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(LAS VEGAS) – Workers at the Sphere in Las Vegas have voted overwhelmingly to unionize with Teamsters Local 986. The warehouse workers joined the Teamsters to secure higher wages, safer working conditions, and respect on the job. “These workers are the heartbeat of the Sphere and the reason every show is successful,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “They set the standard at one of the most high-profile venues in the world. They are part of a growing movement of workers across convention centers, arenas, and casinos standing together to demand their fair share.” The 22 warehouse workers are responsible for receiving and managing all deliveries that keep the music and entertainment arena operating. “My co-workers and I are proud of what we’ve accomplished in this campaign. Together, as Teamsters, our voices will be heard,” said Beverly Wilson, a warehouse worker and proud new member of Local 986. “This win is just the beginning, and I’m excited for the positive changes ahead.” “Since the Sphere opened, it’s been printing money,” said Tim Vera, President of Local 986. “It has become one of the biggest venues on the planet because of the workers who keep it operating. Our newest members won’t settle for scraps. We’re taking our fight to the table to win a strong first contract.” The Sphere is the highest-grossing arena in the world, generating $781.4 million in revenue, and 1.7 million tickets sold in 2025. 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. The post Workers at the Sphere Join Teamsters appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(ROCHESTER, N.Y.) – A group of 65 emergency medical services (EMS) workers at Penfield Webster EMS voted to join Teamsters Local 118 to fight for fair pay, improved workplace protections, and a real voice on the job.   “These workers stood strong and fought hard to win their union, and we could not be prouder to welcome them,” said Timothy L. Barbeto, President of Local 118. “Now, we are ready to fight for a strong first contract that addresses their concerns and secures the wages, benefits, and respect they deserve.”  The group voted to organize to address workplace favoritism, retaliation, and arbitrary management decisions. With Teamsters representation, these EMS workers will have the collective strength to demand fair treatment and lasting improvements on the job.  “We joined the Teamsters to build sustainable careers in EMS,” said Michael Waterhouse, an EMS worker and member of Local 118. “Fair pay, fair scheduling, and respect from management are essential to our success as both an agency and individual employees. With the Teamsters behind us, we are ready to fight for those priorities in our first contract.”  Teamsters Local 118 proudly represents over 5,000 workers across upstate New York and in Northern Pennsylvania. For more information, go to teamsterslocal118.org.  The post Ambulance Workers in New York Join Teamsters appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(LAS VEGAS) – Nearly 1,300 pilots represented by the Allegiant Pilots Association, Teamsters Local 2118, have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement by an 80 percent margin, with 99 percent of eligible pilots participating in the ratification vote.  The agreement provides an immediate average hourly wage increase of approximately 40 percent, and its ratification triggers the payment of approximately $300 million in accrued retention bonuses to Allegiant pilots. "This agreement represents a major leap forward for our pilots. It delivers approximately 54 percent in wage increases by January 2027 and meaningful improvements to retirement, benefits, work rules, and quality of life over our previous contract,” said Ryan Joseph, President of Local 2118. “Just as importantly, it positions our pilot group from a place of strength as we enter joint collective bargaining and seniority list integration. That's exactly what this agreement was designed to accomplish." Other provisions include a company-funded 15 percent direct 401(k) contribution, company-paid long-term disability through age 65, a five-hour minimum pay credit for each flight duty period, expanded leave protections, and increased premium pay for open time, voluntary flying, and junior assignments. The agreement also includes scheduling-system protections, minimum days-off guarantees, displacement and fleet-transition protections, and furlough protections tied to scheduling efficiencies. “This is a major win for Allegiant pilots across the country,” said Dave Saucedo, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “Our members stood strong, stayed united, and fought hard to secure the improvements they deserve. This agreement gives Allegiant pilots the leverage and momentum they need to protect their careers, seniority, and future.” With ratification complete, Teamsters Local 2118 will turn its focus to joint collective bargaining and seniority list Integration, remaining firmly committed to protecting the careers, seniority, contractual rights, and working conditions of Allegiant pilots. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 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. The post Allegiant Air Pilots Ratify Two-year Agreement appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(OAKLAND, CaIif.) – Teamsters California sued the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today, asserting the agency circumvented laws requiring the agency to study and publicly disclose the economic impacts of allowing self-driving heavy-duty trucks on the state’s roads, thereby denying the public meaningful input on the decision. The lawsuit also charges that the DMV failed to consider the safety risks to motorists sharing the road with self-driving trucks that are still being tested and have not been fully vetted. The suit, filed in Alameda Superior Court, contends the process by which the DMV implemented regulations authorizing the testing of self-driving heavy-duty trucks was so fundamentally flawed that the regulations must be repealed. “Every day brings new evidence that Waymo robotaxis are putting public safety at risk, and those dangers scale up exponentially with trucks that are up to 16 times heavier and moving at highway speeds,” said Peter Finn, Co-Chair of Teamsters California. “Such a critical decision with life-and-death consequences must involve public input and transparency — that is why Teamsters California is taking the DMV to court and demanding California follow the law and thoroughly study the consequences of allowing 80,000-pound driverless vehicles on our roads before actually permitting them.” In April 2026, the DMV enacted regulations for the first time that allow commercial trucks and other vehicles over 10,000 pounds to operate fully autonomously on public roads in California. To avoid a required study and public disclosure of the economic impacts of such a sweeping change, the DMV used a shortcut process meant for minor regulatory updates with less than $50 million in costs or benefits in the first year after implementation. According to the lawsuit, the DMV’s rushed process vastly underestimated the costs of deploying self-driving trucks, outrageously claiming not a single job would be eliminated by autonomous heavy vehicles. “Teamsters California will keep fighting for public safety and good jobs on every front: in the courtroom, at the ballot box, and into the next administration,” said Victor Mineros, Co-Chair of Teamsters California. “California’s leaders must put communities’ needs —not corporate greed — front and center.” The lawsuit comes amid mounting concern over the safety of driverless vehicles and calls for stricter regulation of robotaxis. A recent poll found four in five California voters support legislation requiring all self-driving trucks and delivery vehicles operating on California public roads and freeways to have a human safety operator present at all times. Gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra has committed to reversing the DMV’s heavy-duty autonomous vehicle rules if elected. Self-driving trucks are an existential threat to the livelihoods of Teamsters members in California who deliver food and other essentials and are a crucial economic engine for the state. The writ petition is here. Teamsters California is represented in the lawsuit by Bush Gottlieb. The post Teamsters California Sues DMV to Protect Public from Driverless Truck Dangers appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) – A group of 275 school bus workers represented by Teamsters Local 512 at Durham School Services GSA-3 in Jacksonville, Fla., voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike should the company fail to negotiate a fair collective bargaining agreement. "Our members have spoken with one voice," said Rebecca Cardona, President of Local 512. "This vote sends a clear message that our members will not stand by while the company attempts to strip away the wages, benefits, and workplace protections that generations of workers fought to achieve. Our members deserve respect, and they deserve a contract that recognizes the vital work they perform each and every day." The strike authorization vote comes after weeks of negotiations in which the company has proposed sweeping concessions that would undermine the rights, protections, and standards established through decades of collective bargaining. Rather than working collaboratively toward a fair agreement, the company has continued to pursue proposals that would weaken a mature contract and diminish the hard-earned rights of the employees who safely transport Jacksonville's students every day. “This company has had every chance to do the right thing and recognize our hard work,” said Katina Stewart, a 19-year bus driver and member of Local 512. “We love our jobs and take pride in safely getting Jacksonville’s students where they need to go every day. We do work this community depends on, and our contract should reflect that.” As a result of the company’s failure to demonstrate a genuine commitment to reaching an agreement, Local 512 is preparing to pursue appropriate legal remedies, including filing unfair labor practice charges under the National Labor Relations Act. Teamsters Local 512 represents workers in a variety of job classifications across Florida. For more information, visit teamsterslocal512.org. The post Florida Teamsters Authorize Strike at Durham School Services appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) – Teachers at South Valley Academy in Albuquerque have voted to join Teamsters Local 492, making history as the first charter school workforce to organize with the Teamsters in New Mexico. “This is a historic day not only for Local 492, but for charter school employees across New Mexico,” said Andrew Palmer, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 492. “The workers at South Valley Academy have demonstrated tremendous courage and leadership by choosing to stand together. Their decision affirms that every worker deserves dignity, respect, and a voice in the workplace.” The certification reflects a growing movement among charter school workers seeking input in their workplaces through collective bargaining. As charter schools continue to expand across the country, employees are increasingly recognizing that the right to organize offers a meaningful avenue to improve workplace conditions and strengthen the educational environment for students. For educators, union protections translate into the ability to focus on serving students. “We joined the union because public school workers deserve a genuine voice and professional agency,” said Joaquín R. Sanchez, a high school math teacher at South Valley Academy. “In today's climate of growing wealth inequality and systemic hostility toward workers, a union is more than a contract. It is a vital shield.” Teamsters Local 492 represents thousands of workers throughout New Mexico in a diverse range of industries. The union is committed to improving the lives of working families and strengthening communities across the state. For more information, visit teamsters492.org. The post South Valley Academy Educators Join Teamsters appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(PHOENIX) – Teamsters Local 104 is applauding a Maricopa County Superior Court decision declaring House Concurrent Resolution 2040 (HCR 2040) unconstitutional. The legislation is an attack on public sector workers that undemocratically restricts their ability to organize and bargain strong union contracts. “This decision reaffirms the principle that state law exists to protect the rights and freedoms of all Arizonans,” said Karla Schumann, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 104 and Teamsters International Vice President for the Western Region. “The court's ruling underscores the importance of ensuring legislation doesn’t trample the rights of union members and instead adheres to the constitutional standards that safeguard our democratic process. We stand in solidarity with our dedicated public servants who work every day to keep Arizona safe, healthy, and thriving.” “Public sector workers strengthen our communities, and their voices deserve to be respected and protected,” said Dawn Schumann, Political Director for Local 104. "When the rights of one group of working people are threatened, the rights of all working people are diminished. This decision is an important reminder that an injury to one is an injury to all." Teamsters Local 104 remains committed to advocating for fairness, accountability, and the rule of law. The union will continue to stand alongside organized labor and all working families in defending the constitutional principles that protect the freedoms and rights of every Arizonan. Teamsters Local 104 represents workers throughout Arizona. For more information, go to teamsterslocal104.com. The post Teamsters Local 104 Applauds Court Decision Declaring HCR 2040 Unconstitutional appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(MICHIGAN CITY, Ind.) – A group of 22 slot attendants and dual rates at Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa in Michigan City, Ind., have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 135. This marks the first organizing win at Boyd Gaming, one of the largest casino entertainment companies in the U.S. “Teamsters continue to make their presence known in the casino industry,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “We don’t shy away from organizing at any company or any state. This group paves the way and sends a message to other casinos nationwide.” The slot attendants, who keep the casino floor running, maintaining over 1,600 slot machines and providing guest services, joined the Teamsters to secure higher pay, improved benefits, and improved working conditions. On June 23, the casino workers marched on the boss and demanded Teamsters representation. “This group demonstrated their unity and determination from the very start of this campaign,” said Dustin Roach, President of Local 135. “Now it’s time for the company to meet us at the bargaining table without delay. We are going to negotiate a fair first contract and hold this company accountable every step of the way.” “With a little bit of courage and a lot of heart, we were able to make our voices heard,” said Candace Todd, a slot attendant and proud new member of Local 135. “The company hired a union buster, held meetings, and tried to intimidate us, but they didn’t stand a chance. Nothing could ever break our solidarity.” Nationwide, the Teamsters represent nearly 6,000 members at casinos and casino hotels. 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. The post Blue Chip Casino Workers in Indiana Join Teamsters appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(INDIANAPOLIS) – A group of 30 route sales support and route sales representatives at Vestis in Indianapolis have ratified a strong new agreement, ending their 19-day strike. The members of Teamsters Local 135 were forced into a work stoppage due to the company’s illegal intimidation of workers. “Throughout this strike, this group learned to trust one another, believe in themselves, and believe in their union. The solidarity forged on that picket line transformed this group into true Teamsters,” said Dustin Roach, President of Local 135. “For the first time in many of their careers, this company came to the bargaining table and treated these workers with the respect they had earned — not because it was given, but because these members stood together and demanded it. I couldn’t be prouder of this group. This victory belongs to them.” The new three-year agreement includes wage increases, a 40-hour guaranteed work week, and Teamsters health care through the Michigan Conference of Teamsters Health and Welfare Fund. “Three weeks ago, we stood together because we knew things had to change,” said Ethan Weber, a Vestis Teamster. “Today, we’re going back to work stronger, more united, and with leadership that never stopped fighting alongside us. This victory showed us what solidarity can accomplish, and we’re ready to keep building on it over the next few years.” Teamsters Local 135 represents over 12,000 members in over a dozen Teamsters divisions. The local's mission is to organize for the strongest contracts possible, hold companies accountable, and ensure that workers' voices are heard. For more information, go to local135.com. The post Vestis Teamsters in Indianapolis Win Strike, Ratify Contract appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→