SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (WASHINGTON) – XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) shareholders delivered one of the sharpest rebukes of CEO pay so far this proxy year when a near-majority of outside shareholders opposed the company’s “say-on-pay” measure following a $20 million mega-equity grant to CEO Bradley Jacobs.

Recently announced voting results from XPO’s annual shareholder meeting held last week revealed only about 62 percent of votes cast approved of XPO’s executive pay practices and just 51 percent excluding Jacobs’ and other insiders ownership of XPO stock.

“It is a farce that the company’s founder and largest shareholder requires a three-fold increase in his compensation to stick around and work towards delivering shareholder value for the long haul,” said Teamster General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall. “The board’s credibility is now at stake. It needs to demonstrate to shareholders that it treats its oversight responsibilities as more than a rubber stamp for Jacobs’ aggressive empire building.”

At a special meeting of shareholders held last December, the Teamsters warned of potential excessive pay risks, urging investors to oppose the approval of a new lucrative executive equity incentive plan.

Based on available results, just four companies in the Russell 3000 have lost their say-on-pay votes so far this year, while only about two dozen companies have received more than 38 percent opposition.

Meanwhile, 35 percent of outside shareholders also backed a Teamster-sponsored shareholder resolution calling for enhanced disclosure of XPO’s human capital management performance, among other sustainability practices.

The voting announcement came after the Teamsters joined U.S. and European XPO workers and a representative from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) at the May 10 shareholders meeting in Greenwich, Conn. to call out the global logistics giant for its excessive executive pay practices. Several workers told their own stories about deteriorating working conditions at XPO including violation of workers’ rights and wage theft throughout XPO operations. Jacobs has ignored repeated appeals from U.S. and European workers and their union representatives to engage in constructive dialogue.

XPO is one of the world’s largest global third-party logistics companies, providing transportation and logistical services to 63 percent of Fortune 100 companies.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa in response to the White House’s issuance of a final NAFTA notification letter today that will lead to a renegotiation of the North American trade agreement in the coming months.

“From the beginning more than a quarter century ago, the Teamsters have been front-and-center in sticking up for workers and their rights under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). And that won’t change with the issuance of administration’s final NAFTA notification letter today.

“The Teamsters are America’s leading transportation union and know what is at stake when it comes to crafting a new NAFTA. Our members have stood in historic opposition to this broken trade pact in part due to terrible provisions such as cross-border long-haul trucking language that jeopardizes highway safety and threatens the environment in this country. Measures like that need to be stripped from the pact – full stop.

“That being said, the Teamsters are optimistic new U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will fulfill the promises of this administration to dramatically reform NAFTA to focus on jobs that will help hardworking Americans. It is time to rein in the off-shoring of U.S. livelihoods that only benefit big business.

“As a member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, I look forward to working with USTR Lighthizer and his staff to make changes that will help American workers. While the NAFTA notice lacks many specifics, this union will head into discussions with clear objectives that will put the needs of the people above those of the powerful.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement by Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa on the decision by the U.S. Department of Labor to delay implementation of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule that mandates workplace injury reporting.

“The abrupt action by the Department of Labor to postpone OSHA’s 2016 “Injury Tracking” regulation – requiring employers’ reporting of their public information about worker injuries – is very troubling. For more than 20 years, under three previous administrations, OSHA collected these same data. And for over a decade, OSHA has posted this information on its website, and no employers have complained.

“These records are vital for those responsible employers who are seeking to prevent serious and life-threatening injuries on the job, and for the workers who depend on their managers to improve dangerous conditions. Worse, OSHA itself no longer has current information on the most hazardous worksites – having stopped collecting this information in 2012 due to congressional budget restrictions. OSHA urgently needs these data to send its few inspectors first and foremost to the most hazardous employers.

“The only people who will benefit from a delay are the bad actors in the construction, transportation and other dangerous industries who can continue to hide from both public scrutiny and the effective enforcement of life-and-death safety standards.

“The Teamsters do not believe that protecting these rogue employers is in the interests of America’s workers and their families, or in the interests of good jobs. We urge Secretary Acosta to fully implement this vital law-enforcement tool as originally adopted in 2016, without any further delay.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J.) – A group of more than 50 Teamsters and supporters, including state lawmakers and the head of the state AFL-CIO, protested outside the XPO Logistics, Inc. terminal here today and demanded that the company reinstate three fired workers they say were punished for supporting a recent union drive.

“XPO has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to run vicious anti-worker, anti-union campaigns across the country, but the company has reached new lows by unlawfully firing three workers here in the Trenton area,” said Ernie Soehl, Director of the Teamsters National Freight Division. “Our message is clear: we will not tolerate the company firing workers who are exercising their federally protected right to organize.”

The group included state Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Cranbury); state Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-Hamilton Township); Charlie Wowkanech, President of the New Jersey AFL-CIO; Laurel Brennan, Secretary-Treasurer of the New Jersey AFL-CIO; and Jeff Sagnip, district director for Rep. Chris Smith (R), as well as AFSCME members. They marched on the XPO terminal and presented management with a letter demanding that the company meet to discuss the firings, and to reinstate the three workers. Management refused to meet with the group.

A group of 34 workers at XPO in Hamilton voted to join Teamsters Local 701 in North Brunswick on April 14. The three fired workers, Tom Bower, Ivo Cifelli and Laszlo Rituper, served on the union Organizing Committee.

Cifelli has logged nearly 500,000 accident-free miles and was hired by Con-way in 2010. “It was clear that we were fired for supporting the union,” he said. “We need a Teamster contract. Without a Teamster contract, this can happen to anyone.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters. For more information about the XPO campaign, visit Facebook: XPO Exposed.

At the request of the Teamsters Local 710 Pension Fund Union Trustees, attorneys at Willig, Williams and Davidson formally demanded arbitration today on three deadlocked issues.

All three cases were proposed by the Fund’s Union Trustees and selfishly deadlocked by the Management Trustees. They are as follows:

1. The proposed YRC Clerical benefit credit award, deadlocked on May 23, 2017.
2. The proposed recommendation to increase ABF contributions by 50 cents per hour effective August 1, 2016, deadlocked on February 23, 2017.
3. The proposed recommendation to increase YRC contributions by 10 cents per hour effective August 1, 2016, deadlocked on February 23, 2017.

Members will be updated on the situation as the arbitration progresses.

Teamsters Local 710 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and Indiana.

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To: Members of Local Union 710
Mokena, Illinois

As you know, the International Union conducted a hearing on April 30, 2017 to afford you the opportunity to express your views as to whether the trusteeship should be continued or dissolved. A detailed presentation was made on behalf of the Trustee, which focused on the financial condition of the Local and the prospects for restoring the Local to financial stability. Many members attended and most expressed the view that, regardless of the finances, the Local should be released from trusteeship and the members and newly elected officers given the opportunity to address the continuing concerns. Hundreds of members submitted written statements and petitions expressing their opinions as to the future of the Local. Again, most of those favored terminating the trusteeship. I appreciate that so many of you participated in the process and assure you that your voices were carefully considered.

The panel members have submitted a report and recommendation based upon all of this information. I have reviewed the transcript of the hearing and the exhibits presented, which document not only the financial situation but also the reforms implemented during the trusteeship to assist the Local in its recovery and provide safeguards designed to prevent the abuses that led to the trusteeship from reoccurring.

The panel recommended that an election be scheduled in September 2017 to elect new officers. The panel suggested that such a schedule will provide ample time for members to form political slates, engage in democratic organizational activities and prepare for an election. It will also afford the Trustee time to address the most pressing issues in an orderly fashion. It is anticipated that once the election results have been certified, there will be a post-election transition period during which the new officers will receive training while assuming full responsibility for running the Local. The trusteeship will be terminated upon the installation of the new officers. Finally, the panel proposed that regardless of the identity of the new officers, an International Representative be appointed to provide assistance and guidance.

I have decided to accept the panel’s recommendations. Accordingly, over the next few months the Trustee will be arranging for an election of officers to be conducted in the fall. It is anticipated that a nomination meeting will be conducted during September and an election in October 2017. Additional information and notices will be distributed as those arrangements are finalized.

I have made this decision with the realization that the Local remains in a difficult financial situation, but with confidence that the structural reforms implemented by the Trustee will facilitate the Local’s recovery. Your continued cooperation with the Trustee as the election arrangements are made and the election is conducted will also contribute to the welfare of the Local.

Fraternally yours,

James P. Hoffa
General President

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(WASHINGTON) – Today, the Teamsters Union announced that Teamsters Local 710 in Mokena, Ill. will be released from trusteeship.

The local will be released from trusteeship following an election of officers. The release notice recommends an election be scheduled as soon as September 2017.

“I accepted the unanimous recommendation of the panel appointed to review Local 710’s trusteeship and listened to the hundreds of members that submitted written statements,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “The Teamsters are founded on democratic principles. Releasing Local 710 from trusteeship will allow the members to forge a new beginning and a new chapter in this great local’s history.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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It takes an impressive level of skill and dedication to drive one of the nation’s most recognizable trucks — making deliveries day-in and day-out to residences and businesses all around town. Teamsters Local 710 member Tom Winke has been doing just that for a remarkable four decades as a UPS Package Car Driver.

On the morning of Good Friday, surrounded by his family, friends and union brothers and sisters, Winke was recognized for his 40 years of service. During the morning’s warm-up routine, he gave an inspirational speech reflecting on his time at UPS.

Also in attendance was Senator Pat McGuire, D-Ill., who has been close friends with Winke since they met in high school. Sen. McGuire honored Winke’s commitment and dedication with a certificate of Senate Recognition for his service at UPS.

Local 710 represents nearly 150 UPS members working out of the Joliet barn, and more than 6,000 UPS members across three states at 44 locations.

Teamsters Local 710 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and Indiana.

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SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement by Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa on three Department of Labor announcements last week that reverse rules put in place during the Obama administration which required companies to report outside union busting activities, as well as two agency interpretations dealing with independent contractors and joint employment.

“The ‘persuader rule’ called for outside consultants and attorneys hired by companies to crack down on union activities to be put on equal footing as employers who must disclose such activities under the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959. And it also increased parity with unions, which are already required to file detailed financial disclosure forms each and every year that includes receipts and expenditures. The decision to rescind this rulemaking is greatly disappointing.

“Similarly, the DOL’s administrative interpretations on independent contractors and joint employers sought to help protect workers from wage theft and protect their right to collectively bargain. These interpretations gave workers and employers alike clear guidance about their rights and responsibilities under the law.

“At a time when income inequality is increasingly pervasive in this country, workers need the DOL to expand its worker protection policies and employer compliance policies. The Teamsters call on the DOL to reverse its recent decision to rescind the persuader rule and agency interpretations.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union applauds today’s introduction of “The Jobs and Competitiveness Act” (H.R. 2756) which would provide significant gains in the area of U.S. trade enforcement.

The legislation proposes critical reform that would enhance U.S. trade policy and competitiveness. With the current administration promising a new course for our trade pacts that will stress fair trade rather than free trade, this legislation will establish strong enforcement policies that will only complement this new approach.

“The Jobs and Competitiveness Act would go a long way in addressing issues that have long plagued U.S. trade policy,” said Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa. “The legislation gives the U.S. a real path to enforcing violations in key areas like currency manipulation and labor standards by our trade partners.”

The Teamsters have been a vocal critic of past trade agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that have put American workers at a significant disadvantage and led to millions of jobs leaving the country. The Jobs and Trade Competitiveness Act includes provisions that would encourage domestic insourcing and discourage foreign outsourcing.

“This bill represents the direction we should be moving as a country on trade policy,” Hoffa said. “With the renegotiation of NAFTA in coming months, legislation like this will help establish critical and enforceable protections that will support both American workers and companies.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (EAST GREENWICH, R.I.) – Airgas USA employees who went on strike Tuesday extended picket lines to five additional Airgas locations yesterday and today: Hingham and Billerica, Mass.; Salem, N.H.; Waterford, Conn.; and Bangor, Maine. No Airgas Teamsters in those locations have crossed the extended picket lines.

The striking Teamsters are members of Local 251 in Rhode Island. They work as truck drivers and gas cylinder fillers, supplying gases to many Rhode Island hospitals as well as Veterans Administration facilities in Providence and Bristol, the Air National Guard, Naval Base Newport, Raytheon, Fuji Film and Electric Boat.

Airgas is America’s largest distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases. Airgas’ parent corporation is France-based Air Liquide [EPA: AI], which is the world’s largest distributor of these gases and is a Forbes Global 2000 company.

As he walked the line early this morning, Airgas shop steward Carlos Salgado said, “Our work earns huge profits for Airgas and Air Liquide. Air Liquide earned $20 billion last year, of which $2 billion was pure profit.”

Salgado continued, “Like all workers, we deserve a secure retirement and high-quality, affordable healthcare. We asked for a defined benefit pension plan as well as the affordable health plan that union workers at Airgas’ competitors have. Airgas refused to consider our proposals, so we are on strike – and now we have exercised our legal right to extend picket lines.”

“Teamsters in New England understand solidarity and working together to ensure all workers are treated fairly and with respect,” said Sean O’Brien, Teamsters International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Joint Council 10 in New England. “I’m happy to see that our other Airgas members have chosen to honor their Rhode Island brothers’ picket lines.”

In 2015, Airgas locked out its employees in Hingham, Mass. during contract negotiations. The workers there, members of Teamsters Local 25, extended picket lines to Airgas’ other New England facilities.

“Our brothers in Rhode Island supported us in 2015 by honoring our picket line,” said chief shop steward Bob Farquharson at Airgas in Hingham. “Of course we are going to support them during their strike for fair treatment. We aren’t going to cross their picket line.”

Jeffery Padellaro, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 633 in New Hampshire, said, “Airgas has a pattern in New England of being abusive to workers. We will continue to stick together to stand up for each other.”

Brett Miller, Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 340 in Maine, said, “I’m proud that our members are also honoring their Rhode Island brothers’ picket lines. That’s what solidarity is all about.”

On May 9, Airgas sent a letter to employees that violates federal labor law, which bans companies from negotiating directly with workers about their union contract. Local 251 filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board.

“It is outrageous that Airgas decided to violate federal labor law that’s meant to protect workers’ rights,” said Matthew Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251.

Taibi continued, “It’s disheartening to have to go out on strike to send the company a wake-up call. But the silver lining is the strong support that Teamster locals and members are giving us across the entire region.”

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (CHICAGO) – University of Chicago student library employees have voted to unionize, with over 80 percent of voters supporting affiliation with Teamsters Local 743. These workers, 226 in total, known as the Student Library Employee Union (SLEU), and affiliated with Teamsters Local 743, will be the first nationally-recognized undergraduate and graduate student union at a private university.

The election was held between June 2 and June 8 in a vote count conducted by the National Labor Relations Board.

“We welcome these student workers into the Teamsters family at Local 743,” said Deborah Simmons-Peterson, President of Local 743. “We’ve been representing the professional library staff at the university since 1980 and that experience will enhance our representation of the student workers.”

“I’m, of course, thrilled about the election results, but I am especially excited for what this means for me as a student worker, where having a voice in collective bargaining will really impact my relationship with the University,” said Katie McPolin, a second-year student worker at Eckhart Library. “Student labor makes the day-to-day functioning of this university possible, so it is imperative that student workers should have a voice in how it functions.”

Before the union vote, students felt that wages were too low and hours too irregular for part-time student library workers in need of a secure source of income. Some students even took on second jobs outside of the university system to cover expenses necessary to receive an education.

Moving forward, Teamsters Local 743 will negotiate with the University for a contract that prioritizes issues such as employee wages, hours, and third-party legal representation in cases of Title IX, ADA and labor violations. Students say that only as unionized workers will they be able to protect their rights as well as fully engage in the academic mission of the University.

“I’m so excited about the outcome of the election because for me, the most pressing issue is fair pay,” said Sloan Rucker, a student worker at the Joseph Regenstein Library. “I know many students who overwork themselves due to the low pay. The overwhelming support for unionization confirms this.”

The university’s student library employee union is part of a national trend to unionize student workers at universities. The university’s Graduate Students United, a coalition of graduate student employees, is also seeking to unionize.

“As someone from a right-to-work state, I’m proud of my fellow student workers fighting back against dominant anti-labor narratives,” said Michael Weinrib, a third-year student worker at the Regenstein Library. “Young people from my generation are demanding that our voices be heard, and unionization is an important part of our movement. Our election sets a precedent for student workers across the country; they can demand a seat at the bargaining table and make their universities more equitable and accessible.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (WASHINGTON) – Today, the Teamsters Union submitted its comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on the proposed renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The union’s comments stressed the importance of the renegotiation focusing on long-standing issues that have existed in past and recently proposed agreements, including improving labor rights provisions, addressing currency manipulation and protecting highway safety.

The Teamsters Union believes that to successfully change U.S. trade policy from the flawed “free trade” approach that has undercut American jobs and industry for decades, to one that promotes fair trade, the USTR must prioritize U.S. workers, consumers and manufacturers.

“With these negotiations, the USTR has a real chance to set a precedent that will change how the U.S. approaches future trade negotiations moving forward,” said Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa. “We have seen the damage that NAFTA and free trade policies have done to our country for the past two decades. It is time to negotiate trade agreements that encourage job growth here in the U.S. while revitalizing our manufacturing industry.”

The union also called for the USTR to prioritize transparency during the negotiations and ensure that all stakeholders are included in the process from the beginning.

“As a member of the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations and the Labor Advisory Committee, I look forward to working closely with Ambassador Lighthizer to dramatically upgrade NAFTA,” Hoffa said. “The USTR must avoid making the same mistakes that occurred during the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations by having a fully transparent and inclusive negotiation process.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (ONTARIO, Calif.) – Teamsters who work at Vistar Foodservice’s distribution facility in Ontario began an unfair labor practice strike today to protest Vistar’s violations of federal laws that protect workers’ rights.

The 84 warehouse workers and drivers at Vistar, a division of Performance Food Group [NYSE: PFGC], are represented by Teamsters Local 630. The workers are currently in negotiations for their first contract with Vistar.

“We filed an unfair labor practice charge against Vistar with the National Labor Relations Board,” said Lou Villalvazo, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 630. “Vistar decided to give some workers a raise, but not others. That is discriminatory and they did it without bargaining with us, which is illegal.”

“The workers voted for their union in 2014 but have been unable to get Vistar to agree to a contract that is fair and respects the work they do,” Villalvazo said.

Vistar delivers food to movie theater chains across Southern California, including Edwards, Regal and AMC Theatres. On May 25, the Vistar workers protested outside the world premiere of “Wonder Woman” in Hollywood, where they held signs and distributed leaflets that said “Stop The Discrimination.” They were protesting that Vistar places women in the lowest-paying warehouse jobs, where they earn less than $13 per hour with some earning minimum wage.

“Our members didn’t want to go on strike, but they felt they had no choice but to send Vistar a wake-up call,” Villalvazo said. “We hope this sends a message to Vistar that it needs to start bargaining in good faith and abide by federal laws.”

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (CHICAGO) – More than 100 Teamsters and supporters gathered to raise questions and demand answers to serious concerns about their employer XPO Logistics outside the 3PL & Supply Chain Summit today where XPO Logistics CEO Bradley Jacobs was speaking. Representatives of workers who have chosen the Teamsters demanded that Jacobs respond to workers’ concerns about sustainability of the company, mistreatment, pay disparity, company mismanagement and many other issues.

“While Jacobs received $20 million mega-equity, got approval for a $110 million stock-bonus plan and has received a 481-percent bump in pay in recent years, workers are denied affordable health care, have no retirement security and the company is stomping on their federally protected rights to form their union,” said Ernie Soehl, Director of the Teamsters National Freight Division. “Workers have demanded a meeting with Jacobs, which is why Teamsters are here today, but Jacobs continues to refuse to meet over serious issues with workers.”

Jacobs is hosting an event at the summit and workers and representatives want real answers to serious questions. Freight workers at six XPO locations and warehouse workers at one location have formed their union with the Teamsters despite the company spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on $3,000-a-day union busters. At the ports, XPO continues to misclassify port and rail drivers, which results in massive wage theft. In response, courts have awarded drivers in the millions of dollars, with no end in sight.

XPO is ramping up its anti-worker, anti-union tactics by illegally firing three freight drivers at their terminal outside Trenton, N.J. XPO shareholders recently rebuked Jacobs when a near-majority of outside shareholders opposed his “say-on-pay” measure. Workers want to know what the XPO end game is – will Jacobs sell as he has other companies?

XPO workers worldwide, the Teamsters and European unions, as well as the courts and lenders are coming together to expose XPO and Jacobs as the exemplars of corporate greed in the U.S.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (CHICAGO) – More than 80 percent of First Student school bus drivers and aides have voted to approve new contracts in Glen Ellyn, Elk Grove Village and Villa Park, Ill., increasing wages and other benefits for more than 400 school bus industry workers.

The drivers and aides are members of Teamsters Local 777, which fought to secure higher starting wages for workers and give First Student employees raises across the board.

Under the new Teamster contracts in Elk Grove Village and Villa Park, starting drivers will earn $17 an hour. Starting drivers in Glen Ellyn will see wages increase to $18 an hour. Other First Student Teamsters will see overall wages improve by up to $2 per hour, while more than half of the drivers across the three bargaining units will earn no less than $20 an hour.

The top wage rate for all Teamster drivers at First Student will now be $20.50 per hour. School bus aides’ wage rates will start at $13 an hour and cap at $15.

“This is the best contract we’ve ever had,” said Local 777 First Student Steward Regina Washington. “I know the Teamsters have secured the highest wages and benefits for privatized bus drivers in Illinois right now.”

All three contracts include a union-sponsored vision plan paid for by First Student, as well as a raise in charter pay. All contracts have increased the non-revenue rate and guarantee the company will match dollar-for-dollar employee contributions to 401(k) retirement plans, up to $500 each year.

The contracts for First Student drivers and aides in Elk Grove Village and Villa Park also added Super Bowl Sunday as a paid holiday.

“Teamster drivers and aides at First Student are professional and hardworking,” said Major Rose, Local 777 Vice President. “Our members really deserve these strong contracts that honor and reward their work and their commitment to the safe transportation of our children.”

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (WASHINGTON) – Today, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Joint Council 7 in Northern California announced the establishment of the “All Charities Teamsters Memorial for W. Chan/M. Lefiti/B. Louie” fund to help raise money for the families of the victims of the June 14 tragedy at the San Francisco UPS facility that resulted in the deaths of three members at the hand of their fellow driver.

“The Teamsters Union will donate $50,000 to this fund in order to help the families during this difficult time,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “Our union mourns the loss our brothers to this senseless act of violence and stand ready to assist those they have left behind in any way we can.”

“We are encouraging our affiliates and our members to consider joining us in making a contribution to help the families who have been devastated by this terrible act,” said Ken Hall, Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer.

Donations should be sent to:

All Charities Teamsters
Memorial for W. Chan/M. Lefiti/B. Louie
c/o Teamsters Joint Council #7
250 Executive Park Blvd., Suite 3100
San Francisco, CA 94134

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

• Corner Kick seats discounted to only $20 (normally $30)!
• Pre-purchase parking for only $15 (Day of game is $20)!
• The festivities will start with a free 3-hour Tailgate Party beginning at 4:30pm (Bring your grill, food and beverages – watch for details on the CTHC website)
• The first 5,000 fans through the gates will receive a special 20th Anniversary set of Fire playing cards!
• 30 children who will need to be at least 8 years old will get to be part of the Chicago Fire High Five Line.
• Limited seating in sections 113 and 114, so order early.
• There will be a raffle and giveaways at the Tailgate Party!

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SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (HARRISBURG, Pa.) – More than a thousand Teamsters from across Pennsylvania rallied on the steps of the state capitol today to protest legislation designed to weaken worker protections and undercut their ability to bargain for improvements on the job.

Currently, there are a number of bills introduced in the general assembly that are a direct attack on working families in Pennsylvania. These bills are attempting to make harmful policies like right-to-work and paycheck deception law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Gov. Tom Wolf spoke out against the legislation at the rally, denouncing the attack on working Pennsylvanians.

“There is a concerted effort by many at the national and state level to damage working men and women’s ability to fight for wages they deserve, benefits they have earned, and protections that are fair,” Gov. Wolf said. “The constant threat of legislation like right to work, like paycheck protection, is an assault on the market and the economy. Any legislation that makes it harder for employees to organize in turn makes it harder for businesses to provide quality products and services to their customers.”

Opposition to these bills crosses party lines as representatives from both sides of the aisle have joined the fight to defeat the legislation. Republican State Rep. John Taylor spoke at the rally, expressing his opposition to the right-to-work and paycheck deception bills.

“I believe the sanctity of the bargaining agreement should stay intact,” Taylor said. “Right to work is something I’ve fought against since I was a college student and a Teamster. Right to work is not an issue worth pursuing. People will be hurt by this legislation.”

Rank-and-file Teamsters visited their elected officials before and after the rally to call on their representatives to vote against these bills. Pennsylvania Conference of Teamster President William Hamilton stressed the importance grassroots activism and the role it will play in defeating these bills.

“We can’t stand by and hope that our representatives to the right thing and vote down these bills,” Hamilton said. “We must keep the pressure on them and let them know that their constituents will not stand for this attack on Pennsylvania’s working families.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (WASHINGTON) – Today, International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced the appointment of Michael Hienton to Central Region Freight Coordinator.

Hienton is a 25-year Teamster who currently serves as vice president of Teamsters Local Union 407 in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a second-generation Teamster and has worked as a road and city driver and served as a local union official since he was elected in 2002.

“Mike brings substantial experience and expertise to the position,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “He is a straight shooter, with a lot of practical experience who will fight for the members.”

Hienton has served on various freight committees for the Central Region including those that dealt with road, city and change of operations issues. He will work under the leadership of Teamsters National Freight Division Director Ernie Soehl.

“I am happy to welcome Mike to the team,” Soehl said. “He has my full confidence and I recommended his appointment to the General President. I look forward to working with Mike moving forward.”

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