Netjets Pilots Set Industry Standard, Spur Organizing with New Contract

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INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6

Taking Flight NetJets Pilots Set Industry Standard, Spur Organizing With New Contract

www.teamster.org ININ THISTHIS ISSUEISSUE 2 TEAMSTER NEWS FEATURES l Pipeline Agreement Reached 8 Strong Formation l New Contract For NetJets Pilots’ Contract Sets Industry Rail Members Standard, Spurs Organizing l Teamsters Honor WWII Veterans 14 New Zoo Review l Victory At Local 807 Brookfield Zoo Workers Secure l Cannery Council Wage Increases, Solid Health 8 Prepares For Insurance Contract Talks

22 Just What The Doctor Ordered 250 Doctors Join The Union To Offset 20 ORGANIZING Insurance Company Demands l Radio Workers Join Local 264 24 DRIVE To Succeed l Local 961 Welcomes Teamsters Political Action Committee Stock Clerks Puts Michigan Teamsters To Work l DHL ICC Victory In Denver 28 A First At Hertz l Warehouse Workers Join Local 326 Rental Car Workers Make History In North Carolina 14 l Omnitrans Workers 32 60 Years Of Service Vote “Yes” Marty Peters Is Longest-Serving UPS Teamster 3030 COURT MATERIAL

16 Learning To Lead James R. Hoffa Scholarship Eases Financial Burden www.teamster.org International Brotherhood of Teamsters 25 Louisiana Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001-2198 202-624-6800

The Teamster (ISSN 1083-2394) is the official pub- lication of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 25 Louisiana Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20001-2198. It is published eight times a year in February, March/April, May, June/July, August, September, October/November and December/January. Periodical postage paid at Washington, D.C. and at additional mailing offices. JUNE/JULY 2006 / VOLUME 103, NO. 4 © 2006 International Brotherhood of Teamsters. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without writ- ten permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Teamster, Affiliates Records Department, 25 Louisiana Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20001- 2198. Subscription rates: $12 per year. Single copies, $2. (All orders payable in advance.) Members should send address changes to their local union. GETTY IMAGES A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL PRESIDENT

asoline prices in excess of $3 a gallon avoids taxing exploration and development have created yet another serious bur- of new oil production. In addition, Sen. Rob- den for working families living pay- ert Menendez (D-NJ) is seeking to suspend check to paycheck. Middle-class Amer- the federal gas and diesel taxes for 60 days, icans—especially those struggling with which would reduce the price of fuel by 18 the rising cost of groceries, utilities, cents for gas and 24 cents for diesel. This health care and other expenses—are lost revenue can easily be made up by taxing being hit the hardest. surging oil profits. The PriceTake a clerical of worker Gasoline who earns $30,000 in salary, drives 30,000 miles Greedy Corporations a year and gets 20 miles to the gallon. Record profits should be easing prices at GThe 70-cent jump in fuel prices we’ve seen the pumps. Instead, oil companies and their since January adds up to more than $1,000 in leaders want us to get used to paying $3 or additional gas costs a year. The worker is also more for a gallon for gas. For now, the future more likely to face higher maintenance costs doesn’t look much brighter. We are told that than well-paid professionals, since their car is supply is limited. Global unrest is causing older and breaks down more regularly—fur- further jitters in the markets. And demand ther eating into their modest wages. is soaring, thanks to the rise of economies in Squeezed commuters who have moved far China, India and elsewhere. from urban centers in order to find afford- Increases at the pump affect everyone’s able housing are particularly affected. It’s not daily lives—but especially working people. uncommon for today’s workers to log 40 miles For them, an additional $1,000 a year in gas a day back and forth from the office. And keep costs is unmanageable. This has become the in mind that wages for many workers have been common theme under the Bush adminis- flat since 2001, despite soaring fuel costs. tration—Two Americas. One America that can handle rising costs, and one America Record Profits struggling to keep their head above water. All this comes at a time of record profits for And once again, the profiteering of greedy, Big Oil. Exxon Mobil raked in $36 billion in unchecked corporations is furthering the net income last year—the largest profit ever divide between America’s rich and poor. for any American corporation. Executives are also profiting from the high prices, and handsomely. Lee R. Raymond, the recently departed head of Exxon Mobil, walked out the door with a package valued at more than $400 million. At Chevron, chief executive David J. O’Reilly took home about $37 million in stock options, bonuses, and salary. And Occidental Petroleum’s Ray R. Irani received $63 million. House and Senate Democrats are now rightly calling for a wind- fall-profit tax on oil companies that TEAMSTER NEWS

driver classifications were also “All the crafts associated increased from $1 per hour to with this agreement are mak- $1.25 per hour. A $1 hazard- ing a commitment to training ous materials premium was because there is going to be Teamsters Overwhelmingly Approve also achieved. Hazmat drivers so much work,” Stern said. National Pipeline Agreement can get the premium for a full Demand for oil and natural day’s work, even if they con- gas have already fueled new eamsters across the group of nearly 60 pipeline conduct only one hour of hazmat projects and created hun- country overwhelmingly tractors. “The industry wanted operations. dreds of new jobs in Texas, Taccepted a new five-year stability and we also wanted to Louisiana, Colorado and the national pipeline agreement. know what wages and benefits Increased Health Midwest.” The vote was completed April were going to be. Because there and Welfare In addition to the Team- 12 with 99 percent of the 160 is going to be so much work, Contributions to the union’s sters, the United Association local unions that cast ballots it’s going to be tough finding health and welfare funds were of Plumbers and Pipefitters, approving the contract. people.” increased between 12 and 14 International Union of Operat- PipelineThe national agreement, Victory percent. And more money ing Engineers and the Laborers retroactive to November 1, Streamlined Process will be added to the division’s International Union of North 2005, will apply to nearly 2,000 For the first time, pipeline training fund to help train and America participated in the Teamsters who work on Amer- maintenance work was added retain pipeline Teamsters. agreement. ica’s petroleum and natural gas to the national agreement, and pipelines. While some regional lowboy drivers were added to variances apply, the terms the set of driver classifications generally increase wages and that qualify for wage premi- benefits by more than 5 per- ums, Stern said. cent the first year, 4 percent the In the past, maintenance second year and 3 percent the contracts had to be negotiated third. Wages and fringe bene- between the union and con- fits could then be renegotiated tractors on a job-by-job basis, for years four and five. he said, and much of the work “One of the reasons for this was going to nonunion work- agreement is stability,” said Rich- ers. Adding maintenance to the ard Stern, Director of the Build- national agreement stream- ing Material and Construction lines the process and will help Trade Division, who negotiated the union fill an increasing the agreement with his negotiat- amount of pipeline mainte- ing committee and the Pipe Line nance jobs. Contractors Association—a Wage premiums for many

GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

James P. Hoffa VICE PRESIDENTS TEAMSTERS CANADA CENTRAL REGION EASTERN REGION SOUTHERN REGION WESTERN REGION TRUSTEES General President AT-LARGE Robert Bouvier, Patrick W. Flynn Jack Cipriani Tyson Johnson J. Allen Hobart Frank Gallegos 25 Louisiana Ave., NW Randy Cammack President 4217 South Halsted St. P.O. Box 35405 1007 Jonelle Street 14675 Interurban Ave. S 207 North Sanborn Rd. Washington, DC 20001 845 Oak Park Road Teamsters Canada Chicago, IL 60609 Greensboro, NC 27425 Dallas, TX 75217 Suite 301 Salinas, CA 93905 Covina, CA 91724 2540 Daniel Johnson Tukwila, WA 98168 C. Thomas Keegel Suite 804 Walter A. Lytle Ken Hall Ken Wood Henry B. Perry Jr. General Secretary- Fred Gegare Laval, Quebec, Canada 2644 Cass Street 267 Staunton Ave. SW 5818 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. Chuck Mack 796 E. Brooks Ave. Treasurer 1546 Main Street H7T 2S3 Fort Wayne, IN 46808 South Charleston, WV Tampa, FL 33619 P.O. Box 2270 Memphis, TN 38116 25 Louisiana Ave., NW Green Bay, WI 54302 25303 Oakland, CA 94621 Washington, DC 20001 Tom Fraser Dotty Malinsky John Steger Carroll Haynes 1890 Meyerside Dr. 9409 Yukon Avenue S. John Murphy Jim Santangelo 25 Louisiana Ave., N.W. 216 West 14th Street Mississauga, Ontario Bloomington, MN 765 East Third Street 818 S. Oak Park Road Washington, DC 20001 New York, NY 10011 Canada L5T 1B4 55438 Boston, MA 02127 Covina, CA 91724 Tom O’Donnell Garnet Zimmerman Lester A. Singer Richard Volpe 1 Hollow Lane 7283 149th A Street 435 South Hawley St. 6 Tuxedo Avenue Suite 309 Surrey, B.C. Canada Toledo, OH 43609 New Hyde Park, NY Lake Success, NY 11042 V3S 3H4 11040 Philip E. Young Ralph J. Taurone 1668 N.W. 1000 Road 47 West 200 South Creighton, MO 64739 Suite 300 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 New Contract for Canadian National-Illinois Central Rail Members y more than a 3-1 major- Fullity, members Steam of the BBrotherhood of Locomo- tive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ratified a new five-year Aheadagreement with the Canadian National-Illinois Central (CN- IC) railroad recently. The deal creates a new era of pay for 400 members on the Class 1 railroad. CN-IC is a large, inter- modal railroad that ships a variety of goods: automobiles, coal, fertilizer, forest products, grain and other products. it’s the best thing since sliced times only paid 25 to 30 cents “One hundred and fifty bread,” said Tommy Street, an on the dollar. years of contracts were engineer on the CN-IC and changed with the stroke of a the Local Chairman of BLET Furlough Protection pen,” said Monty Murphy, an Division 914 in Baton Rouge, As part of the agreement, engineer with CN-IC for the Louisiana. “The hourly rate pre- and post-1985 pay issues past five years and the Secre- of pay is the best thing going were eliminated and every tary-Treasurer of Division 24 right now.” engineer with a seniority date in Centralia, Illinois. Street, an engineer who has on or preceding June 3, 2002 Engineer pay was perma- been a BLET member since was guaranteed to never be cut nently changed from the tra- 1980, said that under the old back into train service or to be ditional mileage system to an pay system, only some mem- furloughed. Engineers hired hourly system for every engineer bers were eligible for extra after June 3, 2002 will receive on every assignment worked. pay from arbitraries, but now the same guarantee after five The contract provides for 10 everyone benefits under the years of accumulated compen- hours pay and overtime there- new contract. sated service. after until off duty. The agree- “We had a hard time getting That guarantee is “worth ment is effective January 1, 2006 time claims paid,” said Tim its weight in gold,” Dunn said. through August 1, 2009. Dunn, an engineer with CN- “The number one thing for me January 1, 2006; 3 percent on “Before, you’d fill out a time IC for eight years and Presi- is the guarantee not to be laid August 1, 2006; 3 percent on claim and hope you got paid,” dent of BLET Division 24. off. Under the old agreement August 1, 2007; 3 percent on Murphy said. “Now we’re paid He said that, in the past, the you could be forced to work all August 1, 2008; and 4 percent by the hour.” company would often refuse to over the place or cut back to on August 1, 2009. The agree- pay time claims for months or conductor.” ment puts every engineer’s Hourly Wage Calculation even years at a time. When the The new agreement pro- basic daily rate at $339.90 with “Speaking for the Baton Rouge claims were eventually paid, vides for the following general overtime at $50.99 per hour seniority district, we think however, the company some- wage increases: 3 percent on starting on January 1, 2006.

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 3 TEAMSTER NEWS

Teamsters Honor WWII Truck Company Veterans

ong before there were 3807th recognized for their “We hit the global satellite tracking service by the Teamsters at ground run- Lsystems and computer the company’s reunion on ning, that’s programs to direct supplies, March 25 in Washington, for sure,” said generals and soldiers alike D.C. Teamsters Retiree Affairs Vince Tobia, a depended on their Quarter- Director Ed Scribner and East- retired member master divisions to keep them ern Region Assistant Retiree of the Plasters Thegoing. During Greatest World War II, Affairs Generation Director Carl Paullet Union from thousands of dedicated men presented the men with hon- Detroit. “Those drove trucks on the front lines, orary Teamster memberships paratroopers carrying fuel, food and even at a special reunion dinner. were scattered men, often under battle “It was a very special occa- all over and conditions. sion for all of us,” Scribner we had to find “All of us who drove in said. “These men went well them fast. They truck companies are proud of beyond the call of duty during couldn’t really get on with the Waukegan, Illinois. our service to the country. We the war and deserve our grati- mission until they were kited “I grew up hearing stories kept the troops moving—just tude. I’m proud to call them up properly.” about these guys from my like the Teamsters kept the brothers.” The men of the 3807th par- grandfather—not war stories ticipated in the Battle of as much as friendship stories. the Bulge, the invasion I knew I had to come,” Butler and occupation of Berlin said. “He was proud of the and witnessed the libera- union too—and this event tion of the concentration would have made his day. I camp at Nordhausen. think he knows somehow.” “Some of my most “I’ll never forget this vivid memories are reunion and the kindness of from the Battle of the the Teamsters,” said Bob Hawk, Bulge. The cold was a retired union electrician almost unbearable and from Halifax, Pennsylvania. the trucks were near “It’s important to me that the impossible to run,” said values we fought for are still Lester Schock, a retired important and honored by the Brotherhood of Mainte- Teamsters today.” nance of Way (BMWE) “These men, and thousands member from Sunburst, of other veterans, exemplify Montana. “But we kept the Teamster spirit in their country moving back home,” Call of Duty on. Who would supply the willingness to get the job done said Bernard “Doc” Dough- The 3807th truck company, guys if we gave up?” for their country, no matter erty, former Lieutenant of the consisting of 125 men and 48 the risk to themselves,” said 3807th Quartermaster Truck trucks, was witness to almost Teamster Spirit Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General Company. “We always consid- continual frontline action from Janet Butler attended the President. “The men of the ered ourselves true Teamsters, the moment that they hit Utah reunion on behalf of her 3807th were a crucial link in whether we were official mem- Beach in Normandy, France grandfather, Ralph Raasch, the chain that lead to the Allied bers or not.” with 120 tons of materials and who died several years ago. victory in 1945. We are proud Dougherty was one of 10 supplies in June 1944 until the Raasch was a longtime to salute them and consider surviving members of the war ended in 1945. member of Local 301 in each to be one of our own.”

4 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org Local 326 Teamsters Save Lives, Win Strong Contract

eamsters who manufacture Local 326. “They deserve fair pay plates for bullet-proof vests and decent benefits for all their Tand related safety equip- hard work.” ment for U.S. troops have rati- While attempting to negoti- fied their first contract, which ate a first contract, Local 326 boostsVest-ed wages and containsInterest was successful in defeating a ■ An immediate wage and places them into a kiln as other improvements. decertification petition in April increase of between 12 and 15 part of the production process. The workers at M-Cubed 2005. Contract negotiations percent; “The contract is outstanding in Newark, Delaware voted to then resumed. ■ Wage increases of 2.5 per- for a first contract,” Coit said. join Local 326 in April 2004. Earlier this year, workers cent in year two and three of “Local 326 did an excellent job The company also makes ratified a new three-year con- the contract; winning us pay increases and bullet-proof helicopter seats, tract. There were 70 employees ■ A more equitable overall improved benefits. They have a armor plates for military vehi- when workers organized in pay system; very experienced staff working cles and bullet-proof shoulder April 2004; there are now 142 ■ A grievance procedure; on behalf of us.” plates for soldiers. workers in the bargaining unit. ■ An improved seniority “I was a Teamster for eight “These Teamsters are helping system; and years while working at Geor- to save lives around the world,” Contract Highlights ■ Bidding rights. gia-Pacific, and it feels great said John Ryan Sr., President The contract has numerous Dennis Coit, a three-year to be a Teamster again at M- of New Castle, Delaware-based improvements, including: employee, inspects the plates Cubed,” Coit said.

Building Materials Drivers Take on Nine New York Employers

hen nine of New York’s building supply distributors told its work- Wers that they wanted to trim health benefits and freeze pension contributions, Teamsters at Local Union 807 prepared for a strike. The companies—a combination of large national corporations and regional firms, such as Kamco Supply, Strober, Florence Building TheMaterials Power and J&S Supply—also of wantedSolidarity to take back days off and pull other benefits that the Teamsters had fought for in the past. “We struck five years ago,” said Robert Robinson, a 10-year member of 807. “It shut the companies down and really hurt them. They knew we were serious this time and that we would fight.” So rather than face another debilitating strike, the companies not only backed down but signed contracts that increased pay and benefits by more than 5.25 percent. riding high on a booming housing market and a strong commercial “This was a terrific victory,” said driver Cono Forgione. “Our medi- sector, are dumping their responsibilities on workers while rewarding cal, dental, pension, everything is fully funded through 2010.” chief executives and shareholders. But when workers stand together, decision makers realize that giving decent benefits pays off.” Standing Together Turis said the companies together represent the majority of the “This is a textbook example of how solidarity and union representation sheetrock and stud lumber distributors in the city of New York. can win against prevailing trends,” said Bill Turis, Local 807 President. “They came to the table wanting to take away our benefits but left “Across the country, companies big and small are refusing to live giving us about $1.60 in health and welfare benefits the first year and up to past commitments on health insurance and retirement benefits,” about $1.50 for the remaining years,” Turis said. “That just shows the Turis said. “Even companies in the construction industry, which are power of standing together.”

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 5 TEAMSTER NEWS

40 Deans, Department Heads Join Local 228

ducational administrators “The president was doing and classified supervisory a good job and was respected Eemployees at Sierra Com- by the faculty,” said Lonnie munity College recently voted Schwenk, Sierra Campus unanimously to join Local Police Chief. “If he could be Making228 in Sacramento, the California. Grade put out of work, what about Local 228 Business Agent senting public employees in The more than 40 workers at the rest of us?” Nancy Jones represents the the Sacramento area.” the Rocklin-based campus workers at Sierra but had never The feeling was mutual for were seeking a strong voice to The Right Choice thought she would be working at least one of the workers who represent their interests in the The unit, which includes col- on behalf of a unit like this one. didn’t think he would ever need workplace. lege deans and department However, Jones believes that job a union as a dean working at an Sierra enrolls more than heads, considered a variety of security is an issue with which institute of higher education. 20,000 students and serves options for representation, but everyone can identify. “I never thought in my wild- Nevada, Placer, Sacramento in the end the Teamsters Union est dreams that I would become and El Dorado Counties. The seemed to be the best choice. Sign of the Times a Teamster,” said Brian Haley, workers became concerned “The Teamsters Union has “It is a sign of the times when a dean at Sierra. “However, I about job security when the the reputation of being a strong a group like this comes to us believe the time had come to college president was forced labor organization,” Schwenk to organize. Everyone needs take a stand. My colleagues and I out of office by the board of said. “The more we spoke with representation for different had a right to organize to protect trustees. The former president the union representatives, the reasons,” Jones said. “They our jobs and the Teamsters can was well regarded and admired more convinced we were that had confidence in Local 228 provide us with resources that for his work at the institution. they were the right choice.” because of our history repre- we do not have as individuals.”

Fred Gegare, International Vice War II. As a result of movement President and Director of the Food offshore, development of a Processing Division. nonunion sector and, most dra- matically, because of mechanized Cannery Council Origins efficiency, the number of workers Cannery Council Prepares Cannery workers, who would even- in the canneries has plummeted tually become Teamster members, over the last 50 years. for Contract Talks started organizing in California in “We are committed to revers- Negotiationshe Executive Board of the Can- the late 1930s under American ing the trends and organizing Tnery Council began negotiations Federation of Labor (AFL) federat- new members in the industry in April with California Processors ed charters that would allow them with our partners at Change to UpdateInc. (CPI), an industry association to organize in an entire industry Win,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters composed of the six major employ- rather than individual craft shops. General President. “And thanks ers who are parties to the Master Once in the AFL, the cannery to the excellent agreement we Cannery Agreement (MCA). The workers affiliated with the Team- have in place, our job is a little bit current three-year contract is due to Foods and Stanislaus Food Prod- sters and formed their own unique easier.” expire on July 1, 2006. ucts. Campbell’s and Hunt Wes- council, the Cannery Council, one In the food processing indus- The MCA covers 24,000 son, a subsidiary of ConAgra, have of the few entities apart from a try, the MCA is unprecedented members at Locals 948, 601 and contracts that are closely associ- Joint Council that can levy a per in its benefits. Even seasonal 890 who work in canneries and ated with the CPI agreement. capita on its members. workers have a pension plan and distribution facilities at Heinz, Del “This agreement has covered The Cannery Council was health insurance. Monte, Pacific Coast Producers, thousands of our West Coast the bargaining agent for around Signature Fruits, Unilever-Best members since the 1940s,” said 100,000 workers during World

6 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org Material Specialists Follow Coworkers Lead, Join the Teamsters

’ve been pushing for a union since I’ve been “Ihere,” said John Threats, a four-year material specialist at Frontier Airlines. “Basi- cally, all my life I worked union Ajobs—I New worked forFrontier United, I was a Teamster at Albertson’s. Being a union member gives you the satisfaction that you’re not alone if something were to happen at work.” In votes tallied March 14, 68 percent of Threats’ fellow material specialists and stock clerks at Denver-based Fron- tier Airlines voted to become members of Local 961, building on the successes of two recently negotiated contracts that cover nearly 400 Frontier workers. “This is a great result not only for the material specialists but for all workers in maintenance at Frontier the benefits, all in writing,” Limits on Outsourcing Airlines,” said Matthew Faza- Fazakas said. “Their coworkers’ The mechanics and related "Every airline out there kas, President of Local 961 in contracts definitely affected the workers’ contract also limits is cutting jobs because Denver. “It strengthens the jobs material specialists’ decision to outsourcing. “If the company of gas prices, but this and benefits of all Teamsters at become Teamsters.” ever wants to subcontract our the airline.” The majority of the work, it has to prove that it’s contract helps protect Approximately 270 Team- approximately 270 Frontier work we can’t perform in- our jobs and wages.” ster mechanics and related mechanics and related workers house,” Steusloff said. “It’s nice — PATRICIA HOHMAN, workers ratified their three- are stationed in Denver, with to know that we have a strong AIRCRAFT APPEARANCE AGENT, year contract at the airline in about 25 stationed in Phoenix union backing us. We can pro- FRONTIER AIRLINES January. Last September, 120 and Kansas City. The workers tect our jobs and make sure the aircraft appearance agents, air- are members of Locals 961, company keeps its word.” craft cleaners and MX cleaners 986 and 41. The aircraft appearance agreed to their first contract. “This is the best contract agents and related workers’ said Patricia Hohman, a three- Both contracts strengthen we’ve had since I’ve been here,” contract features protections year aircraft appearance agent and protect workers’ wages said seven-year mechanic Jay in the wage progression scale, at Frontier Airlines, describ- and benefits, and secure work Steusloff. “It gets down to the a wage opener that will be ing her new contract. “We get against outsourcing. needs of the members’ top con- triggered in 2009, a grievance raises throughout the contract cerns: pay, job security and our procedure, defined bidding and we have job security. Every Union Stability 401(k) plan. We’re essentially procedures and secures work- airline out there is cutting jobs “These agreements show the getting 5, 6, and 7 percent pay ers’ entry into the company because of gas prices, but this stability a union contract pro- increases for each year of this 401(k) plan. contract helps protect our jobs vides, the pay increases and contract. I’m happy with that.” “This is a great contract,” and wages.”

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 7 STRONG FORMATION NetJets Pilots’ Contract Sets Industry Standard, Spurs Organizing

8 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org RUCE “GONZO” BICKSLER AND 100 FELLOW NETJETS INC. PILOTS MARCHED ON A BREEZY, CHILLY MORNING, JUST OUTSIDE THE MASSIVE QWEST CENTER IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA. “I’d be remiss if I wasn’t here,” said Bicksler as he and fellow Teamsters sported signs that read “NetJets pilots deserve an industry leading contract. Now!” and B“NetJets pilots demand contract compliance from management.” After more than three years of failed negotiations, the 2,200 NetJets pilots, members of Columbus, Ohio-based Local 1108, were staging an informational picket line outside of the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ meeting—the investment company, led by CEO Warren Buffett, owns NetJets—a fractional aircraft ownership airline that operates and STRONG maintains a fleet of more than 500 private jets. “NetJets pilots are extraordinary, safe pilots who are away from home more than 200 days a year, routinely working duty days in the 12-to-14 hour range,” said Alan Hayes, a four-year NetJets pilot who also flew for United Airlines for 36 years. “It’s clear from today’s showing that we care about our company and are dedicated to performing our work flawlessly. The lousy wage that we’re getting just doesn’t match how skilled and dedicated the workforce is. We simply want fair compensation.” Recently, the pilots’ efforts to secure an industry-leading contract paid FORMATION off when they ratified a robust five-year contract that improves job security, NetJets Pilots’ Contract Sets Industry Standard, Spurs Organizing increases wages an average of 40 to 60 percent depending on equipment flown and years of service, and enhances quality-of-life issues. The pilots ratified the contract by a more than 4-to-1 margin. “This takes the workers up to the level of the legacy carriers in terms of wages, working conditions and benefits,” said Don Treichler, Teamsters Airline Division Director. “This is an unprecedented contract.” “I applaud Local 1108 members and the Airline Division for their dedication during their struggle to secure such a strong agreement,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “This is a standard-setting contract that will benefit not only the pilots but also thousands of fellow workers in the airline industry.”

Interrelated Contracts “Our goal has been to make our company a career opportunity rather than an entry-level job,” said Bill Olsen, Local 1108’s President who, along with Associate Airline Division Director Mark Luthi, led negotiations for the contract. “What unfolded for us at NetJets is something that happens once every 25 to 50 years. It is monumental. It will affect the whole industry, because in these challenging times pilots across the industry were looking for a victory.” Shortly after the pilots ratified their new contract, Local 1108—dedicated to representing pilots at fractional aircraft ownership airlines—initi- ated an organizing drive at Flight Options, the industry’s second-largest airline. News of the contract’s strength resonated with the nearly 800 Flight Options pilots—they voted to join Local 1108 in March. The local now represents approximately 82 percent of fractional airline pilots. “This was a clear choice for us,” said Bill Hart, a Flight Options pilot. “We all share the same basic working conditions, and Local 1108 and the Airline Division clearly recognize the needs of pilots in our industry.”

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 9 NetJets flight attendants, represented earnings,” said Amy Vidovich, a five-year “NetJets has an affiliate based in Savannah, by Columbus, Ohio-based Local 284, rati- NetJets pilot and Local 1108 Trustee. “We Georgia. Our contract restricts the work fied their first contract shortly before the can either select the ‘quality of life’ option, they can perform while giving Local 1108 pilots ratified their agreement. “It’s a great which is seven days on, then seven days pilots the option to fly that equipment. It contract,” said Michael Zois, a four-year off. The other option is to maximize earn- also provides a mechanism for Local 1108 NetJets flight attendant based in Los Ange- ings by working additional work days on a to take control of that work in the future.” les. “It addresses issues such as scheduling more flexible monthly schedule.” “Before this contract, instability in the and wages, that are important to flight The new contract also features workforce had created an unusual senior- attendants.” improved medical benefits and restricts ity system where pilots didn’t have to When the pilots ratified their contract, access to personnel records, more legal upgrade for captain’s wages,” Olsen said. it triggered a “me, too” clause in the flight protections for pilots (e.g., cockpit voice “It also created a scheduling system where attendants’ agreement, enabling the flight recorder tapes may no longer be used for 45 percent of the pilot group worked two attendants to negotiate for improved disciplinary purposes), improved leave more days per month but were paid the wages and stronger contract language con- time for union representatives for doing same as pilots working less—you didn’t cerning many quality-of-life issues. union business, and strengthened scope get paid for the extra two days work. The language, which prevents the company new contract solves these problems.” Contract Details from subcontracting out Local 1108 pilots’ In addition to wage increases that average work. If NetJets expands to offer super- An Excellent Contract between 40 and 60 percent, the pilots’ new sonic airplanes or aircraft weighing more “This is an excellent contract,” said J.B. contract secures greater scheduling flex- than 100,000 pounds, the new contract Cockrell, a four-year NetJets pilot who ibility and expands pilot basing options. ensures that Local 1108 members will flies out of the San Francisco gateway. “It’s “This contract allows scheduling flex- pilot the aircraft. obvious—84 percent voted in favor of it.” ibility for those pilots who want time off “Our scope language is unprecedent- “The quality-of-life improvements are and for those who want to maximize their ed—it’s my favorite part,” Vidovich said. significant,” Cockrell said. “It gives most

10 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org Clear Option

Second-Largest Pilot Group in Industry Joins Local 1108 ecoming Teamsters was a clear choice “Bfor us,” said Bill Hart, a Flight Options pilot. “We experience many of the same working conditions as NetJets pilots, and Local 1108 and the Airline Division clearly know our needs.” In early March, the National Mediation Board announced the 795 eligible pilots at Flight Options, a fractional aircraft ownership airline owned by Raytheon Company, overwhelmingly voted to become members of Local 1108 in Columbus, Ohio. With this, the pilots will be represented by the same union that represents more than 2,200 pilots at NetJets. Together, Flight Options and NetJets comprise approximately 82 percent of the fractional airline industry. “This is a great victory for Flight Options pilots,” said Hart, a member of the group’s organizing committee. “We look forward to working with Local 1108 as we work on negotiating our first contract.”

Extremely Pleased The pilots seek a contract with wages, ben- pilots access to the most desirable sched- move does not dissuade Local 1108, efits and working conditions comparable to ule, the seven-on, seven-off schedule, and though. industry standards, along with enhancements those who want to fly and therefore earn “We’re focused on pilot advocacy to existing job security and worker protec- more will have the chance to.” across the industry,” Olsen said. “Our tions. Flight Options pilot salaries, Local NetJets pilots fly some of the world’s goal is to establish industry standards that 1108 estimated, are approximately 25 to 30 wealthiest and most influential individuals remove substandard pilot wages from percent below NetJets pilots’. Of 795 eligible to destinations on-demand. With more the open consumer market. Why would voters, 533, or 67 percent, chose Teamster than half the market share, NetJets domi- we want to allow low pilot wages that representation, a remarkable number for an nates the industry, in part because the only subsidize air transportation for the airline industry election, which follows rules pilot workforce has been recognized for wealthy? We’re confident our consumer that differ from most union elections. its high professional standards throughout market can afford professional pilot com- “We’re extremely pleased with Flight the aviation industry. pensation.” Options pilots’ choice to join us,” said Bill “It’s good that pilots are being fairly compensated and rewarded for their hard Solid Support Olsen, Local 1108 President. “These are some work,” Cockrell said. “We deserve it.” During the final year of the NetJets pilots’ of the best pilots in the industry and they “Clearly, the pilots’ contract has had campaign, the workers created committees deserve a strong voice in their workplace.” a positive impact in the airline industry,” to handle negotiations, strike prepared- Like NetJets pilots, Flight Options pilots Treichler said, noting that pilots at another ness, communications and other matters. are based across the country and operate one fractional-ownership airline, Flexjet, have “The whole organization began with of the largest business aircraft fleets in world, expressed interest in joining Local 1108. a group of us being unsatisfied with how flying some of the world’s wealthiest and As a preemptive move, Flexjet manage- negotiations were going,” Vidovich said. well-known individuals in corporate America, ment announced that it would increase “Local 1108 started with lots of volunteer sports and entertainment. its pilots’ wages in May in response to the action working to represent workers and increased pay at NetJets. The company’s ensuring contract compliance.”

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 11 Fractional Action “This will be known NetJets Flight Attendants Approve First Contract as one of the key

he first of the new contracts at NetJets was “It’s been great being a Teamster,” said labor battles of Tratified late last year, when 87 percent of Chad Morrison, a seven-year mechanic. “I aviation history. Our voting NetJets flight attendants approved their wouldn’t have it any other way. The pay and organized movement first agreement with the Columbus, Ohio-based benefits are very good, and since I’ve been committed itself to company. Negotiated by Local 284 in Columbus, a steward, I’ve seen how our union—and oth- the contract secures strong wages, improves ers—are run. I’ve been very impressed by the succeed, regardless scheduling options, and includes language that Teamsters. It’s a great organization that works of how much a secures jobs against outsourcing. hard for its members.” company invested “This is a great contract,” said Michael “It’s been great being a Teamster,” said Zois, NetJets flight attendant and head of the Carl Rollins, a 26-year mechanic and 17-year to beat us.” workers’ executive council. “It secures bene- shop steward. “And it’s really made a differ- — BILL OLSEN, LOCAL 1108 PRESIDENT fits and working conditions that are important ence this past year, since the pilots and flight to us. I’ve heard lots of positive comments attendants got their contracts. It’s outstand- from fellow flight attendants, particularly concerning scheduling and wages.” The five-year contract enables flight attendants to work the same seven-days-on, seven- days-off schedule that many pilots follow and ensures that flight attendants receive fully paid health care coverage. “NetJets flight attendants receive industry- leading salaries and job security,” said Allen Price, Local 284’s President. “This contract will continue to reward them for their excep- tional service and dedication.” “As we continue to grow density at the ing to have all of us helping each other, and it “We had a wide range of people who airline and in the fractional aircraft ownership shows the company that we stand together. donated time, expertise and money in sub-industry, employees’ power increases,” As this issue went to press, the mechan- support of our efforts,” Olsen said. With said Don Treichler, Airline Division Director. ics are currently in contract negotiations with an influx of members’ donated time, Local “The contract benefits the flight attendants NetJets management. Their previous contract 1108 established a structure of committees and all Teamsters at NetJets.” became amendable in March 2004. Since that would handle key functions, such A “me, too” opener in the flight atten- their coworkers reached their agreements with as negotiating, communicating and orga- dants’ agreement was triggered when the the company, members on the mechanics’ nizing. pilots ratified their contract in November. As negotiating committee are upbeat. “The beautiful thing is, during bargain- this issue went to press, the flight attendants “In the airline industry today, outsourcing ing the company angered so many people were negotiating issues such as gateway threatens the livelihood of thousands of hard- that it made it easy for us to gather volun- access, wages and better contract language working men and women,” Price said. “Local teers,” Vidovich said. “But ever since we got concerning moving expenses, vacations and 284 and the Airline Division have drawn a line our contract, we’ve kept going. We have scheduling. “We aim to improve schedules in the sand at NetJets and other carriers. Our very ambitious plans.” and basing opportunities,” Zois said. chief concern in negotiations is ensuring that The local’s success doesn’t surprise long- Teamsters continue to have jobs here for a time Teamsters. “The Local 1108 leadership long time to come.” and membership have proven that they Mechanics and Related Workers “Being Teamsters is very important to have the power and discipline to represent Local 284 has represented aircraft main- us as we negotiate,” Rollins said. “Quite themselves,” Treichler said. “And this is clear tenance technicians, cleaners, fuelers and honestly, I don’t think we could do without to NetJets management and Flight Options supply clerks for more than three decades, it. It’s not just us mechanics working for this pilots as well.” both at NetJets and in the company’s previous contract—we have pilots and flight attendants “I can see why the NetJets pilots have incarnation, Executive Jet Aviation. The 157 and Teamsters all over the country. It’s like a been so successful,” said Bill Moore, Inter- workers are stationed in Columbus. big brother who has your back.” national Representative and Personal Rep- resentative for Local 1108.

12 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org “They’re among the most disciplined, to Olsen’s base in Salt Lake City in a Net- thanked Hoffa and the Airline Division organized and united pilots in the busi- Jets aircraft, to demonstrate the company’s for their support, as well as existing airline ness. They have created an incredibly effi- willingness to resume negotiations. pilots’ unions for their assistance. cient organization.” “It was Bill Boisture and myself,” Olsen “This will be known as one of the key said. The two reached an agreement on labor battles of aviation history,” Olsen A Visit from the CEO how to proceed and brought the nego- predicted. “Our organized movement By the time the NetJets pilots ratified tiating committees back to the table to committed itself to succeed, regardless of their contract on November 21, they had hammer out differences. The approach how much a company invested to been in contract negotiations with the worked—soon, the sides produced a ten- beat us.” company’s management for more than tative agreement that the NetJets pilots “This agreement assures a better future four years; their previous contract became ratified overwhelmingly. for pilots and their families,” Treichler said, amendable on October 1, 2001. In August referring to a new contract that had been a 2004, the pilots rejected, by 82 percent, a In Formation long time coming. “NetJets will no longer tentative agreement reached by the leader- Olsen, Luthi and Treichler visited Team- be a stepping stone to a career in the ship preceding Olsen, Vidovich and Luthi. sters headquarters in Washington, D.C. in aviation industry, but rather a company In December 2004, the new leadership December to meet with Hoffa. where pilots make their careers.” championed a new framework for success, “This is a monumental contract,” Hoffa “Management’s relationship with the which Olsen said “is based on transpar- said. “It’s the only one that’s ever hap- pilot group was leading NetJets to eventual ency and membership participation.” pened in the fractional aircraft ownership destruction,” Olsen said. “But by continu- After the pilots’ informational pickets industry. It will define a pilot’s potential ally focusing on core issues, like salary, at the Berkshire Hathaway meeting, they career within the business jet industry. scope of work and scheduling, we were staged similar events throughout the sum- I congratulate you and all NetJets pilots able to capture pilot support—and then mer and fall of last year. In July, the pilots who stepped up and laid the groundwork we played hardball. I have no doubt the voted overwhelmingly to authorize a for years to come.” pilot group knows how to turn the tables strike. NetJets President Bill Boisture flew On behalf of Local 1108, Olsen on management when they have to.”

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 13 W E

N NEW ZOO REVIEW Brookfield Zoo Workers Secure Wage Increases, Solid Health Insurance •••“You can’t just start out kissing a Marcatante said. “There are a lot of changes For the Birds walrus,” said Mark Gonka, a senior trainer in the previous contracts’ details that will add “No matter where I go, the common at Brookfield Zoo. “You have to build to it.” up to a much better workplace. And, the new thread is birds,” said Brandt, a 24-year Gonka began working at the Chicago- compassionate leave plan is the most gener- Local 726 member. On a recent afternoon, area zoo about eight years ago, just a few ous I have ever seen.” Brandt was stationed in the Brookfield months after Joan, a walrus, was intro- “It’s a very good contract. It builds on Zoo’s Feathers and Scales exhibit, which duced to the facility’s Seven Seas area. our earlier agreements,” said Gail Brandt, draws parallels between reptiles and birds. “When I first started working with a senior keeper of birds. “Our union has “Micronesian kingfishers, trumpeter Joan, I just fed her fish,” Gonka said. “But been extremely beneficial in looking at the hornbills, whitecrested turaco and guira slowly, she became comfortable around way the zoo structures its staff and how cuckoos live here,” Brandt said. “There are me. She’s very olfactory, so she’s trying to much staff there is. I think that keeping also Gila woodpeckers—from the same smell my breath—it’s not really a kiss. One an eye on that and making sure oppor- area as the Gila monster—and a burrow- day, I just lowered my head a little, and she tunities for promotions are there and ing owl, which actually lives on the ground raised hers.” continue to be there has been a significant and makes a burrow. To defend its nest, it A member of Chicago-based Local 726, accomplishment.” makes sounds like a rattlesnake.” Gonka also trains, feeds and tends to sea Since she began working at the zoo, lions, dolphins, seals and a Harris hawk Union Protections Brandt has tended birds all around the at the zoo. His job has taught him the “Because of the Teamsters importance of solid relationships, with the Union, we’re one of the animals he trains and his union. better-paying zoos in the “I’m happy with our new contract,” nation,” said Marcia Camp- Gonka said. “We got a solid deal with the bell, a senior keeper in Brook- pay increases and health care coverage. field’s Children’s Zoo and Local 726 has stood in to fight for our the Hamill Family Play Zoo rights here at work.” areas. “That’s great. It’s really ZOO According to the results of the zoo wonderful.” staff’s recent contract-ratification vote, A five-year Teamster, Gonka’s fellow Local 726 members agree. Campbell works with animals In March, members ratified, by a 99-33 that include lemurs, cows, tally, a new four-year contract that raises pigs, raptors, snakes, owls, wages and improves leave time. Depending bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, REVIEW on the season, up to 250 animal handlers, woodchucks, possums and groundskeepers, craftsmen and custodial invertebrates, such as scorpi- employees are represented by Chicago- ons, tarantulas, hissing cockroaches and zoo, as a handler and as a supervisor of based Local 726; the workers have been lubber grasshoppers. other handlers. She was briefly a member Teamsters for more than 30 years. “We work right in and around the visi- of the zoo’s management before returning tors on a daily basis,” Campbell said. “We to the flock of bird handlers. ‘A Great Contract’ try to introduce some of the children to “The flexibility is something I really like “This is a great contract for the workers the animals. I enjoy interaction with visi- about our contract,” Brandt said. “I’ve been of the Brookfield Zoo,” said Mike Marcat- tors the most, where someone can see a able to move up, in terms of responsibility ante, Local 726 business agent and Trustee. lemur or a llama up close.” and job title, and move back down. That’s “I think the zoo employees are going to be One of the areas Campbell said she important because at this point in my life I very happy for the next four years.” enjoys most about being a Teamster is enjoy working directly with the birds.” The contract features raises of 2.75 per- protection against disciplinary procedures. Brandt recognized the flexibility Local cent for each of its first two years and 3.25 “I think it’s beneficial to make sure some- 726 has incorporated into the workers’ percent for the contract’s final two years, a one isn’t unduly criticized,” Campbell said. contract. “What makes this challenging monthly on-call allowance and improved “It’s very nice to know that our union is is we’re responsible for living things that compassion leave time, training opportuni- there when it comes to employee-manage- don’t adhere to a timetable,” Brandt said. ties, disciplinary actions and leave for shop ment relations.” “For example, if a bird needs extra atten- stewards. The parties bargained for approxi- Along with wages, Campbell said she tion, it doesn’t necessarily stop needing mately four months on the agreement. The appreciates the paid holidays, sick days and that attention at 5 p.m. This makes things employees ratified the contract after Local 726 overtime guaranteed in her contract. “Those much more complicated. Things have to secured lower health insurance co-pay fees. are all great things,” she said. “I can’t even be taken care of when they need it. Having “This new contract includes a lot of great imagine working without those.” our union has been beneficial here.” benefits for the Brookfield Zoo workers,”

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 15 LearningLearning to LEAD James R. Hoffa Scholarship Eases Financial Burden

SCHOLARSHIP ALLOWS A STUDENT TO DO MUCH MORE THAN SIMPLY GO TO COLLEGE. IN MANY CASES, IT GIVES A STUDENT PEACE OF MIND. “The scholarship has allowed me to attend college this year without having to worry about working,” said Mindi Summers, a student at Stanford University and granddaughter of a Teamster. “I have been able to focus on my studies, experience life on the West Coast and participate in various activities.” Without the scholarship, Summers said none of that would Hoffa became a Teamster member in 1934 and served as General have been possible. President for 14 years. In recognition of his tireless service to the Summers is one of hundreds of college students around North union and its members, the scholarship was set up in 1999. America who is able to go to college with less of a financial bur- One hundred scholarships were awarded in this program year. den thanks to the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund. Applicants compete in one of the five geographic regions where A the Teamster parent or grandparent’s local union is located. What Labor Wants Thirty-one of the awards total $10,000 each. These four-year One of the first great labor leaders in the United States, Samuel scholarships are disbursed at the rate of $2,500 per year and are Gompers, helped define the economic and political goals of the renewable annually. Sixty-nine of the awards are one-time $1,000 American labor movement. In 1881, he had this to say: “What grants. These scholarships are disbursed to the college or univer- does labor want? We want more schoolhouses and less jails, more sity at the beginning of the recipient’s freshman year. books and less arsenals. More learning and less vice.” A better quality of life has always been a major goal of the labor Help for School movement and education has always been the best way to go about Students from around North America are in college from Maine achieving that goal. And each year, hundreds of college students are to California and have parents or grandparents in a diverse vari- furthering their education with help from the Teamsters Union. ety of Teamster jobs Every year, thousands of children and grandchildren of “My mom is a single parent and this scholarship has really Teamster members apply for a scholarship that was named for helped us out,” said Jessica Ortiz, a student at the University of one of the greatest labor leaders in American history. James R. the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.

16 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org Learning to LEAD

“The scholarship has allowed me to attend college this year without having to worry about working… I have been able to focus on my studies, experience life on the West Coast and participate in various activities.” —MINDI SUMMERS, STANFORD UNIVERSITY STUDENT

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 17 Ortiz’s mother has worked for UPS are helping ease the burden on working advocacy group. since 1986 and is a member of Local 657, families,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters Gen- According to the Center for Economic also in San Antonio. eral President. and Policy Research, 25 years ago, a stu- “My mom has always been proud to With so many young people graduating dent who worked full time during the be a Teamster member and says that the from college with five-figure student debts, summer at minimum wage could earn union has always been good to her,” Ortiz America faces a generation of college two-thirds their annual college costs. A said. “Being able to get help for school graduates who may have to simply find student earning minimum wage today from an organization that has helped so a way to pay back their debts rather than would have to work full-time for 12 much means a lot to both of us.” work toward bettering their communities months to afford one year at a four-year Ortiz said she wanted to attend the Uni- and their country. public school. versity of the Incarnate Word, a small, private America’s youth and the quality of its school, because they have a good communi- educational systems are the backbone of A Huge Difference cations department and small classes. America’s future. Developing a strong con- Beau Figliola’s grandfather is a retired “My major is communications and, right nection between students, local unions, Teamster truck driver who was a member now, I’m the assistant program director for educators and the world of work is impor- of Local 313 in Tacoma, Washington. Figli- the campus radio station,” she said. “I’m tant to the Teamsters Union. ola, from Puyallup, Washington, is attend- hoping to go into the radio business, but I The average college graduate will owe ing the University of Washington in Seattle. want to get my master’s degree for business. approximately $19,000 in 2006 and some “I knew paying for college would I’d like to work in broadcast journalism.” undergrads will incur debt exceeding be tough, so I took the guerilla warfare $40,000. Student debt has increased by approach to paying for it and basically Soaring Tuition 50 percent in the last 10 years after being applied for everything I was eligible for. The “At a time when college tuition is soaring, adjusted for inflation, according to the James R. Hoffa Scholarship was the biggest this is one of the many ways the Teamsters Project on Student Debt, a nonprofit one I was eligible for, so I was thrilled when I got it,” Figliola said. Currently, Figliola is studying business administration and is doing all his prerequisite classes. He’s not sure what he wants to do yet but is considering get- “My mom has always ting a minor in economics then getting a master’s degree in business administration. been proud to be a “I don’t know whether I want to go straight from school or work for a while,” Teamster member and he said. “I would like to go into financial analysis or corporate consulting.” says that the union has The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholar- ship helped him and his family in paying always been good to for school and Figliola is grateful for it. “Obviously, the money has helped a lot. her… Being able to get College is so expensive now,” he said. “This help for school from an scholarship has just made a huge difference.” Positive Contribution organization that has Summers, the Stanford student, also has a grandfather who is a retired Teamster helped so much means truck driver. He was a member of Local 400 in Cleveland. She first heard about a lot to both of us.” the scholarship from her uncle, another Teamster. —JESSICA ORTIZ, UNIVERSITY OF “I am currently planning on majoring THE INCARNATE WORD STUDENT in biology and I’m considering veterinary medicine,” Summers said. “However, this summer I am also exploring the field of

18 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org “Obviously, the money has helped a lot. College is so expensive now. This scholarship has just made a huge difference.” Knowledge for a Lifetime —BEAU FIGLIOLA, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON STUDENT Scholarships Awarded to Student Essayists n addition to the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship, there is also an essay contest Iwhere scholarships are awarded to the winners. Thirty children and grandchildren of Teamster members who participated in the paleontology through researching with a union’s first essay contest were awarded scholarships in 2005. The new scholarship pro- professor on campus.” gram rewarded essays about what growing up in a Teamster household had meant to the Putting the scholarship into a larger applicants. context, Summers said the James R. Hoffa The hundreds of submitted essays covered a wide range of issues, from how Team- Memorial Scholarship Fund furthers the ster benefits assisted their families to why it helped knowing their parents had a secure mission of the labor movement as a whole. job and safe future because they were union members. “The greatest achievement of the The new scholarship is offered to all students with a B average or better. union, I feel, is its role in the community. As the union continues to be a valuable protector of rights, it has risen to take A Big Success action in response to distress—for exam- “Thanks to all the supporters of the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship, we are ple, the union’s commitment to providing now able to give even more to Teamster children and grandchildren,” said Jim Hoffa, assistance to those affected by natural Teamsters General President. “Last year’s fundraising event was a big success. We look disasters and those in financial need,” forward to this year’s fundraiser and will continue to increase the scholarship awards if Summers said. possible.” “This scholarship is the result of many One way individuals can support the scholarships offered by the Teamsters Union is dedicated individuals and I feel honored to purchase items from the Teamster store at www.teamstersmerchandise.com. At the to know that I have such a great amount Teamster store, all items are 100 percent union-made and American-made. A portion of of support behind me,” she said. “With my the price of every item goes to the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund. education and the Teamsters behind me, I Donations can also be made directly to the fund. Information on the 2006 scholar- ultimately hope to find a career that makes ships will be available in July. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. a positive contribution to the community in some way.”

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 19 ORGANIZING

the newsroom on WHLD. “The Cashdollar, was a member of benefits are very, very good. The Local 264 when he worked at health care is very, very good— the Western New York Com- Radio Workers Tune to Teamsters Representation about the best there is.” mittee for Occupational Safety The three-year contract, and Health (WNYCOSH). his was an unusual tarily recognized the workers’ retroactive to March 1, was Brown-Cashdollar remained situation,” said Alex union with Cheektowaga, New ratified 10-0. The pact came neutral in the employees’ orga- “TBlair, morning drive- York-based Local 264. The about soon after the radio sta- nizing effort. time host at WHLD, a Buffalo, workers include 12 on-air per- tion began broadcasting in “Brian was covered with a New York-based radio station. sonalities, producers and board mid-February. good Local 264-negotiated con- “For everyone, it wasn’t a ques- operators at WHLD. “There’s a good reason tract at WNYCOSH,” Chismar tion of whether we’re going to “This is a great contract people haven’t heard of situ- said. “He wanted to make sure be union, it was a question of for the workers,” said M. Scott ations like this, that’s because employees at the radio station which one. We went with the Chismar, Local 264 Organizing this hasn’t happened before,” had good benefits as well. And Teamsters because they have Director. “The pay is fair and it Blair said. “We’re the first inde- to Brian’s credit, he did. It’s not the best benefits.” has a tremendously rich benefit pendently owned, commercial easy but he ensured that every DialedBlair and his fellow employIn - package, including fully paid progressive radio station in the employee receives full health ees unanimously approved health insurance provided by country.” care coverage.” their first contract in early the Upstate New York Team- After the radio workers March, less than a week after sters plan.” Employer Neutrality became Teamsters, the twist on Niagara Independent Media, “It’s a spectacular contract,” The founder of Niagara Inde- the common organizing-and- the operator of WHLD, volun- said Joe Schmidbauer, host of pendent Media, Brian Brown- contract campaign continued, as a robust pact was negotiated and ratified in less than a week. “The representation-and- contract process was lightning- fast,” Chismar said. “Being a veteran of many vicious anti- union employer campaigns, this was a pleasant experience. We’d welcome more of these types of campaigns.”

20 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org L O C A L 6 7 3 all workers in maintenance at “The group held strong and tary-Treasurer. Frontier,” said Matthew Faza- did not buckle under the com- Local 166 is already pro- VWR International kas, President of Local 961 in pany’s heavy anti-union tactics,” viding strong representation. orkers at VWR Interna- Denver. “It strengthens the jobs said Bill DeGroot, a business For example, a mechanic who tional in Batavia, Illinois and benefits of all Teamsters at agent at Local 961 in Denver. recently returned from the Wvoted to join Local 673 the airline.” “We want to thank all of the war in Iraq was at odds with in West Chicago, Illinois. The The victory follows Team- members of Local 961 for their the company over her back bargaining unit is made up ster-negotiated contracts rati- help in this campaign, along pay and benefits owed to her of 79 warehouse and mainte- fied by two groups of Frontier with the valued assistance from under the Uniformed Services nance workers. coworkers. Approximately 270 International Representatives Employment and Reemploy- “I am very happy the workers mechanics—represented by Ed Bagwell and Brad Slawson,” ment Act (USERRA). of VWR International made the Local 961, Local 986 in South said Matthew Fazakas, Presi- Local 166 leaders went to decision to join the Teamsters,” El Monte, California, and dent of Local 961. “Our plan bat for the worker, and the said Santiago Perez Jr., a Local Local 41 in Kansas City, Mis- to organize the DHL ICCs in company agreed to pay her 673 organizer. “The organizing souri—ratified their three-year Colorado is on schedule, with one year’s worth of back salary, committee did an excellent job, contract in January. In Septem- two sites organized and six moved her to a higher job clas- and it was great to get help from ber 2005, approximately 120 other groups on the horizon.” sification and will pay her all Teamsters working with VWR in aircraft appearance agents— the vacation and holiday time other states.” who are Local 961 members— L O C A L 1 6 6 she accrued while at war. The extra help came from agreed to their first contract, “We are pleased to help this Local 676 in Collingswood, that prohibits subcontracting Omnitrans veteran, and we look forward New Jersey and Local 853 in San work. Both contracts also ore than 130 workers at to providing solid representa- Leandro, California. Local 676 strengthened workers’ wages a public transit company tion to all the employees at has represented VWR employees and benefits. Mnow have a strong voice Omnitrans,” Bergen said. in Bridgeport, New Jersey for “These contracts definitely as Teamsters after voting to more than 35 years, and Local had an effect on the election,” join Local 166 in Bloomington, L O C A L 3 2 6 853 has represented the VWR Fazakas said. “They show the California. employees in Brisbane, Califor- stability of a union contract, The mechanics, mainte- M.A.B. Paints nia for more than 50 years. the pay increases and the ben- nance workers, fuelers, tire orkers at M.A.B. Paints “Current VWR Teamsters at efits, and it’s all in writing. The repairers and clerical workers distribution warehouse Locals 853 and 676 sent letters company has promised the at Omnitrans in San Bernardi- Win Newark, Delaware to the Batavia workers, citing workers things but wound up no, California voted 81-23 to voted to join Local 326, based recent successes the Teamsters not actually coming through join the local. The 133 workers in nearby New Castle. have brought them,” said Rick with what it said it would.” had been represented by an Local 169 represents Whitcomb, another Local 673 Local 961 is sending con- association, but they received approximately 25 workers at a organizer. “Some of the stew- tract surveys to the stock clerks poor representation. Omni- similar warehouse in the Phila- ards even offered their personal as workers begin the process of trans provides bus service in delphia area. A representative phone numbers for the work- forming a negotiating commit- the San Bernardino Valley. of Local 169 called John Ryan ers to call. That really shows a tee. The local has begun sched- “Their biggest concern was Sr., President of Local 326, strong level of support.” uling dates to begin contract getting real representation, to tell him the company had negotiations with the company. the kind that only the Team- recently opened a warehouse L O C A L 9 6 1 sters can provide,” said Tom in his jurisdiction. L O C A L 9 6 1 Lewellen, an organizer and “The workers here have Frontier Airlines business agent with Local 166. gone too long without a pay n overwhelming majority BUC Transport “They also want better, more increase—they want fair pay and of the 19 stock clerks at rivers for BUC Transport, affordable health and welfare equal treatment,” Ryan said. “But ADenver-based Frontier Air- a DHL independent cart- benefits. Right now, they pay their main concern is respect lines voted to become members Dage contractor (ICC) about $600 per month for fam- and dignity on the job. They of Local 961. The stock clerks’ in Boulder, Colorado chose ily health coverage.” know that a Teamster contract victory was influenced by two Local 961 for representation. A “Soon we’ll have a second will help achieve their goals.” Teamster-negotiated contracts majority of the workers voted meeting with the company to There are seven workers in ratified recently by approximately in favor of the Teamsters Union discuss contract issues, and the bargaining unit, but that 400 coworkers. in a hard-fought battle with the we’re looking forward to nego- number is expected to grow, “This is a great result not company. There are 27 workers tiating a strong contract,” said Ryan said. only for the stock clerks but for in the bargaining unit. Mike Bergen, Local 166 Secre-

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 21 Dennis Nave had a not the best care,’” Dr. Nave said. “It had patient, a 37-year-old gotten so bad that the insurance companies man with kids, who were really dictating what the doctors did on needed an operation for a day-to-day basis. After that, I thought, ‘the Dr.his kidney cancer. In order to perform the only way to fix this is through a union.’” surgery, Dr. Nave needed the insurance So that’s just what he and his coworkers company to approve it. did. Dr. Nave and approximately 250 other When he finally got in touch with doctors in Syracuse, New York and the the insurance company, he didn’t get the surrounding community overwhelmingly answer he was looking for. voted to join Local 1149 in Syracuse. “From his cell phone on the golf course, “There is a crisis in the delivery of med- this guy told me, ‘He is entitled to good care, ical care in this community that needs to be addressed, and we need to take strong Just What the measuresmeasures toto fixfix it,”it,” Dr.Dr. NaveNave said.said. Doctor Ordered 250 Doctors Join the Union to Offset Insurance Company Demands An Important Step “I saw many people denied care and, Frustrated from dealing with an over- because of that, had prolonged disabili- bearing insurance industry that was basi- ties,” Dr. Nave said. “This affects everyone, cally telling doctors what they could and from employers to coworkers to families.” couldn’t do, the doctors were fed up. Excellus Health Plan Inc., the area’s Life and Death Decisions “If we have collective largest health insurer, saw their profits Nave and his fellow doctors said the situ- bargaining, we will have skyrocket by 88 percent in 2005. Despite ation was horrible until the Teamsters this, Excellus demanded double-digit stepped in. the ability to negotiate increases from its subscribers, imposed “The insurance company was calling 20 percent cuts in fees paid to doctors and the shots and the doctors just wanted into contracts some then turned around and gave millions to practice medicine again,” Richmond of dollars in bonuses to the company’s said. “Life and death decisions were being fairness and some executives. made by the insurance company and the sanity into how patients “This kind of behavior is uncalled for doctors got fed up with it.” from a nonprofit organization that tells The Syracuse doctors are the first pri- are treated. If we can doctors, hospitals and patients that they vate practitioners in the nation to join the treat them properly the Just What the have to make do with less,” said Dr. Nave, Teamsters Union and, according to Rich- a family physician. mond and Nave, won’t be the last. “Every labor agreement we negotiate “Once other doctors see the benefits of first time, everybody typically focuses on health care, so this joining a union like the Teamsters, more will save money.” is an important first step in attempting will want to join,” Richmond said. Doctor Ordered to fix a health care system that is clearly – DR. DENNIS NAVE, LOCAL 1149 broken,” said Steve Richmond, President More Clout of Local 1149 in Baldwinsville, New York. “We wanted the Teamsters because they “We are thrilled to welcome the doctors have clout,” Dr. Nave said. “With the into our organization.” Teamsters, we hope to restore our ability to make patient care decisions without Open Up and Say ‘Teamsters’ being overruled by insurance companies.” The doctors chose the Teamsters because “We’re going to have a good relation- of their ability to provide local representa- ship with these workers,” Richmond said. tion in the review of contracts with insur- “The doctors shopped around the looked ance carriers, for a more effective voice into a lot of different unions. Once they on legislative matters in Albany, as well as took a closer look at the Teamsters Union, a more effective approach in recruiting the doctors saw what we are about and other doctors. they liked what they saw.” “Joining the union wasn’t a monetary “When you deny care to a patient, it issue for us,” Dr. Nave said. “We were tired has a domino effect,” Dr. Nave said. “It’s of basically being controlled by an insur- a concern for all consumers. If we have ance company. As doctors, we are the collective bargaining, we will have the ones who should dictate how medicine is ability to negotiate into contracts some practiced.” fairness and some sanity into how The interference by Excellus grew to patients are treated. If we can treat them be a daily problem, where the company properly the first time, everybody will would micromanage everything—not just save money.” doctors but the patients.

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 23 DRIVE TO SUCCEED Teamsters Political Action Committee Puts Michigan Teamsters to Work

24 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org DRIVE TO SUCCEED

hen Kevin Moore first took over as President of Local has directly benefited the members of Local 299. Last year, the 299 in Detroit, he was determined to build a political automaker announced its intention to have nonunion carri- program that would help grow his membership. As ers haul the new model Ford Mustang. Initial conversations Wa first step, he contacted the Teamsters Government with the company went nowhere, as representatives from Ford Affairs Department and asked for help in setting up a DRIVE made it clear that they saw no downside to making the work campaign at Local 299’s worksites. nonunion. The Democrat Republican Independent Voter Education But then something happened that the company had not fund (DRIVE) is one of the leading political action commit- expected and—more importantly—could not ignore. tees in the nation and consistently ranks in the top three in the Ford executives started getting calls from elected officials North American labor movement. Voluntary contributions from letting them know the advantages to having members of individual Teamsters provide the lifeblood of DRIVE, with most Local 299 haul their new Mustang. Over the years, the Gov- participants giving one or two dollars a week to the fund. ernor’s office, state legislators and city officials had helped “Five years ago, we weren’t even in the top 25 local unions Ford in the name of job creation. Now Ford was hearing nationally when it came to the percentage of members in back from those same officials that the jobs being created in DRIVE,” Moore said. “Today we’re ranked number one in this case should be Teamster jobs. Michigan and third in the nation, and that increase in political activism is paying dividends for our members.” A Clear Message “My message to Ford was clear,” said Raymond Basham, Michigan Direct Benefit State Senator for the 8th District. “I wanted these jobs to have a Moore cited a recent problem with Ford Motor Company as decent wage and meaningful benefits, and the only way to ensure the perfect example of how increased participation in DRIVE that is to give the work to a carrier with a Teamster contract.”

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 25 As the political pressure mounted, the in the union’s 2004 presidential election largely out of a belief among certain company eventually realized its only option program. Members of the local took time unions that more political action must was to re-bid the work to a union carrier. off from their jobs and received training be directly focused at growing the labor “I have a job today because my local in worksite education and mobilization. movement. union is a strong supporter of DRIVE,” Teamsters who participated in the politi- “When it came to politics, too many said Michael Rich, one of the members of cal program developed the skills necessary people in the labor movement forgot our Local 299 who now hauls the Ford Mus- not just to promote candidates and legisla- reason for existing,” said Tom Keegel, tang. “I’m living proof of how contribut- tive issues, but also to assist with organiz- Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer. ing to DRIVE helps make our union not ing drives using the same ability to talk “Along with our sister unions in Change just stronger, but larger.” one-on-one with workers. to Win, we’re putting politicians on notice Michael Rich is not alone. More than In addition to readying this army of that a commitment to helping us organize 100 other members of Local 299 are on trained political activists, Local 299 also more members is at the top of our legisla- the job hauling the new Mustang. took the unusual step of funding a part- tive agenda.” time position to sign members up to “Many of our friends in elective office Close Ties DRIVE. Organizer Al Hinojosa now splits stand with us on important issues because “It’s the same story every time a big corpo- his time between recruiting new members they share our underlying commitment ration wants to try to trim costs,” said Jim and promoting DRIVE. to working families,” Moore said. “But Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “They “Serving in both capacities is very while they may not admit it, politicians do know if they can shift the work to non- rewarding,” Hinojosa said. “I get to see make a point of knowing which unions union companies then it’s open season for firsthand how signing members to DRIVE train their members in political action and hacking away at workers’ rights, wages and pays off when we’re on an organizing which locals strongly support their politi- benefits. As the Ford experience at Local campaign and need a little extra boost cal action committees.” 299 proves, in those situations it never from our friends in elective office.” hurts to have friends in high places.” Winning in California Building close ties with elected offi- Changing to Grow Last year’s Special Election in California cials is neither quick nor easy, but it does What’s happening at Local 299 is hap- proved the importance of being ready for pay off. Local 299 has been working on pening on the national level as well. The an assault on union members’ rights to it for years, including their participation Change to Win federation was born political speech.

26 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org Fighting Back DRIVE Helps Grow the Labor Movement ith my job and my family, I don’t have time to get heavily involved in political “Wcampaigns,” said Pat Hendrix of Local 391 in Greensboro, North Carolina. “But I know that the Teamsters Union is out there fighting for me and other working families every day, and contributing to DRIVE is my way of joining that effort.” In recent years, labor has often found itself on the defensive in the political arena. Efforts to stifle the rights of union members to participate in the political process have emerged as one of Big Business’ major goals. Anti-worker special interests know that if they can muzzle union members, they will have a clear path to lower working standards, gut wages, repeal workers’ rights and continue to hack away at pensions and other important benefits. “Corporate America outspends labor unions 17-to-1 in elections and they’re doing everything they can to widen that gap,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “Contributing to DRIVE is a great way for members to fight back.”

“Big Business wanted to make it harder On the Offensive for working Californians to join a union In many so-called “right-to-work” jurisdictions, the Teamsters are going on the offen- so, as a first step, they got Governor sive by launching efforts to overturn anti-organizing laws in city halls and statehous- Schwarzenegger to hold a referendum es. In Tennessee, the campaign to organize law enforcement officers has included aimed at cutting off our right to political an aggressive political program aimed at overturning municipal statutes prohibiting speech,” said Randy Cammack, Interna- the rights of police to organize. tional Vice President and Secretary-Trea- “The employers, in this case local governments, thought they could stop us surer of Local 63 in Covina, California. simply by pointing at their anti-organizing laws,” said Jesse Case, who has served as Local 63 ranks number one nationally in the lead organizer in the law enforcement campaign. “But when their switchboards total contributions to DRIVE. started lighting up and we started showing up in large numbers at their weekly “Thanks to DRIVE, we were ready for meetings, they realized we weren’t going to go away until these officers had the that fight and we beat the Governor and right to organize.” his cronies in the Special Election,” Cam- Whether playing offense or defense in the political arena, contributions to DRIVE mack said. are used to support a number of activities, including: Today, California remains a state that ■ Implementing voter registration programs; respects a union member’s right to politi- ■ Providing financial support for political candi- cal speech, as well as a worker’s right to dates who have a proven record of working for Team- join a union. And for Teamsters across the sters—not against them; country, joining DRIVE is still one of the ■ Keeping Teamsters and their families informed on easiest ways to help grow the union. key issues; and “My father used to have a saying: ■ Supporting rallies, news conferences, advertise- Every member an organizer,” Hoffa said. ments and phone banks to build support for issues “By giving just one or two dollars a week of concern to working people. to DRIVE, any Teamster can become an Take time today to strengthen the collective voice organizer because today, political lever- of working families and help grow the labor move- age is a critical part of any organizing ment. Contact your local union to find out how you campaign.” can join DRIVE.

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 27 rnest Farmer and his coworkers at Hertz Rent-A-Car made history recently by joining the Teamsters, breaking new ground in North Carolina. E“This is an historic victory as the Hertz workers in Charlotte become the only orga- A First nized rental car workers in the state of North Carolina,” said Ted Russell, President of Local 71 in Charlotte, which will represent the new members. “We look forward to negotiating a strong contract for our newest members.” At Hertz The victory is the latest in the union’s efforts to organize workers at rental car Rental Car Workers Make History in North Carolina agencies across the country. Recently, the Teamsters have organized more than 230 workers at rental car companies. In the latest win, Farmer said he and his coworkers at the Charlotte airport were sick and tired of not being able to challenge management’s decisions. “When workers challenge management’s authority, they face getting fired,” said Farmer, who drives a courtesy bus at the airport. “The company’s decision is

28 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org Rental Car Pile Up Recent Teamster victories include: ■ Local 385, Orlando, Florida—140 workers at National Alamo vehicle rental. Most of the service agents, turn-back agents and mechanics work at Orlando International Airport. A small group works at a center at Disney World; ■ Local 495, Pico Rivera, California—50 workers at the National Alamo rental agency at Ontario Airport in Ontario, California won card-check recognition from the company. The recognition from the company is “wall to wall,” covering rental agents, service agents, mechanics, greeters, booth agents, tire and lube service- men, car service drivers and shuttle drivers; and ■ Local 299, Detroit—11 workers at Hertz at the Detroit Metro Airport. In a campaign aided by volunteer organizers, the 11 workers now have a strong voice. The workers install child seats and make other preparations for customers, and clean rental cars upon their return. Local 299 represents all the other Hertz workers—approximately 400 of them—at Detroit Metro Airport.

final, and workers have no recourse.” The campaign got a boost from religious, ber, voted for the Teamsters because the “This victory came despite an intense political and community leaders, as well as union has done a great job representing anti-union campaign by management other unions. Supporters wrote letters and her mother, who works for the city’s pub- that included terminations of three union made phone calls in support of the workers’ lic transit system. supporters and the managers falsely telling desire to unionize. “My mother was unfairly fired and the workers that they would lose their 401(k) “Thank you to all of you who stood Teamsters helped her get her job back,” if they voted for the union,” said Matt with the Hertz workers by writing let- Jackson said. “I’m excited to be a Teamster Emmick, an organizer with Local 71. ters and making phone calls,” Russell because I know the union will be there for The counter sales representatives and said. “Many workers said that knowing me if I get treated unfairly.” courtesy bus drivers voted 25-8 to choose the larger community was behind them Local 71. There are 33 workers in the bar- helped them stand strong.” A Stronger Voice gaining unit. Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges are Ben Tolufashe, a counter sales representa- still pending regarding the three firings and tive, has worked at Hertz in Charlotte for Change Needed should be resolved soon, Emmick said. five years and at Hertz in Austin, Texas for “Workers can invest years at Hertz and, two and a half years. if they speak up, face losing it all in just Great Representation Tolufashe said the health insurance is too seconds,” Farmer said. “That needs to be Farmer, who has worked at Hertz since expensive, and many workers cannot afford changed.” last summer, said workers will have a the cost, which is about $100 per week. “The workers are seeking to end the stronger voice as Teamsters. Whether the battle is for more afford- unfair discipline system they face and they “I’m optimistic that we can get the able health insurance, a grievance proce- want a procedure to challenge manage- changes so management doesn’t think it dure or fighting for fairness, Tolufashe said ment’s decisions,” Emmick said. “Workers can do whatever it wants because we have he and his coworkers are already stronger. are also seeking affordable health insur- no recourse,” Farmer said. “We’re Teamsters. The company ance and they want to be treated with dig- Sharon Jackson, another bus driver wouldn’t listen to us before. But now we nity and respect.” who has worked at Hertz since last Octo- have a stronger voice,” he said.

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 29 IRB REPORT 9 4

The IRB notified Joint Council 53 that its decision was REPORT 94 TO ALL MEMBERS not inadequate. OF THE INTERNATIONAL In December 1998 the IRB recommended to Members BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS of the Executive Board of Joint Council 53 that Mr. Ryan be charged with, while suspended from all IBT-affiliated FROM: Independent Review Board positions and IBT membership, continuing to be involved Benjamin R. Civiletti in the IBT national election and campaign functions. Joint Joseph E. diGenova Council 53’s finding was that Mr. Ryan be permanently William H. Webster barred from all IBT-affiliated union positions, including DATED: April 20, 2006 membership in the IBT and prohibited from receiving compensation from IBT or any IBT-affiliated source. On I. INTRODUCTION February 18, 1999, and in more detail on November 15, This is the Independent Review Board’s (“IRB”) 1999, the IRB notified Joint Council 53 and counsel to Ninety-fourth Report to you on its activities conducted Mr. Ryan that the decision was not inadequate. pursuant to the Consent Order. In this Report, we will After new counsel to Mr. Ryan notified the IRB of his discuss the status of previous IRB charges about which we pending lawsuit and contacts with Judge Preska for dis- have previously informed you. position of this matter, Application 122 was made by the IRB for ruling by Judge Preska. Judge Preska has received all requested responses to the application. II. STATUS OF PREVIOUS IRB CHARGES C. EDMUND BURKE - LOCAL 631, LAS VEGAS, A. JOHN KIKES - LOCAL 78, HAYWARD, NEVADA CALIFORNIA We have previously informed you that Local 631 Secre- We have previously informed you that John Kikes, tary-Treasurer Edmund Burke allegedly brought reproach International Representative and Local 78 President, alleg- upon the IBT and violated his fiduciary duty by failing edly brought reproach upon the IBT when, subsequent to to investigate or to act in response to Local 631 business William T. Hogan, Jr.’s permanent bar from the IBT, he agent Frank Incandella’s repeated admissions that he had had knowing and purposeful contact with him. General contact with Dane Passo in violation of the Consent Order President Hoffa filed the charges against Mr. Kikes and after Passo was permanently barred from the IBT. Mr. appointed a hearing panel. A hearing was held Septem- Hoffa adopted and filed the proposed charges, appointed ber 15 and 16, 2005. a hearing panel and a hearing was held April 4, 2006. By decision of October 20, 2005, Mr. Hoffa accepted the recommendation of the hearing panel and permanent- D. ROBERT RILEY - LOCAL 714, BERWYN, ly barred Mr. Kikes from the IBT or any other IBT-affili- ILLINOIS ated entity or Fund and from contact and association with We have previously informed you that Local 714 Direc- officers, members, employees, representatives and agents tor of Organizing Robert Riley allegedly brought reproach of the IBT or any other IBT-affiliated entity or Fund. upon the IBT and violated his membership oath when After review of appeal documents from counsel to Mr. he, subsequent to November 17, 2003, had knowing and Kikes and from the Chief Investigator, the IRB notified purposeful contact with William T. Hogan, Jr., who had General President Hoffa and counsel to Mr. Kikes that been permanently barred from the IBT on May 29, 2002. it found the IBT decision to be not inadequate. The IRB Mr. Hoffa filed the charges and appointed a hearing panel then made Application 121 to Judge Preska for review. which held a hearing on January 20, 2006. On March 21, 2006, counsel notified Judge Preska that he On February 10, 2006, Mr. Hoffa adopted the panel’s must withdraw as counsel for Mr. Kikes. Judge Preska has recommendation and reissued it as the decision of the extended the time for Mr. Kikes to file papers in connec- General President. Mr. Riley is permanently barred from tion with Application 121. the IBT and any IBT-affiliated entity or Fund and is permanently barred from contact and association with offi- B. THOMAS RYAN - LOCAL 107, cers, members, employees, representatives and agents of PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA the IBT or any other IBT-affiliated entity or Fund. In the last issue of the Teamster magazine we informed The IRB requested that Mr. Riley and counsel to Mr. you that Joint Council 53 issued its 1996 decision that Riley furnish any objections to the IBT decision to the IRB. former President of Local 107 Thomas Ryan be removed Objections were received by the IRB on March 7, 2006. from office, barred and prevented from running for or On March 23, 2006, the IRB notified General President holding office or working for an IBT local or affiliate for Hoffa that the panel’s report and recommendation con- five years, and suspended from membership for five years. tained inaccurate and legally incorrect information and it

30 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org IRB REPORT 9 4

found his February 10, 2006, decision to be inadequate. in the past, all calls which appeared to fall within IRB juris- In his response of April 3, 2006, Mr. Hoffa advised diction were referred for investigation. Activities which that the panel prepared another report which he reviewed should be reported for investigation include, but are not and adopted as his own and reissued it as the decision of limited to, association with organized crime, corruption, the General President. The IRB notified Mr. Hoffa that it racketeering, embezzlement, extortion, assault, or failure found the IBT decision to be not inadequate. to investigate any of these. To assure that all calls are treated confidentially, the E. JERRY VINCENT - LOCAL 783, LOUISVILLE, system recording hotline calls is located in a cipher-locked KENTUCKY IRB room on a dedicated line and accessed by IRB staff We have previously informed you that Local 783 Sec- only. It is not manned by an investigator; however, the retary-Treasurer Jerry Vincent allegedly brought reproach recorded information if complete and within IRB jurisdic- upon the IBT and violated his membership oath when he, tion is forwarded directly to the Investigations Office. subsequent to Michael C. Bane’s permanent bar from the Please continue to use the toll-free hotline to report IBT on July 17, 2001, and William T. Hogan, Jr.’s perma- improprieties which fall within IRB jurisdiction by calling nent bar from the IBT on May 29, 2002, had knowing 1-800-CALL-IRB (1-800-225-5472). If you are calling and purposeful contact with Mr. Bane and Mr. Hogan. from within Washington, DC, dial 202-434-8085. General President Hoffa filed the charges and appointed a hearing panel. A hearing was held on February 24, 2006. IV. CONCLUSION By decision of March 29, 2006, Mr. Hoffa accepted the As always, our task is to ensure that the goals of the recommendation of the hearing panel and suspended Mr. Consent Order are fulfilled. In doing so, it is our desire to Vincent from office, membership and employment for a keep the IBT membership fully informed about our activi- period of one year. The IRB has the matter under review. ties. If you have any information concerning allegations of F. ROBERT D’ANGELO - LOCAL 813, LONG wrongdoing or corruption, you may call the toll-free hot- ISLAND CITY, NEW YORK line noted above, you may use the IRB facsimile number We have previously informed you that the IRB issued 202-434-8084, or you may write to either the IRB Chief an Investigative Report to General President Hoffa who Investigator or the IRB office: adopted and filed the charges against Local 813 member Robert D’Angelo for knowingly associating with members Charles M. Carberry, Chief Investigator of organized crime. He then referred the charges back to 17 Battery Place, Suite 331 the IRB for a hearing. The IRB hearing was held on April New York, NY 10004 19, 2006. Independent Review Board III. TOLL-FREE HOTLINE 444 North Capitol Street, N.W. Since our last report to you, the hotline has received Suite 528 approximately 55 calls reporting alleged improprieties. As Washington, DC 20001

www.teamster.org | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | TEAMSTER 31 60Marty Peters Years is Longest-Serving of UPS Teamster Service n March 7, 2006, Marty Peters celebrated a mile- stone: 60 years of continuous service at UPS. The only other person in the history of the company who has worked longer is its founder. “I have worked for UPS since 1946,” Peters said. “And OI have been a proud member of Local 243 in Detroit since then.” When he reports for his regular 3:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. shift, this Macomb Township, Michigan resident splits his time between the cab of a heavy truck moving trailers among the loading docks at a UPS center in Detroit. He also works inside part of the time helping packages with incorrect addresses find their way to recipients. “What brother Peters has achieved is commendable,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “After 60 years on the job, he is still working as hard as he was on his first day.”

Remarkable Anniversary In his 60 years with the company, Peters has only taken five sick days. “It is the commitment of Teamster like Marty Peters that make UPS a company that people look up to,” said Ken Hall, Parcel and Small Package Division Director. “Teamsters at UPS have always been among the nation’s most dedicated workers and Marty is a perfect example of that.” Peters was just out of the Army and had returned from serving in World War II when he went to work at UPS. He started out making 95 cents an hour and appreciated that UPS provided his uniform, complete with brown bowtie. “Back then, everyone had to be dressed like that. You had your bowtie on and your shoes shined,” he said.

Thanks to Teamsters Sixty years later, he has a few more benefits than when he started, and he thanks the Teamsters for making his 60 years with one company enjoyable. “The Teamsters are great,” Peters said. “We wouldn’t be where we are without the Teamsters. With them, you know you always have a good, secure job.” UPS has 68 active employees who have been with the company for at least 40 years, but only Peters has passed the 50-year mark. Work isn’t the only thing that keeps Peters occupied. He is still happily married to his wife of 55 years, Chris- tine. They have four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

32 TEAMSTER | JUNE/JULY 2 0 0 6 | www.teamster.org ELECTION SUPERVISOR’S REPORT TO IBT MEMBERS

Candidate Nominations At The Convention: – The 27th International Convention of the IBT is scheduled to convene on June 26, 2006 and have sessions each day through Friday, June 30. Delegates at the convention nominate candidates for IBT international union office.

The schedule for nominations is stated in the Supplemental Election Supervisor Rules for the 27th International IBT Convention. Copies can be obtained at the Election Supervisor’s Office at the Convention, located in the Gold Ballroom at Bally’s, or by downloading them from www.ibtvote. org. The Supplemental Rules also govern procedures for floor nominations, floor speeches in support of nominations, campaign activity, floor demonstrations, voting procedures, and observer rights for all aspects of the nominations. The Supplemental Rules and Article III, § 5 of the Rules for the 2005-2006 IBT International Union Delegate and Officer Election set out all the rules that govern the nomination process.

To be nominated to run for IBT international office, a candidate nominated from the Convention floor must receive at least five percent (5%) of the votes cast in the secret ballot nomination vote for that office. Only delegates accredited by the Office of the Election Supervisor are eligible to cast votes in the secret ballot nomination voting. A candidate for union-wide office (General President, General Secretary-Treasurer, at-large Vice President, International Trustee) must receive at least five percent of the secret ballot nomination votes cast by all delegates. A candidate nominated from the floor for a regional Vice-President position must receive at least five percent of the secret ballot nomination votes cast by all delegates from the floor nominee’s region.

Delegate Elections By The Numbers: – 614 IBT Local Unions, GCC Local Unions, BLET General Committees of Adjustment, and BMWED System Federations elected delegates to the 27th International Convention of the IBT: almost all of these elections were conducted since January 1, 2006. There were 152 contested elections for Convention delegate; the other delegates were nominated without opposition. Here is the breakdown of delegates expected to attend the Convention: # OF DELEGATES # OF ALTERNATE DELEGATES IBT Locals 1,583 985 GCC Locals 112 95 BMWED SFs 46 36 BLET GCAs 57 38 TOTAL 1,798 1,154

These are the figures available at the time this magazine went to press, before accreditation was completed. The final number of accredited delegates and the number of alternates remaining at the end of accreditation may be different than stated here.

General Election Dates: – If any of the IBT international offices are contested after the nominating Convention, the Office of the Election Supervisor will conduct the general election. We expect that ballots would be mailed to the entire IBT membership on October 10, 2006, and that the ballot count would start on November 13, 2006 continuing each day to completion. Details of the balloting and count will be published in coming issues of this magazine, and on www.ibtvote.org.

Candidate Forum: – If the office of IBT General President is contested after the nominating Convention, the candidates for that office (or, if they choose, their General Secretary Treasurer running mates) must participate in a candidate forum where they will have an opportunity to address issues affecting the IBT and its members. The forum will be recorded and the recording will be made available for distribution to members. Check www.ibtvote.org after the Convention for details about the date, time and location of the candidate forum.

Richard W. Mark Election Supervisor The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund 2006 Essay Contest

Topic: Describe how the Teamsters Union has benefited your family and explain how you might use your education to involve the labor movement in your future.

For Students attending a community college, 4-year institution or a tech- nical/vocational program, Age 23 and Younger, who are Children or Grandchildren of Teamster Members.

For an application, contact your Teamsters Local Union office or visit www.teamster.org

Deadline for submissions is September 29, 2006