Teamsters
Amazon Delivery Drivers Demand Teamsters Recognition at DRI1 Facility
(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) – Amazon delivery drivers at the DRI1 facility in Providence, R.I., marched on the boss today to announce their unionization with Teamsters Local 251 and demand Amazon begin the process of bargaining a collective agreement.
The drivers operate out of Amazon’s largest last-mile facility in Rhode Island and are the first Amazon workers in the state to unionize with the Teamsters. The union organizing drive at DRI1 represents the latest Teamsters action to hold Amazon accountable in the state, with Rhode Island Teamsters helping to successfully pass the Rhode Island Warehouse Worker Protection Act into law earlier this summer.
“Amazon workers across the country are fed up with this company’s greed and neglect. The drivers at DRI1 are taking a brave step to become the first in Rhode Island to take on Amazon,” said Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division. “There is no Amazon facility too big or small for workers to join the fight. Wherever Amazon workers demand fair pay and safer jobs, the Teamsters will be there to hold this $3 trillion company accountable.”
“DRI1 delivery drivers are putting their feet down and joining the most important organizing effort in America today,” said Matt Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251 and Teamsters Eastern Region Vice President. “We couldn’t be prouder to have these courageous men and women join the Teamsters family. They will show the world what it means to be Teamsters.”
Amazon Teamsters at DRI1 are fighting for better pay, health care, and safety at the e-retail giant’s most important Rhode Island facility. They join over 10,000 workers across more than 12 facilities in the nation who have organized with the Teamsters.
“We work for one of the richest companies on the planet, but they won’t give us a livable wage, they ignore our safety concerns, and then say we don’t even work for them.” said Fred German, an Amazon driver out of the DRI1 facility and new member of Local 251. “We have had enough. We are proud to join the Teamsters and Amazon workers across the country demanding we get treated with the respect every human being deserves.”
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 Amazon Delivery Drivers Demand Teamsters Recognition at DRI1 Facility appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Teamsters Local 696 Endorses Sen. Marshall for Re-Election
(TOPEKA, Kan.) – Today, Teamsters Local 696 endorsed Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) for re-election to the U.S. Senate.
“Sen. Marshall has proven time and time again that he is a friend of labor,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Sen. Marshall has been eager to partner with us on legislation that protects workers, even when it requires breaking rank with his own party. We look forward to continuing to work together with Sen. Marshall to fight for the rights of hardworking Americans.”
Marshall is a co-sponsor of several pro-labor bills including the Faster Labor Contracts Act and Warehouse Worker Protection Act. He is also an original sponsor of the Railway Safety Act.
“We are proud to endorse the candidate in this race who continues to be a voice for the middle-class workers of our great state, and that candidate is Sen. Marshall,” said Mike Scribner, President of Local 696. “Kansas Teamsters need someone in Washington who is willing to fight on their behalf. Throughout his tenure, Sen. Marshall has shown that he is the person for the job.”
Sen. Marshall has joined bipartisan efforts focused on holding Amazon accountable for their scam DSP subcontractor business model. He also co-led a bipartisan letter to the Surface Transportation Board expressing concern about the effects of the proposed Union Pacific merger with Norfolk Southern and demanding the highest level of regulatory scrutiny to protect workers and the freight rail system.
Local 696 represents workers across a wide variety of trades in Topeka and throughout Kansas.
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 Local 696 Endorses Sen. Marshall for Re-Election appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Casino Teamsters Launch Strike at Encore Boston Harbor
(EVERETT, Mass.) – More than 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor, represented by Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26, have been forced to go on strike after the company refused to bargain in good faith for a new contract.
On Thursday, August 20, Teamsters voted 97 percent to authorize a strike if a fair contract wasn’t reached. Encore Boston Harbor Teamsters are demanding a contract that delivers better wages, stronger benefits, and enhanced protections on the job.
“Encore management has pushed our members to the brink because they thought they could take our labor for granted,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “If Encore wants its casino running, it needs the workers who make it run. And the Teamsters are standing up and fighting back.”
The group includes 211 Teamsters who work in the warehouse, horticulture, call center, cage cashiers, limo drivers, dispatchers, traffic attendants, valet and guest experience attendants. They are crucial to Encore’s operations as a five-star resort.
“We make Encore a world-class resort that generates enormous profits because of our hard work,” said James Atkins, lead gardener and chief steward at Local 25. “We didn’t want to strike but we won’t accept a contract that blatantly disrespects our labor. We’re on the picket line and will stay out as long as it takes to get a fair deal.”
Encore took in $847 million in Boston last year, yet management refused to come back to the table and offer any meaningful improvements, even after the strike authorization vote.
“Encore slow-walked negotiations and played games with our members, and now they’re going to see how big of a mistake that was,” said Thomas G. Mari, President of Local 25. “When a company refuses to respect the workers who make its profits possible, we shut it down. The Teamsters don’t cross picket lines and won’t be intimidated.”
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 Casino Teamsters Launch Strike at Encore Boston Harbor appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
U.S. District Court Grants End to 37-Year Federal Monitorship of Teamsters Union
(WASHINGTON) – After nearly four decades, the U.S. government has officially ended federal monitorship of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, following the approval by the Honorable Loretta Preska of the Southern District of New York (Southern District) of a joint motion filed this summer by the union and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The filing issued on June 17 sought to amend the Final Order established in 2015 and the original Consent Decree policing the union. In 1989, the Southern District and the Teamsters entered into an agreement to eliminate organized crime influence within the union and ensure fair, democratic, member-driven elections. Over the past 37 years, the Teamsters have conducted nine elections and successfully eliminated corrupt elements from the union.
Since the election of Sean M. O’Brien as Teamsters General President in 2021, the Teamsters have built a new system of rigorous checks and balances in which every member complaint is investigated, and when appropriate, referred to legal authorities. O’Brien was re-elected to a second term as General President this summer at the Teamsters 31st International Convention.
In her ruling granting the motion, Judge Preska cited agreement by former federal judge Barbara Jones (ret.) — who has served as the Independent Review Officer monitoring the union — that the Teamsters indeed have “developed the institutional tools, processes, and procedures necessary to adequately detect, investigate, and resolve instances of major corruption.”
“True history has been made today for the Teamsters Union that begins a new chapter of self-governance and organizational independence to benefit all rank-and-file members and elected leaders,” O’Brien said. “This is the end to the longest monitorship of any union, corporation, nonprofit, or public entity in the history of the United States. Our efforts over the past four years to create a culture of vigilance in our union have proven that we can police our own. The controls in place in the Teamsters today to operate a strong, transparent, and progressive union are more stringent than any labor organization in the country.”
Judge Preska in her ruling reiterated that any concerns of potential corruption in the Teamsters or any union should always be referred to the U.S. Department of Labor and the DOJ — and that the court has no intention of being an indefinite monitor. “Generalized concerns regarding the Teamsters should be directed to the Teamsters management or these agencies, not this Court,” Judge Preska concluded.
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 U.S. District Court Grants End to 37-Year Federal Monitorship of Teamsters Union appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Read More....
Bimbo Bakeries Teamsters Overwhelmingly Authorize Strike
(WASHINGTON) – Members of Teamsters Locals 170 and 633 at Bimbo Bakeries have voted by an overwhelming 98 percent to authorize a strike. The more than 200 Teamsters in sales and warehousing work throughout New England.
“Every day, these workers put in the hard work that makes Bimbo the success that it is,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 633. “Management has refused to offer a fair contract, and our members have had enough. We are prepared for a work stoppage if the company fails to come back to the table to negotiate a fair deal.”
“Our members have been clear that they will not settle for anything less than a fair contract,” said Shannon R. George, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 170. “They are simply asking for area standards, and the company has refused. If a strike occurs, it will be because Bimbo’s management has left these workers with no other choice.”
The overwhelming strike authorization comes after weeks of negotiations during which the company refused to offer area standards or real wage adjustments. Management has also continuously dragged out negotiations and failed to bargain in good faith.
“We’re proud of the work we do for Bimbo and know that the work we do keeps these facilities running,” said Jason Morin, a shop steward at Bimbo Bakeries and member of Local 633. “We just want a contract that allows us to provide for our families. No one wants to strike, but we’re tired of management’s continued disrespect.”
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 Bimbo Bakeries Teamsters Overwhelmingly Authorize Strike appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Amazon Teamsters Launch One-Day ULP Strike at Company’s Largest Warehouse
(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) – Today, Amazon Teamsters at the DJT6 facility in Riverside, California — Amazon’s largest warehouse facility in the nation — launched a one-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike. Members of Teamsters Local 1932 were forced into a work stoppage to protest Amazon’s illegal conduct and retaliation against workers advocating for safer working conditions.
DJT6 warehouse workers joined Local 1932 in December 2025. Since then, Amazon has ignored federal labor law that requires the company to recognize the Teamsters and bargain with workers at the facility. Amazon has also retaliated against workers with illegal intimidation tactics, including unjustly terminating a union leader at the facility.
“Amazon thinks it can trample workers’ rights with no consequences, but Amazon Teamsters at DJT6 are proving them wrong,” said Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1932. “Amazon has ignored the law for long enough. If this multitrillion-dollar company won’t listen to workers on the job, then we will make it listen to us on the streets.”
The ULP strike comes after a major victory against Amazon at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Earlier this year, the Teamsters forced the company to concede it will no longer retaliate against workers who exercise their right to strike. Today’s strike is the first time that Teamsters on both primary shifts at the DJT6 facility have engaged in a coordinated action, bringing one of Amazon’s key nationwide hubs to a 24-hour stop.
“I joined the Teamsters with hundreds of my co-workers to win better pay and safer working conditions at DJT6. But instead of listening to our concerns, Amazon has responded with illegal intimidation and retaliation against us,” said Emmanuel Cadena, a DJT6 Amazon worker and member of Local 1932. “If Amazon doesn’t want to listen to us, then we have no other choice but to strike to defend our rights. We will show Amazon that no amount of intimidation will stop us from demanding safety on the job.”
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 Amazon Teamsters Launch One-Day ULP Strike at Company’s Largest Warehouse appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Read More....
Workers at J.R. Simplot Join Teamsters
(HELM, Calif.) – Drivers at J.R. Simplot have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 431 after months of organizing at this major agricultural company in Central Valley.
“When workers in the unit first approached Local 431 about organizing, we knew that they were ready to put in the work to get this done,” said Justin Scott, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 431. “They were eager to finally have their voices heard by the company, and we are excited they will be joining the long Teamsters history of delivering strong contracts for the improvement of working people’s lives.”
The 16 drivers at the Helm facility deliver hazardous agricultural materials including herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides among other products for retail customers and farms across the region.
The group of workers are highly trained and obtained a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and hazardous materials hauling endorsement.
“For years, management made empty promises about wages and benefits, but now we have the strength to hold them accountable,” said Manuel Martinez, a driver and member of Local 431. “As Teamsters, we will finally get the respect we deserve from this company.”
“I’m so happy we organized at this company,” said Jose “Pepe” Servin, a driver and member of Local 431. “I was a Teamster before, and I know they deliver strong wages, health care and retirement benefits. Once we had an election, my dream of being a Teamster again became a reality. Now we’re fighting for a fair first contract.”
J.R. Simplot is one of the world’s largest agribusinesses in the farming industry.
Teamsters Local 431 represents over 2,700 members across Madera and Fresno Counties. For more information, go to teamsterslocal431.org.
###
The post Workers at J.R. Simplot Join Teamsters appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Read More....
Rhode Island Teamsters Prepare for Strike at First Student
(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) – More than 750 school bus workers represented by Teamsters Local 251 are preparing to strike at First Student after negotiations over eight local supplemental agreements broke down. The strike could begin at six First Student locations as early as September 2.
Teamsters at First Student locations in Rhode Island overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike earlier this summer. Local 251 has spent the last few months bargaining with the company over local supplemental agreements covering workers who provide student transportation in Providence, Pawtucket, Lincoln, Smithfield, Central Falls, Bristol-Warren, Portsmouth, West Warwick, and statewide out-of-district routes.
“First Student has had all summer to reach fair agreements with the hardworking Teamsters who safely transport students across Rhode Island every day,” said Matt Taibi, Director of the Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251. “Our members have been clear about what it will take to avoid a strike. Now it’s First Student’s responsibility to bargain seriously and deliver the fair contracts these workers deserve.”
With talks breaking down, members could go on strike as early as September 2, which would impact eight communities and statewide out-of-district bus routes.
“We take tremendous pride in getting students to and from school safely every day, and all we are asking for is the same commitment from First Student that we give to our jobs and our communities,” said Gina Mota, a steward at First Student’s Warren location and member of Local 251. “We are ready to work, but we are also ready to stand together if that is what it takes to get a fair contract.”
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 Prepare for Strike at First Student appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
New York Teamsters Announce 2026 Endorsements for Congress
(NEW YORK CITY) – Today, New York Teamsters announced their endorsements for a bipartisan slate of candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives who have demonstrated their steadfast commitment to the American middle class.
Teamsters endorsed for the U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-8th District), Nick LaLota (R-1st District), Andrew Garbarino (R-2nd District), Tom Suozzi (D-3rd District), Laura Gillen (D-4th District), Gregory Meeks (D-5th District), Grace Meng (D-6th District), Yvette Clarke (D-9th District), Nicole Malliotakis (R-11th District), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-14th District), Ritchie Torres (D-15th District), George Latimer (D-16th District), Mike Lawler (R-17th District), Pat Ryan (D-18th District), Josh Riley (D-19th District), Paul Tonko (D-20th District), John Mannion (D-22nd District), Nicholas Langworthy (R-23rd District), Joseph Morelle (D-25th District), and Tim Kennedy (D-26th District).
Every endorsed candidate voted for the Faster Labor Contracts Act, a Teamsters-backed bill that would streamline the process for newly organized workers who are working to secure their first collective bargaining agreement.
“It’s an honor to support this bipartisan group of incumbents, because the Faster Labor Contracts Act is a gamechanger, and it will empower workers more than any federal law that’s been passed since the New Deal,” said Thomas Gesualdi, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16. “Support for this bill is a litmus test for whether a member of Congress actually supports the American worker, and every one of our endorsed candidates passed that test with flying colors.”
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 New York Teamsters Announce 2026 Endorsements for Congress appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Teamsters-Backed Waste Accountability Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – The Teamsters applaud the California Legislature for passing Senate Bill 1371 (SB 1371) out of both chambers. Authored by Sen. María Elena Durazo, the bill would prevent municipalities from being forced to pay for waste and recycling services that aren’t rendered because of a work stoppage. SB 1371 now goes to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
“On behalf of Teamsters California, I extend my appreciation to every lawmaker who supported SB 1371. This important bill will make our communities safer and improve the lives of union sanitation workers,” said Victor Mineros, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division and Co-Chair of Teamsters California. “But the job is not done yet. Teamsters California calls on Governor Newsom to sign SB 1371 without delay and hold multibillion-dollar waste haulers accountable.”
When waste companies sign a contract with a municipality, they typically include a “force majeure” clause. This lets them walk away from their contractual obligations without facing penalties when trash goes uncollected due to major disruptions — even during labor disputes caused by management. SB 1371 closes this loophole by excluding labor disputes from the scenarios in which haulers can invoke a force majeure clause.
“Giant waste corporations should not be able to force workers, customers, and communities to pay the price of their greed,” said Marcus Ford, a member of Teamsters Local 396 at Republic Services. “The deck is stacked against union workers. SB 1371 would put us on a more level playing field. We call on the Governor to sign this bill into law as soon as possible.”
Sanitation Teamsters across the country, including Republic Services workers in Stockton, Calif., represented by Local 439, were forced on strike last year. They extended picket lines to Southern California and the Bay Area. Next month, over 3,000 Solid Waste Teamsters throughout the Los Angeles region are set to see their contracts expire.
Teamsters California is the united voice of 250,000 workers across dozens of industries who power the state’s economy and communities every single day. For more information, go to teamstersca.org.
The post Teamsters-Backed Waste Accountability Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.