REFORMLEAD AFL-CIO MOVEMENTTEAMSTERS TO INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS AUGUST 2005

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ORGANIZINGORGANIZING 1,0001,000 SchoolSchool WorkersWorkers JoinJoin LocalLocal 763763 www.teamster.org ININ THISTHIS ISSUEISSUE 8 2 TEAMSTER NEWS l Coke Teamsters Preserve Health Care FEATURES l Local 326 Saves Carhaul Jobs l Contract Victory At 8 Class Act Atlanta Gas Light 1,000 Seattle-Area School l Lab Assistants Join Workers Join Local 763 Local 283 l JAB Members Win 14 Politically Correct Boxing Titles Joint Council 25’s Political Program Is A Winner 20 ORGANIZING l Mail Center Workers 16 Growing The Union Join Local 117 2005 Unity Conference Focuses l On New Members Islandwide Express 16 Drivers Join Puerto Rico Local 26 The Power Of Diversity l Local 340 Welcomes Teamster Women Strategize For The Police Officers Future At Women’s Conference l Delivery Drivers Choose Local 25 32 Top Dogs l Bread Drivers Join K-9 Team Earns Honorary Local 734 Teamster Membership 3030 COURTCOURT MATERIALMATERIAL 26

22 A New World At Quebecor Teamsters, Company Reach www.teamster.org

Organizing Agreement International Brotherhood of Teamsters 25 Louisiana Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001-2198 202-624-6800

The Teamster (ISSN 1083-2394) is the official publication 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. AUGUST 2005, VOLUME 102, NO. 5 © 2005 International Brotherhood of Teamsters. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written 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. A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL PRESIDENT Rebuilding The Labor Movement here has never been a greater time with their families. That was called the urgency to organize the American Dream, but that dream has been unorganized. stolen from American workers. Big Business has never been more That is why the Teamsters—along with the powerful than it is today. And the con- SEIU, UFCW, UNITE HERE, the Laborers sequences resulting from the domi- and the Carpenters—have formed the nance of corporate special interests are Change to Win Coalition, a new alliance all too familiar: low wages, jobs moving devoted to rebuilding American labor. We overseas, the erosion of worker protec- believe that the AFL-CIO must be reformed tions, disappearing pensions and sky- in order to lead a new, vibrant labor move- Trocketing health care costs for workers. In ment. Workers in America are under daily that kind of anti-worker environment, it’s not assault from unrestrained corporations, hos- easy being on your own. And with most tile political leadership, and a rapidly chang- politicians catering exclusively to the needs of ing global economy. Unfortunately, the orga- corporations, workers need a union to stand nization that is supposed to fight for Ameri- with them now more than ever. can workers—the AFL-CIO—is not struc- Workers in the retail sector are not happy tured to build real power for working people. making $7 an hour with no benefits. Construc- If American workers have a hope of reversing tion workers want and need on-the-job protec- the long slide in their living standards and tions. And truckers driving 16 hours a day to rights on the job, a revitalized labor move- make ends meet aren’t proud to be nonunion. ment is essential. We must marshal our collective resources American workers cannot win a better life and deploy them to make a difference for unless more workers belong to unions. By workers—to organize the unorganized and joining with the most progressive, dynamic grow our great union. The Teamsters Union unions in the land, we can begin to rebuild is committed to that vision. the labor movement and organize the 90 per- cent of private sector workers who don’t have Change to Win union representation. It is time to reclaim the My father worked tirelessly to build the American Dream. And working together is Teamsters Union and to bring American the key to success. workers into the middle class. When he was able to bring the entire trucking industry under one national contract, truck drivers and warehousemen were able to buy homes, send their kids to college, and have leisure

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 1 TEAMSTER NEWS Pop Stoppage 2,000 Teamsters Preserve Health Care at Coke

eamsters in California and said Chris Roos, President of power of the union behind us.” a large company and we really Connecticut won a battle Local 1035.“We went back and “Our brothers and sisters in have to watch them at every Twith Coca-Cola Enterpris- forth with the company, but in Hartford and Los Angeles did bargaining session because es (CCE) after going out on the end it was our persistence a terrific job negotiating and they always want to cut costs. strike until the corporation that counted.” the picketing targets were very With these contracts we were agreed to back down from its effective,”said Jack Cipriani, able to win an increase in demand that 2,000 workers Boycott Call Director of the Teamsters wages and strengthened bene- absorb more health care costs. In Los Angeles, Teamsters cir- Brewery and Soft Drink Work- fits for our members, the most CCE refused to negotiate in culated fliers at stores and ers Conference.“Coca-Cola is important things to us.” good faith with Local 1035 in baseball games asking con- South Windsor, Connecticut sumers to boycott Coke prod- and Locals 848, 896, 952 and ucts. Reminiscent of the 986 in the Los Angeles area. Ralph’s and Albertson’s gro- “It was a tough fight but cery workers’ fight over health our members stayed commit- care benefits in 2004, con- ted to seeing this through,” sumers stopped buying Coke said Jim Santangelo, President products—an impact felt by of Joint Council 42 and Secre- the company. tary-Treasurer of Local 848. “Even the customers at The workers stayed united Sam’s Clubs supported us,” against CCE, picketing until said Patrick Kelly, Secretary- they had ratified contracts in Treasurer of Local 952.“They both states. With the rising understood the health care cost of health care becoming a issue and how it hurt our larger problem in America, it members.” was of utmost importance that “All the locals really pulled workers win this fight. together to beat Coke,”said “This is a big win for the Steve Scalon, a garage 400 Coca-Cola drivers, ware- mechanic at Coca-Cola and housemen and vending member of Local 1035.“I felt machine drivers at our local,” like a true Teamster with the

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 553 John Street 207 North Sanborn Rd. Washington, DC 20001 845 Oak Park Road Teamsters Canada Chicago, IL 60609 Greensboro, NC 27425 Dallas, TX 75217 Seattle, WA 98109 Salinas, CA 93905 Covina, CA 91724 2540 Daniel Johnson C. Thomas Keegel Suite 804 Walter A. Lytle Ken Hall Ken Wood Chuck Mack Henry B. Perry Jr. General Secretary- Fred Gegare Laval, Quebec, Canada 2644 Cass Street 267 Staunton Ave. SW 5818 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. P.O. Box 2270 796 E. Brooks Ave. Treasurer 1546 Main Street H7T 2S3 Fort Wayne, IN 46808 South Charleston, WV Tampa, FL 33619 Oakland, CA 94621 Memphis, TN 38116 25 Louisiana Ave., NW Green Bay, WI 54302 25303 Washington, DC 20001 Tom Fraser Dotty Malinsky Jim Santangelo John Steger Carroll Haynes 1890 Meyerside Dr. 9409 Yukon Avenue S. John Murphy 818 Oak Park Road 25 Louisiana Ave., N.W. 216 West 14th Street Mississauga, Ontario Bloomington, MN 765 East Third Street Covina, CA 91724 Washington, DC 20001 New York, NY 10011 Canada L5T 1B4 55438 Boston, MA 02127 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 11040 Philip E. Young Ralph J. Taurone 1668 N.W. 1000 Road 47 West 200 South Credighton, MO 64739 Suite 300 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 “Never Again” Family of BLET Member Meets With Congressman Setting The Bar n January 2005, the Seeling erupted from the accident and Valenzuela Wins Joe Hill Award family experienced a tragedy. covered part of the town. ITheir son, Chris Seeling, was Nine people died from inhal- fter racking up organizing victories for the Teamsters killed in a rail accident in ing the gas, including Seeling. Union for many years, Manny Valenzuela has scored a Graniteville, South Carolina. Thousands were evacuated Avictory of his own. Chris was an engineer for Nor- from their homes. Earlier this year, the Los Angeles County Federation of folk Southern and member of In May, Seeling’s family Labor presented Valenzuela,Western Region coordinator for the Brotherhood of Locomo- met with Rep. Jim Oberstar the Teamsters Organizing Department, with the Joe Hill tive Engineers and Trainmen (D-MN) and Don Hahs, Award for Organizing. A committee of his peers from the Fed- (BLET), a division of the National President of the eration’s Los Angeles-Orange Counties Organizing Commit- Teamsters Rail Conference. BLET. Oberstar, the ranking tee (LAOCOC), unanimously selected Valenzuela to receive On January 6, a Norfolk Democrat on the House’s the award in the industrial sector. Southern train carrying lique- Transportation and Infra- “No one fights harder and smarter than he does for dignity fied chlorine traveled into the structure Committee, has and respect in the workplace,”said David Sickler, Executive town of Graniteville. Unbe- championed rail safety on Director of LAOCOC.“His contributions to workers’ rights knownst to Seeling, a switch Capitol Hill for many years. are an example for organizers everywhere.” along the track had not been “We think the railroads fail set properly. The train pro- their employees when they Outstanding Dedication ceeded onto a side track where won’t pay for safety mea- Most recently, Valenzuela has been a key figure in developing a a set of rail cars was parked. It sures,”said Patty Seeling, web site (www.stopunionbusters.org) that provides organizers crashed into the parked cars, Chris’s stepmother. “It is with legal materials and critical documents profiling union- rupturing the tank car. A apparent that the railroads, busting companies and individual union raiders. cloud of toxic chlorine gas such as Norfolk Southern, “Valenzuela is a model for all Teamsters looking to make a operate for profit only. Some- difference in their communities and give workers a voice,”said one needs to tell the railroads Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President.“I thank him deeply “This type of accident that enough is enough. Our for spreading the Teamster tradition of strong representation has happened before. son followed all the rules but to those workers who are exploited and silenced.” The carriers aren’t the railroad failed him.” The award is named for Joe Hill, who was a labor activist, songwriter and famous agitator in the early 20th century. willing to invest in Safer Rails The Joe Hill award is given annually to organizers who show safety devices for their “I’d like Congress to make the outstanding dedication in four sectors: construction, indus- employees. Something railroads provide respirators trial, public and service. The award is also presented to one for the train crews,”said Steve individual for lifetime achievement and one community has got to be done.” Seeling, Chris’s father.“If organization. — DON HAHS, Chris had had a respirator, he BLET PRESIDENT may have lived. If you want employees to take risks for the an area known as “dark territo- not have happened,”said company, the railroads should ry.”Dark territory, in rail Rebecca Schmidt, Chris’s take care of them.” terms, is a portion of the rail mother.“The accident hap- “This type of accident has line that does not have any pened at 2 a.m. If it had hap- happened before,”Hahs said. type of electronic signal system pened during the day—the site “The carriers aren’t willing to that would warn an engineer was near an elementary invest in safety devices for of a switch’s faulty setting. school—children would have their employees. Something “If there had been some died. We just want to make has got to be done.” type of signal system on the sure that nothing like this ever The accident occurred in rail in Graniteville, this might happens again.”

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 3 TEAMSTER NEWS

A Better Light Florida Locals Win Contract at Atlanta Gas Light

oing on strike against Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) Gwas not an easy decision for Bill Joynt, but he knew it was the only way to get a fair shake from the company. Joynt and 70 of his fellow workers, Other features of the contract went to the annual sharehold- members of Local 385 in include improvements in ers meeting in Atlanta to Orlando, Florida and Local 769 health care benefits—placing voice concerns directly to in Miami, endured five weeks all workers in the superior shareholders. on the picket line at the AGL Teamsters health plan; wage “AGL had no idea that a Brevard and Dade County equity measures for all posi- group of 70 members could DHL Teamsters plants to get their point across. tions; maintenance of pension have such an impact on the The picketing paid off when benefits; and improved griev- company,”said Daisy Gonza- workers ratified a new three- ance procedures. lez, a business agent at Local ‘Deliver’ year agreement with AGL. “We had to take action,”said Delegation Meets With Joynt, a 33-year employee of “This is a great victory for these workers. By German Union Officials the company.“The company standing firm they were able to prevail against the HL Teamsters and wasn’t even attempting to bar- hard-line tactics of the company. We are really the union’s allies in gain in good faith. They wanted DGermany have gone to outsourcing protections and proud of our members.” bat to support workers at seniority out of the contract —JOSH ZIVALICH, SECRETARY-TREASURER, LOCAL 769 the company who are try- before talks could even start. ing to organize with the We could not accept that.” It’s About Respect 769.“They assumed the work- Teamsters. “This is a great victory for “I said from the beginning ers would give up and take In conjunction with the these workers,”said Josh that this wasn’t about money, what was offered. They were Deutsche Post World Net Zivalich, Secretary-Treasurer it was about job security and wrong. These guys made a dif- (DPWN) annual meeting of Local 769.“By standing respect for years of loyal ser- ference in the company’s atti- recently in Cologne, Ger- firm they were able to prevail vice,”Joynt said. “I’ll retire tude and ultimately their offer.” many, thousands of DHL against the hard-line tactics of soon but I wanted to make “This strike was tough on Teamsters throughout the the company. We are really sure younger workers still had us all, financially and other- United States wore “Team- proud of our members.” protection. We resolved to wise,”said Lorenzo Menendez, sters Deliver” buttons to The new agreement pro- stay out until the company a member of Local 769 and a protest the company’s vides a “no outsourcing” clause understood.” 12-year employee.“But the efforts to thwart organizing and maintains seniority rights. Striking members also victory made it worthwhile.” drives at hundreds of inde-

4 TEAMSTER | AUGUST 2005 | www.teamster.org Haul For One Local 326 Saves Carhaul Jobs

ith the support of local Newark, Delaware were threat- behalf and offering to honor Monday this week, I was back unions, Rail Conference ened when the SKW contract picket lines,”said John Ryan, at work,”said Patty Scherer, a Wmembers and the Unit- was put out for bid and award- President of Local 326. shop steward at Daimler- ed Auto Workers (UAW), ed to Caliber Management, a “Thanks to them, Teamsters Chrysler. “Everyone here feels Local 326 in New Castle, nonunion company. will continue to perform this very fortunate and happy that Delaware recently signed a When leaders from Local work while maintaining their the union did such great work three-year agreement with 326 heard about the threat to health and welfare benefits and keeping our jobs for us.” Caliber Management, a con- Teamster jobs they sprang into staying in the Teamsters pen- tractor with Daimler- action. They called Locals 299 sion plan.” Chrysler, and saved the jobs of in Detroit and 560 in Union “I am amazed— 18 Teamster plant workers. City, New Jersey, as well as the when I left last week Teamsters had been han- Brotherhood of Locomotive I had no job, dling work at the Daimler- Engineers and Trainmen and by Chrysler plant under the (BLET) and the UAW, to ask National Master Automobile for their help in preserving Transporters Agreement these jobs. (NMATA) since 1989 through “Our brothers and sisters in contractor SKW. The Teamster labor rallied to our side, con- jobs at Daimler-Chrysler in tacting the company on our

pendent cartage contractors DHL and DPWN workers in kets, and sent him a report sters General President Jim (ICCs). DHL is a subsidiary of Germany, where the headquar- prepared by the Teamsters Hoffa met with Mullen shortly DPWN. ters of DPWN is located. The Union outlining DHL’s prac- after the union delegation’s The Teamsters have orga- Teamsters Union represents tices. Buttner also sent Klaus trip to Germany. nized more than 1,600 workers 10,000 DHL employees as well Zumwinkel, the chair of the Hoffa emphasized the need at about 70 ICCs, but DHL as 750 ABX Air pilots who Deutsche Post Board of Man- for DHL to agree to a card- and the various contractors provide air freight service to agement, a letter outlining the check/neutrality agreement have impeded the workers by DHL in the U.S. problems being created by with the union so that workers waging anti-union tactics. “Because of DHL’s refusal DHL in the Teamsters orga- will have a fair chance of form- “Our members were happy to adequately finance its sub- nizing campaign. Also, Team- ing a union. to show their support,”said contractors and support its Scott Gilchrist, a business employees, workers have lost agent at Local 600 in St. Louis. their jobs,”said Tyson John- “We will continue to stand up son, Director of the Team- for unorganized workers at sters Freight Division. “DHL DHL so that they too will have needs to know that this is no the same strong voice as our way to run its business in this members have.” country and it is no way to become a viable competitor German Support in this market.” At the same time, a Teamster The Teamster delegation’s delegation met with German visit is already paying off. The and other union officials to head of ver.di, Rolf Buttner, describe DHL’s anti-union contacted John Mullen, the tactics. CEO of DHL Express Ameri- The union ver.di represents cas, Asia and Emerging Mar-

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 5 TEAMSTER NEWS

True Champions JAB Members Win Title Fights

ver the past few months, Williams (41-13-1, 29 KOs) front of a home- Joint Association of Box- captured the North American town crowd filled Oers (JAB) members Boxing Federation cruiser- with Teamsters. secured four championship weight title by knocking out “We want to con- titles. In May, Diego Corrales Ali Supreme in Coeur d’Alene, gratulate all our JAB (52-7-1, 46 KOs) won the Idaho. The next night, in Prov- champions on their AP WIDE WORLD World Boxing Council light- idence, Rhode Island, Joe “The titles,”said Jim Hoffa, Team- and organizing expertise while weight title and successfully KO Kid” Spina won the vacant sters General President.“All the boxers’ union grows. defended his World Boxing United States National Boxing three showed incredible “We’ve got guys winning Organization lightweight title Championship light mid- toughness.” championships now,”said against Jose Luis Castillo at dleweight title by defeating JAB is affiliated with the Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. former World Boxing Associa- Teamsters Union, which is JAB President.“The boxing On June 16,“King” Arthur tion champion Carl Daniels in providing financial support world is taking notice.” New Blood 200 Lab Assistants Join Local 283 hen Darla Stanciel tants were inspired to join the signed a petition asking Teamsters by medical lab Wthe CEO of her hospital couriers who joined Local 283 for a raise last year, she didn’t four years ago. get quite the response she was “These lab assistants could hoping for. have gone anywhere, but they “He said we ought to be wanted the Teamsters more concerned about keep- because they saw the gains ing our jobs than getting a the couriers had gotten—they Dangerous Job on more than one occasion. raise,”Stanciel said. have a strong contract that “I’m angry because our work- Stanciel cut her finger while That was the last straw for spoke for itself,”said Marian load is outrageous,”said Carol handling a blood sample Stanciel, a senior lab assistant Novak, an organizer for Joint Jones, a lab assistant at the only to discover afterwards who has worked at Detroit Council 43. center for five years.“We could the sample belonged to an Medical Center for the last The couriers, who pick up really use some extra help in HIV-positive patient. 15 years. samples from area clinics and here.” “I had to take a test for six As a result, Stanciel and her hospitals and deliver them to In addition to processing years to make sure I wasn’t HIV- fellow lab assistants voted 102- the medical lab, won a sub- lab samples, the assistants are positive,”Stanciel said.“Safety is 47 to join Local 283 in Detroit. stantial wage increase, a formal also forced to do housekeeping definitely a big issue for us.” Now the more than 200 lab grievance process and guaran- work, cleaning floors or climb- “The hospital tried to dis- workers, most of whom are teed overtime pay. The lab at ing on top of cabinets to dust courage us from organizing, women, are looking forward to Detroit Medical Center is open them. The intense pace of but we didn’t fall for it,”said negotiating a contract to 24 hours, and assistants work has led to safety condi- Vernard Current, a lab assis- increase wages, improve bene- process blood and urine sam- tions that are less than ideal, tant.“The organizers always let fits and continue funding of ples from hospitals and clinics and lab assistants have been us know what was happening, their pensions. The lab assis- across Detroit. exposed to infectious disease and we believed in the union.”

6 TEAMSTER | AUGUST 2005 | www.teamster.org “The workers made it clear coalition Perry established this is the best contract they’ve with IATSE and the other “When we all stand Trading Up ever gotten,”said Roger Allain, unions working in the con- together, we’re stronger. a business agent and organizer vention center: the Interna- Local 385 Workers Secure for Local 385. tional Union of Painters and Once employers realize “Best Contract Ever” the United Brotherhood of that the unions are Strong Coalitions Carpenters. Perry is working supporting each other, n a recent victory, workers In addition, approximately 60 to establish similar coalitions from Local 385 in Orlando, Teamsters represented by in other regions across the it gives workers more IFlorida ratified a strong Local 385 honored a picket country. power at the contract and helped their fel- line outside of the OCCC “When we all stand togeth- negotiating table.” low trade show workers from a established by nearly 700 er, we’re stronger,”Perry said. — JOHN PERRY, sister union secure another. installers and dismantlers “Once employers realize that TRADE SHOW DIVISION DIRECTOR The Teamsters’ five-year represented by the Interna- the unions are supporting each contract with The Freeman tional Alliance of Theatrical other, it gives workers more Companies covers 300 truck Stage Employees (IATSE). power at the negotiating table.” drivers, warehouse workers, The workers’ issues arose forklift drivers and general from The Free- laborers employed at the man Company’s Orange County Convention management’s Center (OCCC) in Orlando. refusal to sign a Negotiated with the assis- recently agreed- Retired from the job, tance of Trade Show Division to contract. Director John Perry, the “Without a not the Union! Teamsters’ contract raises signed contract, workers’ hourly wages from 50 our members cents to $1.25 an hour annual- were in danger of ly; ensures general laborers’ losing their health weekend rates; and guarantees care coverage,” Teamster retirees make turnaround rates for any said Peter Merri- the difference when it employee not receiving eight field, IATSE Local comes to organizing, hours rest between shifts. The 835 business rep- contract also recognizes the resentative. political action, strike Martin Luther King Jr. holi- “When we decid- support and contract day, annually increases the ed to go out, we campaigns. company’s payments to the got tremendous workers’ health care and support from the 401(k) plans and creates four Teamsters. Some new full-time jobs. employers want to For information on your “This is a great contract,” pick us apart. It’s local retiree chapter, contact said Dana Graf, a longtime great to have such your local union or the Teamsters Teamster and recipient of one a strong ally.” of the new jobs. “It makes our The work Retiree Affairs Department at (202) working conditions much stoppage lasted 624-8950 or by e-mail at better.” approximately [email protected]. “The workers are really four hours and pleased with the contract,”said resulted in a solid Mike Stapleton, Local 385 contract for President.“It was hard to get, IATSE. but the struggle really paid off Key to both for the workers.” contracts was the

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 7 Class A 1,000 Seattle-Area School Workers Join Local 763

8 TEAMSTER | AUGUST 2005 | www.teamster.org ct

he first time Tiffany Bock met International Organizer Thom McKibbin, she took the Teamsters button off his T shirt to pin onto her own. A secretary in the facilities offices of Highline School Dis- trict near Seattle, Bock had a front row seat as bus drivers, maintenance trades, food service and custodial workers fought to change their jobs and their lives by organizing with the Teamsters last summer. As the months went by, Bock regularly saw Teamster orga- nizers and business agents in action. They visited school sites on a weekly basis, listening to the concerns of workers and providing them with the answers they needed. “The Teamsters showed a skill and professionalism we just weren’t getting with our previous union,”Bock said.“We saw the opportunity for good representation and decided to go for it.” On May 12, Bock and her coworkers voted to join Local 763 in Seattle. That victory added 600 Highline District employees to the 400 Highline bus drivers, custodians, food “We“We reallyreally feltfelt likelike service and maintenance trades workers who joined the local in October 2004. It also marked a successful partnership itit waswas ourour campaign.campaign. between Local 763, Joint Council 28 and the International TheThe organizersorganizers Union—welcoming 1,000 new members in less than a year. Now Highline District clerical workers and para-educators nevernever onceonce toldtold usus are enjoying the professionalism and sense of ownership they have long wanted in a union. They are also looking forward to wewe shouldshould dodo securing the benefits and protections that matter most to them, including wages, job security, a fair seniority system thisthis oror that,that, theythey and an effective grievance process. justjust wantedwanted toto “Highline is a shining example of what we can accomplish when locals, Joint Councils, and the International work supportsupport us.”us.” together,”said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President.“Now the Highline workers who educate our children and maintain — ROSE CLARK, LOCAL 763, LIBRARY our schools will do so with the dignity and respect they ASSISTANT, TYEE HIGH SCHOOL deserve.”

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 9 The Game Plan Door to Victory “Joint Council 28 is Al Hobart, International Vice President “It didn’t take long for us to realize what a and President of Joint Council 28, suggest- powerful organizing tool the house calls doing a great job. ed Local 763 contact the International are,”said Dave Grage, Local 763 Secretary- after the initial vote in the bus drivers and Treasurer.“I got to meet new members By hiring organizers maintenance trade workers’ campaign and learn something about them.” resulted in a draw, with no union garner- Grage had his entire staff, executive and making their ing majority support. board and members of his family out “Having the highest levels of the union helping with house calls in both cam- staff available to come on board really turned the campaign paigns. At the second campaign’s peak, around,”Hobart said.“It created a team- there were close to 40 people hitting the participate in building experience that taught all of us streets, including staff from several Seattle- the value of house calls firsthand.” area locals, Joint Council 28, the Joint campaigns like Manny Valenzuela, the Teamsters West- Council’s Women’s Caucus, International ern Region Organizing Coordinator, dis- Organizers in training, and Highline Highline, they are patched a team of five core organizers, led workers themselves. by McKibbin, to run a model campaign “The fact that we had all those people making the long- that involved house calls, phone banks and out there to help us was huge,”said David weekly site visits to schools within the Cremeens, a sign language interpreter at term investments Highline District. Each organizer was Tyee High School.“It allowed people to assigned a section of the district and was see the kind of unity and support the that will make our responsible for organizing committee Teamsters offer, and we learned about the members in those schools to get out the union through our interactions with entire union vote among their coworkers. members.” When public sector employees want to One of the members Cremeens met stronger.” change representation, Washington state law during the house calls was Mary Stuart- — JEFF FARMER, TEAMSTERS DIRECTOR allots 30-day windows to collect signatures Fairburn, a 25-year Teamster and member OF ORGANIZING and then build support for an election. As a of Joint Council 28’s Women’s Caucus. As result, the campaign was marked by several a dockworker at the Port of Tacoma, Stu- intense house call blitzes where members, art-Fairburn is covered by the National organizers and local union and Joint Council Master Freight Agreement and that is what staff members came together to reach a high she wanted to talk to Highline employees volume of workers in a short period of time. about.

10 TEAMSTER | AUGUST 2005 | www.teamster.org Public Sector Organizing Checklist

■ Gather Information–(1) Identify potential allies, “pressure points,” stakeholders and issues of community concern. (2) Research the employer. (3) Begin contacting workers and noting issues of concern.

Explore allies among workers to ■ Identify Worker Leaders– build contacts and develop leadership. Assess worker interest in union membership and continue issue identification. Set campaign benchmarks and evaluate them.

■ Build a Committee–Solidify your list of leaders to form a committee who can then talk to their fellow workers and put the community and worker issue campaign into action. “Working under the freight agreement is the Cadillac of all jobs—you have ■ Escalate the community and work- seniority so you can bid for the job you Gain Majority Support– want and retire early with full benefits,” er issue campaign by continuing work at the grassroots level. Visit Stuart-Fairburn said. workers at their homes and workplaces. Assess your levels of sup- port and develop a recognition strategy. Member-to-Member While doing house calls, Stuart-Fairburn ■ Move for Recognition–Escalate the community and was also struck by the dedication and hard union campaign. Continue to inoculate workers and visit them. work of the International Organizers. Assess workers’ levels of commitment. Develop your get-out- “The young people out there working for the-vote strategy. Evaluate benchmarks and act like a union us are so committed, they blew me away. —BUILD A FIGHTING ORGANIZATION! These guys work unbelievable hours to get the thing going, they have everything mapped out and they’re organized. That is what the average Teamster needs to see.” Joint Council 28 Organizer and Politi- cal Director Scott Sullivan said the strate- gy and hard work of the International Organizers was evident on election day. “They had done so much verifying and re-verifying, Thom was able to call the election within two votes,”Sullivan said.“That’s incredible to be able to get it that close.” The precision of the campaign result- ed from the partnership between Local 763, Joint Council 28, and the Interna- tional’s team of organizers. Each supplied the other with the knowledge and resources they needed to do their job. The International brought organizing expertise while the local and Joint Coun- cil provided critical information about the authority of people who knew the issues A-B-Cs of Organizing school district and a network of volun- better than anyone because they were Organizing Committee is Key teers that made the campaign a success. living them. “Joint Council 28 is doing a great job,” “We really felt like it was our cam- The Teamsters organizing model is bringing in said Jeff Farmer, Teamsters Director of paign,”said Rose Clark, a library assistant more members each year. Workers are doing it Organizing.“By hiring organizers and at Tyee High School.“The organizers for themselves and International, Joint Council making their staff available to participate never once told us we should do this or and local organizers can help facilitate that in campaigns like Highline, they are mak- that, they just wanted to support us.” process. Following the Teamsters organizing ing the long-term investments that will Like many of her coworkers, Clark model can be as easy as A-B-C. make our entire union stronger.” wants independent and professional rep- resentation so that she can better under- committee: Each campaign starts with Wheel of Workers stand her rights on the job and fight to A a core committee that should be repre- In addition to the partnership between protect them. Teamster locals and the International Highline workers were previously sentative of each of the job classifications and Union, Highline workers themselves were members of an education association, and the demographics in the bargaining unit. The key to the organizing success. many felt that the peer-based representa- committee members branch off to talk to work- “Thom explained it to us as a wheel tion left them to fend for themselves with ers in their unit and related units to spread the pattern,”said Bock, who originally con- little power. word to gain dignity and respect on the job. The tacted the Teamsters about organizing the “As Teamsters, we need to educate all relationships the committee members build clerical workers and para-educators.“We, our folks about our rights and the value of with their coworkers spin a web of solidarity the organizing committee, were the hub, being part of a real union, so they under- among the workers. and we just had to keep branching out stand how it can strengthen and change from there. Everyone tried to bring some- their work environments,”Clark said. uilding a Network: House calls where body who knew people. It was very grass Bworkers, organizers, local leaders, and volun- roots.” Support on the Job teers go to each worker’s front door to talk about Towards the end of the campaign, the Patricia Shane, an instructional assistant at concerns and the benefits of representation. organizing committee had Cedarhurst Elementary School, voted for Committee meetings on- and off-site to lis- grown to nearly 40 people, the Teamsters because she wants more ten and to coordinate actions among the differ- with workers accessing the support on the job. She and other para- ent organizing groups. lounges and classrooms educators are concerned about new test- Phone banks where workers can talk to Team- where organizers could not ing requirements the state has introduced. ster members to ask them questions and hear go. They spoke with the “We’re going to be tested on things we directly how union membership works for them.

onnecting workers with similar con- C cerns facilitates the process of creating a strong network among workers. haven’t touched in 30 years,”she said.“I An Equal Voice think the tests are a good thing, but we Rick Healy is the lead grounds person on “Before, you had need the Teamsters to help us get the the Highline District’s maintenance crew. training we need to keep our jobs.”Many He does everything from landscaping to one group of para-educators had even considered quit- repairing the outside of buildings and ting because they did not know what to roads to fixing playground toys. This year workers speaking expect on the tests. he will help to build four new schools in Budget cuts and restructuring of the district. for everybody. schools in the Highline District have “Highline is one of the biggest school made many people nervous about their districts in Western Washington but we’re Now that we job security.“We need a strong contract at the low end of the pay scale,”he said. so we know what to expect each year,” “My guys and I want a wage increase more are Teamsters, Shane said. than anything else.” Karen Slater is facing a loss of work Healy was a Teamster in the early 1980s everybody’s got an hours because of the restructuring. An and that experience made him confident office manager at Tyee High School, Slater in the union’s ability to represent him equal voice at the has worked at the Highline District for well.“From what I’ve seen so far, I feel like more than 15 years and knows many of we’re definitely getting a bang for our table.” the other clerical workers. Her contacts buck.” — JOHN BUFF, A HIGHLINE DISTRICT LOCKSMITH helped expand the network of people on The maintenance workers’ campaign the organizing committee. began with John Buff, a Highline Dis- “I saw the Teamsters as our opportuni- trict locksmith who contacted the ty to be one big union, and have a bigger Teamsters back in October 2003. Buff voice,”she said.“It brings me peace of now sits on the negotiating committee mind to know they’ll be there handling for the 400 maintenance, custodial, things fairly and professionally.” food service workers, bus drivers and While Highline’s 600 clerical workers mechanics. and para-educators are ready to negotiate “Before, you had one group of workers a contract, the 400 bus drivers, mechanics, speaking for everybody,”he said.“Now custodial, food service and maintenance that we are Teamsters, everybody’s got an trade workers began negotiating their equal voice at the table.” contract this past January.

Teamsters At Highline

he School District of High- 228 bus drivers and Tline, Washington is home mechanics; to nearly 18,000 students 48 maintenance/ from 81 nations, including trade workers; Cambodia, Vietnam, Somalia 91 custodial workers; and India, who speak approx- 78 food service workers; imately 70 languages. Over 7 warehouse and delivery 1,000 new Teamsters serve drivers; the highly diverse student 401 instructional support body in 31 facilities. The new staff; and Teamsters include: 212 administrative support staff.

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 13 Politically Joint Council 25's Political Program is a Winner

ay you’re disciplined unfairly on Joint Council 25, however, blazed a important labor-related bill to pass in the the job and you file a grievance. new trail this last political season. They country this year. It passed in the Illinois The first person you talk to began by meeting months before the Senate by a vote of 31-23 on May 18. would be your shop steward. If beginning of the session to strategize “We’re incredibly proud of this legisla- the grievance ever progressed about potential legislation. They assigned tion,”said John Coli, President of Joint into a lawsuit against the com- staff to write, monitor and lobby for laws Council 25.“This was the centerpiece of pany, your shop steward or any- to help working families. our new legislative program and it’s a big Sone from your local that you talked to “A union’s political program shouldn’t lift for labor in Illinois. This type of politi- about the problem could be compelled to end when people get elected,”said Dan cal program is something any Joint Coun- testify against you. Pasquale, a Sysco Foods worker and mem- cil can do.” Thanks to new legislation recently ber of Local 710 in Chicago.“From there, Before this legislation passed, agents passed and signed into law, workers in Illi- you’ve got to make sure elected officials do and stewards could be compelled to nois never have to worry about that again. the right thing. That’s exactly what Joint appear before arbitrators or judges to tes- Joint Council 25 in Chicago worked dili- Council 25 is doing.” tify about conversations that happened gently to get the legislation—and other while grievances were being processed on important new laws protecting workers— A Big Lift behalf of disciplined employees. passed during this session in the state cap- The first step Joint Council 25 took was “Before, the law created a chilling effect ital of Springfield. deciding what their ideal piece of legisla- that hindered a union representative’s “Far too often in the current political tion would be. They decided they wanted ability to properly represent the member,” climate, labor unions are finding them- a bill that would provide privileges simi- Zebell said. selves on the defensive,”said Frank Zebell, lar to the “attorney-client” privilege As a result of its passage, House Bill Political Director of Joint Council 25. between a union member and his or her 1079 allows: “Most of the legislation that is proposed bargaining agent. ■ Candid and confidential conversations these days is designed to help corpora- House Bill 1079, or the “privilege bill” between workers and their representatives tions, not workers.” as it is called, could possibly be the most by protecting the official from threats,

14 TEAMSTER | AUGUST 2005 | www.teamster.org “A union’s political program shouldn’t end when people get elected. From there, you’ve got to make sure elected officials do the right thing. That’s exactly what Joint Council 25 is doing.” —DAN PASQUALE, LOCAL 710 Correct

harassment and intimidations, relating to When picketing, members can’t be adversary proceedings including litiga- arrested for violating traffic or loitering tion, arbitrations and other alternative laws as long as they are within the rules dispute resolution procedures; of the legislation. ■ Union agents and stewards not to testi- Another major bill that was passed fy as to what they may have been told by with help from Joint Council 25 was represented workers relating to events and House Bill 188, which passed by a 42-14 incidents arising from employment; vote. ■ Agents the ability to fully and fairly The bill requires that contractors and investigate claims and allegations; and subcontractors submit a weekly certified John Coli, President of Joint Council 25, and Lou Lang, ■ For appropriate exceptions relating payroll to the public body awarding the Illinois State Representative, 16th District. to the commission or threat to commit contract. The records would be kept by crimes. the public body for three years and would be accessible for public review Other Legislation through the Freedom of Information Act. Another important piece of legislation “This bill will bring more integrity and was House Bill 1480 which passed on credibility to the process of bidding public May 20. The State Senate approved the works projects throughout the state of Illi- bill with a 40-19 vote. nois,”said Terrence J. Hancock, President The bill set a standard throughout the of Local 731 in Chicago. state for the way pickets are set up during “It has been a great session, but we labor disputes. The legislation issues can’t slow down yet,”Zebell said.“It just guidelines for signage, temporary shelters, shows how successful we can be as Team- From left: Frank Cortese, Illinois Governmental Consult- obstruction of walkways, traffic and other sters taking part in the political process if ing Group, LLC; John Cullterton, Illinois State Senator; picketing issues. the will to succeed is there.” and Frank Zebell, Political Director of Joint Council 25.

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 15 Growing The

2005 UNITY CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON NEW MEMBERS >>>>>>>>> Principal officers and rank-and-file members, organizers and business agents, new members and old, Teamsters and mem- bers from other unions all met in Las Vegas recently for the annual Teamsters Unity Conference.

Andrea Small was one of the attendees. Since the Unity Conference, the Team- It wasn’t long ago that she couldn’t afford sters and other unions have formed the health insurance for herself and her two Change to Win Coalition, a new alliance children. Recently, she joined the Teamsters devoted to growing the labor movement and when B&L Freight in Toledo, Ohio, a DHL creating a revamped and more unified front independent cartage contractor, was orga- for American workers. Members of the nized. This was her first Unity Conference. alliance include the Teamsters Union, Labor- She has seen speeches and attended other ers’ International Union of North America conferences, but this was different. A newly (LIUNA), UNITE HERE, Service Employ- organized member attending the Unity Con- ees International Union (SEIU), United ference for the first time, Small felt like she was truly a Teamster. “I’m so excited about joining the

Food and Commercial Workers Internation- al Union (UFCW) and United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Organizing for Results “Our Change to Win Coalition is produc- ing results,”Hoffa said.“We already have a constitution and bylaws that will promote the coordination, cooperation and collec- Teamsters—it’s a turning point for my tive action of our unions and it will boost life,”Small said. union strength and, ultimately, improve the lives of workers.” Changing to Win The basic principle that brought the This year, it wasn’t just Teamsters in atten- unions in the coalition together is that dance. Members and officials from like- American workers cannot win a better life minded reform unions were also there to unless more workers belong to unions. talk about transforming the AFL-CIO. Organizing workers must be the primary Leaders of the largest unions in the AFL- goal of the labor movement. From orga- CIO met to discuss a large-scale, coordi- nizing comes better pay, health care, pen- nated campaign to rebuild the American sions and working conditions. labor movement. The coalition unions have pioneered “We have been in a struggle to reform new organizing techniques. Each member the AFL-CIO but our calls have fallen on union is contributing funds to the coali- deaf ears,”said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters Gen- tion to take those techniques to a new level eral President.“So now we are taking by cooperatively organizing nonunion action.” workers in key areas of the private sector.

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 17 New Faces Teamsters Take Lead Many other newly organized workers attended the conference. Small’s coworker, in Reform Movement Brad Jeziorowski, said he fondly recalls the Change to Win Coalition Leaders Speak Out at Unity Conference solid benefits he once received when he worked as a Teamster as UPS. he new Change to Win Coalition has begun an ambitious campaign to organize the unor- “I love being a Teamster again,”he said. Tganized and establish new standards for cooperation and accountability in the union “I’m excited to start negotiating a strong movement. Leaders from the coalition—which includes the Teamsters, Laborers’, SEIU, contract.” UFCW, UNITE HERE and the Carpenters—attended the Unity Conference and joined the Team- James Davis, a driver with GF Trucking sters in the call for reform at the AFL-CIO. in Sacramento, California, said he recently joined the Teamsters “to regain my digni- Visit the Teamsters web site or www.changetowin.org for more information on the ty.”Davis had worked as a Teamster for 10 Change to Win Coalition, its goals and member unions. Here is a sample of what coalition years at UPS and another company. leaders had to say at the Unity Conference about the Teamsters taking the lead in the “Our health insurance is unaffordable reform movement. and we lack other benefits,”Davis said. “With the union, we can negoti- ate the issues that are important Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President: “America needs a to us.” strong labor movement to restore the American Dream. More new faces were present when three unions that recently The Teamsters Union will fight for a labor movement merged with the Teamsters were that puts union growth and worker power first.” officially welcomed into the union. At the conference, members of the Brotherhood Locomotive John Wilhelm, UNITE HERE President, Hospitality Industry: “The Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), Teamsters’ proposals for reforming the AFL-CIO are right on the the Graphic Communications Conference (GCC), and the Broth- money, and we’re all rallying around them.” erhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) provided a strong presence. “It’s wonderful that we can Andrew Stern, Service Employees International Union welcome so many new people all President: “When the Teamsters spoke about at once,”Hoffa said. “We feel very good about changing the AFL-CIO, everybody listened.” being part of the largest trans- portation union in the world,” said Perry Geller, National Sec- retary-Treasurer of the Terence O’Sullivan, Laborers’ International Union President: “It’s BMWED.“Let’s use the power going to take the power and commitment of the Teamsters, the of the Teamsters Union to mobilize so we can make a dif- SEIU, UNITE HERE, the UFCW and the Laborers to change the ference on Capitol Hill.” course, direction and destiny of the American labor movement.” Union Solidarity One of the purposes of the Unity Conference is to increase Bruce Raynor, UNITE HERE General President: “I am solidarity in the Teamsters honored to stand with the Teamsters. When you Union. This year, however, other unions participated in organiz- take on one of us, you’ve got to fight all of us. ing solidarity events. That’s solidarity.” With the American middle class under attack right now, workers desperately need a strong labor A Brighter Future movement to give them a voice at work Casino Workers Granted and dignity on the job. One of the ways Card Check at Rio this can be accomplished is for labor unions to band together. That is why the hen Angela Mara, a front desk work- Teamsters Union has been leading a coali- W er at the Rio, used to pull into the tion of unions dedicated to devoting the parking lot at work each day she had a resources and the energy necessary to pro- feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach. duce rapid growth in the labor movement. “I never knew if that day was going to “Working people are facing the worst be my last day,” Mara said. “If manage- crisis in generations. Good jobs are being ment decided that they wanted to fire me destroyed. Affordable health care and for anything, there was nothing I could do secure retirements are becoming a thing of about it.” the past,”Hoffa said. Mara and her coworkers approached Hoffa declared that labor unions are the Teamsters so that they could be treat- the strongest hope for working Americans ed with respect and dignity on the job. During the Teamsters Unity Conference, the 230 workers struggling in a Wal-Mart economy and at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas won a card-check agreement that put them firmly on that organizing is the only real salvation the path to recognition. for the working class. A Winning Team ‘We Must Act Boldly’ In September 2004, organizing at the Rio began as part of an effort to extend Teamster repre- “Unions have always been the way that sentation to Harrah’s properties where Teamsters did not yet have members. The Rio was the working people have made it into the only Harrah’s property left on the strip where workers were not unionized. middle class and achieved the American Prior to the conference, the Teamsters Organizing Department had been planning to reaffirm dream—and we can do it again,”Hoffa its support to organize casino workers at the Rio. A previous rally of Teamster leaders and mem- said to more than 2,000 Teamsters and bers had a strong effect on unorganized workers and convinced the union to schedule another other union members in attendance.“We event that coincided with Unity. must act boldly today in order to win While organizers were working on the ground, Teamster leaders were also talking to Harrah’s tomorrow.” management. Just before the Unity Conference, Teamster leaders reported a breakthrough in “We’re not going to grow stronger if their meetings with management—the Rio agreed to card-check recognition for workers. our numbers grow smaller,”said Andy “When we first heard that we got card check, morale improved a lot,” said Lionel Scorza, a Stern, President of the SEIU. warehouse receiving worker. “I think it will be really positive to be part of the Teamsters—it will “The only people who can save work- make us part of a winning team.” ing people in America are working people in America,”said Bruce Raynor, General President of UNITE HERE. The Unity Conference also included a approached the union in September 2004 Teamsters Organizing Department has few surprises—one of the biggest and, during the week of the conference, been vigilantly pursuing organizing leads occurred when workers were granted the hotel agreed to give card check to the and shared successful strategies with par- card-check recognition at a local casino in 230 workers there, putting them firmly on ticipants at the conference. Las Vegas. the path to recognition. “The Teamsters are organizing at the Workers at the Rio Hotel and Casino The Teamsters are collecting cards fastest rate in decades and DHL is a major within six job classifications at the Rio: part of our future growth,”said Tom warehouse receiving, valet, front desk Keegel, General Secretary-Treasurer.“We workers, PBX phone operators, room have committed our union to organizing reservations, casino customer service these workers. Our goal is to include all agents and VIP agents. Turnover in some workers who deliver for DHL under a units, such as the front desk workers, Teamster contract.” reaches 60 percent annually. In addition to the 10,000 workers at DHL who are already Teamsters, the DHL union has organized more than 1,500 Independent cartage contractor (ICC) additional workers at 58 different ICC organizing at DHL was one of the main units and 750 workers directly employed subjects at the conference this year. The by DHL at gateways and other facilities.

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 19 ORGANIZING Signed, Sealed and Delivered Mail Center Workers Join Local 117

ow that she’s a Teamster, years after starting here, I’m this year when Dave Pelletier, a included workers from Viet- Ursula Poston is ready to only making 71 cents more per mail equipment inspector at the nam, Cambodia, the Philip- Nhelp change her employ- hour and I haven’t had a raise plant, contacted the Teamsters. pines, Russia, Ukraine and the er’s attendance policy and pro- in three years,”she said. “An unfair attendance policy, United States. This diverse duction standards, and fight last-minute mandatory over- committee became crucial for overall fairness in the Diversity, Solidarity time, job security, respect and when management hired a workplace. In a campaign marked by fair treatment were all issues notorious union-busting law “Our attendance policy, diversity and solidarity, Poston that drove us forward with the firm, Jackson Lewis, to crush based on a point system, is and 100 of her production and campaign,”Pelletier said. the workers’ organizing efforts. unfair. I received points for repair coworkers at the center Local 117 Organizers Bren- leaving work early one Satur- recently chose to join Local da Wiest and Kathryn Akyeah Strong Voices day to drive my husband to the 117 in Seattle. The workers and Organizing Director Jackson Lewis separated work- emergency room,”said Poston, voted for representation by Leonard Smith worked with ers by ethnic group and held who works at Alan Ritchey, a more than a 3-1 margin. Pelletier to recruit a 20-person captive audience meetings subcontractor of the U.S. The campaign began earlier organizing committee that daily for six weeks.“Of the 15 Postal Service in Auburn, things the standard union- Washington.“Our production busting employer does to stop standards are also unrealisti- “Before this campaign, everybody was in cliques. a campaign, this employer did cally high and we don’t receive Now we all talk to each other; we get along. And all of them and then some,” any paid sick days. We have Wiest said. The workers wore management is so surprised because we’re two unpaid personal days but pro-union stickers each day nothing beyond that.” standing up to them every inch of the way.” and adopted a code of silence Pay is another issue.“Six —DAVE PELLETIER, LOCAL 117 to combat intimidation efforts. “Before this campaign, everybody was in cliques,”Pel- letier said.“Now we all talk to each other; we get along. And management is so surprised because we’re standing up to them every inch of the way.” Local 117 attorney and native Russian speaker Anna Jancewicz also played a key role in the campaign by assist- ing with house calls and gath- ering testimony from workers to file unfair labor practices against the company. “The company has filed objections to the election, but that’s not an unusual strategy for Jackson Lewis,”Smith said. “We will fight the company all the way to make sure the workers win the strong voices they deserve.”

20 TEAMSTER | AUGUST 2005 | www.teamster.org LOCAL 734 audience meetings, but they of complaints that moved several other towns were watch- were strong from the beginning, them to organize, but low ing the process in Rockport and Panera Bread and they stayed strong.” wages and medical benefits have expressed interest in talk- anera Bread truck drivers The drivers, who deliver were at the top. They also faced ing to representatives from the strengthened their voice in electronics supplies to contrac- a series of unfair and even local. The public works employ- Pthe workplace by saying tors across New England, were dangerous working condi- ees from these towns have also “yes” to Teamsters representa- most upset about stalled pay tions.“Islandwide has a con- expressed interest. tion. The workers voted 21-9 raises and a lack of order in the tract with 30 banks, and dri- to join Local 734 in Chicago. workplace.“I haven’t had a vers often make mail deliveries LOCAL 25 “The company is growing raise in three years,”said Don in the middle of the night. so quickly that these drivers Goodwin, who started the Because they are forced to sup- Angelica Textile and Linen need a strong voice and good push to organize his fellow dri- ply their own vehicles for the elivery drivers at Angelica benefits,”said Brian Meidel, vers.“When you start, they job, workers drive unmarked Textile and Linen in President of Local 734.“They promise you a raise within 90 cars, so everybody thinks DSomerville, Massachusetts have a number of needs that days. There are some guys they’re transporting money. As voted by a 2-1 margin to join they are seeking to meet who’ve been waiting three to a result, many drivers have Local 25 in Boston. There are through a solid contract.” four years and they’re still been robbed while working, 37 workers in the bargaining The company tried every- being paid at the same rate.” some have been killed,” unit. The drivers, most of thing to keep the workers from The election at Northeast Vazquez said. whom are Latino, approached joining the union—even Electric was one of two recent the local back in January threatening to fire the workers. organizing victories for Local LOCAL 340 because they did not feel they “These drivers really stood 25. Forty clerical workers at City were being treated with respect up against the company,”said Hall in Everett, Massachusetts, Rockport, Maine Police on the job. Scott Kunz, Organizing Direc- most of whom are women, also olice officers in Rockport, Steve Sullivan, Local 25’s tor for Local 734.“The Panera voted to join the local. Organiz- Maine recently voted to Education and Organizing drivers becoming unionized er Mike Hogan from Joint Pjoin Local 340 in Portland, Director, and Mike Hogan, a puts them on the right path to Council 10 in Boston also Maine. The six officers had Joint Council 10 organizer, better health care coverage and worked to support the North- approached the local late last worked with the drivers to col- a solid Teamsters pension.” east drivers’ campaign. year after scheduling, seniority lect enough signatures to file The 35 Panera truck drivers and benefits issues developed for a National Labor Relations deliver products to all Panera LOCALS 901 with city officials. Board (NLRB) election. cafes in the Chicago area. The “We are really pleased the “Immigrant workers want drivers work at the Des Plaines Islandwide Express officers chose to join the to get paid well but they also production facility. ocal 901 in San Juan, Puer- union,”said Tim Boynton, a want respect,”Sullivan said. to Rico celebrated a major Local 340 business agent. “Winning that respect is the LOCAL 25 L victory recently when “They had tried to represent most important thing Team- delivery drivers at Islandwide themselves but had not been sters can do for these workers Sonepar Northeast Electric Express voted 95-50 in favor of able to secure a contract in the because they are our future n a decidedly swift cam- the union. There are 150 work- last three to four years. We members.” paign, truck drivers at ers in the bargaining unit. know we can help them get the Jose Perez, the driver who ISonepar Northeast Electric The campaign, which was type of contract and recogni- initiated the campaign, con- in Canton, Massachusetts voted led by Local 901 President Jose tion they deserve.” tacted Local 25 after he saw the to join Local 25 in a 22-8 vote. Ayala, Secretary-Treasurer “We knew we needed a benefits and high wages The election came less than two Germán Vazquez and Organiz- stronger voice to make our enjoyed by his friends who months after the initial organiz- ing Director Luz D. Perez, concerns heard—that’s why were Teamsters.“Everybody ing committee meeting. began when delivery drivers at we picked the Teamsters,” wants a better future, and we “These guys were ready,”said Islandwide contacted the local. said Travis Ford, a Rockport want better salaries and bene- Steve Sullivan, Education and “We had more than 60 police officer. fits. But there was also a lot of Organizing Director at Local 25 union activists in this cam- Winning the membership of discrimination. The bosses in Boston.“The company hit paign,”Vazquez said.“We the Rockport police may help would yell and scream at us, so them on all sides with anti- mobilized until we won.” lead to more victories as well. we decided we wanted a union mailings and captive The workers had a long list Boynton said that officers in union,”Perez said.

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 21 A New World Teamsters, Company Reach Organizing Agreement

hen Barry Bryant to form or join a union of their choice, began working at the that it will not interfere with or oppose its Quebecor World plant employees’ efforts to organize, and that in Jonesboro, they be able to do so free from harassment Arkansas about six or intimidation from any party. In the years ago, his priority agreement, the company also states that it Wwas to join the Graphic Communications fully respects the right of its employees to International Union—now part of the freedom of association and their right to Teamsters Union. engage in collective bargaining. “With a union, we have a level playing “The Teamsters are proud to lead the field, a voice, and we get to develop friends way in ensuring a workers’ right to orga- and communicate with others who have nize with this kind of agreement,”said Jim similar problems,”said Bryant, an electri- Hoffa, Teamsters General President.“Our cian at the plant.“Knowing that the union union looks forward to forging a working is behind them, more people are willing to relationship with the company as this stand up for their rights because the union agreement is implemented.” is willing to back them.” “This new accord marks a significant The Jonesboro plant is unionized, so step forward for workers’ rights in the Bryant has a strong voice and respect on printing industry and in our union’s rela- the job. tionship with Quebecor World, the largest Now, thousands of other Quebecor single employer of our membership,”said World workers at nonunion plants across George Tedeschi, President of the Graphic the country will soon have the chance to Communications Conference, which win the same strong voice and respect represents more than 60,000 members. Bryant enjoys. “The protocol paves the way for nonunion workers to exercise their right Organizing Protocol to join a union and engage in collective In May, Quebecor World and the Graphic bargaining, if they so choose.” Communications Conference of the Teamsters Union reached agreement on a Showing Solidarity new protocol concerning union organiz- Every day, workers at dozens of Quebecor ing at the company’s nonunion facilities in World plants in the U.S. produce high the United States. quality catalogs, books, and magazines, In what is commonly referred to as a including Time magazine, the Harry Potter “neutrality agreement,”Quebecor World books, the Victoria’s Secret catalog and agreed to fully respect its employees’ rights Reader’s Digest. These workers have helped

22 TEAMSTER | AUGUST 2005 | www.teamster.org At Quebecor

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 23 “Since the agreement, the atmosphere has been a lot more positive in the facility and people are openly talking about our union. Our future is looking brighter.” — BOB KUNZ, LEAD OPERATOR, FERNLEY, NEVADA PLANT

make Quebecor World one of the world’s made all the difference in the world. respect and dignity. Don’t hold me back largest commercial printers, with U.S. sales “We have better wages. We’ve negotiated because of the color of my skin.” topping $6.6 billion in 2004 alone. our birthdays off. We have a better atten- Quebecor World workers across the dance policy,”Bryant said.“Getting a voice Strong Track Record U.S. are now standing together to build in the workplace is not just a union issue, Mark Russell, a 13-year employee of the their union. Their colleagues at Quebecor but a worker’s issue. A voice empowers Jonesboro plant who works on a cover facilities in more than a dozen coun- the employee.” feeder, said the union fights for workers. tries—from Chile to Sweden to the United Don Butler, who has worked in the press “The union has fought for our double Kingdom—have shown their solidarity in room for 33 years at Quebecor’s Versailles time,”Russell said.“If we weren’t in the the global campaign to win the right to plant, said he wants to form a union there union, our insurance would have skyrock- organize. because of concerns about skyrocketing eted. And the union has helped keep pay The agreement has ignited support and health care costs and safety. levels up.” excitement among workers at nonunion “In the past year, our health care costs Roy Taylor, a shipping department work- Quebecor plants. have doubled,”Butler said.“Several of my er in Atlanta, said union membership for coworkers have had to go without medi- him and his coworkers carries many benefits. A Bright Future cine because they just can’t afford it. “Because we have a strong union, we “Since the agreement, the atmosphere has Another coworker of mine had to give up get the respect we deserve from Quebecor. been a lot more positive in the facility and his car because he could not pay for it and With union representation, we have gotten people are openly talking about our his medication.” better benefits, better treatment and job union. Our future is looking brighter,” James Chandler, a 20-year employee at security. It makes for a better workplace said Bob Kunz, a lead operator at the the Versailles plant, works in the offset press. and gives us clout so that the company Fernley, Nevada plant. “Without a union, there’s nothing we can’t just do us any way it wants,”he said. “Things are different now that we have can do to fix these problems,”Chandler this agreement—more people are coming said.“It’s important that people of all Union Power on board and talking freely about building races and backgrounds get treated equally, Quang Truong, a unit assistant in Atlanta, our union,”said Donovan Headrick, an and the union can help that happen. The said union membership means power. assistant pressman in Versailles, Kentucky. money is decent, but I care about the “Any time I see management doing For Bryant, being a union member has treatment. I want to be treated with something that goes against our contract,

24 TEAMSTER | AUGUST 2005 | www.teamster.org I say something. Our contract allows us to security. It worked. We are now in the would give us a sense of ownership—we do that. A union contract protects our process of getting new entry gates around would be more like partners.” jobs and prevents management from fir- the entire plant,”said Terry Thomas, also Johnson, who is an ordained minister, ing people at will,”Truong said. a pressman in Memphis, Tennessee. said support for unionization is very Unionization has also improved safety strong. at Quebecor plants, workers said. Boosting Morale “We have a strong solidarity commit- “We had a meeting after a fire in the Larry Johnson, who has worked at the tee,”he said.“We have strong union plant. Management listens to us now to plant in Olive Branch, Mississippi for supporters working on all the shifts so find better ways to prevent and fight fires. about 17 years, said forming a union with that we’ll be ready when it comes time It has improved a hundred-fold,”said Ron the Teamsters will help boost morale to sign cards. Soon, we will be able to Ghettie, a pressman in Memphis. among workers. negotiate our health care and retirement “With a contract we can speak freely “Being Teamsters will give us a chance benefits. We’re all looking forward to a and get things done. We had a bunch of to advance fairly and people could take brighter future.” break-ins at our plant and a group of us pride in their work,”said Johnson, who went to human resources to get more works in the maintenance department.“It Global Solidarity Quebecor Workers Call for Worldwide Labor Standards

s the neutrality agreement heralds a new day for Quebecor workers Ain the United States, workers at plants around the world remain committed to winning a global labor-standards agreement for employ- ees in all 17 countries where Quebecor World facilities are located. March 16 was designated “Global Solidarity Day” for Quebecor work- ers around the world in order to create a sense of unity and raise public awareness on labor standards, workplace safety and the right to join unions. Workers wore stickers and T-shirts with solidarity slogans, issued public statements, held mass meetings and stopped work in an effort to bring attention to their cause. The idea for a global solidarity day began in December 2004 at a landmark Global Solidarity Conference held in Memphis, Tennessee, Links in a Chain which was jointly sponsored by the Graphic Communications Interna- Actions on Global Solidarity Day were carried out in different ways, tional Union (GCIU), the European-based Union Network International according to the culture of each trade union and the specificity of each (UNI) and the AFL-CIO. Delegates representing Quebecor World workers country. A number of countries organized daylong strikes while others from 18 labor unions in 14 countries met to discuss concerns and held general assemblies of workers and prepared motions to be deliv- develop strategies to attain basic rights for all Quebecor employees. ered to management. As workers organized activities across the globe for the solidarity day, a common theme emerged that had its roots in a speech by GCIU President George Tedeschi at the Global Solidarity Conference. Tedeschi urged the delegates to consider themselves as “links in a chain,” creating a global cooperative of unionists, sharing information, resources and support to reach their goals with the company. “This solidarity chain also enables us to jointly support each of our unions with other global companies as the need may arise,” Tedeschi said. “Together, we can increase our union density and strength at Quebecor and elsewhere. We can—and must—work toward the common good to benefit everyone. We can be a worldwide labor chain—strong and united. Our members—and all workers throughout the world— deserve nothing less.” The PowerDiveOf rsity Teamster Women Strategize for the Future at Women’s Conference

oris Welch may be retired, but she has never retired from her union. Welch, a longtime member of Local 237 in New York, continues to be a presence at many union activities. The annual Women’s Conference is one of the highlights of her D busy schedule. “I wouldn’t miss this conference for anything in the world,”she said.“It’s so gratifying to watch the conference get bigger each year and see all those bright young faces attending for the first time. It lets me know that all the hard work by older sisters like me, being the ‘first woman this’ and the ‘only woman that,’wasn’t for nothing. Besides, I’ve still got a thing or two to give—and learn.” Welch joined Teamster women from across the United States and Cana- da as they converged in record numbers to celebrate their achievements, diversity and growing strength at the Fifth Annual Women’s Conference held in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 27 O Canada “I was impressed with the care taken The four-day conference, hosted by sisters to include everyone in the program,”said from Teamsters Canada, was held under Maria Molinaro of Joint Council 91 in the theme,“Women Working Together in Quebec. “And it was heartening to see a Diverse Union.”The conference empha- members taking pleasure in the opportu- sized women unifying to harness the nity to experience presentations in power of diversity as a force for change in another language.” the workplace and beyond. The conference was designed to edu- “It was a great pleasure for the Canadi- cate, inspire and strengthen the leader- an sisters to host this event,”said Barb ship potential of female Teamsters. A Adam, a Women’s Committee member variety of presentations and workshops from Local 879 in Hamilton, Ontario.“It focused on skills building, increasing was a very concrete way to show the diver- women’s involvement in the union and “I hate to admit it, but I was reluctant sity of our membership and showcase our highlighting the integral role women play to come,”she said.“The officers at my pride in the union.” in all major areas of the Teamsters. local thought it would be a good experi- In the spirit of celebrating diversity, the ence, but I had doubts. I worried that it conference featured both French and Eng- A Change of Heart would just be a gripe session. I couldn’t lish language guest speakers. All confer- Renee Lemux, a UPS driver and have been more wrong.” ence attendees were able to understand 19-year member of Local 177 in Hillside, Lemux credits the conference with giv- and enjoy every part of the conference by New Jersey, felt the conference was out- ing her a whole new perspective on the way of translation headsets, which provid- standing in every way. It was her first importance of union involvement. ed information in their own language conference and she was amazed at the Inspired by guest speakers and moved by from translators who were on hand all variety of sessions and the quality of stories from newly organized members, four days. the presentations. she realized her days as a Teamster in name only were over. She put the new attitude to work during the conference, lining up tasks to undertake back home, GettingTogether including using vacation time to assist in Creating a Women’s Committee at Your Local a push for DRIVE membership. “I’m a changed woman, just from this conference—no kidding,”she said.“I he Women’s Conference is an important event each year, providing a supportive atmos- never realized how much effort goes into phere to discuss issues unique to women members, celebrate achievements, share experi- T programs designed to benefit and protect ences and develop strategies to strengthen the voice of women in the union. members. Now I get it—if I want a good, However, it’s not necessary to limit those activities to one annual event. Creating women’s strong union I have to be a good, strong committees at the local union level is the best way to keep the energy and momentum from member. It’s so simple, really.” the Women’s Conference alive and pass it on to others. Starting any type of group or committee is never easy, but it does not have to be over- A Vital Role whelming. Start small and keep your goals reasonable. A successful committee does not have General President Jim Hoffa and Teamsters to be large. In fact, a committed group of five to 10 members can often make more of a dif- Canada President Bob Bouvier were the ference than a larger group—at least in the early stages. keynote speakers headlining the opening- Setting Goals day events. Both were clear in their belief that women play a vital role in the union. Getting members to agree to attend another meeting may be the hardest task of all. They may be Hoffa congratulated the group on the enthusiastic when discussing the idea of a committee, but find their schedule is full on the day of ever-increasing growth of the conference the meeting. To avoid numerous “no shows,” plan your initial meetings to piggyback on events and spoke enthusiastically about the obvi- already scheduled such as membership, steward or other committee meetings at the union hall. ous commitment to the union shown by Announce the intent to form a group through flyers posted at the local and in break those in attendance. rooms, locker rooms and restrooms at work. Keep the first meetings fairly informal, but don’t “The Women’s Conference is one of my let them turn into a gripe session. favorite events each year,”Hoffa said.“You Set goals for the group together that can be achieved quickly and easily at first to boost all have an incredibly high level of energy energy and a sense of belonging. Goals can be as simple as discussing problem situations at and are determined to increase the power work and generating workable solutions, arranging to attend a community seminar, or request of the union and shape the future of the and utilize educational materials from the Women’s Committee or other departments at the labor movement. It is very motivating.” Teamsters Union. As the group grows and evolves, goals can become more ambitious. bonus when Interna- tional Vice Presidents Garnet Zimmerman and Al Hobart joined in the presentation. “It’s nice to be able to talk with leaders in an informal setting such as a workshop or networking session,” said Anna Valdez of the conference, Local 2004 in Denver. received apprecia- “It makes you realize tive applause from we all have the same the audience when goals for our union.” he stated that living with a wife and three daughters had Support and Advice trained him to recognize the importance of Sharon Mozdy of Local 79 in Tampa, Hoffa also called on the women in atten- women’s contributions in any situation. Florida can personally attest to the skill- dance to direct some of that energy into He voiced pride in the achievements of building power of the workshops. Last organizing efforts and fighting anti-labor the group, but also encouraged them to take year, after she shared some workplace frus- initiatives through political action. He their involvement one step further by devel- trations in one of the workshops, the dis- encouraged them to volunteer whatever oping a sense of personal responsibility for cussion switched to ways she could time they could, noting it wasn’t necessary the future of the union. He urged them to improve her situation. She was amazed at to be a professional in the field to make a learn more about the issues facing the the support and helpful advice she difference. union and to understand the consequences received. Mozdy put the advice to use and “Organizing and political strength are of the anti-labor trend in government. was pleased with the outcome. She the keys to our future—and you have a “Women are good communicators,” returned to the conference this year ready wealth of talent to bring to the table,”he Keegel said.“We need you to help educate to provide that support to someone else. said.“Statistics show organizing campaigns your coworkers and community about the “The skills and insights I gained in that have a better success rate when women are seriousness of issues like pension reform workshop helped ease my frustration level involved. So don’t wait—we need you now.” and attempts to diminish fair labor stan- and bolstered my confidence,”she said. Bouvier, presenting his remarks in both dards. The union is not separate from Although the conference schedule was French and English, stressed the importance you—you and all your fellow members are packed tightly with guest speakers and of all women members working together to the union. You should take attacks on labor workshops, there was still plenty of time help make a difference in the lives of work- personally—because they are personal.” for women to network with sisters from ing families. He added that a strong voice for different regions, share experiences and women members in the union will be essen- Knowledge is Strength reflect on the achievements of the past tial as the structure of the workforce Friday and Saturday afternoons at the year. Many women feel these opportunities changes. Bouvier praised the attendees for conference were dedicated to educational are the best aspect of the conference. their skill in juggling tough work and family workshops, with participants attending “It was a great experience all around. schedules and urged them to use that expe- two workshops of their choice each day. Now I really understand why there is such rience in the service of the union. “The committee limited the number of strong Teamster pride and unity,”said “This is an important conference for all workshops so there would be enough time Melanie Boyko, a new member from the women members,”Bouvier said.“Working for members to hear more than just basic Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way in solidarity to develop a stronger voice in information on a topic,”said Cheryl John- Employes Division (BMWED) in Sorren- the union is essential as the number of sis- son, Co-Chair of the Teamsters Women’s to, British Columbia.“My unit ratified our ters in the union continues to grow. The Conference. first contract while I was at the conference, conference provides the necessary building This year’s topics included financial so now I’m excited and proud to say I’m blocks to create that voice.” management, negotiation skills, violence truly a Teamster too.” in the workplace, stress management and It’s Your Union the importance of women in the union’s SAVE THE DATE General Secretary-Treasurer Tom Keegel, history. Members attending the history The next Women’s Conference will be the featured speaker on the second day of workshops on Saturday received an added from September 14-17, 2006 in Denver.

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 29 IRB REPORT 87

bers of Local 295 Executive Board recommending that REPORT 87 TO ALL MEMBERS member Anthony Fandacone be charged with bringing OF THE INTERNATIONAL reproach upon the IBT by refusing to appear for his sched- BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS uled in-person sworn examination. The Local notified the Chief Investigator that it would set a date for Mr. Fanda- FROM: Independent Review Board cone to appear at a disciplinary hearing at Local 295. Mr. Benjamin R. Civiletti Fandacone through counsel said he was willing to appear Joseph E. diGenova and give sworn testimony before the IRB. This matter William H. Webster remains under consideration by the IRB. DATED: June 6, 2005 B. JOSEPH LAMPASONA - Local 295, Valley I. INTRODUCTION Stream, New York This is the Independent Review Board’s (“IRB”) In the last issue of the Teamster magazine we reported Eighty-seventh Report to you on its activities conducted that the IRB issued an Investigative Report to the Mem- pursuant to the Consent Order. In this Report, we will bers of Local 295 Executive Board recommending that discuss matters that have currently come before us, includ- Joseph Lampasona be charged with bringing reproach ing two Agreements received prior to proposed charges upon the IBT by refusing to appear for his scheduled in- and the status of pending charges about which we have person sworn examination. The Local notified the Chief previously informed you. We will also discuss the status Investigator that it would set a date for Mr. Lampasona to of two Information Reports which do not contain charges appear at a disciplinary hearing at Local 295. Subse- but were issued to the IBT as a means of providing infor- quently, Mr. Lampasona appeared and gave sworn testi- mation on irregularities requiring action by the IBT. mony to counsel to the Chief Investigator. The IRB has the matter under consideration. II. MEMBERS ACTION PRIOR TO IRB PROPOSED CHARGES C. JOSEPH L. BERNSTEIN - Local 781, Des Plaines, Illinois A. PHILIP FASULO - Local 813, Long Island City, We have previously informed you that Local 781 Presi- New York dent and Joint Council 25 Vice President Joseph L. Bern- In the last issue of the Teamster magazine we reported stein allegedly brought reproach upon the IBT and violat- that before formal charges could be recommended by the ed his membership oath when, subsequent to William T. IRB to the IBT, Philip Fasulo, former member of Local Hogan, Jr.’s permanent bar from the IBT, he had knowing 813, submitted an Agreement to the IRB. In the Agree- ment, while not admitting or denying wrongdoing, Mr. and purposeful contact with him. The IBT hearing panel Fasulo agreed to permanently resign from the IBT and found Mr. Bernstein guilty as charged. General President Local 813. The IRB found the Agreement served to Hoffa adopted the hearing panel’s recommendation and resolve the matter and it is with United States District prohibited Mr. Bernstein from ever reclaiming member- Judge Preska for review. ship in the IBT or participating in the affairs of any IBT affiliates but he was not prohibited from contact and asso- B.THOMAS CERBONE - Local 851, Valley Stream, ciation with IBT officers, members, employees, represen- New York tatives and agents with respect to matters that do not In the last issue of the Teamster magazine we reported involve union business. that before formal charges could be recommended by the On March 8, 2005, the IRB notified Mr. Hoffa that IRB to the IBT, Thomas Cerbone, former member of given Mr. Bernstein’s conduct the IRB found the sanction Local 851, submitted an Agreement to the IRB. In the imposed upon him inadequate. Mr. Hoffa’s response was Agreement, while not admitting or denying wrongdoing, that he was standing by his original decision. The IRB Mr. Cerbone agreed to permanently resign from the IBT informed Mr. Hoffa that his decision was inadequate and and Local 851. The IRB found the Agreement served to scheduled a new hearing on Mr. Bernstein for June 6, 2005. resolve the matter and it is with United States District On May 17, 2005, counsel for Mr. Bernstein requested Judge Preska for review. that the IRB proceed directly to a post-hearing briefing III. STATUS OF PREVIOUS IRB CHARGES schedule in lieu of the scheduled hearing. The IRB agreed to counsel’s request and he delivered his post-hearing A. ANTHONY FANDACONE - Local 295, Valley memorandum to the IRB and to the Chief Investigator. Stream, New York The Chief Investigator will deliver an answering memo- In the last issue of the Teamster magazine we reported randum to counsel for Mr. Bernstein and to the IRB. The that the IRB issued an Investigative Report to the Mem- IRB will then take the matter under further consideration.

30 TEAMSTER | AUGUST 2005 | www.teamster.org IRB REPORT 87

D.THOMAS CALABRESE - Local 851, Valley that injured the Pension Fund. General Counsel Szymans- Stream, New York ki was given 90 days to advise the IRB what steps, if any, In the last issue of the Teamster magazine we reported the IBT has taken or plans to take in response to this that on May 4, 2005, the IRB issued an Investigative report. Report to the Members of Local 851 Executive Board rec- ommending that member Thomas Calabrese be charged V. TOLL-FREE HOTLINE with bringing reproach upon the IBT by failing to appear Since our last report to you, the hotline has received for his scheduled in-person sworn examination. The approximately 65 calls reporting alleged improprieties. attorney representing Mr. Calabrese in this matter request- As in the past, all calls which appeared to fall within IRB ed that no action be taken until he had an opportunity to jurisdiction were referred for investigation. Activities review the IRB’s report. The IRB has agreed to the attor- which should be reported for investigation include, but are not limited to, association with organized crime, corrup- ney’s request. tion, racketeering, embezzlement, extortion, assault, or IV. INFORMATION REPORTS failure to investigate any of these. To assure that all calls are treated confidentially, the A. LOCAL 445 ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES TO system recording hotline calls is located in a cipher-locked BENEFIT FUNDS IRB room on a dedicated line and accessed by IRB staff We have previously informed you that in April 2004 only. It is not manned by an investigator; however, the the IRB issued a non-charge Report to IBT General Coun- recorded information if complete is forwarded directly to sel Patrick Szymanski concerning the allocation of Local the Investigations Office. expenses to the Local’s Benefit Funds. For years, despite Please continue to use the toll-free hotline to report the IBT’s directives that cost sharing agreements be well improprieties which fall within IRB jurisdiction by calling documented, the Union Trustees, who are Local officers 1-800-CALL-IRB (1-800-225-5472). If you are calling and employees, permitted the Benefit Funds to reimburse from within Washington, DC, dial 202-434-8085. the Local for expenses that were unsubstantiated by any written documentation. The evidence indicated that the Trustees breached their fiduciary duties to the Funds in VI.CONCLUSION permitting unjustified payments to the Local. As always, our task is to ensure that the goals of the The IBT has informed the IRB that Local 445 agreed to Consent Order are fulfilled. In doing so, it is our desire to implement the recommendations contained in the IBT’s keep the IBT membership fully informed about our activi- ties. If you have any information concerning allegations outside CPA firm’s final report, including the transfer of of wrongdoing or corruption, you may call the toll-free about $178,000 to the Funds from the Local’s funds. hotline noted above, you may use the IRB facsimile num- B. LOCAL 727 ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES TO ber 202-434-8084, or you may write to either the IRB BENEFIT FUNDS Chief Investigator or the IRB office: On May 9, 2005, the IRB issued a non-charge Report to IBT General Counsel Szymanski concerning the cost Charles M. Carberry, Chief Investigator sharing arrangement among the Local and the three Bene- 17 Battery Place, Suite 331 fit Funds. As part of this arrangement, the Local received New York, NY 10004 approximately $4.1 million from the three Funds between January 2001 and December 2004. During the years Independent Review Board 2001 through 2004, Local 727 derived between 29 per- 444 North Capitol Street, N.W. cent and 36 percent of its annual income from the pay- Suite 528 ments to the Local from the Funds. Without these pay- Washington, DC 20001 ments, the Local’s expenditures would have exceeded its income by $4.3 million during these years. There is insuf- ficient reliable evidence that these transfers from the Funds to the Local were justified by services the Local and its employees performed on behalf of the Funds. It appears that a method of allocation of time was cho- sen that allowed the significant flow of money from the Funds to the Local without adequate justification. In addition, the method used to increase payments out of the Pension Fund bore no relation to costs incurred and, even if the method was acceptable, was applied in a manner

www.teamster.org | AUGUST 2005 | TEAMSTER 31 Top Dogs K-9 Team Earns Honorary Teamster Membership

cho and Hank were just doing their usual job—sniffing out drugs for the EDallas County Sheriff’s Department in Adel, Iowa—when they hit the mother lode. The K-9 team recently found more than $16 million worth of cocaine and marijua- na hidden in the structure of a recreational vehicle that had been stopped by police. It was the largest cocaine bust in Iowa history. “These dogs are pros,”said Dennis “We never would have found the drugs ation competition last year, he lives with George, a Polk County detective and stew- without them. Earlier searches had turned his handler Scott Faiferlick, also a member ard for Local 238 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. up nothing—so we knew it was time to of Local 238. Echo, a German short bring in the expert noses.” hair/lab mix, completed training just over When Local 238 heard about the suc- a year ago and works with the Polk Coun- cessful search, they decided the dogs ty Sheriff’s Department. He lives with the deserved special recognition. Honorary family of his handler, Dennis George. membership was granted to the canines, “Very little was known about the dogs complete with their own union cards. when they were adopted, but they have This is no small accomplishment for turned out to be valuable additions to law two mutts who barely made it out of the enforcement agencies in this region,” local animal shelter. Echo, 4, and Hank, 6, George said.“Plus, their daily tasks use up had each been deemed “too hyper” to be a lot of that abundant energy, making adopted and were likely candidates to be them suitable to live with our families. It’s put down. Luckily, that energy is an asset a good deal for all of us.” for substance search methods used in law Hank and Echo are unfazed by all the enforcement. hoopla over the large drug bust. Exten- sively trained, the two dogs are as enthusi- Valuable Additions astic and thorough when searching for Hank, a yellow Labrador retriever, was minute amounts of illegal drugs as they rescued by the Dallas County Sheriff’s are about a trunk full of cocaine. And the Department and has been on the force for reward is always the same—a rolled up three years. Named the Iowa State winner towel that can be used in a rousing game of the United States Police Canine Associ- of fetch or tug-of-war.

32 TEAMSTER | AUGUST 2005 | www.teamster.org INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS NOVEMBER/DECEM BER 2003 ELECTION SUPERVISOR’S REPORT LOCAL UNIONS SUBMIT PLANS FOR FALL 2005 DELEGATE ELECTIONS ELECTION SUPERVISOR RECEIVING PETITIONS FOR PRE-CONVENTION ACCREDITATION OF CANDIDATES

he proposed Rules for the office being sought. The min- North East Region Great Plains Region T2005-2006 IBT Interna- imum signature requirements David F. Reilly, Esq. Mary Ann Campbell tional Union Delegate and are as follows: 22 West Main Street 13859 State Road, E. Officer Election (the “2006 Signatures North Kingston, RI 02852 DeSoto, MO 63020 Rules”) provide that a local Office Needed Ph: 401-294-9595 Phone: 636-337-7455 union with a regularly sched- Union-Wide ...... 35,802 Fax: 401-295-2423 Fax: 636-337-7455 uled local officer election in Regional Offices Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fall 2005, or that is a “sea- Central ...... 11,086 Maine, Vermont, New Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, sonal Local Union,” may con- Eastern ...... 10,353 Hampshire, Massachusetts, Nebraska, South Dakota, duct its election for delegates Southern...... 2,862 Connecticut, Rhode Island North Dakota, Idaho, to the 27th International Con- Western ...... 8,554 and New York Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, vention of the IBT in 2005. As Canadian ...... 2,946 Colorado, Arizona and New of this writing, the Office of Atlantic Region Mexico J. Griffin “Griff” Morgan, Esq. the Election Supervisor had The Election Supervisor’s Elliot, Pishko, Morgan Far West Region received plans proposing to official forms for accredita- 426 Old Salem Road Christine M. Mrak, Esq. schedule 2005 elections from tion petitions are available at Winston-Salem, NC 27101 2357 Hobart Avenue, SW these 20 local unions: www.ibtvote.org (form 5 and Ph: 336-724-2828 Seattle, WA 98116 form 16). Fax: 336-724-3335 Ph: 206-932-4288 IBT Local Unions Proposing 2005 The Government and the Email: jgmorgan@ Fax: 206-938-2953 Delegate Elections in 2005 IBT are reviewing comments epmlaw.com Email: [email protected] 77 247 439 812 received on the 2006 Rules New Jersey, Delaware, Mary- California, Washington, 87 250 516 813 and, at the conclusion of land, Virginia, North Caroli- Oregon, Hawaii and Alaska 89 252 550 890 their review, will ask the U.S. na, South Carolina and the 169 261 584 912 District Court for the South- District of Columbia Canada 173 279 601 948 ern District of New York to Gwen Randall, Esq. 214 305 677 995 approve the 2006 Rules South Region 400 Fourth Avenue, SW 231 401 760 2040 retroactive to May 1, 2005. Dolores C. Hall Suite 3000 The 2006 Rules as published As local union plans are 1000 Belmont Place Calgary, AB T2P 0J4 for comment have been in Metairie, LA 70001 Canada reviewed and approved, the effect as of May 1, 2005. Mem- Election Supervisor’s website, Ph: 504-834-0262 Ph: 403-296-5402 bers, potential candidates, Fax: 504-834-0262 Fax: 403-296-4474 www.ibtvote.org, will post a independent committees and master calendar of dates Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] all affiliates must abide by the Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Canada relating to the election of 2006 Rules as published for convention delegates. You Tennessee, Mississippi, comment, including compliance Louisiana, Arkansas, Okla- OES Headquarters should receive individual with all provisions concerning notice by mail of delegate homa, Texas and Puerto Rico. Richard W. Mark campaign activities, fundrais- Office of the Election Super- nomination and election ing, reporting and other events at your local union, Mid East Region visor for the International requirements and obligations. William B. “Bill” Kane Brotherhood of Teamsters and schedule information Appropriate provision will should also be posted on 242 Old Haymaker Road 1725 K Street, N.W., be made in the final 2006 Monroeville, PA 15146 Suite 1400, Washington, local union bulletin boards. Rules with respect to the All other locals will conduct Ph: 412-373-0119 D.C. 20006 application of any changes Fax: 412-373-0119 Ph: 202-429-8683 or 888- the nomination and election from the 2006 Rules as pub- of IBT Convention delegates Pennsylvania, Ohio and 428-2006 (888-IBT-2006) lished for comment. West Virginia (Toll Free) starting in January 2006. Regional Directors for the Article X, § 1 of the 2006 Fax: 202-429-0030 Election Supervisor’s Office Mid West Region Rules provides that accredit- EMail: Electionsupervisor@ are in place to provide infor- William C. “Bill” Broberg ibtvote.org ed candidates for Internation- mation about the election al Union office may obtain 1108 Fincastle Road and to provide assistance to Lexington, KY 40502 Contact information for access to membership lists local unions and members as and may have literature pub- Phone: 859-269-5657 both Election Supervisor needed. The contact infor- Fax: 859-269-5657 headquarters and the lished in the Teamster maga- mation for the Regional zine. A candidate seeking Email: [email protected] Regional Directors may Directors (and for headquar- Minnesota, Wisconsin, also be found at accredited status must obtain ters) follows: signatures on petitions of at Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, www.ibtvote.org. least 2.5% of all IBT mem- and Kentucky bers eligible to vote for the Richard W. Mark Election Supervisor TheThe JamesJames R.R. HoffaHoffa MemorialMemorial ScholarshipScholarship FundFund 20052005 EssayEssay ContestContest

2005 Essay Topic:

Describe a brief history of your Teamster parents' or grandparents' involvement in their Local Union. How has it affected your family and why is it important to you?

For high school graduates, age 23 and younger, who are children or grandchildren of Teamster members

For more information, contact your local Teamsters Union office or visit www.teamster.org. Deadline for submissions is September 30, 2005