Teamster News

In Memoriam
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-subtitle"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Teamsters Remember Phil Feaster </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Phil Feaster, retired President of Washington, D.C.’s Local 639 and former board member of the Teamsters National Black Caucus, died on Sunday, March 7. He was 70.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><img height="200" hspace="5" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/3%209%2010%20philfeasterbt.jpg" width="180" align="left" vspace="5" />Phil Feaster, retired President of Washington, D.C.’s Local 639 and former board member of the Teamsters National Black Caucus, died on Sunday, March 7. He was 70.</p> <p>Feaster became a member of the union in 1965 when employed at the Kane Transfer Company. He was elected as the shop steward shortly thereafter and dedicated himself to serving the needs of his fellow workers for the next 12 years.</p> <p>Feaster was elected as a business agent for the local in 1977 and focused his considerable energy on members in the freight, moving and storage, rigging and hauling, wholesale furniture and liquor industries. In 1983 Feaster was elected President of Local 639, a position he held for the next 17 years. Feaster was proud of the fact that his members trusted him to such a degree that he ran unopposed in three elections.</p> <p>Feaster was active outside of his local as well, serving on the National Master Freight Negotiating Committee and the Moving and Storage Grievance Committee. He was also the principal organizer of more than 2,000 employees of the D.C. Public School System who joined the union in 1985.</p> <p>He was active in the community, serving on the Washington Metropolitan Labor Council and the Maryland State Athletic Commission. He served as the co-chair of the Martin Luther King Jr. D.C. Support Group for 13 years and was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award at the 1995 Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner.</p> <p>Feaster took the ideals of the labor movement to heart and was tireless in trying to bring about change in the lives of working families. He was an ardent supporter of DRIVE and donated much time and effort to ensure that labor friendly candidates were elected to office in the region. He also served as a Maryland delegate at the 2000 Democratic National Convention.</p> <p>Even in retirement Feaster remained active. He served as the President of the Local 639 Retirees Club and was always promoting educational programs in the community.</p> <p>Feaster had a lively sense of humor and loved to tell stories about his days in the union. He believed the union had given him a good life and wanted others to understand it would do the same for them. He cared about his members and wanted them to know they played a vital role in the union and the country as a whole. Even as he stepped down into retirement he could not resist one last pep talk for the members:</p> <p>“You are the salt of the earth. Your work ethic, your support of your union, your dedication to your fellow workers and your efforts to bring the less fortunate under the union umbrella are the things which have made this nation great. If I leave you with one word of advice, it is to think highly of yourself. You are of good citizenship and that really is one of the highest attainments of a human being.</p> <p>“Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for the honor you have bestowed on me, giving me the opportunity to lead a great local union, and the opportunity to leave wishing you the very best of everything.”<br />  </p>

Senator Blocking Bill Backed By Families Of Flight 3407
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>A Tennessee senator is standing in the way of aviation safety legislation being pushed by the Families of Continental Flight 3407, likely delaying consideration of the measure until next week at the earliest.</p> </div> </div> </div>

"No Weapon With Which to Fight"
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><img width="160" height="120" align="left" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/medium_rectangleSuffrage_parade%2C_New_York_City%2C_1912.jpg" />The following story was taken verbatim from the 1912 International <a href="http://teamster.org">Teamster</a> magazine. More Teamster stories relating to Women's History Month can be found <a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-celebrate-womens-history-month">here</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Teamsters Walk to Empower
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><img align="left" style="margin-right: 10px; width: 180px; height: 82px;" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/photo406.jpg" /></p> <p>Teamsters in Chicago will be walking in the Breast Cancer Network of Strength’s Walk to Empower on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010. Members, their friends and family are encouraged to walk for a good cause, helping the Teamsters reach our fundraising goal of $20,000.</p> <p>Go to <a href="http://chicagoteamsters.org">www.chicagoteamsters.org</a> for more information and to find out how to register.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><img width="327" height="149" align="left" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/photo406_0.jpg" /></p> <p>Teamsters in Chicago will be walking in the Breast Cancer Network of Strength’s Walk to Empower on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010. Members, their friends and family are encouraged to walk for a good cause, helping the Teamsters reach our fundraising goal of $20,000.</p> <p>Go to <a href="http://chicagoteamsters.org">www.chicagoteamsters.org</a> for more information and to find out how to register.</p>

Teamster ‘Bakerettes’ Were the Pride of Massachusetts Local
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><img width="120" height="160" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/medium_rectangle_portrait13.bakerettes.jpg" />In March 1944, Local 404 was featured in that month’s International Teamster magazine. The Springfield, Mass. local was being highlighted because it had a significant number of women among the membership. While women were entering the work force in growing numbers during World War II, Local 404’s total of 15 women among its bakery drivers would have been unusual for the 1940s.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><img align="left" style="margin-right: 10px; width: 335px; height: 559px;" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/13.bakerettes.jpg" /></p> <p>In March 1944, Local 404 was featured in that month’s International Teamster magazine. The Springfield, Mass. local was being highlighted because it had a significant number of women among the membership. While women were entering the work force in growing numbers during World War II, Local 404’s total of 15 women among its bakery drivers would have been unusual for the 1940s.</p> <p>Known by the union as “bakerettes,” the women drove for two companies, with 12 driving for Hathaway Bakeries and the remaining three working for the General Baking Company. According to Local 404 secretary B.E. Naylor, the four drivers in the photograph had agreed to have their picture taken when they all came to vote in an election at the local.</p> <p>In describing why the union sent the picture to the International Teamster, Naylor wrote that “It seems to some of us that a bit of the feminine touch would do no harm to the staid old International Teamster and with that thought in mind I am sending a picture of four of our ‘bakerettes’ who are doing a fine job on the retail bakery routes of two of the large companies in this area.”</p> <p>Three of the four drivers pictured were in their second year of employment, and one of them was also enlisted in the Marine Corps. And just like the rest of Local 404’s contingent of female drivers, they were all making good sales records on their routes. Naylor also complimented the women on their commitment to getting the job done even during a bitter New England storm.</p>

Memphis School Bus Monitors Choose Teamsters Union
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-subtitle"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> First Student Monitors Join Drivers And Mechanics As Teamsters </div> </div> </div> <fieldset class="fieldgroup group-presscontact"><legend>Press Contact</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-name"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Galen Munroe </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-email field-field-email"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="mailto:gmunroe@teamster.org">gmunroe@teamster.org</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-ca-phone field-field-phone"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 202-624-6904 </div> </div> </div> </fieldset> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>First Student school bus monitors in Memphis, Tennessee, have voted 55-1 to join Teamsters Local 984, which already represents about 277 drivers and mechanics at this location. The monitors joined the union seeking to raise standards to the level of their coworkers.<br />  </p> </div> </div> </div> <p>First Student school bus monitors in Memphis, Tennessee, have voted 55-1 to join Teamsters Local 984, which already represents about 277 drivers and mechanics at this location. The monitors joined the union seeking to raise standards to the level of their coworkers.</p> <p>“We want the same things the drivers and mechanics have, the same benefits and treatment.” Said John Holiday, a monitor. “I’ve wanted this for a long time.”</p> <p>According to Terry Lovan, President of Local 984, the monitors organized in order to secure a Teamster contract that would provide written guarantees and protections.</p> <p>“The vote of 55-1 shows the support that the monitors have for a Teamster contract, so the company can’t give them something today, and take it away tomorrow,” Lovan said.</p> <p>This victory is the latest in an effort to organize private school bus and transit workers across the country. Drive Up Standards is a national campaign to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus and transit industry. Since the campaign began in 2006, more than 25,600 drivers, monitors, aides, mechanics and attendants have become Teamsters.</p> <p>Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.</p>

Second YRCW Teamster Stock Plan Finalized
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>The Second Teamster Stock Option Plan for YRCW members was finalized March 1, 2010. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/3%208%2010%20Freight%20Update%20March%208_0.pdf">(Read Update)</a></p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/3%208%2010%20SECOND%20UNION%20EMPLOYEE%20STOCK%20OPTION%20PLAN%20(v2).pdf">Second Union Employee Stock Option Plan</a></p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/3%208%2010%20SECOND%20UNION%20EMPLOYEE%20SAR%20PLAN%20(v2).pdf">Second Union Employee SAR Plan</a></p> </div> </div> </div>

Making a Difference
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-subtitle"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Teamster School Bus Drivers Become Member Organizers </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><img width="160" height="120" align="left" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/medium_rectangle_DSC0034.jpg" style="margin-right: 10px;" />In April 2007, Lori Polesel and Becky Finch celebrated a big victory. The drivers, along with their coworkers at the First Student yard in Wallkill, New York, had voted to join Teamsters Local 445.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><img width="309" height="205" align="left" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/3%208%2010%20DSC0034.jpg" style="margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p>In April 2007, Lori Polesel and Becky Finch celebrated a big victory. The drivers, along with their coworkers at the First Student yard in Wallkill, New York, had voted to join Teamsters Local 445.</p> <p>Three years later, they have a Teamster contract, as well as some valuable experiences. While still working full time as bus drivers, Polesel and Finch have helped other school bus workers form their union to improve their working conditions.</p> <p>“The feeling you get helping someone else out is awesome. Being member organizers and helping the workers with their election felt like winning our election all over again,” Finch said.</p> <p><strong>Workers Talking to Workers</strong><br /> Finch and Polesel have traveled the nation and the world to speak up for school bus worker rights. The two have traveled to Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Connecticut and Texas, as well as to the FirstGroup shareholders’ meeting in the United Kingdom, and met with members of Parliament.</p> <p>“No matter where you go, workers are facing the same issues. But when we pull together, everyone is equal, so we all have a chance at a decent job with benefits,” said Polesel, a six-year driver.</p> <p>After going through training and working on house calls in New Jersey, Polesel and Finch recently had a chance to put their skills to the test. Together, they took the lead on an organizing campaign at First Student in nearby Millbrook, New York.</p> <p>They had a week to talk to the workers before the vote. Polesel and Finch believe it’s critical that workers talk to workers like themselves in organizing campaigns. It’s a movement of school bus workers coming together to raise standards that has made organizing in this industry so successful.</p> <p>“They asked a lot of us questions about how the union helps and they wanted to know what was in our contract,” Finch said. “They reached a point in the campaign, like all of us, where you get anxious and need the hope and reminder that you can do it. I think we were able to help with that.”</p> <p>“When you know the company and how it operates, and you know the industry, you have a better knowledge of what the worker needs. We related to them and they related to us because we’ve been in their shoes,” Polesel said. “We are proof that things can change by working together.”</p> <p><strong>Voice of Experience</strong><br /> Polesel and Finch worked many hours together and spent some days standing out in the rain at the bus yard. Workers would come to them in the mornings and seek guidance because they knew the two drivers had the answers. They had experience on their side.</p> <p>“I didn’t just go into a union job and collect union wages and benefits. I had to fight for it. You can’t sit back and wait for someone else to do something, thinking things will get better,” Polesel said. “I would encourage everyone to become a member organizer because you’re making a difference in people’s lives. I know it’s made a difference in my life.”</p> <p>The workers in Millbrook voted by nearly a 5 to 1 margin to join Polesel, Finch and their co-workers as members of Local 445.</p> <p>“They’re talented and dedicated and our gratitude goes out to them,” said Adrian Huff, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 445. “It’s extremely helpful that Lori and Becky would take their time and invest in doing this work. It’s needed not just in our local, but at every local.”</p> <p>To find out how to sign up to become a member organizer go to <a href="http://www.teamster.org">www.teamster.org</a>.</p>

Activists At Shareholder Meeting Say Whole Foods Is Bad For The Planet
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-subtitle"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Sustainable Suppy Chain Coalition Asks Whole Foods To Change Unsustainable Business Practices, Sign Pledge </div> </div> </div> <fieldset class="fieldgroup group-presscontact"><legend>Press Contact</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-name"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Galen Munroe </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-email field-field-email"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="mailto:gmunroe@teamster.org">gmunroe@teamster.org</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-ca-phone field-field-phone"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 202-624-6911 </div> </div> </div> </fieldset> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>At the Whole Foods Market shareholder meeting in Vancouver, BC, the Sustainable Supply Chain Coalition, an alliance of environmental groups, food activist organizations and labor unions, rallied today in support of four shareholder resolutions and called for a change in Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:WFM) and its supplier United Natural Foods Inc. (NASDAQ:UNFI) unsustainable business practices.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>At the Whole Foods Market shareholder meeting in Vancouver, BC, the Sustainable Supply Chain Coalition, an alliance of environmental groups, food activist organizations and labor unions, rallied today in support of four shareholder resolutions and called for a change in Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:WFM) and its supplier United Natural Foods Inc. (NASDAQ:UNFI) unsustainable business practices.</p> <p>The coalition is upset over Whole Foods’ recent actions which have highlighted the company’s hypocrisy on the subject of sustainability and organic food—a major selling point for Whole Food consumers.</p> <p>Whole Foods top management has denied the existence of climate change and violated an array of workers’ rights. Whole Foods, which claims healthy food is its priority, is also guilty of selling food products that are not certifiably organic and instead labeled as natural—a technique used by corporations called “greenwashing” that gives consumers the misleading impression a product is organic.</p> <p>“The recent actions taken by Whole Foods’ management such as denying global warming and intimidating its workers has set the sustainability movement in an uproar that is making it a risk to shareholders and investors,” said Jamie Biggar, Chairman of the Board of the Sierra Club British Columbia, “The share price has fallen 30 percent over the last five years.”</p> <p>“Whole Foods is alienating its consumer base,” said Ronnie Cummins, Executive Director of Organic Consumers Association. “Whole Foods customers will not stand for business policies that hurt workers, the environment, and dilute organic standards.”</p> <p>“I am concerned about Whole Foods’ expansion into Canada,” said Don McGill, Teamster Vice President, Canada. “Whole Foods workers do a great job but how can the Canadian workforce expect Whole Foods management to operate with respect for workers’ rights when we have seen their violations in the United States?”</p> <p>Together, the coalition is asking Whole Foods Market and its supplier United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) to sign the “Sustainable Food Pledge” that would bring together key stakeholders to discuss making Whole Foods Market and its supplier UNFI a company based on sustainable principles that would protect the environment, food and workers within its supply chain.</p> <p>Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.</p>

Thirty-Nine Words
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><img width="120" height="160" align="left" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/medium_rectangle_portraitsuffragettes.jpg" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This year marks the 90th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The amendment grants voting rights to women.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>These 39 words changed the course of history: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><img width="240" height="270" align="left" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/suffragettes.jpg" style="margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This year marks the 90th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The amendment grants voting rights to women.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>These 39 words changed the course of history: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The passage of the 19th Amendment was the end result of a difficult struggle that began at a tea party in 1848. Five women in Waterloo, New York were discussing the indignities and hardships placed on women, such as not having the right to vote, own property or enter a profession. The more they talked, the more they wanted a change. By the end of the afternoon, Jane Hunt, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Mary Ann McClintock and Martha Wright had organized the first women’s rights convention. They sent a notice to the <em>Seneca County Courier</em> that invited all women to attend the event.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Six days later, the convention took place at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York, with more than 300 participants. Although the convention was targeted to women, men were not turned away. As a result, 42 men were part of the historic two-day program.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote and read a “Declaration of Sentiments,” symbolically modeled on the Declaration of Independence, to the crowd. The document simultaneously shocked and inspired the attendees, as it was the first time anyone had put into words what many had been feeling for years.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>It certainly angered and frightened the male leaders of the community, who began attacking the unseemly ideas from the “ill-advised” gathering even before the conference ended.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The next 72 years on the road to suffrage for women would be filled with great triumphs and bitter disappointments. It would bring together some of the greatest minds, most eloquent writers and savvy political activists ever seen.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The movement, taking so long to reach its goal, became multi-generational. Babies taken to marches and rallies in their prams grew up to carry the banners in the footsteps of their mothers and grandmothers.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>As with all movements to bring about social justice, it showcased some of the uglier sides of human nature as well.  Women were harassed, arrested, beaten, and shunned by friends, family and their churches for making the choice to be a “suffragette.” Suffragette leaders were branded as cold, bitter, unattractive women who were not “normal.” <o:p></o:p></p> <p>Racial tensions were heightened as some white women, particularly in the South, did not want to be associated with black women also seeking the vote. Black women formed their own successful suffrage organizations, but were disillusioned with a call to sisterhood that did not include all the members of the family. Sojourner Truth, a lecturer and former slave expressed the sentiment best when she delivered her “Ain’t I a Woman too?” speech to activists across the country.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>There were also political battles within the movement itself. Some believed a state by state approach would work best; others wanted attention focused at the national level.  Leaders like Carrie Chapman Catt felt it was important to remain dignified and reasonable, biding time and working within the male dominated system to bring about change. Younger members like Alice Paul, wanted to implement radical actions learned from militant British suffragette leaders like Emmeline Pankhurst. In the end, all of the approaches were needed to gain victory.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The final days of the right-to-vote saga played out with more drama and suspense than a Hollywood movie.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Support was split on a national level; the amendment allowing women to vote had been introduced every year for 42 years before gaining the two-thirds majority needed to pass it; 35 states had ratified the amendment to the Constitution, but the women knew if they did not get a “perfect 36” majority of states to ratify it, the bill would languish and die.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Tennessee was to be the 36th state to vote on ratification. In August 1920, all sides converged on Nashville to lobby for their side. Each side took up a symbol: Suffragettes and legislators on their side wore yellow roses. Anti-suffrage members countered with red roses. It looked very close.</p> <p>On the day of the vote, August 18, the Suffragettes were worried. The “by the roses” count showed a loss: 47 yellow, 49 red. But on the first roll call, Rep. Banks Turner switched to the yellow roses, deadlocking the vote at 48-48.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Wilted roses and frayed nerves abounded when the third vote was finally called. The last to vote was Harry Burn, at 24, the youngest member in the legislature. He stood up—with his red rose prominent and a crumpled paper in his pocket—and voted for the amendment. The chamber went wild.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The anti-suffrage members chased him from the room and up three floors screaming about his betrayal. He had to climb out a third floor window, walk a ledge and crawl into the Capitol attic and hide to save himself. Later he explained that he received a telegram from his mother just as he was to vote. It urged him to do the right thing and vote for the amendment. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>So after decades of work, patience and courage, the last scene was a battle of conscience between a man and his mother. She won.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Most women today have little knowledge of the effort it took to bring the vote to women. Less than 50 percent of eligible women vote in elections today. Few recognize the names of the women who fought so hard for a cause that benefits them now. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Alice Paul, Mary Terrell Church, Lucy Burns, Victoria Woodhull and Ida B. Wells are just a few of the many. And, of course, Febb Ensminger Burn. She was Harry’s mom. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>They are worth remembering.</p>

Transit Railcar Design Improvements
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>The National Transportation Safety Board has recently added Improvements to Transit Railcar Design as part of its Most Wanted list. A railcar’s ability to withstand the dynamic forces of an accident is essential to protecting the vehicle’s operators, crew, and passengers and to increasing the survivability of an accident. Equally important to survivability is emergency responders’ ability to rapidly access, evacuate, and treat vehicle occupants.</p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div>

Teamsters Celebrate International Women’s Day in Quebec
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-subtitle"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Le Caucus Condition Féminine Teamsters Québec Célèbre la Journée Internationale de la Femme </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><img width="160" height="120" align="left" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/medium_rectangleDSC_5825.jpg" style="margin-right: 10px;" />Teamsters in Canada recently commemorated <a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/">International Women’s Day</a> in a special way. More than 200 Teamster women attended a dinner and conference held by the Teamsters Quebec Women’s Committee. It was an opportunity for the members to network and learn more about the Teamsters and their role in the union.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><img width="335" height="222" align="left" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/DSC_5825.jpg" style="margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p>Teamsters in Canada recently commemorated <a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/">International Women’s Day</a> in a special way. More than 200 Teamster women attended a dinner and conference held by the Teamsters Quebec Women’s Committee. It was an opportunity for the members to network and learn more about the Teamsters and their role in the union.</p> <p>“I asked the women to make a personal contract with themselves for what will work for them this year, to think about what they want to achieve and what we want to achieve as a group of women,” said Brigitte Sotille, the Education Director for Teamsters Canada and President of the Teamsters Quebec Women’s Committee. “We want to be more vocal, visible, to come together and build more solidarity within our union.” <o:p></o:p></p> <p>The event included exhibition booths with information on issues important to women, such as, breast cancer, preparing for retirement, self esteem and women’s rights in Quebec, among other topics. <o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></p> <p>“We had a guest speaker talk about self esteem since it’s a stressful environment right now because of the economy. As employers lower costs, it’s usually on the backs of the workers,” Sotille said. “For women, it’s a lot of pressure because we haven’t been working as long and often don’t have the seniority, so we are the first to be pressured by management and the first out.”<o:p></o:p></p> <p>At the event, the women’s committee discussed future fundraisers and events for 2010. In 2009, the women’s committee took part in numerous volunteer activities and fundraisers that helped communities at home - and around the world. <o:p></o:p></p> <p><a href="http://www.teamsters-canada.org/">Teamsters Canada</a> and the Teamsters Quebec Women’s Committee recently raised money for victims of the earthquake in Haiti, donating $65,000 to the Red Cross. Teamster local unions helped raise the money through the membership. <o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></p> <p>“We will be raising money for <a href="../../../../../../content/canadian-teamsters-support-breast-cancer-awareness">breast cancer</a> again this year. We raised $9,000 in one month last year, so we are starting early this year to raise even more,” Sotille said.</p> <p>In honor of International Women’s Day, the women’s committee took part in a fun trivia activity (answers are located at the bottom of this page):<o:p></o:p></p> <ul type="disc"> <li>In what year did women get the right to vote in Canada (federally)? In Quebec?</li> </ul> <p>The winner of the trivia contest won a CD by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lhasa_de_Sela">Lhasa de Sela</a>, a popular French-language singer who died in January at age 37 of breast cancer. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>The gathering in honor of International Women’s Day was made possible by Teamsters Canada and the Teamsters Quebec Women’s Committee, as well as the Canadian Joint Councils and local unions that also sponsored this event.</p> <p> </p> <p class="rtecenter">•     •     •     •     •</p> <p class="rtecenter"> </p> <p><o:p></o:p></p> <p><strong>Answer:</strong> Women obtained a limited <a href="http://www2.parl.gc.ca/parlinfo/Compilations/ElectionsAndRidings/TriviaWomen.aspx">right to vote</a> in Canada in 1917; the vote was extended to all women in 1919, federally. <a href="http://archives.cbc.ca/politics/rights_freedoms/topics/1450-9554/">Quebec</a> was the last Canadian province to give women the right to vote, in 1940.</p>

Teamsters Looking Out For Teamsters
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>For Saundra Rich and her coworkers, being a member of a 1.4-million-member organization is about pride, respect and looking out for one another, especially when it comes to the complicated world of insurance claims.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Wisconsin First Student School Bus Workers Choose Teamsters
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-subtitle"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Bus Workers First In State To Organize With Teamsters At First Student </div> </div> </div> <fieldset class="fieldgroup group-presscontact"><legend>Press Contact</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-name"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Galen Munroe </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-email field-field-email"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="mailto:gmunroe@teamster.org">gmunroe@teamster.org</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-ca-phone field-field-phone"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 202-624-6904 </div> </div> </div> </fieldset> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>School bus drivers and attendants in Verona, Wisconsin, are the first group of First Student workers in the state to join the Teamsters Union, after voting in favor of representation by Teamsters Local 695 in Madison. There are 60 workers in the bargaining unit.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>School bus drivers and attendants in Verona, Wisconsin, are the first group of First Student workers in the state to join the Teamsters Union, after voting in favor of representation by Teamsters Local 695 in Madison. There are 60 workers in the bargaining unit.</p> <p>“The main reason we organized was for safety, respect, and decent, affordable health care,” said Kelly King, a First Student attendant in Verona. “I’m excited for us to make changes here.”</p> <p>“We’re looking forward to negotiating an agreement to provide the wages, benefits and working conditions that should be afforded to all working men and women in the country, and we’re looking forward to getting started on that process,” said Wayne Schultz, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 695.</p> <p>“This is a great victory and it’s something that the whole state is looking at to keep the momentum going, to give workers a better working environment,” said Fred Gegare, International Union Vice President and President of Joint Council 39.</p> <p>The victory is the latest in an effort to organize private school bus and transit workers across the country. Drive Up Standards is a national campaign to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus and transit industry.Since the campaign began in 2006, more than 25,500 drivers, monitors, aides, mechanics and attendants have become Teamsters.</p> <p>For more information on the Drive Up Standards campaign, go to: <a href="http://www.schoolbusworkersunited.org/">www.schoolbusworkersunited.org</a></p> <p>Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.</p>

Airline Division News, Week Ending March 5, 2010
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Crewmembers of Atlas Air will soon be flying four specially configured Boeing 747-400 series aircraft to transport oversized sections of the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” from around the world to their final assembly point in Seattle, Washington. </p> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong><img height="156" width="626" align="top" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/IBT_AirlineWeekly_7.jpg" /></strong></p> <p><strong>Atlas Pilots to Operate “Dreamlifter” </strong></p> <p>Crewmembers of Atlas Air will soon be flying four specially configured Boeing 747-400 series aircraft to transport oversized sections of the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” from around the world to their final assembly point in Seattle, Washington. The aircraft, known as “Dreamlifters,” are specially modified 747-400's called "Large Conversion Freighters" or "LCF's," that are owned by Boeing and will be operated by Atlas Air crews who are members of Local 1224 of the Airline Division.</p> <p>“We’re honored by this opportunity to be part of the team that is responsible for the Dreamliner,” said Captain Steve Richards, co-chairman of the Transition Executive Council (TEC) for Atlas. “The addition of this contract by Atlas speaks well of our company and of our pilots reputation to provide consistent high quality service to our customers.”</p> <p>“While this contract will result in further recalls and potential hiring here at Atlas, we are also mindful of the potential for furloughs and possible pilot job losses that may occur at Evergreen as a result of the loss of the contract,” Richards noted. “It is my intention to speak with Atlas management and request that they consider preferential interviewing and hiring of any Evergreen pilots affected by the loss of the Dreamlifter contract. These pilots are already current and qualified on the Dreamlifter and we would welcome them. Additionally, with their experience on the aircraft, they would require minimal cross training, which would represent a tremendous cost savings to Atlas,” he said.  </p> <p><strong>Senator Seeks to Use Important Safety Device for Punitive Discipline, Threaten Pilots</strong></p> <p>The introduction of legislation by Senator James DeMint, (R-SC) that would allow airlines to use Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) tapes as disciplinary tools against pilots has been met with strong opposition from airline union and safety representatives. The legislation, known as S 3048, the “Pilot Professionalism Assurance Act,” if enacted, would allow airlines unfettered use of CVR tapes for any reason, including punitive discipline and job termination, while leaving the crewmember no right of legal recourse.</p> <p>“Senator DeMint’s legislation is a direct attack on professional pilots and organized labor,” said Captain David Bourne, Director of the Airline Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. “This legislation is a thinly veiled excuse to further erode the First Amendment of the Constitution by someone openly opposed to labor and would allow management the ability to use normal conversations between pilots as evidence to pressure, threaten, harass or terminate them. For pilots at non union carriers, it gives management the ability to screen conversations to determine who is supporting union organizing and terminate them,” Bourne went on to say.</p> <p>Captain Russ Leighton, Airline Safety Coordinator for the Airline Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters stated, “CVR’s were first placed in the cockpits of large commercial airplanes decades ago for one very specific purpose; to provide the NTSB with information that may be valuable in determining the probable cause of an accident.  To use this technology for any other purpose would be counter-productive to aviation safety.”</p> <p>“Pilots are trained decision makers, who during the worst case scenarios must use all their education and experience to make a choice where people’s lives depend on the outcome.  The chilling effect of having to make these decisions while the world is looking over one’s shoulder is immeasurable,” Leighton said, noting that, “Every decision made by pilots, who operate in one of the most demanding job environments in the world, must act based solely upon education and experience, not based upon a concern over what his employer, the government, or anyone else will think days later. There are plenty of viable options in use today to address cockpit safety issues.  Voluntary programs such as ASAP (Aviation Safety Action Program), FOQA (Flight Operations Quality Assurance), and LOSA (Line Operational Safety Audit) have been very effective.  They allow for the same data that monitoring a CVR would provide, but without the chilling effect on a pilot’s decision making process.  Widespread use of these well established programs is the best solution for safer skies,” he commented.</p> <p>Particularly disturbing, according to Bourne would be the effect on crewmembers, which are subject to reporting under PRIA, the Pilot Records Improvement Act. “What is particularly insidious about this poorly researched and proposed legislation are the additional checkrides and job terminations that would result from unscrupulous actions by managements who will enjoy total immunity under this legislation. Those checkrides and terminations will end up as part of a pilot’s permanent record with the FAA under PRIA,” said Bourne. “With the proposed enhancements to the existing PRIA law, such actions would destroy a pilot’s ability to ever find work again as a pilot, Bourne noted. “In addition to being fired with no recourse over supporting a union, the real possibility exists that a pilot could be fired for saying their company was operating unsafely and it should be reported to the FAA. The company would be free to fire the employee for threatening to disclose a safety matter and be free from legal recourse by the pilot. And the pilot, with the termination or failed checkride on his PRIA, would never find a flying job again,” said Bourne. “We are unalterably opposed to Senator DeMint’s attack on the First Amendment and on pilot’s right to free speech and will oppose this legislation.” </p> <p><strong>Airline Division Director Comments on the Retirement of “Sully” Sullenberger</strong></p> <p>In noting the announcement this week of the retirement of Captain Chesley Sullenberger, Airline Division Director David Bourne praised the Captain for his years of service. “While many choose to focus on the emergency landing that brought him public acclaim, we would be remiss to overlook the many years of service and millions of passengers that he safely transported throughout his career,” said Bourne. “His work as a union volunteer and service as an Air Force pilot also stand as a testament to his lifetime of service for others.” “I have had the distinct honor of accompanying him as he testified so eloquently on Capitol Hill on aviation issues and now that he has retired from the cockpit and announced his intention to continue to work on behalf of pilot issues and safety, I look forward to a continued working relationship with him,” Bourne continued.</p> <p>Commenting on the retirement of Flight Attendant Doreen Welsh, who was a crewmember on the ill fated flight with Sullenberger, Bourne said, “Too often, flight attendants are overlooked as critical members of an airline crew. Flight Attendant Doreen Welsh and her fellow crewmembers were critical to the successful outcome that day, just as they are every day on every flight. Too often they are forgotten for the professionals they are. Doreen’s 39 years of providing service to passengers and seeing to their safety is a tribute to her dedication and I also join in wishing her well in her retirement,” he concluded.</p> <p><strong>United Talks Continue in Chicago, Division Director Attends</strong></p> <p>IBT Airline Division Director David Bourne and other IBT representatives, including IBT Representative Clacy Griswold met with UAL senior management on March 3, 2010 in Chicago. The parties met and discussed at length their respective positions regarding outstanding work-rule proposals as well as pension-related matters.</p> <p>Representatives from the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust participated by teleconference with respect to the pension-related matters. Discussions concerning scope were deferred to a follow-up meeting which is tentatively scheduled for later this month. The parties anticipate returning to the bargaining table after the follow-up meeting, and after they have had an opportunity to fully evaluate each others’ bargaining positions.</p> <p><strong>Mediation in Washington for Local 2727</strong></p> <p>Representatives from Local 2727, representing UPS Mechanics will meet in Washington next week to continue talks with management and the Federal mediator assigned to the case. Airline Division Director David Bourne will be in attendance for some of the discussions.</p> <p align="center"><strong>Week in Review News Items</strong></p> <p><strong>Labor Developments</strong></p> <p>Air travelers in the U.S. could <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=vX2mxgyXYFxFlDwZm9U9Pg.." target="_blank" title="http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2010-03-01-airlabor01_ST_N.htm"><u><font color="#0000ff">face the same types of labor relations-driven flight disruptions</font></u></a> that crippled air travel in parts of Europe last week…American, Continental, United, US Airways and Southwest are in prolonged contract talks with various unions…contract talks between American and its flight attendants <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=_v91g9FXuURtdYXMsF2pxA.." target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/03/04/business/AP-US-American-Airlines-Labor.html?scp=3&sq=airlines&st=nyt"><u><font color="#0000ff">broke off Wednesday night</font></u></a> with the union declaring that negotiations were hopelessly stalemated while the company said it is looking forward to more bargaining.  </p> <p><strong>Regulatory </strong></p> <p>For the third time in seven months the judgment of those who operate the nation's air traffic control system has been <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=ahlc63K-ZDn-WEofl6kBqg.." target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/03/04/us/politics/AP-US-Air-Traffic-Controllers.html?scp=4&sq=airlines&st=nyt"><u><font color="#0000ff">called into question</font></u></a> and raised concerns that the system may not be as safe as officials claim…investigators of a French airline accident and aviation agencies from 44 other European countries plan to ask ICAO to <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=3Xt7QE0d1sxuxTlCrCjeCw.." target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/business/04air.html?sq=airlines&st=nyt&adxnnl=1&scp=2&adxnnlx=1267708935-OazKK74f46Rlh81ZLcuYXw"><u><font color="#0000ff">change the way planes transmit information</font></u></a> while flying over oceans. </p> <p><strong>Aviation System Security</strong></p> <p>Eleven major airports will begin <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=6LRAyM2K1zATrPWMs0jX9w.." target="_blank" title="http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-03-05-bodyscanners05_ST_N.htm"><u><font color="#0000ff">using body scanners</font></u></a> to screen passengers as TSA launches a plan to buy 1,000 of the machines over the next two years…however, the Electronic Privacy Information Center and consumer advocate Ralph Nader are urging President Obama to <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=wZbGEeEya91UfTOb7cQVLw.." target="_blank" title="http://www.computerworlduk.com/management/government-law/legislation/news/index.cfm?newsId=19098"><u><font color="#0000ff">review the administration's multibillion dollar plans</font></u></a> to install whole body scanners at U.S. airports…and in a lawsuit filed in Cook County Court, former chief of security at O'Hare James Maurer said Chicago City Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino and her staff "<a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=MJAIPgrYS5bGw9kOU_leHw.." target="_blank" title="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0411408220100304?type=marketsNews"><u><font color="#0000ff">continually ignored, dismissed and shunned</font></u></a> Maurer in his efforts to make O'Hare Airport a safer facility."    </p> <p><strong>Airline Industry Finances & Structure </strong></p> <p>Jesup & Lamont estimates that the lost revenue from February snowstorms will total between $80 million and $100 million for the whole industry…budget airlines in Europe <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=fHg1f5KK3R5v-BrgC5dyYw.." target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/03/02/business/AP-EU-EU-Air-Travel.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=airlines&st=nyt"><u><font color="#0000ff">gained 13 million more passengers last year</font></u></a>, with cheaper prices pulling in customers amid an overall drop in air travel…Air France-KLM said it would <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=5KwjDzo3SimB1HPCX_JrJw.." target="_blank" title="http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1267617532.html"><u><font color="#0000ff">raise capacity</font></u></a> on its long-haul flights by 0.8 percent this summer as it sees tentative signs of recovery…Asia <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=vstOFaaI0LMSJvLhoaLmsw.." target="_blank" title="http://www.forexpros.com/news/forex-news/update-1-air-freight,-passenger-data-jump-in-jan-iata-123097"><u><font color="#0000ff">powered improved demand</font></u></a> for international air traffic in January as both passenger and freight figures jumped by more than the sharp falls triggered by the financial crisis a year ago.…the “M” word – merger – <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=hynCWwiAFsOduOLnxG0pXQ.." target="_blank" title="http://www.centreforaviation.com/news/2010/03/04/airline-mergers-gaining-attention---and-traction--in-2010/page1"><u><font color="#0000ff">has been trumpeted</font></u></a> in U.S. airline circles since December, particularly once the analyst community began to see there might be a light at the end of the recessionary tunnel…and more travelers are <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=d3xRZ8X0GZsdUi5P1QF7xw.." target="_blank" title="http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-03-03-airalliances25_CV_N.htm?csp=usat.me"><u><font color="#0000ff">loyal to alliances</font></u></a>, not airlines; the alliances that seem to work the best for passengers and carriers have two critical elements: antitrust immunity and a joint-venture operating structure.</p> <p><strong>Miscellaneous</strong></p> <p>Airlines and hotels are <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=uh4k0VXNIybc80ZuUIWWzA.." target="_blank" title="http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-03-05-airphones05_CV_N.htm"><u><font color="#0000ff">refining their mobile websites</font></u></a> and creating applications, or "apps," for downloading to popular phone models…Continental Airlines will begin <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=8OohAAlK5sy6FihdUHz8FQ.." target="_blank" title="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/03/03/business/AP-US-Continental-Legroom-Fee.html?scp=5&sq=airlines&st=nyt"><u><font color="#0000ff">charging coach customers</font></u></a> extra if they want a seat with more legroom. Prices will vary depending on the length of a flight and popularity of the route…with higher load factors and fuller planes, airlines are <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=CTa_1e-sMz518-4ZHF4PTg.." target="_blank" title="http://www.travelweekly.com/article3_ektid210968.aspx"><u><font color="#0000ff">focusing more attention</font></u></a> on the number, size and shape of passengers’ carry-on bags, forcing more flyers to check their oversized or extra bags at the gates, and to pay checked-bag fees for the inconvenience…Amtrak has <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=FaIDfIJvUHojJtZAwZs6JA.." target="_blank" title="http://www.travelweekly.com/article3_ektid210802.aspx"><u><font color="#0000ff">launched Internet service</font></u></a> aboard 20 high-speed Acela Express trains…and fliers who feel they have been <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=c6Sc_Nnr8mIejK-MLvH_gw.." target="_blank" title="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704541304575099601191065376.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsForth"><u><font color="#0000ff">mistreated by airlines</font></u></a> may soon be in for a bit of relief. New government rules go into effect next month that will give travelers more rights—and maybe even more recourse—when travel goes awry. </p> <p><strong>More News</strong></p> <p>For additional news on Airline Division carriers and the airline industry, visit our constantly updated dashboard at <a href="https://teamster.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://ibt.convio.net/site/R?i=e5nUDeuEildA-NwerhcxPw.." target="_blank" title="http://netvibes.twi.bz/e"><u><font color="#0000ff">http://netvibes.twi.bz/e</font></u></a>.</p> <p><em><br /> <strong>Edited By Business Travel Coalition</strong></em></p> <p><img height="1" width="1" src="http://ibt.convio.net/site/PixelServer?j=U-GFObEKioFQbrNWOPQzUg.." /></p> <p> </p>

Valuable Resources for Teamster Women
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><img width="120" height="160" align="left" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/medium_rectangle_portraitIntWomensDay2010.jpg" />There are many useful resources available online for Teamster women. These web sites provide further information on Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day, as well as acquaint Teamster women to their union and more.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><img align="left" style="margin-right: 10px; width: 170px; height: 172px;" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/IntWomensDay2010.jpg" /></p> <p>There are many useful resources available online for Teamster women. These web sites provide further information on Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day, as well as acquaint Teamster women to their union and more.</p> <p><a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/default.asp">International Women’s Day 2010</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.nwhp.org/whm/index.php">National Women’s History Project</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Labor Resources:</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="rteindent1"><a href="http://www.dol.gov/wb/">U.S. Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau</a></p> <p class="rteindent1"><a href="http://www.dol.gov/wb/stats/main.htm">U.S. Labor Department Women’s Bureau, Statistics on Women Workers</a></p> <p class="rteindent1"><a href="http://www.dol.gov/wb/factsheets/Qf-Retirement-08.htm">U.S. Labor Department Women’s Bureau, Saving for Retirement</a></p> <p class="rteindent1"><a href="http://www.state.gov/s/gwi/">U.S. Department of State, Office of Global Women’s Issues</a></p> <p class="rteindent1"><a href="http://www.cluw.org/">Coalition of Labor Union Women</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p><strong>Teamster Resources:</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="rteindent1"><a href="../../../../../../content/how-form-womens-committee">How to Form a Teamsters Women’s Committee </a></p> <p class="rteindent1"><a href="../../../../../../content/teamsters-women-conference-held-september-10-12-2009">Teamsters Women’s Conference 2009</a></p> <p class="rteindent1"><a href="http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/nl_women_Feb_2010.pdf">Teamster Women’s News</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p> <strong>Health Resources:</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="rteindent1"><a href="http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2x.asp?sitearea=LRN&dt=5">American Cancer Society, All About Breast Cancer</a></p> <p class="rteindent1"><a href="http://www.cluw.org/CCPW/facts.html">Coalition of Labor Union Women, Cervical Cancer Facts </a></p> <p class="rteindent1"><a href="http://www.hearthealthywomen.org/">Heart Healthy Women, Cardiovascular Health for Women</a></p>

UPS Freight Workers In Wisconsin Vote Unanimously To Ratify Contract
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-subtitle"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Teamsters Now Represent Nearly All Eligible UPS Freight Workers </div> </div> </div> <fieldset class="fieldgroup group-presscontact"><legend>Press Contact</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-name"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Galen Munroe </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-email field-field-email"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="mailto:gmunroe@teamster.org">gmunroe@teamster.org</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-ca-phone field-field-phone"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 202-624-6911 </div> </div> </div> </fieldset> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>UPS Freight workers in LaCrosse, Wis., unanimously voted to ratify their first-ever contract as Teamsters. The Teamsters now represent nearly all of the 12,600 UPS Freight drivers and dockworkers eligible to join the union.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>UPS Freight workers in LaCrosse, Wis., unanimously voted to ratify their first-ever contract as Teamsters. The Teamsters now represent nearly all of the 12,600 UPS Freight drivers and dockworkers eligible to join the union.</p> <p>The workers, who service hard-to-reach areas outside of UPS Freight’s existing terminals, are represented by Teamsters Local 695 in Madison, Wis.</p> <p>“These workers now have a strong voice in the workplace and the benefit of working under a good contract,” said Teamsters Package Division Director Ken Hall. “We are proud to have these workers join our ranks and we look forward to representing them.”</p> <p>“These workers were very patient but very anxious to become part of the bargaining unit,” said Wayne Schultz, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 695. “We’re very happy they are Teamsters and can now enjoy the benefits of the contract.”</p> <p>Schultz credited Local 695 Business Agent Rob Moss for being the driving force to get these drivers into the bargaining unit.</p> <p>“The drivers are thrilled to finally be Teamsters and we welcome them to our union,” Moss said.</p> <p>The Teamsters kicked off the organizing campaign in 2006 when the union organized UPS Freight (formerly Overnite Transportation) workers in Indianapolis and negotiated a contract with the company that was ratified by a 107-1 vote in October 2007. The Teamsters won a card-check agreement from UPS in December 2007, and in January 2008, launched its nationwide campaign. By November 2008, the Teamsters represented more than 12,400 UPS Freight workers in 42 states.</p> <p>Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. <br />  </p>

City Of Chicago Refuses Mediation In Unfair Labor Practice Dispute
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-subtitle"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Teamsters Reach Out For Resolution, City Declines To Participate </div> </div> </div> <fieldset class="fieldgroup group-presscontact"><legend>Press Contact</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-name"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Will Petty </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-ca-phone field-field-phone"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 312-421-2600 </div> </div> </div> </fieldset> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>(Chicago) – City of Chicago officials are refusing to participate in federal meditation to reconcile unfair labor practice charges filed by Teamsters Local 700 on behalf of city truck drivers and public employees.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>(Chicago) – City of Chicago officials are refusing to participate in federal meditation to reconcile unfair labor practice charges filed by Teamsters Local 700 on behalf of city truck drivers and public employees.</p> <p>A reconciliation effort offered to the city and the union this week follows the recent authorization of thousands of workers for the Teamsters to implement a citywide strike, if such action is necessary in the union’s fight to force the city to honor its contract. The city has consistently failed to process its employees’ grievances and has unilaterally ignored Local 700’s unfair labor practice charges.</p> <p>“The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service has reached out to the Teamsters and the City of Chicago to help resolve our disputes,” said William P. Logan, Local 700 Assistant Trustee. “While the Teamsters are ready to wholeheartedly embrace mediation, it seems the olive branch has been rebuffed.</p> <p>“The City of Chicago has refused to honor the labor agreement it signed and is now refusing to even come to the table to find some common ground,” Logan added.</p> <p>The numerous unfair labor practice charges facing the city include:</p> <ul> <li>Repudiation of the Teamsters’ collective bargaining agreement;</li> <li>Failure to process grievances in a timely manner;</li> <li>Unilateral reduction in hours of work for hundreds of employees; and</li> <li>Unilateral changes in working conditions and terms and conditions of employment.</li> </ul> <p>If the Illinois Labor Relations Board upholds the charges filed by Local 700, the Teamsters may take additional action, including the possibility of an unfair labor practice strike. Local 700 has advised members no action is to be taken without the union’s express direction.</p> <p>Teamsters currently serve the City of Chicago across several departments, including Streets and Sanitation, Transportation, Aviation and Water and Fleet Management.</p> <p>Teamsters Local 700, an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, represents more than 13,000 public service employees throughout Illinois.<br />  </p>

Teamsters, C.A.R.S. Team Up On Auto Safety
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-subtitle"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Consumer Advocates Join with Teamster Safety Audit Teams to Study How Fiat/Chrysler Vehicles are Being Delivered </div> </div> </div> <fieldset class="fieldgroup group-presscontact"><legend>Press Contact</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-name"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Galen Munroe </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-email field-field-email"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="mailto:gmunroe@teamster.org">gmunroe@teamster.org</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-ca-phone field-field-phone"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 202-624-6904 </div> </div> </div> </fieldset> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Today the Teamsters Union was joined by Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS) as it began a revolutionary grassroots safety program to help ensure that new cars delivered to consumers are transported properly.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p>Today the Teamsters Union was joined by Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS) as it began a revolutionary grassroots safety program to help ensure that new cars delivered to consumers are transported properly. Both groups have concerns about the quality of service being performed by automobile transport companies Fiat/Chrysler has started using, after moving the work away from experienced, professional carriers.</p> <p>The report, <a href="http://carbuyersbeware.com/sites/carbuyersbeware.com/files/CARHAUL_Damaged%20Delivered%20Chrysler_Honda_FINAL.pdf">“Damaged When Delivered?”</a> includes photographs that document issues that arise when auto transport companies with less experience and knowledge transport new vehicles improperly. Incorrectly secured vehicles can sustain hidden damages to tires, rims, axles and the overall frame, which can cause safety problems and increased costs to consumers.</p> <p>The Teamsters have created safety audit teams that will systematically document improper auto transport practices. They expect to release monthly reports with the analysis of their findings starting in April. A representative of CARS will participate with the Teamsters audit team, which will include spending time on at least one on-the-road audit and reviewing data collected by the audit teams.</p> <p>CARS representative Christina Catalano, whose mother was killed by a defective Chrysler vehicle when it self-shifted into reverse said, “Carefully auditing Chrysler's auto transport carriers is an important step in examining how their new vehicles are being transported. Based on prior evidence, we believe Chrysler and its cut-rate haulers are skirting even the most basic requirements for ensuring safe delivery. Right now auto safety is on the minds of the car-buying public, and these audits are an important step in keeping them safe.”</p> <p>Teamsters Carhaul Division Director Fred Zuckerman added, “As proud professionals, Teamster carhaul drivers’ number one concern is the safety of the cars we deliver to customers. In moving contracts away from longtime, professional companies, it is our belief that the small, short-term savings Chrysler forecasts will be quickly overcome by dissatisfaction among their dealers and their customers due to poor service and the risks of hidden damages.”</p>

Teamster Women: We’ve Been There All Along
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><img width="120" height="160" align="left" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/medium_rectangle_portrait15.WorldWarI.JPG" style="margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p>According to the average high school history textbook, the history of women in the labor movement can be told in a few short paragraphs about Mother Jones and some women sewing shirts in New York City. Apparently the authors never asked any working women about their story. If they had, they would know that many women have been active in the labor movement from the very beginning, leading the way for passage of critical labor legislation over the years. And Teamster women, although not usually involved in the typical heavy work of the members in the early days, were critical to the union’s success.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><img width="335" height="258" align="left" src="/sites/teamsters.prometheuslabor.com/files/imce/15.WorldWarI.JPG" style="margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p>According to the average high school history textbook, the history of women in the labor movement can be told in a few short paragraphs about Mother Jones and some women sewing shirts in New York City. Apparently the authors never asked any working women about their story. If they had, they would know that many women have been active in the labor movement from the very beginning, leading the way for passage of critical labor legislation over the years. And Teamster women, although not usually involved in the typical heavy work of the members in the early days, were critical to the union’s success.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Dan Tobin, elected General President of the Teamsters in 1907, recognized the value of organizing women as a way to strengthen the union’s voice and increase membership. He set out to bring union protection to working women across the country. His plan quickly stalled, because while most men understood the plight of working women, they thought it folly to give full membership to a group that could not even vote. It would take two World Wars and a national epidemic to change their minds. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>Undaunted, Tobin and other like-mined Teamsters found other ways to aid working women. Representatives of the union helped women workers, referred to as “auxiliary members,” organize, plan strikes and win fair contracts in the workplace. Tobin also used the Teamster magazine as a way to promote awareness of issues related to women and children in the labor force, which set it apart from many other publications of the time. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>In 1916 the Teamsters were involved with a landmark contract for women laundry workers in Chicago. The union helped the workers successfully organize and create their first all-women negotiating committee. The committee won a strong contract, including a non-negotiable provision demanding equal pay for white and black workers. Following this success, the door was opened to organize more “auxiliary members” in the laundry, food and other related industries.</p> <p><o:p></o:p></p> <p><strong>Equal Pay For All</strong><br /> By 1917 women were being trained in the motorcar and truck industries as men prepared to join the war overseas. They stepped into many other jobs previously held by men and were also trained to keep local unions going during the war. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>With the great flu epidemic of 1918, Teamster women found themselves doing much more than keeping the home fires burning. Women truck drivers were needed to transport medicine and supplies to hospitals and rural areas. These women would complete a day’s work, then pick up supplies to delivery to farm families. At each stop they would help with chores and get the family settled before moving on to the next stop. Their courage and strength was incredible. The union and the country would not have made it without them. Their deeds were lauded at the time, but largely forgotten today.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>As a tribute to the tremendous efforts of women and minorities in the war, the Teamsters pushed for wage equality, adopting “Equal pay for all” as their union slogan in 1919.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>After a decade of post-war prosperity, the Great Depression of the 1930s brought decreases in membership for all unions. Scarcity of jobs and fears of unemployment forced workers to take whatever wages they could get. In 1934, Teamster men and women in Minneapolis took a stand against poor treatment from companies and city officials. They called a general strike, which became the epicenter of clashes between labor and management forces throughout the nation. Women were key players in this long, bloody strike that led directly to labor reform acts and the establishment of the National Labor Relations Board. They set up an infirmary, soup kitchen and other services for strikers, which ran 24 hours a day. They also raised funds to support workers and even created a newspaper to keep strikers up to date on the situation.</p> <p><o:p></o:p></p> <p><strong>Rosie the Riveter Joins the Union</strong><br /> The bombing of Pearl Harbor brought millions of new women into the work force, tackling jobs in war production, transportation and other essential industries, many with workers represented by the Teamsters. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>Recognizing the country’s dependence on their efforts gave Teamster women the leverage they needed to demand and win full union membership in 1943. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>After the war, women stayed active in organizing and also turned their attention to politics, taking an active role in the union’s new political action program, DRIVE (Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education). They became very adept at bringing attention to important labor issues.</p> <p><o:p></o:p></p> <p><strong>The Future Is Now</strong><o:p></o:p><br /> These are just a few of the many accomplishments by Teamster women over the decades.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Teamster women have never stopped blazing trails in the union and in the work force. They have pushed for improved workplace standards and pursued nontraditional jobs in every field.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The number of women in the work force is expected to increase dramatically in the next few decades, creating even greater need for strong women in labor unions. Dan Tobin was right: Women are valuable members, bringing strength and character to the union. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>He foresaw a strong future for them in 1947 when he said, “Women members are coming into their own. In the future they will be out in ever increasing numbers…an army of labor amazons that the exploiters will learn to fear.”</p>