Teamsters
Hard Rock Workers in Virginia Join Teamsters
(BRISTOL, Va.) – A group of 221 table games dealers and dual rates at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol have voted to join Teamsters Local 519. They’re seeking a fair first contract that includes higher wages, improved benefits, and a strong voice on the job.
“Dealers and dual rates are the backbone of the gaming floor, and when they stand together, they have the power to win real improvements on the job,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “It was the best decision to choose the Teamsters, and we’re proud to support them as they move forward in securing a fair first contract.”
The dealers are responsible for operating table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker. They manage the games, handle chips and payouts, and ensure games are conducted fairly and efficiently.
“It was a team effort from start to finish, and we had the best team to fight for representation, including our organizer, Marty Hinch,” said Wes Trotterchaud, President of Local 519. “At the drop of a hat we were ready to support this group in their effort to join the Teamsters. Their determination carried over, and they’re going to reap the benefits.”
“Choosing to join the Teamsters was about securing respect, stability, and a voice on the casino floor,” said Anthony Keen, a table games dealer/dual rate and proud new member of Local 519. “We’re ready to negotiate a contract that reflects the hard work we do every day.”
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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Republic Airways Workers Join Teamsters
(WASHINGTON) – Airline Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) with Republic Airways have voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters, resulting in nearly 800 new members. They now join Republic Airways pilots and flight attendants who are already represented by the Teamsters Union.
“Republic Airways AMTs are tired of being overlooked and are ready to stand together for the pay, protections, and respect they’ve earned,” said Dave Saucedo, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “These workers do critical, highly skilled work every single day to keep planes operating safely. By joining the Teamsters, they now have the power to hold Republic accountable and fight for a better future.”
The 777 newly organized AMTs are preparing to begin negotiations on a first contract that delivers industry-leading wages, strong benefits, and improved workplace protections that raise the standards at Republic Airways.
“This victory shows the growing momentum for Teamsters representation throughout the airline industry,” Saucedo said. “The Teamsters are committed to helping these workers win a first contract that reflects the critical role they play at Republic Airways and airports across the U.S.”
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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Teamsters Demand Illinois Lawmakers Extend Unemployment Benefits to Striking Workers
(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) – Thomas W. Stiede, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25, is calling on leaders of the Illinois legislature to pass a bill extending unemployment insurance benefits to workers who are forced to strike.
“This measure is essential for addressing the affordability crisis facing working families across the state,” Stiede said. “Illinois lawmakers should focus on policies that strengthen workers’ ability to stand together for fair contracts without risking total financial ruin. As prices for groceries, housing, transportation, and health care continue to rise, workers need stronger protections when they are forced onto a picket line in pursuit of dignity, safety, and fair pay.”
Unemployment benefits for striking workers would provide a crucial lifeline during labor disputes, helping families stay afloat while ensuring employers cannot simply prolong strikes for people who are fighting for better working conditions and economic justice.
“Expanding unemployment protections for striking workers is a meaningful step toward a more just and affordable economy for everyone who depends on a paycheck to get by. Nobody should be pushed to the brink because they advocate for fair wages, good benefits, and respect on the job,” Stiede said. “If Illinois leaders are serious about tackling the affordability crisis, they need to stop talking and start acting. We cannot afford any more delays. Lawmakers who choose inaction over solidarity should know that the Teamsters are paying attention, and we will support those who support working people when we go to the polls in November.”
Teamsters Joint Council 25 represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana. For more information, go to teamstersjc25.com.
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Bazooka Teamsters Authorize Strike
(SCRANTON, Pa.) – More than 60 members of Teamsters Local 229 at Bazooka Inc. in Moosic, Pa., have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike after the candy company failed to offer a contract that would provide improved wages and affordable health care. Negotiations began in October 2025 and have dragged on for months without a fair contract.
“Our members have spent decades building this company and making its products a success,” said Joe Secor, business agent for Local 229. “Some workers have devoted more than 50 years of their lives to this facility. After nearly seven months of negotiations, Bazooka continues to drag its feet instead of offering a fair contract that recognizes their hard work and dedication.”
Teamsters at the Bazooka facility perform critical work across production, maintenance, shipping, packaging, and quality control operations that keep production running and products moving nationwide. The plant is the only facility in the United States that manufactures Ring Pops, one of the company’s most popular and recognizable candy brands.
“We take pride in the work we do every day and in the product that comes out of this facility,” said Rick Walker, a cook at Bazooka and 18-year member of Local 229. “This vote sends a clear message that we are standing together and deserve a fair contract. We have been patient throughout this process, but enough is enough.”
Headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Teamsters Local 229 represents over 1,000 members across half a dozen industries across Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit teamsters229.org.
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Teamsters Extend Picket Lines to Additional Breakthru Beverage Facilities
(WASHINGTON) – Teamsters at Breakthru Beverage in Cicero, Ill. and St. Louis extended their unfair labor practice (ULP) strike to company operations in Kansas City, Mo., and Champaign, Ill. Teamsters at the Kansas City and Champaign locations exercised their individual legal and contractual right to refuse to cross the extended line. Teamsters nationwide with similar contractual picket line protections remain on standby.
Over 215 drivers and warehouse workers were forced onto the picket line over the company’s numerous ULPs. Members of Teamsters Locals 600, 688, and 710 are demanding the company come to the table to negotiate a fair contract without regressive proposals, surface bargaining, and unilateral changes to the status quo.
“Breakthru Beverage has been illegally trying to diminish our members’ power at the bargaining table,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “They know the strength of our union when members act on their right as Teamsters — guaranteed in their collective bargaining agreement — to honor picket lines in solidarity with their brothers and sisters. We are here to hold Breakthru accountable for their unlawful behavior. The 1.3-million member Teamsters Union will continue to stand in solidarity with all Breakthru Teamsters until a fair agreement is reached.”
Management is demanding that workers waive their lawful right to not cross or work behind a Teamsters picket line at their respective locations. But the Teamsters refuse to bargain away hard-fought contractual rights.
“The company has been lying to workers and using scare tactics to try to get our members to cross these picket lines,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “Breakthru Teamsters’ solidarity is strong and these extended picket lines show that management has failed to intimidate us. It is time for Breakthru to come back to the table and negotiate a fair deal. It’s up to management when this strike ends.”
“We just want a deal that protects all our rights as Teamsters,” said Tony Ortiz, a driver at Breakthru Beverage and member of Local 710 in Mokena, Ill. “The support of our brothers and sisters at other Breakthru Beverage facilities gives us the power to defend ourselves against management’s insulting and illegal practices. Our solidarity is strong, and we will continue to fight to protect it.”
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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Recology Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract
(SAN MATEO, Calif.) – Over 140 members of Teamsters Local 350 at Recology have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new five-year contract that delivers major gains in wages, retirement benefits, and workplace protections.
The agreement includes a 25 percent wage increase, enhanced retirement benefits, and important protections against surveillance by cameras in and around trucks.
“This is a huge win for all of us,” said Brian Marshall, a sanitation driver and bargaining committee member. “Securing a strong contract like this makes all the difference in the world so that we can provide for our families and stay safe on the job. We clock in to work every day to keep our communities clean and healthy. This contract delivers the compensation and respect we have earned.”
Recology Teamsters service hundreds of commercial and residential routes collecting waste, recycling, and compost throughout San Mateo County, including communities like Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Mateo, Hillsborough, and part of the West Bay Sanitary District.
“This strong contract is the result of worker militancy. Earlier this year, our members unanimously voted to authorize a strike, making clear that they were done with Recology’s delays and disrespect at the bargaining table,” said Robert Sandoval, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 350. “Recology Teamsters spoke with a unified voice and we are proud to secure an agreement that raises standards across the industry.”
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 Celebrate Bipartisan Push to Advance Faster Labor Contracts Act
(WASHINGTON) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives reached the 218 signatures needed on a discharge petition to advance the Faster Labor Contracts Act. The petition, filed by Representative Donald Norcross (D-NJ, 1st District), will force a vote on the bill in the coming weeks.
“Securing the support needed to move the Faster Labor Contracts Act forward is a significant milestone for millions of Teamsters and workers across this country,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “This is one of the most consequential labor bills to come before Congress in generations. It has the potential to hold Corporate America accountable for endlessly dragging out negotiations and denying workers the first union contracts they deserve. The Teamsters Union thanks every Democrat and Republican who signed the discharge petition and made the choice to stand with workers.”
The Teamsters applaud House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY, 8th District), Rep. Donald Norcross, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA, 3rd District), and House Democrats for supporting the Teamsters and working people across America.
The Teamsters commend Republican Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY, 17th District), Nick LaLota (R-NY, 1st District), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA, 1st District), Don Bacon (R-NE, 2nd District), Max Miller (R-OH, 7th District), Riley Moore (R-W. VA, 2nd District), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA, 8th District), who stood up for working people and helped force action on this critical bill.The Faster Labor Contracts Act would amend the National Labor Relations Act to require employers to bargain with newly organized workers within 10 days of voting to form their union. The Senate version of the bill, introduced last year by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), continues to gain bipartisan and bicameral support.
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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Teamsters Union Issues Statement Ahead of Surface Transportation Bill Markup
(WASHINGTON) – The five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill, known as the BUILD America 250 Act, would impact rank-and-file Teamsters nationwide throughout the transportation sector. Ahead of the legislation’s markup in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, led by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO-6th District) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA-2nd District), Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien issued the following statement.
“The Teamsters Union commends the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for addressing many of the Teamsters’ priority issues in this legislation, including expanding CDL training, establishing an autonomous vehicle framework for state and local governments to build upon, creating groundbreaking mandates for physical barriers on transit buses to protect drivers, and putting the final nail in the coffin for Chinese-owned manufacturers trying to destroy the livelihoods of Teamsters who build transit buses.
“The Teamsters support efforts to improve the federal permitting process to make sure investments turn into real construction jobs. Our union also appreciates the bill’s focus on improving roadway safety protections for construction workers.
“While the bill includes positive provisions to protect working people, several critical issues need to be resolved. The final version of the bill must include the Railway Safety Act and other rail safety provisions and be free of any amendments that would dangerously increase the maximum weight of trucks on our nation’s roads.
“The Teamsters are proud to be the largest and strongest union representing transportation workers in America. We will continue to put the American worker and the safety and livelihoods of our 1.3 million members first as this important legislation makes its way through Congress.”
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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Cargill Teamsters Demand Employer End Lockout
(FORT MORGAN, Colo.) – More than 1,700 Teamsters at Cargill Meat Solutions were locked out this morning after months of fighting for a new collective bargaining agreement. The meat processing giant has refused to offer Teamsters Local 455 members necessary improvements to wages, health care, and safety protections.
“Shame on this company for shutting out our members. Cargill can afford to give these workers a fair deal that reflects their hard work and dedication,” said Dean Modecker, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 455. “This was a disgraceful move by a company that has long taken its workers for granted. We won’t stand for it.”
Workers at the Cargill facility are critical to processing millions of pounds of beef for American families nationwide. In a town as small and tight knit as Fort Morgan, Cargill Teamsters keep the economy running.
“I’ve been at Cargill for 33 years and it’s really upsetting to see the company be so unreasonable,” said Chris Bell, a maintenance worker at Cargill and member of Local 455. “I am just a few months away from retirement, but I want to be out here supporting the younger workers who are fighting for their future. We can’t believe this company would stoop to this level. We will be out here every day making our voices heard.”
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Teamsters Local 455 represents over 10,000 members in the Rocky Mountains region. For more information, visit teamsterslocal455.org.
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Teamsters Applaud Supreme Court Ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport
(WASHINGTON) – Teamsters applaud the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC., a landmark decision that strengthens accountability for trucking and delivery companies that rely on third-party contractors.
In its opinion, the Court ruled that trucking and delivery companies can be held liable for damages when third-party contractors they hire cause injuries or deaths. The decision makes clear that the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA) does not shield companies from safety-related lawsuits because they outsource transportation work.
“Until now, Amazon, FedEx, and other bad employers have been able to outsource their legal obligations to third parties because of a loophole in federal law,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The Teamsters commend the Court for this decision, which will force the largest logistics employers in the country to finally prioritize worker and motorist safety over profits.”
This ruling could empower states and local governments to take action against unsafe delivery practices, particularly in last-mile delivery. Amazon relies on its “Delivery Service Partner” network of third-party contractors to evade responsibility to workers and public safety, while distancing from liability due to unsafe working conditions.
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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