Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Berkeley Teachers Win Tentative Contract with Increased Employer Contribution to Health Care
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Berkeley Teachers Win Tentative Contract with Increased Employer Contribution to Health Care
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
After 10 months of negotiations, the Berkeley (California) Federation of Teachers (BFT), AFT Local 1078, reached a tentative agreement on a new contract that increases the school district’s health care contribution to 70% beginning in 2027. The teachers still must vote on contract ratification.The BFT represents more than 900 teachers, counselors and librarians. The contract is for one year. “Our educators are excited that the district is making this important investment to ensure stable and consistent school communities,” said BFT President Matt Meyer in a press release. “We love our work and our students. This agreement makes it more possible to establish careers in Berkeley.”The new contract includes a 3% increase in compensation for the current academic year and a one-time $1,000 bonus for all full-time employees.“We must also not forget that we are in this position because our state does not fully fund the education every student deserves,” Meyer said in the statement. “We call on the state to raise the revenues necessary for a thriving public education system throughout California.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/02/2026 – 09:50
Tags:
Organizing
Teamsters Honor Women’s History Month
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is proud to celebrate March as Women’s History Month as we honor the sacrifices and achievements of women in our union and our nation.
Since our founding in 1903, women have played a crucial role in the growth and success of the Teamsters Union and the broader labor movement. Women labor leaders participated in the very first Teamsters convention and since then have led the Teamsters Union to the forefront of fighting for gender equality in the workplace and society.
Every day, Teamsters women who serve as local presidents, business agents, stewards, and rank-and-file members fight and win the best contracts for workers of all backgrounds in all industries. This month and throughout the year, the Teamsters Union celebrates the selfless women who make our union stronger and improve the lives of 1.3 million Teamsters families across the country.
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February 2026 Wrench and Wood Newsletter
The post February 2026 Wrench and Wood Newsletter appeared first on IAM Union.
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Sysco Teamsters in Montana Ratify Contract
(BILLINGS, Mont.) – More than 225 Sysco drivers and warehouse workers in Montana, jointly represented by Teamsters Local 2, 120, and 190, have ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract delivers major wage gains, significantly higher pension contributions, and Teamsters health care.
“The strength of our membership made this agreement possible,” said Jim Sousmas, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 190. “This is the strongest agreement we have ever negotiated at Sysco, and it will greatly benefit our members and their families over the next five years.”
The Teamsters represent more than 13,000 workers at Sysco and its subsidiaries nationwide. The Montana agreement follows a credible strike threat, and a unanimous strike authorization vote that forced Sysco management to take workers’ demands seriously. Under the new contract, workers secured a 33 percent wage increase, a 40 percent increase in pension contributions, and Teamsters health care.
The agreement at Sysco Montana continues a wave of strong Teamsters contracts won across the company over the past year, including the first-ever regional agreement ratified in December. Earlier this month, Sysco Teamsters in Spokane, Wash., also ratified a new contract delivering a 34 percent wage increase, reduced health care costs, and higher pension contributions.
“Across the country, Teamsters at Sysco are securing contracts that set the standard in the food distribution industry,” said Tom Erickson, President of Local 120 and Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “These agreements send a clear message to corporate America and they’re improving the lives of thousands of hardworking Teamsters at Sysco.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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Read More....Striking Job & Family Services Workers (JFS) File Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges Against Lorain County Commissioners
The post Striking Job & Family Services Workers (JFS) File Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges Against Lorain County Commissioners appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.
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Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Fortune Staff Win Three-Year Contract with Wage Increases, Other Benefits
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Fortune Staff Win Three-Year Contract with Wage Increases, Other Benefits
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Digital and print staff at Fortune—who are represented by The NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003—have ratified their first union contract.The bargaining unit covers two dozen writers, reporters, producers, editors and artists at the business magazine. Highlights of the contract include annual wage increases, new salary floor standards, just cause provisions, layoff severance, editorial standards protections and more.“We are so excited to finally have a fair contract after a long battle,” said unit chair Sasha Rogelberg. “Our union has repeatedly come together in tough times—including after a mass layoff over the summer reduced our unit size by one-third—to fight for the well-being of our newsroom. The efforts to secure this contract were no exception.”“Our Fortune Union members refused to give up and accept less than they are worth,” said Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York. “Because they persevered, they won a contract that boosts wages for all and lifts salaries for the lowest paid across the union, along with important job protections like just cause. We say this all the time in our union because it’s true: When we fight, we win.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/27/2026 – 10:07
Tags:
Organizing
IAM Union Holds Press Conference On Whirlpool Layoffs, Calls On Elected Officials to Act
AMANA, Iowa, Feb. 27, 2026 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) held a press conference this week calling on elected officials at every level of government to take immediate action following Whirlpool Corp.’s announcement of nearly 400 layoffs at its Amana, Iowa, manufacturing facility, effective March 9, 2026. WATCH: IAM Union Press Conference on
The post IAM Union Holds Press Conference On Whirlpool Layoffs, Calls On Elected Officials to Act appeared first on IAM Union.
Register Now for April Spanish Leadership 1 Class
En Español As our membership continues to grow and diversify, the IAM’s Spanish Leadership I Class encourages members to step up and take on greater leadership roles – building the confidence and skills needed to better represent, advocate for, and stand alongside every member on the job. The next Spanish Leadership I Class will be
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Cannabis Teamsters at Cresco Labs Go on Strike
(WYOMISSING, Pa.) – Teamsters at the Sunnyside dispensary in Wyomissing, Pa., have voted unanimously to authorize a strike after the company failed to present a contract that fairly compensates its workers. Sunnyside is a subsidiary of Cresco Labs, a publicly traded multi-state operator in the cannabis industry.
“Our members are united and ready to do whatever it takes to secure a strong contract,” said Bill Shappell, President of Teamsters Local 429. “Sunnyside is part of a rapidly growing industry, and these workers are essential to the company’s success. They will not accept wages and working conditions that fall short of the standards they deserve.”
Cannabis Teamsters at Sunnyside are fighting for fair wages and improved hours of work. The strike highlights the growing strength of Teamsters in the cannabis industry and comes after another work stoppage in November, when Pennsylvania Teamsters won the longest-running successful cannabis strike in U.S. history.
“The Teamsters are building pathways for cannabis workers to support their families and enjoy a middle-class lifestyle,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “In countless other industries, people throughout this country can start young and build careers that last for decades. There is no reason cannabis workers should aspire to or expect anything less.”
“We’re looking to set the standard of quality for work in the cannabis industry by securing livable wages and promoting long term careers,” said Cobi Motley, a wellness advisor at Sunnyside and Local 429 member. “We can’t accept a contract that creates economic instability in our future. It’s time for the company to come back to the table and offer a fair deal.”
Teamsters Local 429 represents workers across several industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, go to teamsters429.com.
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IAM Union Restores ‘Local 1’ Title to Georgia Railroad Local Tied to 1888 Founding
In a move steeped in symbolism and labor history, the IAM Union has formally rechartered Local 625 as Local 1, restoring a title that traces back to the union’s founding in 1888. Watch Video Here. The Local ceremony, held in Waycross, Ga., marked what union leaders described as a reclamation of the IAM’s historical identity.
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