Teamsters
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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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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Teamsters at Republic Services Huntington Beach Transfer Station Ratify Strong First Contract
(HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.) — Workers at the Republic Services Huntington Beach Transfer Station voted overwhelmingly to ratify a monumental first contract with Teamsters Local 396. The agreement marks a major victory following their organizing win last year, and reflects the growing momentum of sanitation workers in Southern California who are standing together to win better wages, benefits, and protections on the job.
“These workers organized for respect, fairness, and a voice on the job. Now they’ve secured a contract that delivers real economic gains and long-term security for them and their families,” said Victor Mineros, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 396 and Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division. “We are proud of every worker who demonstrated incredible resolve throughout this process.”
Under the agreement, workers will receive substantial wage increases over the life of the contract, pension contributions to help secure their retirement, and strong language protecting them from unfair treatment while strengthening seniority and job security rights.
“This victory shows the power of solidarity,” said Alex Moran, President of Local 396. “This agreement raises standards and sends a message to workers everywhere that when you organize with the Teamsters, you win life-changing improvements.”
“We organized because we wanted a better future. Now we have it because we came together and fought for the contract we deserve,” said Maria Silva Madrigal, a Local 396 member at the Huntington Beach transfer station. “We’re proud to be Teamsters and proud of what we accomplished together.”
Teamsters Local 396 represents thousands of workers throughout Southern California in the package delivery, sanitation, and food delivery industries. It continues to grow as more workers seek the power and protection of a Teamster contract.
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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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