 drivers, a lower-paid category of drivers created during the last round of negotiations in 2018, Washington State's Teamsters Local 174 said in a web posting dated Feb. 9. National talks are scheduled to start on April 17 in Washington, D.C. Reuters

Tell your representatives to support the PRO Act
Feb. 17, 2023 | With public support for unions at a historic high, it is more important than ever that working people have an enforceable right to organize.  Let’s make Congress fight for us by making sure our nation’s labor laws work as intended. Let’s level the playing field and give workers a voice to effectively fight for safer workplaces and fair pay. Click here to email your members of Congress to tell them to support working-class families by becoming a sponsor of the PRO Act today.

Auto Warehousing workers in Michigan join Teamsters
Feb. 17, 2023 | Rail loaders and yard workers at Auto Warehousing Company (AWC) in Flint, Mich., voted to join Teamsters Local 332 yesterday. “The entire Teamsters Union congratulates this group for staying strong to win a voice on the job. They deserve it. Now, we will fight at the table to address their concerns and get them covered under our national carhaul contract,” said Mark Barnhart, Local 332 Secretary-Treasurer. “I want to thank the Teamsters Organizing Department, the Teamsters Carhaul Division, and Locals 299, 710, and 355 for all the support during the campaign.” Teamsters

America’s workers are fighting back, exercising right to strike
Feb. 23, 2023 | In a press release issued yesterday, General President O’Brien responded to the release of 2022 work stoppage numbers by the Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Workers are increasingly taking action and going on strike. There is a clear reason for this. America’s workers are fed up and they are fighting back. The ability to strike is the most powerful tool workers have to demand better and safer working conditions.” Full statement at Teamsters

Update: Teamsters UPS Supplemental negotiations
Feb. 27, 2023 | The UPS Teamsters’ supplemental negotiating committees have been at the table with company negotiators throughout the country over the last three weeks. Out of the nearly 40 supplements and local riders, 30 are open — and 27 have met so far. Several others have reached memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and have not been reopened. Rank-and-file members sit on all supplemental negotiating committees. The Atlantic Area Supplement Negotiating Committee met with UPS earlier last week and exchanged initial proposals. Further meetings are scheduled for this week. Full update at the UPS Teamsters app.

UPS drivers: Last day to sign the 9.5 list
Jan. 5, 2023 | Today is the last day to sign up on the 9.5 list and protect yourself from excessive overtime. The 9.5 list gives drivers the right to file grievances over pay when they are worked more than 9.5 hours more than twice a week. Talk to your shop steward to get signed up on the list.

UPS National Screening Committee convenes to review proposals
Jan. 9, 2023 | This morning, General President Sean M. O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman opened a meeting of the screening committee where representatives from dozens of UPS locals are gathered to review more than 4,000 pages of national proposals submitted by locals to the Package Division. In total, the Division received more than 11,000 Master Agreement proposals, which were sorted and compiled for today’s meeting. Learn more here.

The New Yorker: 'UPS and The Package Wars'
Jan. 10, 2023 | The company offers old-fashioned middle-class jobs and is enjoying record profits. So why is a strike looming? … according to many drivers, the job is far more stressful and demanding than a customer might imagine: they describe being subject to extreme time pressures, constant surveillance, and the risk of injury from handling heavy packages. And, of the Teamsters working at UPS, only about forty percent are drivers. The rest toil inside UPS buildings… Continue reading here.

O’Brien: Supreme Court must uphold the right to strike
Jan. 10, 2023 | The following is a statement from General President Sean O’Brien on Glacier Northwest, Inc. v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local Union No. 174 being heard today by the U.S. Supreme Court: “Workers in America have the fundamental right to strike, and American workers have died on picket lines to protect it. The ability to withhold your labor is the one powerful tool throughout the history of unionization that has ensured workers can improve their working conditions. This right is now on trial at the Supreme Court. The anti-worker case before the Court is undemocratic and disregards long-standing legal precedent… Continued at Teamsters

Striking Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers asking for your help
Jan. 12, 2023 | For more than two months, workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have been on strike after management unilaterally canceled employee health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic, refused collective raises for 16 years, and harassed striking workers with private security and public law enforcement. The workers, members of the Communications Workers of America, The NewsGuild-CWA, and the Teamsters, are fighting for dignity, and they are calling on the community for support. The workers are asking supporters and allies to write a letter to the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, asking it to reconsider and cancel its media sponsorship with the newspaper. Click here to lend your support.

Tonight at 7 pm: Senator Sanders on the State of the Working Class
Jan. 17, 2023 | “Before we can effectively go forward in terms of economic policy, it’s necessary to know where we are at. On Tuesday, I will give a speech at the U.S. Capitol on the state of America’s working class and how we address the existing crises.” – Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator from Vermont. Watch his national address live from the U.S. Capitol at www.facebook.com/senatorsanders.

Energizer plans to outsource Teamster jobs
Jan. 20, 2023 | The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is fighting plans by billion-dollar company Energizer to outsource more than 600 good-paying jobs after the company announced intentions to close its battery plants in Fennimore and Portage, Wisconsin. Last year, Energizer gave $93 million to shareholders through quarterly dividends and posted a gross profit of $1.1 billion. Learn more at Teamsters.

Amid gains, railroaders seeking quality-of-life improvements 
Jan. 30, 2023 | Even though track maintenance workers in the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division union aren’t on call the way train crews are, they are increasingly being sent on the road for days at a time to tackle construction projects and repairs, prompting many to reconsider whether the job is worth the sacrifice, Teamster BMWED union spokesman Clark Ballew said. “To date, we haven’t seen genuine concern from management about these quality-of-life decisions that our members increasingly wrestle with.” Associated Press

Unions form coalition to coordinate bargaining with United Airlines
Dec. 7, 2022 | Airline unions representing 78,000 workers at United Airlines, including 10,000 Teamster maintenance technicians, announced the launch of the United Airlines Union Coalition today. Together with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), the IAMAW District 141, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, and the Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFCA), the Teamsters will coordinate closely on bargaining and other issues. "The old adage says, 'It takes a village'," said General President Sean M. O'Brien. "United, we are stronger. We have each other’s backs always and will take on the fight together."

Victory for Teamster Retirees: Central States Pension Fund awarded $36B
Dec. 8, 2022 | Nearly 350,000 Teamster retirees are celebrating today over an announcement that the Central States Pension Fund (CSPF) will be granted $36 billion by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The grant ensures they will enjoy their full pension benefits for the rest of their lives. The grant was made possible by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) that was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021. Rank-and-file Teamsters held rallies, made hundreds of visits to elected officials, and made thousands of phone calls to ensure their pensions would be secure. "This is an issue of fairness — of this country keeping its word to hardworking, honest people who did everything they were supposed to do in life," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. Teamsters

Tell Congress to increase funding for the NLRB
Dec. 14, 2022 | The National Labor Relations Board is struggling to meet its goals as an agency. It needs more funding or it won’t be able to fully do its job protecting the right of workers to bargain collectively. Every other worker protection agency in the government has received funding increases over the years; the NLRB has not seen an increase since 2014. Congress can fix this problem now. Congress must pass a government spending bill by December 16. Tell your representatives that the bill must fully fund the National Labor Relations Board. Click here to take action.

UPS drivers: Protect yourself – sign the 9.5 list
Dec. 20, 2022 | You have until January 5th to sign up on the 9.5 list and protect yourself from excessive overtime. The 9.5 list gives drivers the right to file grievances over pay when they are worked more than 9.5 hours more than twice a week. When UPS violates 9.5 rights, Article 37 of the National Master Agreement calls for the company to reduce the driver’s workload and pay triple time – instead of time and a half – for time worked in excess of 9.5 hours in a day. Talk to your shop stewards to get signed up on the list.

ABF Freight bargaining surveys are out
Dec. 20, 2022 | The Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee wants to hear from you! Earlier this month, a letter was mailed to all members at ABF with instructions for a new electronic bargaining survey. The Freight Division encourages all ABF Teamsters to participate to help the negotiating committee secure the strongest contract possible in 2023! It only takes a few minutes to fill out on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Surveys are completely confidential and an important step going into national contract negotiations, so make sure your voice is heard. Follow the sign-in instructions provided in the letter and click here to take the survey today.

Piedmont Airline mechanics ratify historic new contract
Nov. 1, 2022 |  Nearly 400 Teamster mechanics and related employees at Piedmont Airlines saw a historic new contract go into effect today after voting overwhelmingly for higher pay, more rest time, and retirement security. The 390-person unit is represented by multiple Teamster locals, servicing airline workers in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland (Local 355)... Building and Ground Mechanics will see up to 25 percent wage increases. In addition to the strong wages, an 8 percent signing bonus was added for all Teamsters. Learn more here.

General President O’Brien among '100 People Transforming Business'
Nov. 17, 2022 |  The financial and business news website Business Insider lists O’Brien among its annual list of people transforming business in 2022: “It has been the year of the union as Americans across the economy have organized for better conditions… O’Brien, the general president of the Teamsters Union, is one of the loudest voices in the resurgence.” Responding via Twitter, O’Brien said, “Honored to be on list. Not about me though. All about our great members. 2023 will again be a year of continued change & innovation. And workers' interests will be at the forefront. Transforming business by holding employers accountable.”

Teamsters help community save park from being turned into Amazon warehouse
Nov. 18, 2022 | For about 7,000 kids in Freeport, Long Island, Cleveland Avenue Field is the only green space around. Spanning about nine acres, it serves as an athletic field for the local school district and a public gathering spot. It’s been empty for over 20 years and lets neighboring residents get sunlight, fresh air, and exercise. But in July, Freeport tried to sell the land to develop a last-mile delivery warehouse. The Freeport mayor promised jobs and economic development, as well as the renovation of a park further downtown, but residents say that’s not what they want. And now, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is involved.  Read the full story here.

Contract Update: Ralph Adams, Mid-Atlantic Baking, Avis Budget Group
Nov. 18, 2022 | Members at three Teamster Local 355 companies recently ratified contracts that provide wage increases and maintain medical benefits, in addition to other contract enhancements. After more than a year of intense negotiations, a first contract at Avis Budget Group was overwhelmingly ratified. The agreement merges into one three contracts that had historically covered Avis Rent-A-Car and Budget Rent-A-Car Teamsters at BWI. The two companies merged their operations in 2021. Details at Local 355 News.   Photo: Avis Budget Group bargaining committee members (L-R) Brian Stokes, Juliet Spritzer, LaCretia Givans, and Bryan Winfield.

Applications open for the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund
Nov. 30, 2022 | The application process opens today for the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship for sons, daughters, and financial dependents of Teamster members. Academic scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 are available for high school seniors planning to attend a four-year college or university, and Training/Vocational program awards of up to $2,000 are available for use at community colleges and trade schools. This year, the Fund awarded $1.2 million in scholarships. For more information on the 2023 JRHMSF application, visit www.jrhmsf.org. The submission deadline is early March 2023.

Nov. 17, 2022

Teamsters at Mid-Atlantic Baking approved a successor contract that provided a 4% increase across the board, reduced employee contributions for their medical plans, and increased holiday pay. In addition, employees working Saturday and/or Sunday as part of their normal schedule will receive 1.5 times their route pay for those days. The contract has a three-year term.

Members at Rapa Scrapple ratified a new three-year contract that includes significant wage increases, adds the day after Thanksgiving as a paid holiday, maintains medical benefits, and adds an employer match up to 6% in the 401k.

Avis Rent-A-Car and Budget Rent-A-Car members approved by a 95% margin of victory a new collective bargaining agreement that merges three contracts with two companies that combined their operations in 2021. The new five-year deal with Avis Budget Group (ABG) delivers substantial wage hikes in all classifications, maintains Health & Welfare, provides an employer dollar-for-dollar match of up to 6% to the 401k, enhances the paid time off (PTO) language, and provides full retroactivity for eligible members. The contract covers 115 customer service representatives, rental sales associates, shuttlers, technicians, mechanics, and service agents. The ratification concluded nearly a year of intense negotiations with the BWI car rental agency.

Coming Up:  Auto Warehousing Group; Renzenberger; Penn Fibre

Congratulations to Felix Guinto, Matt Parks, Matt Gunzelman, and Brandon Carter (UPS/Hunt Valley) for their First Place win in Local 355's fall golf event at the Westminister National Golf Course, Westminster, Md.

Sept. 28, 2022 | On Saturday, September 24, 2022, Local 355 golfers employed at ABF, DHL, the Movie Industry, and UPS hubs in Aberdeen, Baltimore, Quad Ave., Harrington, and Hunt Valley –– along with Local 355 staff and retirees –– teed off the 18-hole course at 8:30 a.m. in a modified shotgun start format. 

Photo Gallery images are available here. Click on the first photo to enlarge it, then use the arrow at the bottom right to navigate through the file.

Second Place winners were the UPS/Aberdeen team, Bob Williams, Scott Harris, Michael Chaney, and Tim Wojtek.

Third Place winners were Rob Dandy, Mitch Drzewiecki, Bill Joynes, and Mike Lynch, UPS/Hunt Valley.

Adrian Davis (UPS/Quad Ave) took the prize for the longest drive.

Tim Wojtek (UPS/Aberdeen) claimed the prize for closest to the pin.

Teamsters Union launches new Amazon Division
Sept. 7, 2022 | The Teamsters Union on Tuesday formally launched its Amazon Division, a new arm of North America’s strongest union dedicated to uniting Amazon employees, securing more workplace protections in the warehouse and logistics industry, and defending workers from the unchecked exploitation of one of the world’s most dangerous employers. Randy Korgan, Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 1932, will lead the new Amazon Division. “For Teamsters, and the labor movement as a whole, Amazon poses an existential threat to the rights and standards that our members have fought for and won for over 100 years,” Korgan said. “The new Amazon Division is ready to create and support direct action by workers across the country to beat back this corporate threat to working people.” Read more at Teamsters.

Teamsters statement on tentative rail deal
Sept. 15, 2022 | The International Brotherhood of Teamsters applauds the tens of thousands of members of the Teamsters Rail Conference for working long into the night to reach a tentative agreement averting a potential railway strike. The Teamsters Rail Conference includes the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED). “Collective bargaining works. The labor movement works. And we know through lifetimes of experience and unbelievable sacrifice, Teamsters across America’s railroads work harder than anyone,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The Teamsters thank all of our members and negotiating partners for staying at the table until this job was done. We’re not yet to the end of the line, but the process is working.” Continued at Teamsters

Airline Division members: Webinar on Sept. 25
Sept. 15, 2022 | An important update for Airline Division members will be held at 11 am EST on Sunday, Sept. 25. Please join General President Sean M. O’Brien and Division Director Joe Ferreira. Scan the QR code to register, or you can sign up here.

Motion Picture Division members: Webinar on Sept. 25
Sept. 19, 2022 | Motion Picture and Theatrical Trade Division members will receive an important update in a webinar to be held at 12:30 am EST, Sunday, Sept. 25. Please join General President Sean M. O’Brien, General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, and Director Lindsay Dougherty for an important update on the division. Scan the QR code to register. You can also register here.

Teamster golfers take on a new, but challenging, course  
Sept. 28, 2022 | Last weekend, 60 Teamster golf enthusiasts trekked up to Westminster, Maryland, for the Local’s Fall Golf 2022 outing. Despite the rolling, hilly terrain of the new course, great weather and team spirit made for a fantastic day outdoors. Overheard on the fairway: “My worst day on the golf course still beats my best day at work.” Check out the winners and photos. Click the image to enlarge. 

Sysco Teamsters in Syracuse, N.Y., on ULP strike 
Sept. 30, 2022 | Teamsters Local 317 members at Sysco Syracuse are on strike after weeks of contentious contract negotiations with the company. More than 230 drivers and warehouse workers walked off the job Tuesday night in response to unfair labor practices being committed by management. Picket lines could extend to more locations across the country in the coming days. Learn more at Teamsters.

23,000 Teamster freight train engineers voting on strike authorization
July 5, 2022 | If the authorization passes, it would give the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen (BLET) leadership the OK to call a strike should one become necessary to settle the current national contract dispute with the nation’s largest rail carriers. Key issues are erratic and long hours, pay, job safety, and health protection—especially against coronavirus—and rail carriers’ constant push for one-person crews on all freight trains. The struggle with the carriers is important because railroads are key carriers of bulk freight—from oil and gas to cars and corn—in the nation’s increasingly strained supply chain... People’s World  Ballots were mailed on June 24 and must be returned on July 12... Teamsters

Carhaul members ratify national agreement 
July 12, 2022 | Teamster carhaulers ratified a new National Master Automobile Transporters Agreement (NMATA) today, securing the most lucrative carhaul contract in Teamster history. The contract addresses members’ top priorities and establishes a national organizing model. All three regional supplemental agreements were also ratified. Ballots were counted before an independent observer, and the agreement was ratified by a 63 to 37 percent margin. Voter turnout was the highest in years… Details here.

Teamster Freight Division leaders hold TForce strategy meeting 
July 12, 2022 | (Click image to enlarge.) The Freight Division held a strategy meeting Monday, June 11, 2022, in Washington to discuss the upcoming TForce Freight negotiations. National Freight Director John A. Murphy and Assistant Director Danny Avelyn are working with regional coordinators on how to best address members' concerns under a strong new agreement. "I want to know what's best for the members—and what they care most about in this agreement," Murphy said. "I want to know everything they want to get them a contract that puts members first.” IBT Photo: Mark Garey, second from left, is Local 355 Recording Secretary and IBT TForce Freight Co-Chairman for the Eastern Region. More photos here.

Biden names board to help end freight railroad, union contract disputes
July 18, 2022 | Biden signed an order on Friday ahead of a deadline to intervene in nationwide U.S. railroad labor talks covering 115,000 workers or open the door to a potential strike or lockout that could threaten an already fragile economy and choke supplies of food and fuel... Reuters Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman welcomed President Joe Biden’s decision today to officially appoint a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) to help thousands of union rail workers secure a strong contract... Teamsters

Ring Doorbell Video Shows UPS Driver Collapse in Extreme Arizona Heat
July 21, 2022 | An Arizona homeowner is sharing video of a UPS driver collapsing in front of his door in a bid to warn people to stay safe in the extreme heat the state has been experiencing for more than a month. The Ring video shared by Scottsdale resident Brian Enriquez shows the delivery person walking slowly to the front door. As he bends down to put down a package, the delivery man falls over and lands in a sitting position, where he sits for a little while before lying down on the porch. NBC News The Teamster Union responds: “Teamsters demand UPS protect drivers amid record heat…” facebook.com/teamsters

Virtual Townhall: 'Workers Standing Up and Fighting Back'
July 26, 2022 | General President Sean M. O’Brien, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) President Sara Nelson will headline a virtual townhall Wednesday night at 8 pm ET where they will take on Amazon, UPS, and all of Big Business who are holding workers down. Tune in at live.berniesanders.com. Via Teamsters on Facebook 

Warehouse Division: Webinar to Update Members
July 29, 2022 | A division-wide webinar call will be held for all Warehouse Division members on Sunday, July 31 at 1 pm ET. General President Sean M. O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer will be on the call to provide an update on the future of the Warehouse Division. Click here to register.

Public Services Division: Webinar to Update Members
July 29, 2022 | A division-wide webinar will be held for all Public Services Division members on Sunday, July 31 at 12 pm ET. General President Sean M. O’Brien will provide an important update for Teamsters employed in the public sector. Click here to register.

Congratulations to Justin Thom, Cory Tribbett, Mike Howard, and Chris Towers (UPS Easton), for their First Place win in the Local's bi-annual golf event at the Queenstown Harbor Golf Course in Queenstown, Md.

June 16, 2022 | Last Saturday, June 11, 2022, 76 Local 355 golfers returned to Queenstown, Md., for Local 355’s bi-annual Golf Outing event. Teams comprised of members employed at ABF, DHL, Kraft-Heinz, Movies, Penske, Piedmont Airlines, UPS hubs in Aberdeen, Baltimore, Easton, Harrington (Delaware), and Hunt Valley, along with Local 355 staff and retirees teed off the 18-hole course at 8:30 a.m. in a modified shotgun start format. Photo Gallery images are available here.

Click on the first photo to enlarge it then use the arrow at the bottom right to navigate through the rest.

Second Place: UPS Baltimore team Michael Lynch, Petter Williams, Travis Charette, and Joe Lowman placed in a scorecard playoff.

Third Place winners are Felix Guinto, Brandon Carter, Matt Parks, and Matt Gunzelman - UPS Hunt Valley.

Henry Ortega (Penske) took the prize for Longest Drive.

Closest to the Pin was claimed by Bryan Holewinski (ABF).

Hoffa: After 23 years, Teamsters are in a better position
Mar. 2, 2022 | For the last 23 years, I have had the honor of serving as the General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, fighting to help the hardworking 1.4 million members of this great union get the dignity and respect on the job they deserve. Serving the members has been fulfilling beyond what I could have dreamed when my fellow brothers and sisters first elected me in 1998. I am forever grateful for being given the opportunity to follow in my father’s footsteps as Teamster president. When I took over the reins in 1999, the union faced tremendous obstacles… Continued at Teamsters

Available now: The 2022 Local 355 Scholarship Award applications
Mar. 3, 2022 | For the past 47 years, our Local has offered scholarships to the children and stepchildren of Local 355 members who seek to fulfill their dreams through higher education. Applications are now available for the Teamsters Local Union No. 355 48th Annual Scholarships to be awarded during the May 2022 regular monthly membership meeting. Eligibility requirements: You must be in continuous good standing in Local 355 for 12 consecutive months before May 2022, and your student must be a graduating senior this year. There are no tests and no lengthy application process. For details  and a downloadable application, click here.

Teamster joins panel unveiling DOL, DOT collaboration to increase union jobs
Mar. 7, 2022 | A California UPS feeder driver joined with a panel of union workers Monday to tell top Biden administration officials how the federal government can make changes to improve the lives of workers so they can have good-paying union jobs that allow them to support their families. Local 986 member and second-generation Teamster Art Silvas explained to U.S Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and others that a union job has allowed him to provide for his family so he could send his daughter to college and cover all the family’s medical bills. But in order for more workers to have that quality of life, elected officials need to do more... Continued at Teamsters

General President Hoffa honored at JRHM Scholarship dinner
Mar. 14, 2022 | More than a thousand attendees joined together for the 2022 James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund Dinner in Los Angeles to honor Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa as he approaches the end of his final term as the head of the 1.4 million-member union. “I look around this room and see the faces of men and women that I have had the honor of working with for more than two decades,” said Hoffa. “Together, we brought this union back from the brink of financial ruin. We organized and built Teamster power through industry-leading contracts. We saved the pensions of millions of active and retired members. And we helped return the Teamsters to the most powerful union in the world! Thank you for all you have done for this union.” Read more at Teamsters

Teamsters at Yellow Freight to receive a cost-of-living adjustment
Mar. 14, 2022 | Teamsters at the Yellow Freight companies covered by the YRCW National Master Freight Agreement will receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) this year. For more information, click here.

Teamsters honor Women’s History Month
Mar. 3, 2022 | March is Women’s History Month and on March 8 annually we celebrate International Women’s Day. The Teamsters Union is proud to honor and recognize the achievements of our sisters during this month and throughout the year. As an organization that advocates and fights for the rights of working people, it is thanks to the tireless efforts of the trailblazing women throughout our history that our union is strong and a force for good for workers across this continent.… Teamsters

In Memoriam - Jeffrey Lee Cash, Sr., retired
Mar. 22, 2022 | Retired UPS Teamster Jeffrey Cash passed away on March 3, 2022. A long-serving shop steward, Brother Cash retired following 33 years with UPS; he also worked as a limousine driver and on HBO’s The Wire. Services for Brother Cash will be held in St. Marys, Georgia (obituary link here), where he lived at the time of his passing. On behalf of our members, the Teamsters Local 355 Executive Board extends its sincere condolences to Brother Cash’s family. 

Transition at IBT: O’Brien, Zuckerman, Executive Board, begin 5-year term
Mar. 22, 2022 | Sean M. O’Brien was sworn in today as the new General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman and the newly-elected General Executive Board also took the oath of office. Following a swearing-in ceremony, O’Brien and his team went straight to work, holding their first board meeting to discuss the priorities of the new administration. “We have a lot of work ahead of us…” Continued at Teamsters

IBT donates $1 million to concrete industry members on ULP strike in Seattle
Mar. 28, 2022 | The International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced Friday a $1 million donation to Teamsters Local 174 members in Seattle who have been on an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike for nearly five months against companies that control the concrete industry in the region. The members are standing up for basic healthcare benefits for retirees and are seeking modest wage increases that would bring their pay in line with that of other construction trades in the region. The unions’ $1 million donation will directly support members standing strong on the picket line by providing necessary financial stability to their families at home. Continued at Teamsters.

Dec. 23, 2021

More than 8,500 toys were donated to hospitalized and disadvantaged children this year by Guinto’s Helping Hands, a charity organization founded by Felix Guinto, a Teamsters Local 355 UPS driver. Deliveries were made to the Kennedy Krieger Institute, the Ronald McDonald House, and United Communities Against Poverty.

Coworkers Dion Di Pasquale, Brandon Carter, Jeff Matin, Steve Kennedy, and Chris Serp helped Guinto organize and deliver this year’s gifts. Throughout the year the charity receives support from toy collection, fundraising, and UPS coworkers who support the foundation. Toys are donated by Guinto’s UPS customers during the year. Most of his customers leave toys for him when he makes their deliveries.

Covid restrictions have limited Guinto’s Helping Hands access to the children. “I wasn't able to walk around with carts full of toys this year, so we’ve sent monthly donations to local hospitals.”

Last week, twenty local families also received a delivery of gifts. “We have families submit a small questionnaire and details about specific gifts they hope to receive,” Guinto said, explaining the selection process. “Honestly, if they take the time to complete the questionnaire, they need the help. This will be the third year making family deliveries and it’s worked out well. The children and their families in hospitals are in need of support but I truly embrace the family deliveries; it’s a small give-back to the community.”

Visit www.guintoshelpinghands.com to make donations and learn how you can volunteer to help.

Delayed a year, shop stewards catch up at bi-annual training

Oct. 28, 2021 | Postponed in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, Local 355 held its 2021 Steward Seminar earlier this month at the Princess Royale Hotel & Conference Center in Ocean City, Md. The three-day educational program was attended by 114 stewards representing workers at 40 companies.
   One of only a few of its kind in the Teamsters Union, the Local 355-sponsored program is designed to provide its shop stewards with essential training in grievance handling and contract negotiations, focusing on the specialized skills required to represent their coworkers effectively. 
  “The purpose of this seminar is to educate, encourage and recognize the hard work and dedication necessary to be a job steward in Local 355,” said President Denis Taylor in his welcome to the group. 
   Under the direction of labor educator Grainger Ledbetter of the Labor Education Program in Little Rock, Arkansas, new and first-time stewards learned their roles and responsibilities and received instruction on grievance handling and arbitration preparation. Dennis Hower, President, IBT Local 773, delivered immersion instruction on contract negotiations, along with helpful tools to assist them in being a more effective member of their bargaining committee. 
   Prudential Financial experts conducted a class for veteran stewards designed to enhance understanding of complicated issues about 401k pensions and the UPS Teamster 401k. Others attended a course presented by attorneys from Local 355’s legal firm where important facts about Health & Welfare plans were presented and discussed. Another class covered the grievance and arbitration process related to Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) disputes. President Denis Taylor, the Director of the IBT Package Division, led an in-depth discussion for UPS and TForce-UPS Freight stewards about the growing threat Amazon poses to UPS and other contractual matters of regular concern to members.
   In a new Drug & Alcohol Awareness class, Officer Bill Alexander Jr., Maryland Transportation Police, guided stewards on the potentially harmful effects of a wide range of substances such as alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, prescription, and other drugs used while operating a motor vehicle. Information about medical conditions that can mimic drug impairment was also provided. 
   The steward seminar has instructed Local 355 shop stewards since its first training session rolled out in 1996. Since then, hundreds of hard-working men and women committed to enforcing a Teamster contract have gone on to effectively represent and protect their members, thus improving conditions in their workplace. Stewards are the Union’s eyes and ears on the shop floor. Without their dedicated commitment, our members could not benefit from the Union’s robust and active presence in the workplace.

Local 355 Officers and Trustees: (Front row) Vice President Bill Alexander, Secretary-Treasurer David White, President Denis Taylor, Recording Secretary Mark Garey. (Back row) Trustees Christopher Greene, Sysco; Dale Pink, UPS/Harrington; Janet Genovese, UPS/Baltimore

Congratulations to Brandon Carter, Matt Gunzelman, Felix Guinto, and Matt Parks (UPS/Baltimore), above, for their First Place win in the Local's bi-annual golf event held Saturday, Sept. 25th at Chesapeake Golf Course in Rising Sun, Md.

Oct. 15, 2021 | On Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, Local 355 golf enthusiasts made the trek to Rising Sun, Md., for the Local’s bi-annual event, held for the first time at the Chesapeake Bay Golf Course. Members from ABF, DHL, Kraft-Heinz, Piedmont Airlines, and UPS joined Local 355 retirees and staff members on the 18-hole course under sunny skies and warm weather. Photo Gallery images can be viewed here. Click on the first photo to enlarge, then use the arrow at the bottom right to navigate through the file.

Above, Second Place: Above, Charlie Huber, Scott Mandel, Troy Palmisano, and Mike Schiller (UPS/Baltimore).

Right, Third Place: Sean Chesnavag, Tony Moscella, Richard Albright, Cody Geho (UPS/Quad).

This year Brandon Carter (UPS/Baltimore), below left, took two prizes – Longest Drive Hole #16 and Closest to Pin, Hole #15. 

Peter Williams (UPS/Hunt Valley), bottom left, won Close to the Pin, Hole #5

Hamilton Brannon (DHL), below right, won Straightest Drive, Hole #1.

Kevin Hopp (DHL), not pictured, won Closest to Pin, Hole #13.

Ballots for IBT election will be mailed beginning Monday, October 4th 
Oct. 1, 2021 | The time has come again for us to decide the future of our union’s leadership. Submit your ballot to vote for our new General President, General Secretary-Treasurer, and other crucial positions that will shape our union's direction for the next four years and beyond. The ballots will be counted beginning November 15, 2021. Click here to learn more about your ballot and the voting process. When Teamsters vote, we all win.

Watch the Debate: Teamsters General-Secretary Candidates 
Oct. 4, 2021 | Last week’s General-Secretary candidates’ debate was organized by the Independent Office of the Elections Supervisor for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Moderator is Stephen Franklin, Labor writer, author and academic. Joel Bleifuss, editor of In These Times, and Sam Sanders, a journalist covering issues related to working families at the internet news site, More Perfect Union. Note: The debate begins at the 11:00 point in the video.

Hoffa: Biden’s infrastructure plan will put workers first 
Oct. 6, 2021 | Congress is on the cusp of taking action to implement President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan which will put our country on a path toward not just recovery, but prosperity. American workers have been repeatedly cast aside by ruling political elites in Washington who have decided to support policies backed by big campaign donors and other monied interests. But that can change right now. Two measures that would fuel economic growth and give a needed hand to hardworking Americans… Teamsters

Your vote will help decide the future of our union 
Oct. 6, 2021 | For more than a century, Teamsters have come together to fight for better pay, stronger protections, and fair benefits for all workers. The strength of our union is because of members like you, and this fall, we need Teamsters to once again come together -- this time to decide the future of our union. Ballots were mailed Monday, Oct. 4th. Watch for yours then make sure your voice is heard by marking and returning your ballot by November 15th. Questions? Information about your ballot and the voting process is here.

Teamster feeder driver to House Committee: ‘The threat to the industry I work for is Amazon’ 
Oct. 12, 2021 | In a hearing last week held by the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law, UPS feeder driver and Teamsters Local 177 member, Dan Gross, urged Congress to pass antitrust laws addressing the excessive power that large, powerful corporations, like Amazon, have over their workers. “I’ve seen firsthand what large corporations try to get away with due to corporate greed when workers don’t have a collective voice to demand decent pay and working conditions,” said Gross to members of the Subcommittee… Watch Gross’ testimony (beginning at 37:16): “Reviving Competition, Part 4: 21st Century Antitrust Reforms and the American Worker.”

Negotiations Update: Contract ratified at Old Line Custom Meats 
Oct. 13, 2021 | Local 355 members employed at Old Line Custom Meats Company voted September 30, 2021, to accept a new three-year contract. The agreement provides a five percent increase in the first year and increases in the remaining two years. The raises were retroactive to the original expiration date of September 6, 2021. The new term of the contract will be from September 7, 2021, through September 6, 2024. Old Line Custom Meats is among Maryland’s largest meat processing companies, providing services to individual customers and wholesale clients.

Fall Golf 2021 winners, photos 
Oct. 15, 2021 | Fifty Local 355 golfers made the early-morning trek to Rising Sun, Md., located in the far northeastern part of the state, for this year's Fall Golf Outing. The bi-annual event was held Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. It was the Local's first event at the Chesapeake Bay Golf Course. Check out the top finishers here, and additional photos in the photo gallery, 2021 Fall Golf.

Teamsters stand in solidarity with striking John Deere UAW workers 
Oct. 14, 2021 | The Teamsters Union is proud to support some 10,000 striking John Deere workers represented by the United Auto Workers who walked out today after the company failed to address worker concerns with wages, working conditions and retirement benefits.  “These frontline workers, who have been on the job throughout the coronavirus pandemic, build the equipment used to harvest crops and feed America,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “As brothers and sisters in the labor movement, the Teamsters understand the struggle for fairness on the job and will honor the UAW’s picket lines.” … Teamsters

Shop stewards catch up on training at this year's seminar
Oct. 29, 2021 | Postponed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Local 355 held its 2021 Steward Seminar earlier this month at the Princess Royale Hotel & Conference Center in Ocean City, Md. The three-day educational program was attended by 114 stewards representing workers at 40 companies. One of only a few of its kind in the Teamsters Union, the Local 355-sponsored program is designed to provide its shop stewards with essential training in grievance handling and contract negotiations, with a focus on the specialized skills required to represent their coworkers effectively. Story, Photo Gallery link at 355 News.

Hoffa urges passage of infrastructure, Build Back Better bills 
Oct. 29, 2021 | Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa issued a statement yesterday on the need for Congress to quickly pass physical and human infrastructure bills that will invest and rebuild essential networks while also providing affordable child care job training programs and tax credits for low-wage workers. Read it at Teamsters

Teamsters mourn the loss of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
Aug. 5, 2021 | In a statement today, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said: “Today, the entire labor movement lost a true champion for working men and women. Richard Trumka was a friend, a colleague, and my brother in the fight for workers’ rights in America. Throughout his outstanding career, Rich’s tireless work and dedication improved the lives of millions of union members and he will be remembered as one of the greatest labor leaders of our generation. On behalf of the Teamsters Union, I offer our deepest condolences to Rich’s family during this difficult time. He will be missed.” 

Local 355 47th Annual Scholarship Award recipients announced
Aug. 11, 2021 | Koron Lambert, son of Deric Lambert Sr. (Yellow Freight), and Kaitlyn Matheny, daughter of William Matheny (Dow Jones), are the 2021 recipients of the Teamsters Local 355 47th Annual Scholarship Awards. The students’ names were selected on August 6, 2021, in a drawing of scholarship applications at the Local Union hall in Baltimore. Koron and Kaitlyn will each receive $4,000 paid out at the rate of $1,000 per academic year. Aaron Brown, son of Mark Brown (UPS), and Anna Harmon (UPS) are runners-up. If for any reason Koron or Kaitlyn cannot finish their college program, the runners-up will be eligible for the remaining scholarship award. Congratulations to all!

Watch the General President candidates' election debate Sept. 1
Aug. 23, 2021 | The candidates running for Teamster General President will discuss their vision for the union at a forum Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at 6:30 pm., at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. You can watch it live on Facebook here. The internet audience can submit questions that may be posted to the candidates during the debate. You can also watch the debate later or read the transcript at www.ibtvote.org. Learn more here.

Biddle to retire from IBT Package Division
Aug. 23, 2021 | Assistant to the Director of the IBT Package Division Keith Biddle, a longtime member of Local 355, will retire effective October 1, 2021. Brother Biddle is a member of the Division team instrumental in coordinating the UPS Master Agreement and Supplements, among other Division responsibilities. Anticipating his retirement, he said, “It has been my absolute privilege to serve the UPS members and assist the Local Unions in understanding and enforcing the National Master UPS Agreement." Biddle worked at UPS from 1977 to 1994, and served as a Local 355 Business Agent and Recording Secretary from 1994 until 2006 when he joined the IBT staff as a Package Division Representative. In a memo to UPS Local Unions announcing Biddle's retirement, Division Director and Local 355 President Denis Taylor said, “We, the Package Division, and all members working at UPS, benefited greatly from Keith’s commitment to the union. He will be sorely missed and we all wish him well in his retirement.”

Teamsters to join March on Washington fight for voting rights
Aug. 24, 2021 | The Teamsters are renewing their commitment to voting rights and racial equality with their participation in this year’s March on Washington on Aug. 28. The union is calling on members to meet and join together with tens of thousands of other Americans in rallying for justice at the ballot box, in the workplace, and in our communities. That means pushing for new laws that protect the rights of all to participate in democracy as well as to join together as an advocate for better pay, benefits, and workplace safety on the job… Continue reading

Hertz emerges from bankruptcy
Aug. 25, 2021 | Hertz has emerged from bankruptcy more than a year after filing and all Teamster contracts are still in force. The Teamster employer was one of the first major companies to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after the pandemic halted most travel in 2020. The company was already struggling with debt before COVID-19. During the bankruptcy, the union worked overtime for Hertz Teamsters. In addition to negotiating contract extensions for the Teamsters that continued working through the pandemic… Continue reading

July 20, 2021 | Teamsters across the country are taking part in a week of action in support of the PRO Act (fact sheet here).

Stronger unions mean higher wages, safer working conditions, and dignity for workers. Passing the PRO Act is a crucial step to making that a reality. To find out more information about events near your Local Union, check out this AFL-CIO PRO Act toolkit. Be sure to post your pictures and videos with #PROAct.

Thanks to the work of Teamster members in 2020, we have a real chance to pass this historic pro-union legislation. The PRO Act is the most significant worker empowerment legislation since the Great Depression.

Together we can push this over the finish line!

Successor contract ratified at Penske Truck Leasing
July 6, 2021 | Teamsters Local 355 members recently ratified a new three-year contract with Penske Truck Leasing. The agreement provides a 2.5% wage increase, an improved vacation entitlement increase after 25 years, a new $200 boot allowance, an extra $1 per hour hourly compensation for those who regularly work off-site, among other improvements. The contract covers refrigeration techs, mechanics, preventative maintenance techs, apprentice techs, and customer service reps at the Jessup and Wicomico Street locations.

2021 Teamsters Convention: A virtual first for the union
July 6, 2021 | The 30th International Convention of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters held June 22-25 was like no other event in the union’s 118-year history. Delegates and alternates from Maryland Locals 355, 453, 570, and 888 (below, click to enlarge), were among 1,600+ delegates representing more than 500 Teamster locals... Continued at 355News   More photos in the Photo Gallery.

(L-R) Front row: Alternate Nick Hart, Local 355; Bill Heil, staff, Local 570; Delegate Dave White, Local 355; Alternate Larry Kelly, Local 570; Alternate Dale Pink, Local 355; Alternate Tim Seto, Local 355; Alternate Alvinia Crowell, Local 888; Alternate Karen Miller, Local 570; Delegate Sean Cedenio, Local 570; Delegate Janet Genovese, Local 355; Delegate Gilbert Howdershelt, Local 355; and Alternate Felix Guinto Jr., Local 355. (L-R) Back row: Delegate Moses Jackson, Local 570; Alternate Richard Taylor, Local 570; Delegate Denis Taylor, Local 355; Delegate Joe Fowler, Local 570; Alternate Al Richardson, Local 355; Delegate Mark Garey, Local 355; Alternate Gary Ward Jr., Local 355; Delegate Bill Alexander, Local 355; Delegate Chris Greene Sr., Local 355; Delegate Richard Brown, Local 570; Delegate Larry Wolfe, Local 453; and Delegate Larry Geho, Local 888.

Hoffa: Teamsters unite to take on Amazon threat
July 7, 2021 |  The Teamsters Union at its 30th International Convention late last month made a historic decision to commit and unite the union to protecting and improving the wages and workings standards in the goods movement industry under threat from Amazon’s exploitative employment model. Amazon’s reprehensible labor practices are well documented and recent groundbreaking reporting confirms there are continuing abusive practices. A recent analysis by Jeff Bezos’ own Washington Post and a report by the Strategic Organizing Center shined a light on Amazon’s atrocious health and safety record that found, among other things, Amazon workers are injured at rates twice the industry average… teamster.org

Maryland offers $50,000 scholarships in vaccine push for teens
July 8, 2021 | State residents ages 12-17 who both live and are vaccinated in Maryland will be eligible to win in Maryland’s “VaxU” incentive program. Two scholarships a week will be awarded every week through Labor Day… Details here

First-contract proposal meeting for Harrington US Foods drivers
July 13, 2021 |  Drivers at US Foods in Harrington, Delaware had their first contract proposal meeting Sunday, July 11, at the Local’s Salisbury office. The workers brought their ideas and proposals for improved benefits, including better health coverage. “The group is seeking to have the terms of their working conditions and benefits guaranteed in a legally binding contract,” said Ed Mulford, Local 355 business agent. A date to begin negotiations has yet to be scheduled.

The other victims of the pandemic: Workers killed in fights over masks
July 19, 2021 | Essential workers have borne the brunt of a pandemic poisoned by politics. BuzzFeed News found at least four frontline employees who died in fights over masks, including Local 355 member Frankye Duckett, a Baltimore MobilityLink bus driver killed in January 2021. “How do you kill somebody because they tell you to put your mask on?”... Continued at Buzzfeed News

Important Senate hearing tomorrow: The Right to Organize
July 20, 2021 | The PRO Act Week of Action is underway with Teamsters attending rallies and events around the country calling on the Senate to pass this historic pro-union legislation, putting power in the hands of workers and strengthening our unions. Our allies in the Senate are taking an important step. Tune in at 10 am ET as the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee holds a hearing on the PRO Act. Link is here. This hearing is crucial to getting the PRO Act through the Senate and to President Biden’s desk. Strong unions mean higher wages, safer working conditions, and dignity for workers all across America. Make your voice heard: Share your story – tell Congress why passing the PRO Act matters to you.

Local 355 mourns the passing of Brother Don Riley
July 23, 2021 | Retired UPS package driver Donald Joseph Riley passed away June 14, 2021. Brother Riley was a proud member of Local 355 for 33 years. He served as a shop steward at the UPS facility in Hunt Valley, Maryland for many years, and as a Local 355 trustee from 1999 until his retirement from UPS in 2008. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am August 7, 2021, at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, P.A., 2325 York Road, Timonium, Md. 21093. An informal reception is open to all beginning at 10 am.

Teamsters go big in pushing the PRO Act
July 27, 2021 | Teamsters from coast-to-coast turned out in force last week with their fellow union brothers and sisters to urge the Senate to pass the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would empower hardworking Americans in their efforts to join together and fight for better wages and benefits as well as safer jobs. Whether it was through rallies or other events, the Teamsters were on the ground getting the word out that more has to be done to help workers… Teamsters 

Application deadline for Local 355 scholarships is Friday, July 30 
July 28, 2021 | This is your reminder that applications for the Teamsters Local Union No. 355 Annual Scholarship must be received at the Local Union office no later than Friday, July 30. Applications are available for download here.

Hoffa: New NLRB members will ensure workers are heard
July 30, 2021 | The Senate confirmed two labor union attorneys this week to serve on the National Labor Relations Board. In a statement issued today, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said, “For too long, workers’ efforts to join together and bargain for fair wages and working conditions have been stymied at the NLRB. But that changes with the additions of David Prouty and Gwynne Wilcox, whose decades-long careers prove they value the rights of working Americans to organize on the job if they choose…” Teamsters

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July 6, 2021 | The 30th International Convention of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters held June 22-25 was like no other event in the union’s 118-year history. Delegates and alternates from Maryland Locals 355, 453, 570, and 888, were among 1,600+ delegates representing more than 500 Teamster locals engaged in the work of the union in a total virtual format. In addition to passing a landmark resolution to build worker power at Amazon, delegates approved the following amendments to the union’s Constitution:

•  Article VII, Section 7(b) The amendment confirms the current practice of providing copies of reports prepared by International Auditors for local unions in Canada to the President of Teamsters Canada.
• Article XII, Section 1. 2 and 6 Provisions regarding the ratification of local union and master collective bargaining agreements and for authorizing strikes were rewritten to eliminate the 2/3 rule provisions and limiting the ability of the negotiating committees to impose contracts that have not been approved by a majority of the voting members.
• Article XII, Section 14(a) The proposal increases the minimum amount of out-of-work benefits and provides for the payment of benefits from the first day of a strike as long as the strike and defense fund has at least $150 million at the start of the strike.
• Article XIII, Section 4 This clarifies that the Organizing Assistance Fund can be used to support organizing campaigns for workers who have been misclassified and are not considered to be “employees.” This will allow support of credible campaigns to organize workers being exploited by the “gig” economy. 
• Article XXII, Section 4(a) The changes reflect changes in the Department of Labor regulations governing union elections and authorize the General Executive Board to adopt changes in nomination and election procedures in the event we are confronted with another crisis that prevents in-person meetings. It also provides for the General Executive Board to adopt procedures in the event the Department of Labor or any responsible provincial body permits election of officers to be conducted electronically.
• Article XXII, Section 4(e) The new language further defines an “extraordinary” expenditure between the time of an election and the start of the term of the newly elected officers in order to make clear that established and funded benefit funds can be paid provided the financial stability of the local is not adversely affected.
• Article XXVI, Section 6(c) This confirms the current practice whereby the President of Teamsters Canada notifies the General President in the event it is determined that a problem exists in a Canadian local union that might require a trusteeship to be imposed over the local.
• Article XXVI, Section 6(f) This also confirms existing practice and provides that the International Auditor assigned to Canada will send the audit report to the President of Teamsters Canada at the same time it is forwarded to the General Secretary-Treasurer. Via teamsters. org

COVID-19 vaccine offers freedom, so do your part to help
June 2, 2021 | In a column published in the Detroit News yesterday, President Jim Hoffa wrote that the vaccines against the coronavirus that has held us captive for 15 months are allowing hardworking Americans and their families to reclaim their lives, just in time for summer. But everyone must do what they can to get us back on track. “The Teamsters have a vested interest in snuffing out the coronavirus. After all, more than a million of our members are essential workers and put their lives and those of their families at risk to show up on the job each day… They deserve to be safe. That won’t happen, however, unless more people get immunized.” Read Hoffa's column here.

‘Right to Work’ fails in NH, thanks to work of Teamsters
June 7, 2021 | New Hampshire Teamsters are celebrating a state House vote last night that rejected so-called right-to-work (RTW) legislation that would have weakened workers and their unions in the Granite State, a long-time goal of corporations and their elected cronies. In a 199-175 bipartisan vote, lawmakers turned back an effort backed by big business that would have drained union coffers by forcing them to represent bargaining unit members not paying fair-share fees… Continued

US Foods workers in Harrington, DE vote to join Local 355
June 11, 2021 | Drivers working out of a US Foods drop yard in Harrington, Delaware voted on Thursday, June 10, 2021, in favor of joining Teamsters Local 355. Despite their employer’s surprisingly intense anti-union campaign, the workers stayed strong in their drive for better and more affordable health insurance, and the security and respect on the job that a Teamster contract will provide. There are 11 drivers in the bargaining unit.“We welcome this group of US Foods drivers and we will work hard winning them a first contract that addresses their concerns,” said Denis Taylor, President of Local 355.

Maryland governor ending COVID-19 state of emergency July 1
June 16, 2021 | Maryland will end a state of emergency for COVID-19 on July 1, Gov. Larry Hogan announced Tuesday. The governor made the announcement as health metrics continue to improve in the state. “Masks or face coverings will not be required in any settings anywhere, including schools, camps, and child care facilities," Hogan said. “If you have been vaccinated, you are safe, but those who have not gotten vaccinated will continue to be at risk." But restaurants, venues, and other businesses and workplaces may continue to require them. Update 6/17: Baltimore will follow the state and end both its state of emergency and mask mandates on July 1.

UPS workers to receive cost-of-living wage boost
June 11, 2021 | Today, June 11, the Package Division sent out the attached memorandum to all UPS local unions about a COLA increase. Click here to view memo.

Local 355 golfers glad to be back on the links *
June 16, 2021 | Local 355 golf enthusiasts got together for the first time since September 2019 for the Local’s bi-annual golf outing held on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the Queenstown Harbor Golf Course in Queenstown, Md. Check out the top finishers and additional photos here. * Photo Gallery: 2021 Spring Golf

Juneteenth holiday enshrines importance of freedom for all
June 18, 2021 | Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa and Marcus King, the Director of Human Rights and Diversity Commission, issued this statement Thursday on the signing of legislation that would memorialize Juneteenth, the June 19 anniversary of the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally notified they had been freed as a result of the end of the Civil War two months earlier, as a paid federal holiday.

Teamsters 30th Convention opens Tuesday, June 22
June 21, 2021 | The International Brotherhood of Teamsters 30th Convention opens tomorrow, and this year’s event will be like no other Convention in the union’s 118-year-old history. This 30th Convention will be online. Planning has taken place over the past year and a determination about the format had to be made by January 1 of this year, when no in-person, large-scale events were taking place. Guests speakers will include President Biden and former President Bill Clinton; Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; and, international and U.S. labor leaders. Delegates will view the Convention on a special platform, and an app has been created to follow the events. For officer campaign election campaign info, convention committee reports, five-year reports, and proposed resolutions, or view convention videos and visit the convention store, register on the convention website here. You can also watch the convention here (no password is required).

Tribute Video: Jim Hoffa, Retiring Teamsters General President
June 25, 2021 | On Thursday evening, Jim Hoffa brought down the Convention gavel for the final time as he closed his final convention as General President of the Teamsters Union. “It has been a tremendous honor to chair my fifth Convention during my 22 years as General President,” Hoffa said. “Good luck, and God bless the Teamsters Union.” Read more here.   Jim Hoffa Tribute Video from Jim Saah on Vimeo

Listen to the latest podcast about the 30th International Convention
June 25, 2021 | Hear how the union is building on the past successes to power its latest organizing effort at online behemoth Amazon. Plus, Teamster leaders Jim Hoffa and Ken Hall share their words of wisdom about the future of the union.

Teamsters pass landmark resolution to build worker power at Amazon
June 25, 2021 | On Thursday, June 24, 2021, delegates of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters voted overwhelmingly to formalize a resolution to address Amazon’s exploitation of its employees, contractors and employees of contractors. The resolution states that the union will fully fund and support the Amazon Project and supply all resources necessary. It also calls for ultimately creating a special Amazon Division to aid Amazon workers and defend and protect the standards in Teamster-represented industries from the existential threat that is Amazon. Continue reading at Teamsters.

Maryland to open COVID vaccine eligibility to all adults
Apr. 5, 2021 | People age 16 and older can get shots starting Tuesday at the state’s mass vaccination sites. The state will require every vaccine provider in Maryland to offer shots to people 16 and up as of April 12. Learn more at The Baltimore Sun.

Rival group makes fully financed, roughly $680M bid for Tribune
Apr. 5, 2021 | The Wall Street Journal reports that a special committee of Tribune Publishing’s board has determined that a roughly $680 million, $18.50-a-share bid submitted late last week by Choice Hotels International Inc. Chairman Stewart Bainum and Hansjörg Wyss is reasonably likely to lead to a proposal that is superior to Alden’s $635 million deal, people familiar with the matter said. That is legal deal-speak indicating Alden may need to raise its bid or risk losing the deal.

Tell your representatives to vote YES on the PRO Act
Apr. 8, 2021 | Our outdated labor laws are no longer strong enough to protect us in the workplace. The #PROAct would change that. It’s the most significant worker empowerment legislation since the Great Depression & the Senate is the final obstacle to getting it passed. Lawmakers gave us their word they would make the PRO Act a top priority. It’s time for them to keep that promise. Stronger unions mean higher wages, safer working conditions and dignity for all people who work. The PRO Act is our first step to get there. Click here to call now.

Teamsters statement on Amazon election results in Alabama
Apr. 9, 2021 | “The Teamsters commend the efforts of Amazon workers in Bessemer who came together to fight for respect and to provide a better life for themselves and their families,” said Randy Korgan, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters National Director for Amazon. “Despite going up against one of the world’s richest men in a country with weak labor laws, the workers in Bessemer brought national attention to issues that many non-union workers face in this industry. This fight is not over, and the Teamsters will always support workers who want to build power by standing together and demanding dignity, a safe workplace, and a fair return on their work.”

Harris, Rosen applaud Teamsters’ role in vaccine rollout
Apr. 13, 2021 | The Teamsters understand what is at stake when it comes to combatting the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Teamsters have been working on the front lines during the pandemic, keeping our communities safe and our economy moving. The union is doing all it can to not only deliver the COVID-19 vaccine but to create opportunities for members to be vaccinated as well. And those efforts are not lost on elected officials, who are noticing and giving thanks to the union… Continue reading at Teamsters

Tribune sticking with Alden offer for now
Apr. 14, 2021 | Update 4/19: After Wyss backs out, Alden Global regains upper hand in bid for Tribune but Bainum remains committed to purchasing the newspaper chain. The special committee of Tribune Publishing’s board of directors continues to recommend shareholders approve a buyout of the company by Alden Global Capital even as it considers a higher offer from Stewart Bainum Jr. and his business partner, Hansjörg Wyss. In an updated filing Wednesday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the newspaper group cited a number of factors in the reasoning to endorse Alden’s deal, valued at about $630 million, over a tentative $680 million offer by Bainum and Wyss… Baltimore Sun

Mark your calendar: 2021 Spring Golf Outing will be held June 12
Apr. 20, 2021 | Local 355 members and retirees are invited to sign up for our Spring Golf event to be held at Queenstown Harbor in Queenstown, Maryland, Saturday, June 12. We’re limited to the first 60 golfers to sign up. Click here for details.

Teamsters statement on the conviction of Derek Chauvin
Apr. 21, 2021 | Teamsters Human Rights and Diversity Director Marcus King issued this statement: “The International Brotherhood of Teamsters stand with the family of George Floyd and all of those who fight for racial justice following the Derek Chauvin’s murder conviction today. Though today’s verdict is a positive step in the right direction, this is just one instance of an unwarranted police killing of an unarmed Black man in the United States, and a harsh truth that we must accept – equal justice under the law is not a reality for all Americans…” Continued

Workers’ Memorial Day: Remembering the world’s workers
Apr. 21, 2021 | Listen to the latest edition of the Teamsters Podcast and hear how the union is commemorating Workers’ Memorial Day by fighting to make workplaces safer. Plus, learn about the Teamster-authored new book focused on Long Island migrant camps. 

Tentative agreement reached for one-year carhaul contract extension
Apr. 21, 2021 | Updated 4/22 to include TA link - The Teamsters National Automobile Transporters Industry Negotiating Committee (TNATINC) has reached a tentative agreement with the Employers Association for a one-year contract extension with Maintenance of Benefits, including a monetary increase…Teamsters Click here to download a PDF of the tentative agreement.

Ahead of April 30 sale, UPS Freight releases additional info for union employees
Apr. 26, 2021 | “With the approaching close of the transaction, we’re excited to share what can be expected after the close of the sale on April 30…” Continued

American Families Plan helps workers bring balance to daily lives
Apr. 28, 2021 | The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa about today’s unveiling of President Biden’s American Families Plan, a sweeping measure that lifts up hardworking Americans by expanding education opportunities, mandating paid leave, subsidizing child care, and health care for low- and middle-income workers and providing tax relief to the middle class. “The modern American family is being pulled in a million different directions that make it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. The current pandemic has especially placed additional strains on women workers…” Continued

Local 355 mourns the passing of Brother Amos Batts
Apr. 28, 2021 | It is with great sadness that we inform our members of the sudden death of Amports Teamster Amos A. Batts. A senior rail crew member with 15 years of service at Amports, Inc. in Baltimore, Brother Batts died of a heart attack at his home on April 20, 2021. A public viewing will be held Monday, May 3, 2021, 3:30 pm - 7:00 pm at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 4905 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212. Brother Amos’ Celebration of Life can be viewed via Live Stream Tuesday, May 4, 2021: Wake at 2:30 pm, service at 3:00 pm at www.vaughncgreene.com

Teamsters take a stand to keep American families united
Apr. 29, 2021 | The Teamsters are urging Congress to take up soon-to-be-introduced legislation being discussed in a House subcommittee hearing today that would help fix the nation’s broken immigration system by halting the separation of U.S. families that have both legal and undocumented members. The union is coming out in favor of the American Families United Act in part to support 20-year member Jason Rochester, a Georgia UPS worker. Rochester and his wife Cecilia have been separated since 2017… Continued

Local 355 mourns the passing of Brother George Lucas
Apr. 30, 2021 | It is with deep sadness that we inform our members that Brother George Lucas recently lost a battle with COVID-19. A longtime Teamster, Brother Lucas worked for more than 10 years as a loader at US Foods until 2016 when the company closed its Severn, Maryland facility, and at the time of his death, he was a driver for ABF Freight System. Condolences and cards for his family may be sent to Victory Ministries of Christ, 240 S. Hilton Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21229.

April 4, 2021

Via The Wall Street Journal

A Maryland hotel magnate and a Swiss billionaire have made a bid for Tribune Publishing Co. that the newspaper chain is expected to favor over a takeover deal it already struck with hedge fund Alden Global Capital LLC.

A special committee of Tribune’s board has determined that a roughly $680 million, $18.50-a-share bid submitted late last week by Choice Hotels International Inc. Chairman Stewart Bainum and Hansjörg Wyss is reasonably likely to lead to a proposal that is superior to Alden’s $635 million deal, people familiar with the matter said. That is legal deal-speak indicating Alden may need to raise its bid or risk losing the deal.

The decision came after the two men indicated they plan to personally contribute more than $600 million combined, up from a previous total of $200 million, the people said.

Now that the group has submitted a fully financed bid, it will get access to private financial data to conduct due diligence and negotiate other terms, a big step toward completing an agreement that could replace Alden’s, they said. There is no guarantee the group will succeed in doing so, and it is still possible it could change its offer or walk away after reviewing the company’s finances.

If Alden loses the deal, it would mark a stunning, 11th-hour turnaround for the New York hedge fund, and a major victory for critics who say its model of aggressive cost-cutting has hurt the local news industry. Alden had spent nearly a year-and-a-half positioning itself to take over Tribune, publisher of nine large-market daily newspapers including the Chicago Tribune, New York Daily News and the Baltimore Sun.

Alden struck a deal in February to pay $17.25 per share for the rest of the company. It had agreed to separately sell Mr. Bainum the Baltimore Sun for $65 million once the Tribune deal was finalized. That side deal fell apart over disagreements about the cost of continuing services the Sun would have received from Tribune after the sale.