Teamsters
Teamsters California Sues DMV to Protect Public from Driverless Truck Dangers
(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authorizing the testing of self-driving heavy-duty trucks was so fundamentally flawed that the regulations must be repealed.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.
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Florida Teamsters Authorize Strike at Durham School Services
(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.
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South Valley Academy Educators Join Teamsters
(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.
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Teamsters Local 104 Applauds Court Decision Declaring HCR 2040 Unconstitutional
(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.
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Blue Chip Casino Workers in Indiana Join Teamsters
(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.
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Vestis Teamsters in Indianapolis Win Strike, Ratify Contract
(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.
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Ascend Wellness Teamsters Win Biggest Cannabis Strike in U.S. History
(BARRY, Ill.) – More than 300 workers at Ascend Wellness’s grow house in Barry, Ill., overwhelmingly ratified their first contract with Teamsters Local 916 and ended a 30-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike that was the largest in the history of the legal cannabis industry.
“This victory belongs to the men and women at Ascend who stood together and refused to accept anything less than a fair contract,” said JP Fyans, President of Local 916. “Our members showed tremendous courage and determination throughout this fight. Their solidarity compelled Ascend to deliver on pay, benefits, and protection of union rights.”
Teamsters at the grow house are responsible for every stage of production, from cultivation and processing to packaging and distribution, for one of the largest multistate cannabis companies. The contract includes higher wages, lower health care costs, protection against unjust discipline, improved policies for paid time off, and a new process for settling disputes.
“Cannabis workers are building a powerful movement across this industry, and this strike demonstrates what can be achieved when workers stand together and fight back,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “This contract sets a new and improved standard for cannabis cultivation and manufacturing workers across the country.”
“What our members did on the strike line was extraordinary,” said Kyle Bollinger, Vice President of Local 916. “For 30 days, they stood shoulder to shoulder and their courage forced Ascend to bargain a fair contract. This strike sends a clear message to cannabis companies that workers who drive their profits deserve to be treated with respect.”
“We went on strike because we knew the value of our work, and we knew we deserved better,” said Cory Hill, an Ascend cultivator and member of Local 916. “This contract proves that by refusing to give up, workers can win the respect, job security, and opportunities we deserve.”
Teamsters Local 916 represents more than 4,000 workers throughout Illinois from Chicago to Carbondale and East Saint Louis to Champaign. For more information, visit teamsters916.org.
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Republic Services Teamsters Unanimously Authorize Strike
(BUCKEYE, Ariz.) – Republic Services workers represented by Teamsters Local 104 have unanimously voted to authorize a strike.
The group joined the Teamsters early this year to bargain for a first contract that guarantees them respect on the job. Shortly after their strike authorization, they were also forced to file an unfair labor practice charge against the company.
“We unionized with the Teamsters because this company refused to give us the respect we deserve,” said Daniel Freitag, a steward and two-year Republic worker. “Treatment from management has only gotten worse as we’ve tried to bargain in good faith for a first agreement. It’s unacceptable. If they want a fight, they’re moving in the right direction.”
These Teamsters operate Republic’s Buckeye Landfill, located just outside the multibillion-dollar waste hauler’s corporate headquarters in Phoenix. Their facility serves a range of municipalities, including Maricopa and Buckeye.
“Our members will not stand for Republic’s bullying and mismanagement,” said Karla Schumann, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 104 and Teamsters International Vice President for the Western Region. “These workers want nothing more than to clock in and be treated and compensated fairly. They will not settle for anything less. They’ve made that clear with this unanimous strike authorization vote. The ball is in Republic’s court.”
Last year, Republic forced hundreds of rank-and-file Teamsters across the country on strike. Republic has admitted that its management-induced work stoppage cost the company’s shareholders $50 million.
“These courageous workers do not stand alone. The entire 1.3 million-member Teamsters Union is behind them 100 percent,” said Victor Mineros, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division. “We hoped Republic learned its lesson last year. But if they want to try their luck against the Teamsters again, they know where to find us.”
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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Illinois Teamsters Resume Endorsements
(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) – Teamsters Joint Council 25 is going to resume considering candidates for political endorsements for the 2026 election cycle.
The decision comes after productive meetings with state lawmakers regarding progress on pro-union legislative proposals for the remainder of the year. Following a disappointing regular session that concluded in May, the union had previously suspended campaign contributions, grassroots mobilization, and all other forms of political support for Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois state lawmakers.
“Based on our conversations with political leaders in Springfield, we expect significant progress on our legislative priorities when elected officials reconvene this fall,” said Thomas W. Stiede, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. “Our members and their families are expecting results, and they’ll be watching what happens at the state capitol very closely.”
Illinois Teamsters are demanding passage of bills that would require safe patient-nurse staffing ratios, protect warehouse workers from dangerous and unsustainable production quotas, create a tax deduction for union dues, and perhaps most critically, extend unemployment insurance to workers who are forced out on strike.
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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Workers at South Dakota State Penitentiary Join Teamsters
(SIOUX FALLS, S.D.) – Maintenance workers at the South Dakota State Penitentiary have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 120.
“We didn’t fold when DOC administration tried to intimidate us with meetings and high-level pressure — we stood our ground,” said Chris Pick, a maintenance worker at the South Dakota State Penitentiary and new member of local 120. “We were done being ignored and done working without a real, enforceable contract. So, we took a stand, stuck together, and won our vote. We’ve earned better, and we’re done settling for less. That’s why we joined North America’s strongest union. We’re proud to be Teamsters — and we’re ready to fight for the contract we deserve.”
The new Teamsters work at the largest prison in the state of South Dakota and are responsible for the upkeep of the facility and handling repairs, while ensuring the highest level of safety and security.
“Working at a Level IV correction facility is no easy task,” said James Heeren, a business agent at Local 120. “These workers’ labor is essential to prison operations — and now, as Teamsters, they will have a collective voice to ensure they are treated as so by management. We look forward to getting them the strongest possible contract and continue organizing workers across South Dakota.”
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.
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