Teamsters
First Student Teamsters Ratify National Master Agreement
(WASHINGTON) – Teamsters at First Student have ratified a five-year contract, securing stronger protections, improved benefits, and safer working conditions impacting over 22,000 school bus workers across the country. The agreement was secured following a credible strike threat across 96 locals that would have impacted school bus routes nationwide.
“First Student Teamsters refused to settle for the status quo and fought for an agreement that delivers real improvements,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Our members were ready to act and hold this company accountable if they failed to deliver the deal workers more than deserved. This contract strengthens job protections, improves retirement security, and will continue to raise the bar for school bus workers everywhere.”
The new agreement includes improvements such as increased access to health care benefits, new minimum standards for retirement contributions that will provide pension contributions for the first time to more than 10,000 workers, and expanded leave protections. It also creates a standalone article governing video and audio technology on buses, including protections against misuse of data and requirements for future national negotiations over changes to camera systems.
“This agreement is a powerful victory that will make a real difference for our members for years to come,” said Matt Taibi, Director of the Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division. “Thousands of First Student Teamsters show up every day to transport students safely to and from school and to help keep communities running. We’re proud that this contract reflects how they stood together to win stronger standards on retirement, leave, safety, and working conditions.”
The First Student National Master Agreement impacts over 17,000 Teamsters and 5,000 additional school bus workers nationwide. As First Student Teamsters practice picketed at bus yards across the country, the Teamsters First Student National Negotiating Committee reached a tentative agreement just hours before the contract expired on March 31.
“For a lot of us, this contract means less stress and more stability for our families,” said Kelly Plaisted, a school bus worker with Teamsters Local 633 in New Hampshire and member of the negotiating committee. “We love what we do and take a lot of pride in safely getting kids to school every day. This agreement gives us stronger protections and better conditions so we can continue to do that job the right way.”
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.
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Coca-Cola Teamsters Ratify Strong New Agreement
(ST. LOUIS) – A group of over 35 workers at Heartland Coca-Cola have voted by an overwhelming 90 percent margin to ratify a new agreement. The service equipment workers are represented by Teamsters Local 688.
“This new agreement is a big win for these workers,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “The strong improvements highlight the power of our members when their solidarity is strong and they’re ready to fight. They should be proud of the gains they have won.”
The five-year agreement delivers an 18 percent wage increase, lowers health care costs, and protects retiree health care. The contract also ensures that workers receive a doubled shift differential.
“I am proud of the commitment our staff and the rank-and-file negotiating committee put into securing this contract. It was only through their collective voice at the bargaining table that they were able to win this agreement,” said Chris Tongay, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 688.
“This is a solid contract that contains the highest annual raises in my 28 years at this company,” said Steve Stock, chief shop steward and a service technician at Heartland Coca-Cola. “We knew what we wanted and negotiations were productive and quick. Our nearly unanimous vote shows overwhelming support for this contract that honors our hard work.”
Teamsters Local 688 represents workers in the St. Louis area. Their mission is to negotiate member benefits and compensation, oversee workplace safety, and fairly arbitrate disputes in the workplace to maintain member satisfaction.For more information, go to 688online.org.
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BLET Teamsters & Union Coalition Win Historic Strike at LIRR
(NEW YORK) – Teamsters with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and their union coalition have reached a tentative agreement with Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to end the carrier’s first strike in over three decades. The agreement provides workers with raises that maintain their standard of living while strengthening work rules and improving benefits.
“BLET Teamsters and their brothers and sisters across four other unions just showed this entire country what worker solidarity looks like in action,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “These union railroaders made it clear from the start they would not accept a deal that shortchanged them and undercut their standard of living. For three long days they bravely withheld their labor on picket lines across the New York metropolitan area. Every worker in America is reminded of what can be achieved through courage and conviction to fight for a better way of life.”
Thousands of workers from five unions were forced to strike by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) refusal to offer them a fair contract. BLET Teamsters and their coalition partners set up picket lines at major LIRR hubs immediately after midnight on Saturday, May 16.
“This victory was won by union members who stood their ground and refused to be pushed around,” said Mark Wallace, President of the BLET and the Teamsters Rail Conference. “Our coalition showed the MTA that railroad workers will fight for the respect, pay, and protections we’ve earned. Their unity and determination forced this railroad to finally deliver a fair agreement.”
“BLET Teamsters and our coalition brothers and sisters made countless sacrifices as we bargained in good faith for a new agreement. After years of negotiations, we’ve finally received an agreement that reflects the value our members bring to this railroad,” said Kevin Sexton, Vice President of the BLET. “It is heartbreaking that the MTA made our communities and our passengers pay the price for their mismanagement. We thank the people of New York for their patience and support.”
The coalition spent years bargaining with the MTA for a new agreement. The process included two Presidential Emergency Boards that ruled in favor of the unions. In that time, workers went without raises as inflation ate away their standard of living.
“We are pleased to see this strike come to a close. BLET Teamsters and our coalition did everything in our power to avoid going to the picket line. But the MTA and the LIRR left us with no other option,” said Gil Lang, General Chairman of the BLET’s LIRR General Committee. “It’s hard to describe how proud I am of my brothers and sisters for sticking together to win this fight. Our entire coalition displayed an unmatched level of solidarity. And we now have a fair agreement to show for it.”
The LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in America, with 300,000 daily passengers. The Teamsters represent over 500 of the LIRR’s locomotive engineers.
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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Teamsters at Bimbo Bakeries Ratify New Agreement
(DENVER) – Over 275 Teamsters with Local 455 at Bimbo Bakeries in Denver have voted to ratify a strong new agreement. The group consists of sales representatives and transportation workers.
“Our members went into negotiations ready to fight for a contract that honored their hard work. They remained determined, refused to settle, and secured an agreement with big gains,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference.
“This committee stayed focused and unified throughout the entire bargaining process,” said Jason Abbott, a business agent with Local 455. “They made clear to the company that they were willing to fight for the contract they deserved.”
The four-year agreement includes route protections, an increase in pension contributions, ratification bonuses, and locks in health and welfare with no increases. The agreement also includes wage increases of up to 12 percent for transportation workers.
“We stuck together until the company offered us the contract we deserved,” said Jason Wildman, senior steward and a sales representative of 30-years at Bimbo Bakeries. “We earned a great contract that we can continue to build upon.” Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Teamsters Local 455 is a powerhouse union representing over 10,000 members in the Rocky Mountains region. For more information, visit teamsterslocal455.org.
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Workers at Mandalay Bay Join Teamsters
(LAS VEGAS) – A group of 130 front desk workers at Mandalay Bay have voted overwhelmingly to unionize with Teamsters Local 986.
The newly organized workers join more than 250 Teamsters in valet, horticulture, warehouse, and call center positions. With this victory, the Teamsters now have wall-to-wall representation at the property.
“We’re building power across the casino industry, and workers are stepping up because they know the Teamsters fight and deliver,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “This victory at Mandalay Bay is part of a growing movement of hospitality workers demanding respect, security, and a stronger future.”
The front desk workers, who play a critical role in the guest experience by handling check-ins and check-outs, upkeeping operations, and ensuring visitors receive a hospitable stay, joined the Teamsters to secure higher pay, better benefits, and a strong voice in the workplace.
“Front desk workers are the face of the property and the heartbeat of the guest experience,” said Tim Vera, President of Local 986. “These workers deserve strong representation and a contract that reflects the value they bring every single day. Local 986 is proud to welcome them into our family, and we’re ready to fight alongside them for the future they deserve.”
“We joined the Teamsters to win a fair contract and have a stronger voice on the job,” said Sylvia Hinojosa, a Guest Front Services Representative and proud new member of Local 986. “Being a Teamster means having the representation, protections, and benefits we deserve, and I’m proud to stand with my co-workers in this fight.”
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.
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3,500 Workers Walk Out as BLET Teamsters, Union Coalition Launch LIRR Strike
(NEW YORK) – Teamsters with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) at the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) have launched a strike alongside their bargaining coalition of 3,500 workers from five unions.
“The LIRR owns this strike. Union workers have sacrificed so much for the railroad for years while consistently bargaining in good faith for a fair contract,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Hundreds of thousands of commuters rely on our members’ labor every day. The LIRR is stranding passengers while denying wages, benefits, and respect to BLET Teamsters and other hardworking union members. All 1.3 million members of the Teamsters Union are standing with every worker on strike. We will win this fight and the LIRR will give these essential workers the contract they’ve earned.”
The LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in America, with 300,000 daily passengers. It is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). This is the first strike at the carrier in 32 years.
“This strike would not have happened if the MTA and LIRR offered our members the reasonable terms the government recommended multiple times. But management refused,” said Mark Wallace, President of the BLET and the Teamsters Rail Conference. “We hope LIRR gets serious soon to avoid further unnecessary disruptions for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. They know where to find us when they’re ready: on the streets.”
The Teamsters represent over 500 locomotive engineers at the railroad. They have gone three years without raises throughout the process of bargaining a new contract.
“To every LIRR passenger whose trip is disrupted, know that the MTA left us no choice but to strike,” said Gil Lang, General Chairman of the BLET’s LIRR General Committee. “We don’t want to be on the picket line. But after three years without raises, we cannot make any more compromises to cover for the MTA’s mismanagement.”
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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NLRB Demands Republic Services/Browning-Ferris Bargain with Teamsters Local 350
(OAKLAND, Calif.) – The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ended a lengthy joint employer dispute between the multibillion-dollar waste giant Republic Services and Teamsters Local 350, ruling in the union’s favor.
Over a decade ago, 200 workers at Republic Services — at the time doing business as Browning Ferris — voted to join Local 350. Republic claimed the workers were employed by a third-party staffing agency, Leadpoint Business Services, and refused repeated demands to recognize the group’s union. The NLRB ruling definitively mandates that Republic must negotiate with Local 350 as the unit’s bargaining representative.
“This win is a major milestone that will be remembered for decades as one of our union’s many contributions to the collective fight for workers’ rights. And it only happened because of the unity and resilience of these workers — who are finally, officially Teamsters,” said Robert Sandoval, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 350. “Teamsters always say one day longer is one day stronger. This unit exemplified that, never losing sight of victory.”
Corporations often resist being labeled as a “joint employer” as a form of union busting. They do this to dodge their responsibility to bargain with workers by using “third-party” companies to fill positions. Republic employed this tactic at the Milpitas, Calif., facility despite maintaining total operational control over the workplace.
“Republic Services is one of the nastiest companies in America. They blew hundreds of thousands of dollars and dragged out this fight as long as possible, all in a failed attempt to deny workers their rights,” said Victor Mineros, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division. “We are grateful to the NLRB for forcing this multibillion-dollar corporation to comply with the law. The Teamsters look forward to providing these workers the strong representation and support they want and deserve as they bargain their first contract.”
The final ruling is the culmination of hard work by dozens of labor leaders — including Robert Morales, former Secretary-Treasurer of Local 350 — to ensure workers are recognized by companies when they form a union.
Teamsters Local 350 represents members in the public sector and solid waste, recycling, and linen industries, and in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Benito Counties. For more information, please visit teamsters350.com.
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Teamsters Condemn Abigail Spanberger’s Veto of Collective Bargaining Bill
(WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union strongly condemns Governor Abigail Spanberger for vetoing legislation that would have established and protected collective bargaining rights for public sector workers across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The legislation would have given state and local employees across Virginia the ability to collectively negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Gov. Spanberger’s veto is an upsetting setback for thousands of workers at a time when Virginia families are living with persistent inflation and rising costs for food, housing, and other basic necessities.
“Working people deserve representatives who will stand with them as they fight for a better future,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The Teamsters will work with any Democrat, Republican, or Independent who is serious about protecting workers’ rights and defending collective bargaining. Unfortunately, Gov. Spanberger’s depressing actions in Virginia are an urgent reminder that unions and engaged citizens who care about labor rights must collectively demand more of our elected officials. We must never assume that lawmakers affiliated with any one political party are committed to standing with workers. We must build bipartisan coalitions that actually want to get something done for working Americans and have the backbone to do it.”
Throughout the legislative process, members of the Virginia General Assembly worked closely with the Teamsters and other unions to move this bill forward and defend the rights of public employees. The Teamsters thank the Virginia lawmakers who stood with workers, supported this important legislation, and recognized that collective bargaining is not a political bargaining chip, but a fundamental right that helps working families build stronger lives.
The Teamsters will continue the fight to secure collective bargaining rights for every public sector worker across Virginia.
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.
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Amid Fight to Become Teamsters, UnityPoint Nurses Meet with Lawmakers
(DES MOINES, Iowa) – This week, nurses at UnityPoint Health in Des Moines, Iowa, met with State Senator Zach Wahls (D-43rd District), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and current Iowa State Auditor and gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand to discuss issues facing nurses in Iowa including union-busting, corporate greed, unsafe staffing, and rural community access to health care. These roundtable discussions come after nurses voted to organize with Teamsters Local 90 but have yet to have their election certified due to objections from their employer.
“These workers have fought too hard to be ignored,” said Alano De La Rosa, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 90. “This week’s roundtable discussions dove into the very reasons nurses at UnityPoint voted to organize in the first place — safe staffing, fair pay, and better working conditions that both nurses and patients deserve. We will not let time break us and we appreciate Zach Wahls, Elizabeth Warren, and Rob Sand for standing with nurses and demanding the justice they deserve.”
In 2025, nurses at UnityPoint Health joined the Teamsters in order to fight for safety and fair treatment for both patients and staff, defeating a multimillion-dollar union-busting campaign.
“UnityPoint Health continues to prioritize financial gains over investments in safe staffing, worker retention, and patient care,” said Deb Henning, a registered nurse at UnityPoint Health. “We have been exploited for our compassion and dedication to our patients for long enough. Meeting with leaders to discuss issues Iowa nurses face is important but what’s more important is for UnityPoint to do the right thing. Stop the delays, recognize our union, and start negotiating our contract.”
Teamsters Local 90 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Iowa. For more information, go to teamsterslocal90.org.
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Rhode Island Tankhaulers Join Teamsters
(NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I.) – A group of 33 workers employed by RelaDyne Transportation have voted to join Teamsters Local 251. They organized with the Teamsters to secure higher wages, improved benefits, and a stronger voice on the job, despite the company’s aggressive union-busting efforts.
“We’re proud to welcome these determined new members to the Teamsters. Our organizing team knocked it out of the park,” said Matt Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251 and Teamsters Eastern Region International Vice President. “They stood together, stayed strong, and won the representation they deserve.”
The newly organized bargaining unit includes drivers, warehouse workers, maintenance technicians, equipment supervisors, dispatchers, and control specialists who serve customers throughout New England. They deliver diesel exhaust fuel, lubricants, coolants, oils, and other fuel-related products.
“Workers in the tankhaul industry want to join the Teamsters because we get things done,” said Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division. “This is yet another RelaDyne group to have organized this year, and we’re going to continue building strength throughout this company and the industry.”
“I’m proud to be a Teamster. I got goosebumps as soon as I heard we won our election,” said Bill Sweeney, a 40-year driver and new member of Local 251. “But the job isn’t done yet. We’re ready to get to the bargaining table and determined to win a strong first contract.” 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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