TServingE moreA thanM 70,000 TeamstersS T and theirE familiesR Volume 50, Number 3 August/September 2005 “We’ve got to continue to register and update our members on the issues.” NorCal political coordinators meet to set strategies for special election Spurred on by the special election called by Governor Schwarzenegger Upcoming for November, Teamster Worksite Co- Political Coordinators ordinators throughout Northern Cali- Meetings: fornia met on two weekends in May. September 10 These meetings, held in Oakland, Martinez, San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland: 10:00-11:30 a.m. Modesto and Fresno, were unprece- Stockton: 1:00-2:30 p.m. dented, marking the first time that rank and file members from every will be a challenge,” Mack added. Local Union in NorCal joined Team- “The governor is going after public ster leaders to strategize and build po- employees and teachers, which has an litical power. impact on some of our members. If we As part of the Teamsters new Polit- lose these initiatives in November, the ical Action Program, the worksite co- governor won’t hesitate to come after ordinators will help build member the rest of us.” (See page 8 for more participation in the Teamsters’ Politi- info on the special election.) cal Action Committee, D.R.I.V.E., as Local Union Political Coordinators well as increasing voter registration and Worksite Coordinators received and member education. They will also voter registration forms and have al- recruit rank and file political coordi- The above montage comes from the Joint Council 7 Political Coordinators Meeting ready started registering members and nators at every California worksite. held at Local 70 on May 14. From left is Assembly Member Alberto Torrico, Joint Council President Chuck Mack, D.R.I.V.E. Representative Jack Peasley and Marsi New- signing them up for D.R.I.V.E. Work- With hundreds of rank and file co- man California Teamsters Public Affairs Council. (Collage by M. Humbane) site flyers on the election should be ordinators at the four meetings, the available at every job site soon. turnout exceeded expectations. “We coming out of Sacramento and Wa s h- dent Chuck Mack at the Oakland The Political Coordinators are Bob can accomplish much more political- ington if we’re willing to organize in- m e e t i n g . Blanchet for Joint Council 7 and Jim ly and impact the anti-worker agenda t e r n a l l y,” said Joint Council 7 Presi- “The special election in November Tobin for Joint Council 38. Teamsters withdraw Pledge to Deliver Efficiency, Productivity, Dependability from AFL-CIO La b o r , management announce historic port trucking pact As this paper goes to press, the Gen- eral Executive Board of the Interna- The International Brotherhood of sters at their terminals across the coast shipping industry recognize that tional Brotherhood of Teamsters has Teamsters and Maritech Leasing an- c o u n t r y. Company officials believe they must treat truck drivers as part- unanimously voted to withdraw the nounced on June 6 the first new union that retaining quality workers is a cru- ners and pay reasonable rates to en- IB T ’ s membership from the AFL-CIO. contract between the Teamsters and a cial key to providing their customers sure a productive and dependable road “The Teamsters have partnered port trucking company in more than with unparalleled service. transport system for the final miles of with seven strong and progressive 20 years. The two entities hailed the “The volume of cargo entering a container’s journey. unions in the Change to Win coali- new agreement as the first step toward U.S. ports is growing by leaps and “Maritech has agreed to periodic tion to organize the unorganized and a solution to the problems that have bounds, while insurance, fuel and reviews and wage adjustments as the create real power for the working plagued port trucking throughout the truck maintenance have gone up and company prospers,” Mack said. This families of America,” President James United States. net truck driver compensation has contract covers truckers operating Hoffa announced on July 25. “This is the initial step to re-estab- plummeted,” said Bob Kelly, Presi- company equipment, but the Team- Ho f fa said that the Teamsters made lishing the Teamsters in America’s dent of Maritech Leasing. “Our indus- sters are also working to represent the decision to disaffiliate as a matter of ports,” said Chuck Mack, Director of try must take decisive steps to stem owner-drivers hauling for port truck- principle, after months of discussions the Teamsters Port Division and Vice the growing shortage of truck drivers ing companies throughout the U.S. and deliberation. President of the International Brother- hauling containers from the ports to “We believe that inter-modal trans- Even though the Teamsters opted hood of Teamsters. “Port drivers on rail depots, warehouses and distribu- port companies see the advantage of out of the AFL-CIO convention, taking the West Coast now have a contract tion centers. Drivers are leaving faster treating owner-drivers as employees place in Chicago during the last week that guarantees them fair wages, than the industry can replace them.” and stabilizing the industry through a of July, the union plans to maintain health and pension benefits and a “ With the Teamsters on board, Teamster contract,” Mack said. working relationships with Building grievance system.” Maritech will provide our customers Maritech, which got its start at the Trades Councils, State Federations and Long Beach-based Maritech also with first rate service they can depend Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Local Labor Councils. Stay tuned! agreed to remain neutral during any on,” Kelly said. intends to open another operation in future organizing efforts by the Team- Many of the players in the west Oakland by the close of 2005. Page 2 August/September 2005

Special Election Prop 74: Elimining seniority in public schools Here’s what else the November 8, 2005 This initiative prohibits a school district from designating a teacher $80 million being as a permanent employee until he or she has worked five consecutive Rather than try to negotiate with the state school years. Not only does this affect job stability, but it alters when spent on the Special l e g i s l a t u re—which is his job—Governor teachers are eligible for health and retirement benefits. Prop 74 also Election could pay for Schwarzenegger has some propositions that allows a school district to terminate a permanent employee based on ➤ he’d like you to vote on in a special election on two negative job evaluations. Salaries for 2,300 teachers. November 8, 2005. (That is, if he doesn’t ➤ Four million up-to-date text- change his mind, after this paper goes to press, Pr op 75: Paycheck deception for public employees books for our students. and cancel the special election that he called.) This initiative would prohibit a union that represents any public em- ➤ 1,200 shiny new school buses. Here are some questions to ponder as you ployees from using union dues or fees for political contributions un- ➤ College tuition for almost review Arnold’s propositions: less each member provides written consent on a form mandated by the 10,000 UC students and Is this election necessary or is it a poli initiative. Also known as the “son of Prop 226,” Prop 75 would make almost 12,000 Cal State cal vendetta against public employees it more difficult for working people to have a voice in the political students. 1and unionized workers? process. ➤ More than 4,000 quality Will these propositions solve the stat homecare caregivers for Pr op 76: Eliminating school funding commitment seniors and persons with budget crisis? Do they actually save any disabilities. money at all? This initiative allows the Governor to make devastating mid-year budg- 2 et cuts if revenues fall below expenditures. Prop 76 would gut Proposi- ➤ A year of health insurance for With the state budget still running tion 98, the law voters approved to guarantee minimum funding for our nearly 30,000 uninsured Cali- multi-billion dollar deficit, should the schools. It eliminates the requirement that the state must restore any fornians between the ages of 3counties pony up another $80 million for money owed to schools when education funding falls below the mini- 30-49. an off-year election? mum guarantee.

MEMBERS IN FOCUS Members in Focus Joint Council 7 has more than 50,000 members across the greater Bay Area and “I want to be the heavyweight champion of the world” many of you are doing important & fasci- nating things—at work, at home and in Local 78’s Martha Salazar holds several boxing titles your communities. If you have a story you For the past five years, Martha and started training for heavyweight tention I get in the ring, the crowd, the think might work in the Northern California Salazar has embarked on two new boxing. “There was just no competi- media. I got to travel for free to Teamster, please contact your business ventures. By day, she works at Ara- tion in my weight category in kick- Guyana to fight for two world belts agent or e-mail newspaper editor Debra mark as a Raw Sales Representative boxing,” she says. “Dee told me that and my next big fight for the WUBI Chaplan at [email protected]. out of San Jose. This means she drives women’s boxing was coming up. I title will be in Trinidad, in Septem- a delivery truck, picking up dirty uni- should try it. Dee has been a trainer ber.” To date, Martha has fought in and Cleveland—where the fight was forms and dropping off the clean forever, but he was learning the game Las Vegas, at the Oakland Coliseum, taped for Friday Night Fights and goods. She’s a proud member of Local of managing. We both started fresh Hayward, Vallejo, Washington state aired on pay per view for millions to 78. and together we’ve been doing pretty watch. When she’s not driving a truck, well.” Martha trains every day, and in- Martha is working toward her goal of creases her regimen in the weeks be- becoming the next heavyweight box- Ranking #1 and loving it fore a big fight. To keep her cardio up, ing champion of the world—and she’s Now, a short five years later, with a she plays basketball twice a week and well on her way. record of 10 wins, three losses and runs around Lake Merritt. “She’s al- About the same time that she start- two KO’s, Martha ranks number one ways in shape,” says manager Dee ed at Aramark, Martha left behind in the world in every federation, in- Pooler, who provides Martha with a kickboxing, enlisted Danovis “Dee” cluding the WIBF, WUBI, IBA and variety of workouts, not only for Pooler to be her trainer and manager, the IBE. strength and conditioning but also to “I love it,” Martha says. “The at- hone the science and art of boxing. “She’s a chameleon. She adapts. She can do whatever style you do, but (USPS 395-880) better.” Pooler adds that Martha’s tal- TE AMS T E R (ISSN 0468-690X) ent is being able to see in-between punches. “She can fight in the trench- The Northern California Teamster is pub- Periodicals Postage Paid at the San Fran- es effectively,” lished 5 times per year (February, May, cisco, CAand at additional mailing offi c e s . Weighing 228 pounds and sporting August, October, and December) by: POSTMASTER: a t-shirt that says “compassion,” Tea m s t e r s ’ Joint Council No. 7 Please send address changes to: Martha showed off the many ways she 250 Executive Park Blvd., Suite 3100 Northern California Teamster could climb stairs at Oakland’s Cleve- San Francisco, CA 94134 250 Executive Park Blvd., Suite 3100 land Cascade—from a straight climb Tel: 415-467-2552 San Francisco, CA 94 1 3 4 - 3 3 0 6 on two legs, to using all fours, to a “bear jump” and working her way backwards. “This will help strengthen Martha Salazar displays three of her her upper body and increase her bal- Debra Chaplan, Managing Editor world championship belts. Each weighs ance,” Pooler explains. about 25 pounds. continued on page 8 The Northern California Teamster Page 3

AROUND SACRAMENTO By The 2005 session of the Legislature BARRY BROAD, Legislative Director employer, is awaiting hearing in the has now reached its halfway mark, Senate. with bills having now passed the AB 391, also by Assembly Member house of the Legislature in which they Koretz, which would address the situ- were introduced and moving to the ation that arose in last year’s grocery opposite house. Anything that didn’t strike when the locked-out workers make it out of its “house of origin” is were denied unemployment insurance now a dead bill. Most of the bad labor benefits by ensuring that such workers bills have met this fate. get benefits in the future, made it to the Senate despite vigorous opposition Teamster legislative from the grocery industry. proposals advance A couple of other bills spearhead- This year, we introduced four spon- ed by labor that we didn’t mention last sored bills. All have made it out of time are also moving with the hope of their house of origin and are moving keeping good jobs in California. AB along. 2006 office-seekers address Teamsters at legislative breakfast in Sacramento in May. 1654 by Assembly Member Hector de SB 848 by Senator Joe Dunn (D- (L) Chuck Mack welcomes State Treasurer Phil Angelides, who has announced that la Torre, (D-South Gate), would grant Santa Ana), and SB 762 by Senator he’s running for Governor. (Top) Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi and (Bot- a bid preference for state contractors Alan Lowenthal, (D-Long Beach), tom) State Senator Liz Figueroa will both be running for Lt. Governor. who hire Californians to do the work. both address the significant challenges Fabian Nunez, (D-Los Angeles), will Fran Pavley, (D-Agoura Hills), will More than a dozen other states pro- facing port drivers. SB 848 will affo r d enact a series of provisions to increase insure that trucking companies that vide some sort of preference for state o w n e r-operator drivers serving the railroad safety and security, including use owner-operator drivers can be vendors and contractors who employ ports the right to form orga n i z a t i o n s insuring that railroads place proper held fully responsible for the safety of in-state workers. and collectively negotiate their rates signs up along tracks to warn engi- their drivers. SB 46 by Senator Richard Alarcon, with trucking companies. SB 762 will neers that railroad crossings are near- (D-Van Nuys), would stabilize and re- create a system of traffic control at the by and to prohibit railroads from park- Labor’s agenda moves duce the price of workers’ compensa- ports to insure that port drivers-who are ing hazardous materials cars along forward tion insurance in California by re-reg- paid by the load—will get enough railroad sidings without them being Most of the union sponsored bills ulating the insurance market. Several “turn arounds” to make a decent living. guarded. we outlined in our last edition also painful changes were made to the AB 962 by Assembly Speaker AB 1048 by Assembly Member made it out of their house of origin, al- workers’compensation system in Cal- though the votes were closer than they ifornia over the last few years and the should have been. Most labor spon- insurance companies have reaped the sored bills passed with no Republi- benefits of those changes. Their prof- cans voting for them and some even its are higher than ever, while some had a few recalcitrant Democrats workers’ benefits have been drastical- going south. ly reduced and insurance rates have remained high. As a reminder . . . AB 89 by Assembly Member Teamsters weigh in on Jerome Horton, (D-Inglewood), animal rights issue which would require the disclosure Every so often a bill seemingly un- and annual reporting of employer related to the Teamsters pops up that names whose workers receive public actually would have a devastating im- assistance for health coverage, made it pact on some of our members in a par- to the Senate. ticular industry. AB 820 by Assembly AB 48 by Assembly Member Sally Member Audra Strickland, (R-West- Lieber, (D-Palo Alto), which would lake Village), is just such a bill. The increase our minimum wage from intent of the measure is to address $6.75 to $7.75 over two years, also some incidents that have occurred re- made it to the Senate despite some cently with wild animals escaping into Free Hazardous Materials last-minute shenanigans by the restau- suburban areas and, in some instances, rant employers. attacking people. Training AB 524 by Assembly Member Unfortunately, the original draft of Wilma Chan, (D-Oakland), which the bill went way too far and would New standards for transporting hazardous materials would require state contractors to re- have made it very difficult for Local port back to the state (1) the number 399 members who train animals for are coming into effect. To enable Teamsters to com- of workers they hire outside the U.S. the entertainment industry. The animal ply, we offer free training: and (2) information about any subcon- rights groups backing the bill seek, ul- tracted work that is performed, is in timately, to put an end to wild animal o 4-hour DOT (HAZMAT) Hazardous Materials Awareness the Senate. exhibitions and animal appearances course and refresher AB 875 by Assembly Member Paul on film and television—putting our o 40-hour (HAZWOPER) Hazardous Waste Materials course Koretz, (D-West Hollywood), which members out of work. We aggressive- o 8-hour (HAZWOPER) Hazardous Waste Materials refresher would require the Labor Agency and ly opposed the measure and were able Franchise Tax Boards to develop pro- to get some key amendments to the To sign up, call Barbara at 415-344-0085. tocols where certain labor law viola- bill so that it no longer jeopardizes the tions would trigger a tax audit of the work of Local 399’s animal trainers. Page 4 August/September 2005

President’s Report by Local 853 raises nearly $100,000 for MS cure Chuck Mack

The Teamster plan for politics For the past several months, Califor- his friends are mounting an attack on nia Teamsters have been building a Po- California unions and working families. litical Action Program. We’re looking to We won’t let that go unchallenged. We increase contributions to D.R.I.V.E. (De- are gearing up now to make sure that mocratic, Republican, Independent Voter Teamster voices are heard. Education), our Politi- The Political Action cal Action Committee, “It’s about creating the program that we’re and to build member building is not just for The 2005 TeamMSters power to change the participation and in- this November or next, “Each year gets better and better,” says Local 853 Office Manager and volvement at the grass political agenda to one it’s ongoing. It’s about TeamMSters MS Walk Coordinator Janine Vanier. “We’ve collected nearly roots level. the future. It’s about that is worker-friendly, $100,000, breaking last year’s amazing record of $66,000. I’m so proud of this To that end, we’ve creating the power to Local and our entire union’s participation.” constructed a program PRO health care, PRO change the political In its fifth team effort in the annual Multiple Sclerosis Walk, the TeamMSters that takes political ac- agenda to one that is had another great day out at Crown Beach in Alameda on April 10, as they raised tion directly to our pension, PRO organizing w o r k e r- f r i e n d l y, PRO more money than ever before. rank and file members. and PRO union.” health care, PRO pen- Our goals – a Political sion, PRO org a n i z i n g taxi drivers and permit holders in San Coordinator at each local union and a and PRO union. It’s about going from Taxi drivers sign with Francisco, the potential for new mem- Worksite Coordinator(s) at each plant, defense to offense. bers is huge.” terminal, warehouse, barn and off i c e Here’s how you can help. Local 278 “This gets our foot in the door in the where there are Teamster members. • Register to vote. See your Worksite A new organization called the Bay taxi industry in San Francisco. We will Worksite coordinators are the key. Political Action Coordinator or Shop Area Taxi Drivers Association has be handling their political work and They will distribute information about Steward for the registration form or drop signed a service agreement with Team- help them organize to get their mes- candidates and issues, register their co- by your local union. sters Local 278, reports Business sage out,” says McHugh. workers to vote and keep them updated • Sign up for D.R.I.V.E. We’re asking Agent/Organizer Terry McHugh. “We as political events unfold. every member to voluntarily donate are starting out small, but with 5,000 Some have suggested this can’t be $1.00 per week. done, claiming it’s too much work, • Sign up to be a “Worksite Political members are not interested and no one Action Coordinator.” Coordinators will Local 315 gets $55,000 back pay award cares anyway. I emphatically disagree. receive emails from the Teamsters Public for garbage driver Teamster members are intelligent. They Af fairs Council with information that Teamsters Local 315 member Jesus understand that there is a relationship be- needs to be distributed and talked about Hernandez is all thumbs up, showing tween political action, their labor con- with your co-workers. his appreciation to the Union for get- tracts and job security. They’re willing to • Think like a Teamster. When you ting him reinstated to his job as a driv- make the effort, spend the time and do hear politicians talking about any legis- er at Valley Waste Management in the work. lation that restricts a union’s ability to Walnut Creek. Jesus also got a back The new program will get a chance to fight for its members, fight back and get pay and benefits settlement of just over show its stuff in November. The Gover- involved. $55,000. nor has called a special election. He and The company had terminated Jesus for alleged “recklessness” even though Newly elected mayor he had a clean driving record and no of L.A. makes history prior disciplinary actions. He had been involved in an accident on a rainy day and the company thought they had “just cause” to terminate him. Local 315 said ‘no way’ and took the case on. Ultimately, an arbitrator Jesus Hernandez gives a big thumbs up ruled that the accident did not consti- for getting his job back and a back pay tute “recklessness” on Hernandez’ part Attorney General Bill Lockyer settlement. and therefore the company could not keynotes peace officers seminar terminate him. Jesus was awarded his After addressing a seminar of Local 856 proba- job back with full back pay plus lost health and welfare and pension benefits. tion officers from San Mateo and Alameda Coun- “I am grateful to the union for being there when I needed them,” says Jesus. Local 350 Secretary-Treasurer Bob ties, Attorney General Bill Lockyer (2nd from Left) “This just shows that our members need to be safe. But also, everyone should Morales (L) congratulates Antonio Vil- poses with Local 856 President Joe Lanthier, Sec read your contract so you can become aware of your rights and obligations.” laraigosa for his election in May as Los Treas. Mike McLaughlin and Fresno-based attorney Angeles’ first Latino mayor in 150 years. Barry Bennett. The Northern California Teamster Page 5

AROUND THE LOCALS

JS Concrete Construc- Local 78 wins back pay for Acme workers fired during organizing drive tion is now Teamster After organizing JS Concrete Con- struction of Hayward in July, Local 853 was able to negotiate a first con- tract for the employees who work on (L) Anthony Por- material hauling in bottom dump ras shows off his equipment, transfer rig equipment, $12,000 back semi-end dump equipment, ten wheel pay check; (R) dump trucks, flatbed trucks, heavy Larry Pichado re- duty transport, and water trucks. ceives his check from Local 78 or- The new contract includes the West- ganizer Skip ern Conference of Teamsters Pension, Joaquin. Teamsters Health and Welfare for ac- tive members, the Retirement Security Plan, as well as other standard items Local 78 organizer Skip Joaquin was disappointed that ager bragged that Acme spent over $200,000 to break the such as vacation and holiday pay. the employees at Acme Sanitation in San Jose voted against union’s attempt to organize them.” union representation last March—but he wasn’t surprised. After the vote, the union filed Unfair Labor Practice First contract with KRS Even though he had 39 people out of 65 in the shop say they charges to protest the two terminations and one suspension Local 853 members unanimously would definitely vote for the union, support started to waiv- of union supporters. Ultimately, the company settled and ratified a first time contract for the sup- er when the company hired an anti-union law firm, and gave lost-time checks for $12,000 to Anthony Porras and ply and distribution company, KRS. when they terminated three prominent union supporters. $20,000 to Larry Pichardo. Both have since found employ- The facility supplies almost all living Joaquin says that one was hired back, but the company suc- ment elsewhere. Jesus Velasquez, who still works at Acme, essentials for Kwajalein Range and Is- ceeded in turning around his vote. had been suspended for two days. He received three vaca- land, deep in the Pacific, where the U.S. “This was a nasty, expensive campaign,” Joaquin says. tion days as a settlement. Army is developing missile systems. “The company handed out ‘Vote No’ t-shirts and posted “The union may lose a campaign, but we still fight for The members perform all selection, ‘Vote No’signs and banners around their facility. They even those people who were part of it,” says Joaquin. “And now forklift, and container stuffing func- replaced all of the sponges in the sanitation trucks with we have two very happy people.” tions for the island out of a local ware- sponges that said ‘Don’t get soaked by the union.’One man- house facility. The first time contract resulted in a minimum 22% wage in- solidarity and coordinated bargaining Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Brothers IBT Vice Presidents Chuck Mack crease, transfer to the Union health and to maximize wages, benefits and con- and Western Unified. Northern Cali- and Jim Santangelo called the meeting. welfare and Union pension. ditions in this year’s chain store nego- fornia has 1,000 Teamster members at Southern California locals selected tiations, more than 40 representatives Albertsons, represented by Locals 150, Santangelo and Paul Kenny to co- Napa garbage workers from 10 California locals met at the 70 and 490. The contracts expire in chair, and Carlos Borba will coordinate Teamster Unity Conference in May. September and November, 2005. talks for Northern California locals. approve contract The Southern California chain store The key issues identified were Proposal meetings for both areas will Napa garbage workers gave over- agreement covers seven locals with maintaining health care and pensions, be called over the next few months. whelming approval on Friday, June 3, 10,000 members who work for Vons, wage increases and job preservation. to a short-term contract extension with Waste Management, said Carlos Borba, Secretary-Treasurer of Team- Keeping up the fight for unionized auto dealerships sters Local 490. “Auto dealerships used to be mom and pop-owned fran- sico and Santa Clara,” says Gleason. “We’re in for the long The contract will run through Sep- chises,” says Local 665 President Mark Gleason. “Now many haul to get a decent agreement.” tember 30 when a new company, Napa of them are part of huge corporate conglomerates.” Gleason asks all members who work in dealerships to Forty years ago, a large majority of dealerships were come out to the picket line on Saturdays and Sundays. “If we Recycling and Waste Services, will re- place Waste Management’s two local unionized. Now, unions hold claim to just about 50%. And lose here, the union jobs at other dealerships may be next.” operations—Napa Garbage Service every time a dealership is sold, unions have Since June 15, IBT Local 78 mem- and Napa Valley Disposal Service. to fight to keep the jobs and benefits for Don’t turn Berkeley bers and IAM Local 1546 members “Waste Management agreed to pick their members. On July 28, Teamsters Local 665 and Honda into an auto- have been on strike at Berkeley Honda up the $242/month that employees are (formerly Jim Doten Honda). They’ve now paying for health benefits for their IAM Local 1414 joined together to picket motive Wal-Mart! maintained a daily picket line, with families,” Borba said. South City Ford. When this dealership special weekend events called by the Local 490 represents 110 garbage was sold, the new owner closed the service Alameda Central Labor Council. employees in Napa County. The union department completely, putting 12 Team- sters and 12 Machinists out of work. The average seniority for Doten em- will now negotiate with Napa Recy- ployees was 15 years. However, the cling and Waste Services, which has He’s offered to hire them back, but at new owner didn’t rehire many long- agreed to hire former Waste Manage- extremely substandard conditions—includ- time employees, and reduced benefits ment employees to launch its new ing wage cuts of $3-4/hour, cutting both the for those he offered to keep. service on Oct. 1. health and welfare plan and the employer contribution to the Western Conference of The Wal-Mart message resonated Cal Teamsters unite for Teamsters Pension in half. with Berkeley’s City Council, which “We’re going to fight this, because if unanimously passed a resolution on chain store bargaining this owner gets away with it, this will be July 12 urging residents to boycott With the goal of forging statewide the end of our good contracts in San Franc- Berkeley Honda. Page 6 August/September 2005

Executive Board Please note: Chuck Mack...President The Bulletin Board will be included in the paper only once JOINT Steve Mack...Vice President each year, in the May issue. (We will print address and meeting Robert Morales...Secretary-Treasurer changes on an ongoing basis.) Please save that copy of the Bul- COUNCIL Rome Aloise...Recording Secretary letin Board for information about your Local Union. Ernie Yates...Trustee Delegates’ Meetings Carlos Borba...Trustee The regular 2005 delegates’ meetings are held the first Tuesday 7 Franklin Gallegos...Trustee in February, April, June, August, October and December.

Local 15, Union City Local 350, San Francisco Notice of Nominations and Election Notice of Nominations and Election Membership Meetings: F o u r t h Street, Suite B, San Leandro. Nominations for officers of Team- San Jose-Santa Clara District: Monday of the month: Prospective nominees are advised sters Local 350 for a three (3) year Teamsters Local 287, 1452 North 4th August and September at Lake to verify, in advance of the nomina- term will take place on November 7, Street, San Jose, California Elizabeth Park, Paseo Padre Blvd., tions meeting, the eligibility of their 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at the Electricians San Francisco District: Tea m s t e r s Fremont, 3:30 p.m. Come early and nominators and seconders. Hall, 55 Fillmore Street, San Francis- Local 350 Board Room, 295 89th enjoy the barbecue. To be eligible to run for off i c e , co, California. Street, Suite 304, Daly City, California. October 24, 3 p.m. at Te a m s t e r s members of Local 15 must be in con- Officers to be nominated: Presi- Nominations and the Election will Local 287, 1452 North Fourth Street, tinuous good standing (dues paid by dent, Vice President, Secretary-Trea- be conducted in accordance with the San Jose the last business day of the month) surer, Recording Secretary, and three provisions of the International Consti- November 28, 3 p.m. at Te a m s t e r s for a period of twenty-four consecu- (3) Trustees. tution and the Local Union Bylaws. Local 853, 2100 Merced Street, Suite tive months, prior to nominations. Election to be held on Monday, Copies of these documents are B, San Leandro The Election will be by mail refer- December 5, 2005. Polls to be open available at the Union’s office. Note NOTICE OF NO M I N AT I O N S endum ballot. Ballots will be mailed from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the fol- particularly the relevant provisions of AND ELECTION OF O F F I C E R S : on December 12, 2005, and will be lowing locations: the International constitution that ap- Nominations of candidates for the counted on December 28, 2005. pear below, on page 6 of this paper. o ffices of President, Vice President, Nominations and Election will be Robert Morales, Secretary-Treasurer S e c r e t a r y - Tr e a s u r e r, Recording Sec- conducted in accordance with the retary and three (3) Trustees for a provisions of the International Con- Local 315, Martinez three (3) year term will be held at the stitution and the Local Union bylaws. regular Membership meeting on No- Chuck Davis, Secre t a ry - Tre a s u re r Notice of Propose By-Law Change vember 28, 2005, 2100 Merced The proposed by-law amendment read at the July and August Member- is regarding Article 10. “Disburse- ship meetings and will be discussed Local 665, Daly City ments” of the Local 315 by-laws con- and voted on at the General Member- cerning authorization of the Executive ship meeting by secret ballot on Meeting change Board to consider and make charitable Wednesday September 14, 2005, 8:00 Membership meetings are suspend- in October, 4th Tuesday of the month, contributions and donations for civic, p.m. at the Local 315 Union Hall, ed for the months August and Septem- 7 p.m. political or other causes. 2727 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA ber. Membership meetings to resume Ernie Yates, Secretary-Treasurer The proposed amendment will be Dale Robbins, Secretary-Treasurer

Nominations & Elections International Constitution July, 2005

The following excerpts from the Interna- al Constitution and the Local Union Bylaws, member’s dues must be paid up through the for which it was effective and pays his dues tional Constitution apply to all nominations including the authority to use mail referen- month prior to the month in which the elec- for both months in a timely manner as pro- and elections in Teamster Locals: dum balloting or absentee balloting without tion is held. vided in Article X, Section 5(c), such period ARTICLE XXII, Section 4(a): membership approval. Absentee voting by ARTICLE II, Section 4(a)(1): of withdrawal shall not be considered a break To be eligible to nominate and otherwise mail shall be permitted only upon application To be eligible for election to any office in in continuous good standing in the Local participate in the nominations meeting, a mem- of members who are ill or absent from the city a Local Union, a member must be in contin- Union. ber must have his dues paid through the month or town where they are normally employed at uous good standing in the Local Union in (NOTE: In addition to the foregoing Con- prior to the month in which the nominations the time of voting because on vacation or on which he is a member and in which he is stitutional provisions, the International advis- meeting is held. Nominations shall be made at employment tour of duty. seeking office, and actively employed at the es that: Elected officers of the Local Union, the meeting by a member in good standing The Local Union Executive Board may craft within the jurisdiction of such Local shall, by virtue of such election, be delegates other than the nominee by motion seconded by permit additional reasons for absentee ballot- Union, for a period of twenty-four (24) con- to any Joint Council with which the Local is a member in good standing other than the nom- ing if they so desire. Application for absentee secutive months prior to the month of nomi- affiliated as well as to any convention of any inee. Candidates must accept nominations at ballots shall be made to the Secretary-Trea- nation for said office, and must be eligible to subordinate body which may take place dur- the time made either in person, or, if absent, in surer of the Local Union not less than five (5) hold office if elected. “Continuous good ing their term of office. writing, and may accept nomination for only days prior to the date set for election and standing” means compliance with the provi- Elected Local Union officers shall be dele- one office. A member may also run for and be shall contain the grounds therefor. Absentee sions of Article X, Section 5, concerning the gates to such conventions in the order of pri- elected as a Business Agent or Assistant Busi- ballots shall be valid only if they are received payment of dues for a period of twenty-four ority set forth in the Local Union Bylaws. If ness Agent as provided in Article XXII, Sec- by noon of the day on which the polls close. consecutive months, together with no inter- the Bylaws do not set forth an order of prior- tion 8, and may hold both the office and the po- (NO T E : The International Union recom- ruptions in active membership in the Local ity, the principal executive officer shall have sition if elected to both. mends that prospective nominees be advised to Union for which office is being sought be- first priority, followed by the remaining ARTICLE XXII, Section 4(b): ve r i f y , in advance of the nominations meeting, cause of suspensions, expulsions, with- elected officers in the order determined by The Local Union Executive Board shall the eligibility of the nominators and secon- drawals, transfers or failure to pay fines or the Executive Board. have the authority to establish all rules and de r s ) . assessments. Provided, however, that if a Members are advised to consult the Bylaws regulations for the conduct of the election to ARTICLE XXII, Section 4(c): member on withdrawal deposits his card in of their Locals for additional rules concerning supplement the provisions of the Internation- To be eligible to vote in the election, a the month immediately following the month nominations and election procedures). The Northern California Teamster Page 7

Workers’ Compensation pre-designation of New web site on pension cost of living treating physician update The Western Conference of Teamsters Supplemental Benefit Plan was es- When the Workers’ Comp reform Some important things to remem- tablished in 1982 to help retirees deal with increases in cost of living after re- bill was passed last year (SB 899), all ber when filling out your pre-designa- tirement. This year, the Supplemental Benefit Plan distributed over $9 mil- union members were advised to pre- tion form: lion to nearly 22,000 current retirees, surviving spouses and beneficiaries. designate a treating physician. Be- You may only pre-designate if The Northern California Teamster newspaper described the key features cause the Administrative Director your employer provides you with of the Plan in previous articles. Due in part to the tremendous response to (AD) of the Division of Workers’ health care. You may only pre- these articles, the Supplemental Benefit Plan has now developed a web site 1 for the convenience of retirees, active workers, employers, and local unions. Compensation had not yet issued reg- designate an MD or DO with whom ulations about pre-designation, many you have a prior treating relationship The Plan’s web site can be accessed at: employers and insurers inappropriate- (like your primary care physician). www.wctsbp.org The web site describes important features of the Plan in easy-to-under- ly rejected the pre-designation forms While a doctor’s signature is not stand language including the Plan’s advantages, benefits, contributions, eli- that were filed. Regulations on this required, it is highly recom- gibility conditions, and much more. For those who want further details, the process are coming in the next few mended that you get it to ensure 2 Summary Plan Description is available for viewing or printing at the click of months. that your employer does not improp- a button. Many workers had their pre-desig- erly reject your form. If you don’t If you have further questions about the Supplemental Plan, call Southwest nation forms rejected due to the fact have a doctor’s signature, some other Administrators toll free at (877) 350-4792, Ext. 657. that the forms either (1) did not have a form of evidence that your doctor physician’s signature; (2) were not agrees to be your pre-designated filed with the employer in accordance physician is required. A d d i t i o n a l l y, with the employer’s timeline; or (3) many doctors are now refusing to treat failed to meet some other criteria es- workers’ compensation cases. By se- tablished by the employer but not curing your doctor’s signature, you strictly provided for under the law. In Memoriam are guaranteed that he will see you in Joint Council 7 officers extend condolences to the family and friends of Contrary to what these employers the event you suffer an occupational the following Teamster members who died recently and insurers are contending, the only illness or injury. timeframe before which a pre-designa- The new regulations permit an tion form must be filed is prior to the BONILLA, Manuel, Local 70 PALMER, Olen, Local 315 date of injury. Further, while your authorized employee of the doc- CARDENAS, Helidoro, Local 70 RODRIGUEZ, Louis “Rod,” ph y s i c i a n ’ s signature is not required, it 3tor to sign the form, so when you EV ANS, Barry, Local 70 Local 315 is recommended that you get his sig- contact your doctor’s office inquire GONZALEZ, Pedro R., Local 70 TASSIELLI, Frank, Local 432 nature (or that of the doctor’s author- whether he has authorized anyone in LA WSON, Dean, Local 70 KING, Eugene, Local 484 his office to sign, and whether you ized employee), to better ensure that LEHOUILLIER, Joseph, Local 70 PO S T , Robert, Local 484 your employer will accept the form. may fax your form in or if you need an MARSHALL, James A., Local 70 SAMARZES, Louis, Local 484 The AD has posted a pre-designa- appointment to secure the signature. MA R TINEZ, Fred, Local 70 TR A VERSO, John, Local 484 tion form on her website: Make sure to make three copies REMSON, Bernard, Local 70 CROXEN, Robert, Local 490 www.dir.ca.gov, which may be used of your form: one to keep, one to SC O T T , William, Local 70 FERGUSON, Charles, Local 490 by all employees and should be ac- 4provide to your employer, and VERNON, James, Jr., Local 70 N E W TON, Fredrick “Wa y n e , ” ceptable to all employers. one to provide to your union. DE ABREU, Juaquin, Local 490 Local 78/588/768 WEBB, Donald E., Local 490 E S T R A D A REYNOSO, Emilio, MORENO, Robert, Local 588 NOTICE TO MEMBERS Local 78 AP L E T , Richard, Local 624 The California Teamsters are represented at Policy Committee FLORES, Jose, Local 78/588/768 MADSON, Roy, Local 624 the California Legislature and before state A policy committee of eight members MACIOCA, Lavina, Local 78 ATKINS, Charles, Local 665 administrative agencies by the California from each Joint Council is responsible MEDA, Rinaldo “Monte,” Local 78 KHAROUD, Nirmal, Local 665 Teamsters Public Af fairs Council (CTPAC ) . for the development of the Council’s ROSE, Leroy E., Local 78 TANG, Wallace, Local 665 Barry Broad and Shane Gusman are the long-term political, legislative and edu- SM A R T, Gerald, Local 78 ULLOM, James, Local 665 Legislative Representatives and Marsi New- cation policy, screening candidates and CRADER, John, Local 85 CROTTI, Bartolo, Local 853 man is the Public Af fairs Ad m i n i s t r a t o r . making recommendations for endorse- GALLIAN, Robert, Local 85 PUENTE, Michael, Local 853 Per Capita Tax ment for statewide offices. The Policy GARCIA, Lorenzo, Local 85 CO S T A, Eilene, Local 856 Committee members are: All Teamsters affiliated with Joint Coun- LESSA, Lester, Local 85 PAR S L E Y , Lucille, Local 856 Joint Council of Teamsters 7: President cils 7, 38 and 42 support the California MO S S M A YER, Allen, Local 85 BADILLA, Lourdes, Local 890 Chuck Mack, Franklin Gallegos, Robert Teamsters Public Af fairs Council through Morales, Jack Bookter, Dale Robbins, NOORDA, Claude, Local 85 CABRALES, Arturo, Local 890 a per capita tax of 25 cents per member Michael McLaughlin, Carlos Borba, NO R TON, Richard G., Local 85 CAMACHO, Maria Carmen, per month, from union dues. Thirty three Ernie Yates. RAEL, Stephen, Local 85 Local 890 and 1/3 percent (33 1/3%) of this is set Joint Council of Teamsters 38: Presi- RUIZ, John, Jr., Local 85 CH A VEZ, Enedina, Local 890 aside in the Political Action Committee dent James Long, Rob Pellettieri, Dave ROCCO, Ar t h u r , Local 85 CORONEL, Evangelina, Local 890 from which the Executive Committee Hawley, Darrell Pratt, Ralph Ramirez, makes campaign contributions. ST E L TER, Raymond, Local 85 ECLARIN, Margarita, Local 890 Sam Rosas, Lucio Reyes, John Souza. SMALL, Robert Bob, 216 GUTIERREZ, Guadalupe Garcia, Executive Committee Joint Council of Teamsters 42: Pr e s i d e n t CALLEJAS, Jesse, Local 278 Local 890 Chuck Mack, president of Joint Council Jim Santangelo, Randy Cammack, John LE W , Lenny, Local 278 HORCAJO, Carmen, Local 890 No. 7, is the chairman of the Executive Harren, Shannon Silva, Ray Wh i t m e r , STUKINS, William, Jr., Local 278 MARQUEZ, John, Local 890 Phil Saal, Patrick Kelly, Ron Herrera. Committee, Jim Santangelo, president of PAVK O V , Dave L., Local 287 MENDOZA, Bernardo, Local 890 Joint Council No. 42 is treasurer and, Any questions about the CTPAC may be addressed to the chairman of the Ex- BERG, John, Local 315 TAPIA, Ramon, Local 890 James Long, president of Joint Council DEMAPELES, Mario, Local 315 VILLARREAL, Nicolas, No. 38 serves as a member of the Execu- ecutive Board, California Teamsters Pub- tive Committee, which supervises the lic Affairs Council, 1127 11th St., Ste. JA R R E T T , John, Local 315 Local 890 staff of the Council. 501, Sacramento, CA 95814. Phone: MEADOWS, C. Rex, Local 315 JOSEPH, Ben, Local 921 916- 446-0291, FAX: 916-446-9321. E- MORRIS, Dean, Local 315 mail: [email protected]. Page 8 August/September 2005 Teamster makes her mark as champion boxer continued from page 1 And she’s always on the lookout for good spar- At 35, Martha figures she has another year to can get. So far, the biggest purse she’s gotten is ring partners at World Gym. “Mostly I spar with the fight professionally—depending on the fights she $10,000, but she and Pooler know that the bigger guys because the women here are small. The guys money comes with the bigger fighters. The big don’t take it easy on me. They keep me in good names she’s hoping to take on soon are Leila Ali shape, ready to take a punch,” Martha says. (Mohammed Ali’s daughter), Ann Wolf and Jacque- When asked about the movie Million Dollar line Frazier. If she can get a title fight with any of Baby, which tells the story of a female boxer, them, then she’s looking at a $100,000 purse. Martha admits that boxing can be a dangerous sport. “I’m the first heavyweight Hispanic who has But she says that she is careful to train hard and pro- held more than one super heavyweight world title at tect herself at all times. (And as an aside, she gave the same time—in fact, I have three of them,” the movie a big thumbs up!) Martha says with confidence. “I’m definitely ready “She’s the real deal,” says 2005 Golden Gloves and willing to take on the big name fighters.” winner Alex Paracha. “I’ve seen her drop guys. Peo- Before heading to Trinidad, Martha will be ple think she’s out of shape, but she’s tough.” showing her stuff on August 12—not far from her “Even though I’m heavy, I’m agile,” Martha office, at the HP Pavillion in San Jose. says. “I can move. That’s why they call me The “I want to thank Aramark for sponsoring me and Shadow.” She is trying to drop a few pounds, how- Salazar spars with manager Dee Pooler as part of believing in me and supporting me—especially Plan ever, so that she can attract more fights. an intense workout routine. 511 out of San Jose.”

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS NEWS FROM TAP Releasing medical information to your employer: TAP golf tournament is big success The 21st Annual TAP Labor-Man- sters Local 853, which raised $4,241, You can object to overly broad medical releases agement Golf Tournament, held on and to Teamsters Local 490, which Medical informa- From the Law Office of ee to sign a medical April 20th at the Chardonnay and raised $3,832 by selling raffle tick- tion is considered release form allowing Eagle Vines Golf Clubs in Napa, ets. Fred Parades, a retired Teamster, sensitive and private Beeson, Tayer & Bodine it access to the treat- raised more than $80,000. T h e s e won the $1,500 Grand Prize Raffle. by most people, and This commentary is not to be con- ment program’s eval- funds support important TAP servic- This year’s co-chairmen were state and federal strued as legal advice. Specific legal uation. In addition, es available to those Teamster mem- John Becker from Teamsters Local laws protect certain questions may be directed to the law the release form in- bers and their families whose em- 853, and Jerry Sobrero from Waste health information of fices of Beeson, Tayer & Bodine or cluded language giv- ployers subscribe to TAP services. Management. from disclosure. your own attorney. ing the employer ac- All money raised by the golf tour- Golfers and those who came for H o w e v e r, from cess to information nament will be used to deliver TAP lunch hailed the new Napa venue. time to time, such as with a workers’ about the employee’s “history of alco- continuing care, outreach, and train- Thanks to Julie Piankoff for having compensation claim, employers will hol/drug usage and behavior.” The em- ing services. the vision to switch to such a beau- request medical information in con- ployee refused to sign the release, and TAPextends thanks to both Team- tiful location. nection with an employment issue. the employer suspended her. Some employer requests for med- In a subsequent arbitration, the ar- ical information are overly broad. You bitrator ruled that the discipline was have the right to object when an em- without just cause and found that, TAP’s ployer asks you to sign a release of “The scope of the release sought by medical information that is unreason- the Company was overly broad in its 8th Annual ably broad. The following arbitration application and directly affected the case illustrates the point. Grievant’s rights of privacy and confi- Family Picnic An employee, discharged for re- dentiality.” porting to work under the influence of Privacy rights are not absolute and, Knowland Park Zoo alcohol, was reinstated on a condition- as the arbitrator recognized, such al basis. An arbitrator ordered her to rights must be balanced against a com- Oakland immediately enter and complete an al- pelling need for the information. cohol treatment program to the satis- Nonetheless, the arbitrator noted Saturday, August 20 faction of her employer. that, “Even where an employer can The program’s report to the em- demonstrate a compelling need for Starting at Noon ployer contained no diagnosis of alco- medical information, it may be out- hol abuse and no recommendation for weighed by the employee’s privacy • Discount zoo admission is provided for everyone; additional treatment, but it recom- concerns if the scope of the medical children less than 12 years old get into the zoo for mended that the employer administer authorization is not limited to the spe- free. frequent and random breathalyzer tests cific matter at issue…” • Teamster members, family and friends are welcome to the employee. The employer con- to join in the fellowship, games, raffle and barbecue tacted the treatment program for clari- What to Do lunch. fication and for more information, but If your employer asks you to sign a the program refused to answer any medical release, read it carefully. If • Entrance to the picnic grounds is off Highway 580 at questions unless the employer ob- the release seems overly broad, con- the Golf Links Road exit. Limited parking is available tained a release of medical informa- tact your Shop Steward or Business for $4.00 per car. Agent immediately, before you sign tion from the employee. For more information: 510-562-3600 The employer directed the employ- the release.