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(WASHINGTON) – A group of 110 workers at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in South Carolina have joined the Teamsters via the card check process. The Class A drivers, Class B drivers, driver leads, non-CDL drivers, yard hostlers, warehouse associates, warehouse custodians, and warehouse associate leads will be represented by Local 509. “These workers have seen what their brothers and sisters at Southern Glazer’s facilities across the country have gained through their Teamsters representation and knew they deserved the same,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “We are ready to work with this group to negotiate a strong first contract that honors their hard work.” With the addition of this facility, the Teamsters have organized over 5,000 Southern Glazer’s workers nationwide. Under the card check process, Southern Glazer’s workers in South Carolina chose Teamsters representation by signing authorization cards. "This victory shows what's possible when workers make their voices heard and show the power of standing together,” said Brian Clardy, President of Local 509. “We are proud to welcome these new members into our union and look forward to building a stronger future alongside them." “Management told us for years that we were the best from a production standpoint, but we never saw the real benefits from it,” said Lyrone Harrison, a warehouse worker and member of Local 509. “We were underpaid and taken advantage of, and something had to be done about it. We are proud to be Teamsters and are ready to fight for a better future.” 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 Southern Glazer’s Workers in South Carolina Join Teamsters appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union has reached an agreement in principle with United Airlines (UA) on a new contract for more than 11,000 mechanics and related employees nationwide, delivering a major victory after nearly two years of relentless bargaining and member-led contract action. The full bargaining committee, made up of UA business agents and rank-and-filers, voted 19-to-12 to recommend the agreement in principle to members for ratification. The victory secures industry-leading wage increases and clear job protections, accelerates progression to top pay from eight years to five, and delivers a $54 million signing bonus upon ratification, which will provide payments of $5,000 to each member. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters fully recommends ratification of this agreement. The contract breakthrough follows an aggressive campaign by the Teamsters Union. Throughout bargaining, Teamsters fought for an industry-leading agreement that reflects members’ critical work maintaining one of the largest airline fleets in the world and keeping millions of passengers safe.   “For nearly two years, Teamsters at United stared down a multibillion-dollar corporation and demanded a contract worthy of their skills and the huge profits they generate,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Our members took on one of the biggest airlines in the world and won. This agreement will raise the bar for every airline worker in America. The Teamsters standard just went up again. We are proud to recommend this powerful, industry-leading contract.” The new agreement in principle secures significant gains for members, including: A $54 million signing bonus upon ratification Industry-leading wage increases An accelerated wage progression to top-of-scale pay Two-year extension of the Retiree Bridge Medical Plan Expedited grievance and arbitration process The Teamsters UA committee will finalize language and provide members with final details as soon as possible. Once a tentative agreement is complete, members will have the opportunity to review the full contract and vote for ratification. 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 Teamsters Land Industry-Leading Deal at United Airlines appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(YANKTON, S.D.) – Sheriff’s deputies in Yankton County, South Dakota, have voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 120.   “Those who protect and serve our communities deserve the protection of a strong union,” said James Heeren, a business agent at Local 120. “The Teamsters Union proudly represents more than 26,000 law enforcement and public safety workers nationwide and is well-positioned to negotiate the best possible contract for Yankton County sheriff’s deputies. With a unanimous vote to become Teamsters, they will now have the backing of 1.3 million brothers and sisters.”  The sheriff’s deputies organized so they can have a greater say in the workplace over issues that impact them and the community members they serve.   "We wanted representation and a seat at the table so we could have a voice in the decisions that affect us,” said Austin Schuller, a sheriff’s deputy and new member of Local 120. “We chose the Teamsters because they’re the strongest union in North America. Now our voices will be heard, and we’ll stand together for the respect and fairness we deserve.”  Teamsters Local 120 proudly represents over 15,000 workers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For more information, go to teamsterslocal120.org.   The post Yankton County Sheriff’s Deputies Vote Unanimously for Teamsters Representation appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(ROCKVILLE, Md.) – Workers at Verbal Beginnings in Rockville, represented by Teamsters Local 639, have been forced onto the picket line by their employer’s refusal to bargain a fair first collective bargaining agreement. The 33 workers serve as registered behavioral technicians and provide early intervention and other services to children on the autism spectrum. “Teamsters at Verbal Beginnings provide essential, highly skilled services that families in this community depend on every day,” said William Davis, President of Local 639. “These workers show up for vulnerable children in one of the country’s most expensive counties, and they deserve a contract that recognizes their dedication, skill, and sacrifice.” The workers voted overwhelmingly last year to join the Teamsters and have been fighting for a fair first contract ever since. Key issues in negotiations include wages and the company’s attempt to eliminate their 40-hour work week. "First and foremost, we are fighting for the wellbeing of the kids we work with," said Collin Johnson, a registered behavioral technician and member of Local 639. "Every one of us cares deeply about the work we do, and we just want to be fairly compensated and respected in order to be able to serve our community to the best of our abilities." Teamsters Local 639 has represented workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia since 1934. For more information, go to teamsters639.com. The post Maryland Teamsters Launch Strike at Verbal Beginnings appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

(EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I.) – Today, Teamsters Local 251 endorsed Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee’s re-election campaign. “We support candidates who we know will keep their word to us, and when it comes to that standard, the choice in this race couldn’t be more obvious,” said Matt Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251. “Rhode Islanders need to know that if they care about workers’ rights, middle-class prosperity, and electing leaders who will listen to workers instead of billionaires, there’s only one good option, and that’s Governor McKee.” Since taking office in 2021, McKee has been one of the most pro-Teamsters governors in the country. He has signed legislation banning mandatory attendance at anti-union propaganda meetings, preventing abusive production quotas in warehouses, and creating the first-ever statewide prevailing wage for school bus workers. “Governor McKee understands something simple. When you respect the people who get our children to and from school every day, you create better, safer student transportation systems,” said Denise Handley, a school bus attendant for Ocean State Transit and Local 251 shop steward. In addition to Gov. McKee, Rhode Island Teamsters are endorsing Sabina Matos for Lieutenant Governor, Jack Reed for U.S. Senate, Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner for Congress, Gregg Amore for Secretary of State, and James A. Diossa for General Treasurer. Teamsters Local 251 represents over 6,200 workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. For more information, go to teamsters251.org. The post Rhode Island Teamsters Endorse Dan McKee for Governor appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→