Joint Council 7 TEAMSTER

Volume 57, Number 2 Serving members in Northern California, the Central Valley, and Northern Nevada May/June/July 2012 UNI Swedish Commission Of Inquiry holds U.S. hearings about Loomis

In August, 2011, a female guard who rate headquarters, in February, the works for Loomis was shot four times union escalated the fight to the interna- at a Richmond bank where she was tional arena. The Teamsters hosted a emptying an ATM with her back to the Swedish Commission of Inquiry to street and nobody to guard her. Accord- meet with workers at their jobsites and ing to her fellow workers, this terrible to convene hearings—two in California incident occurred because Loomis has and one in Washington, D.C. gone from three-person teams (a driv- The commission, comprised of er, a guard to empty the ATM Swedish union leaders and legal machines, and a guard who’s got the experts, was organized by UNI, the first guard’s back) to two-person teams. global labor federation for services “That’s the whole thing with a sector workers headquartered in union,” says Guard Robert Avolino, . The delegation included who’s worked at Loomis since 1997. Alice Dale, Head of the UNI Global “Somebody’s got your back.” But earli- Union Property Services Department; The Commission of Inquiry met to hear from workers and legal and security experts about the er in 2011, Loomis unilaterally ended Stellan Gärde, legal counsel at the impacts on workers when Loomis de-recognized the Teamsters union. its nearly 60-year contractual relation- Swedish LO-TCO Trade Union Con- ship with the Teamsters, and has since federation and Commissioner of Inter- 1984 legal decision gave when we lost the union,” says Avolino. cut back on crew sizes, the benefits it national Commission of Jurists; Mar- armored guard companies the ability “We lost the Teamster pension; our offers, and providing the guards with tin Viredius, Vice President of the to walk away from their union con- health care costs have skyrocketed; and guns and bulletproof vests. Swedish Transport Workers' Union; tracts, affirming that guards could be there’s no more grievance procedure. The Teamsters fought Loomis’ dere- Göran Larsson, International Secretary in a union, but not a union that repre- We’re now all ‘at will’ employees.” cognition of the union. “Those of us of the Swedish Transport Workers' sented other types of workers. Before Driver Woodie Poller says he came to who believe in democracy were Union; and Peder Palmstierna, former that time, Teamsters represented more Loomis/Fargo because it had Teamster appalled when Loomis unilaterally press officer of the Swedish Social than 70% of armored guards. Loomis representation. But since the company decided not to allow its employees to Democrat Party. was the last company to keep their dropped the union, he feels that the continue to be represented by the Loomis guards had been represent- Teamster contract. workers have been treated unprofes- Teamsters. This has been devastating to ed by Local 150 in Sacramento; Local Trouble for workers when sionally and without respect. “They told these workers,” said Joint Council 7 315 in Martinez; Local 396 in Los Loomis drops union contract us that we could join a union, just not President Rome Aloise. Angeles; Local 439 in Stockton; Local Promising the employees that they’d the Teamsters. That’s just wrong.” Loomis US is a subsidiary of the 542 in San Diego; and Local 853 in San see no change upon losing their Team- Bobby Quinn has worked at Loomis Swedish cash logistics corporation, Leandro. ster contract, Loomis subsequently in Milpitas since 1989. He talked about Loomis AB. Testifying before the commission, cancelled its employees’ retirement how the company has drastically cut After staging pickets, filing a lawsuit, attorney and UC Berkeley Law Profes- plan, changed to a substandard health back on its training, leaving the workers and speaking at the company’s corpo- sor David Rosenfeld explained that the care plan that costs workers up to $700 less prepared for situations. But then he a month, and can now terminate admitted “there’s no training that can employees without just cause. Older be done to protect a one-man crew.” employees with years of experience can Alman Simpson worked for Pendal, be replaced by younger, less expensive a company purchased by Loomis. Since employees. that happened, he’s no longer a full Guards testified about the benefits time employee and can’t participate in they’ve lost since 2010. “We lost a lot continued on page 8

Vote in the June 5 Primary Election See your union’s endorsements on pages 2 and 3 San Francisco voters: Save jobs & pensions. Vote NO on Proposition A! Loomis workers prepare to testify before the Swedish Commission of Inquiry, meeting at the UC Berkeley Labor Center on February 21, 2012. ✓ ENDORSEMENTS PRESIDENT’S REPORT BY ROME ALOISE San Francisco County VOTE NO on PROPOSITION A Working for our fair share of the pie Since 1932 San Francisco’s commercial and residential waste pick-up and disposal has been governed by an ordinance that has served the people and businesses of San If you ever thought you could separate politics This is a false economy. Without a vibrant middle Francisco well by providing them with excel- from your life as a worker and trade unionist, you’ll class spending money on consumer goods and putting lent and efficient pick-up and disposal of solid have to think again. The politics of our cities, counties, money back into the economy, the economic growth waste. Because of its unique topography and state, and our country play a vital part in what happens can’t continue. to us, every day, as workers. density of population, San Francisco is the This November, in addition to the presidential elec- What needs to be done? most challenging market for solid waste tion and other important races, one of the biggest fights Well, higher taxes on the rich would be a good pick–up and disposal of any major city in the we’ll have is to combat the “Corporate Power Grab.” start. Governor Brown’s ballot proposition, known as United States and is, therefore, well-served by Republicans and corporations are attempting to lock the Millionaire’s Tax, will call upon the rich to pay having an experienced workforce, workers out of the political arena. This proposition nips more—their taxes are the lowest they’ve been in 50 years. We need to support this propo- If passed, Prop A would replace the at the heels of the Supreme Court’s unfortunate ruling that allows cor- sition! The money raised from these economies of scale of the present single, inte- porations to donate unlimited Vote for jobs & for taxes could go to wage subsides for the grated solid waste pick up and disposal and amounts of money for their “bought lowest paid workers. It could also assist replace it with five distinct, non-integrated and paid for” politicians and causes. union rights in the in job sharing. We also need more of contractors, each with their own distinct man- this money to go to education at every agement and workforce. This would displace What’s gong on in this June 5 primary—and level, so our children and many of our members can have a chance at jobs hundreds of experienced, longtime Teamster country, anyway? Let’s start with the good news. again in November! that will elevate their ability to earn a member-employees from their jobs, hurting Growth in the last quarter of last year decent income. residents, businesses and longtime Teamster hit 3% on an annual basis. February, We need to stand up and let the employees. 2012 marked the third month in a row that job gains right-wing politicians know that their plan to destroy The Republican party, Democratic party, exceeded 200,000. This is great, but the news that we unions and thereby destroy workers’ rights is not going environmental movement and labor are all should be interested in is that the share of this growth for to work. We need to step up, make sure that we are reg- against Prop A. Joint Council No. 7 opposes American workers is at a record low! The economy is istered to vote, and if your contract allows for DRIVE producing more goods and services than was being pro- deductions, make some contributions to defeat our Prop A and urges all labor organizations, vot- duced prior to the collapse in 2007/2008, and it is now enemies. ers, residents and businesses in California to being done with six million less workers. This means that Think about it this way—if you are working now, oppose it as the wholly unnecessary inven- companies have been able to boost profits by slashing under a union contract, your wages, benefits, pensions tion a problem and imposition of a solution payrolls and by outsourcing work to foreign countries. and healthcare put you, in many cases, at a higher ech- to that invented problem. For those who are fortunate to be working, their elon of the workers’ pecking order. I believe as Union For jobs and for the environment, vote share of the pie is now the smallest since 1947, when members we have an obligation to participate for our sisters and brothers who are out of work, and for all of NO on Prop A. these statistics first started to be compiled. The profits are going into corporate coffers and into management’s the unrepresented workers who don't yet know the City and County of San Francisco pockets, while routinely, in every new contract negoti- benefits of union representation. Board of Supervisors ation, we are threatened with the unemployment rate We need to step up, get actively involved in the District 1 Eric Mar and the lack of other jobs. What employers are saying political system, and work to make sure that we don't allow corporate greed to take away our rights. We need District 5 Christina Olague is, “take what we give, if anything, or you won’t be to stop them from taking away our fair share of the pie! District 7 FX Crowley working here.” District 9 David Campos ✓ EndorsementsENDORSEMENTS Alameda County City of San Pablo District 2 Mark van Gorder Board of Supervisors Sales Tax - Measure Q YES District 4 Bill Dodd District 1 Scott Haggerty District 5 Keith Caldwell Joint Council 7 Kern County District 4 Nate Miley Board of Supervisors Placer County TEAMSTER District 5 Keith Carson District 1 Sam Ramirez Board of Supervisors USPS 395-880 Contra Costa County District 5 Leticia Perez District 4 Pam Tobin ISSN 2154-2643 Board of Supervisors Riverbank Mayor District 5 Jennifer Montgomery District 2 Tomi Van de Brooke Virginia Madueno The Joint Council 7 Teamster is published 5 Sacramento County District 5 Federal Glover times per year (February, May, August, October, Marin County Sacramento City Council December) by Teamsters’ Joint Council 7: 250 Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor District 2 Katie Rice District 2 Rob Kerth Executive Park Blvd., Suite 3100 San Francisco, Mt. Diablo USD Gary Eberhardt District 4 Terry Schanz CA 94134; 415-467-2552. David Weinsoff John Swett USD Jerry Parsons District 6 Kevin McCarthy Periodicals Postage Paid at the San Francisco, Merced County CA mailing office. Contra Costa Water District: District 8 Bonnie Pannell District 1 No endorsement Betty Boatman • Carl Wandry • Sacramento County Board of POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: District 2 Hub Walsh Joe Campbell Supervisors Joint Council 7 Teamster: 250 Executive Park West Contra Costa USD Blvd., Suite 3100, San Francisco, CA 94134-3306 Napa County District 3 Jeff Kravitz Measure K YES Board of Supervisors District 4 Roberta MacGlashan

2 May/June/July 2012 POLITICS AND YOU BY DOUG BLOCH ✓ ENDORSEMENTS Federal & State California State Assembly Offices District Candidate Why we do politics 1 No Recommendation U.S. Senate 2 *Wes Chesbro (D) *Dianne Feinstein (D) 3 No Recommendation U.S. Congress 4 *Mariko Yamada (D) Teamsters Local 853 proudly represents I can think of no better example of why 5 No Recommendation almost 500 employees at Gillig, the last we do politics. We do it to protect our jobs. District Candidate 6 Reginald Bronner (D) American-owned and operated bus manu- We do it to protect our families and our 1 Jim Reed (D) 7 *Roger Dickinson (D facturer. Teamsters build buses from the future. 2 Jared Huffman (D) 8 (D) ground up for school Our political work 3 *John Garamendi (D) 9 *Richard Pan (D) districts, transit agen- at AC Transit was paid 4 No Recommendation 10 *Michael Allen (D) cies, and others. for by voluntary mem- 5 *Mike Thompson (D) Gillig is based in We do politics to pro- 11 (D) ber contributions to 6 *Doris Matsui (D) Alameda County, yet for DRIVE, our political 12 Christopher Mateo (D) 7 Dr. Ami Bera (D) the last decade, AC tect our jobs. We do it action committee. 13 Xochitl Paderes (D) 9 *Jerry McNerney (D) Transit—the bus agency DRIVE stands for 14 *Sue Bonilla (D) to protect our families 10 Jose Hernandez (D) for Alameda and Contra Democrat, Republican, 15 *Nancy Skinner (D) 11 *George Miller (D) Costa Counties—has and our future. Independent Voter 16 *Joan Buchanan (D) 12 *Nancy Pelosi (D) been buying buses from Education. The money 17 *Tom Ammiano (D) 13 *Barbara Lee (D) Belgium! AC Transit is raised through volun- 18 Rob Bonta (D) spent millions sending officials to Belgium tary payroll deductions and we use it to elect 14 *Jackie Speier (D) Abel Guillen (D) with side trips to London and Paris—all on candidates who care about working people. 15 *Pete Stark (D) Joel Young (D) the taxpayers’ dime. On top of this, the Belgian This November, corporate interests have 16 *Jim Costa (D) 19 (D) buses were accident-prone and received put forward a ballot initiative that will 17 *Mike Honda (D) 20 Dr. Jennifer Ong (D) numerous complaints from riders. What hap- destroy our ability to do what we did at AC 18 *Anna Eshoo (D) (D) pened to supporting American-made and Transit. The Corporate Deception Act will 19 *Zoe Lofgren (D) union-made? 21 (D) silence our voices by prohibiting any political 20 *Sam Farr (D) In 2010, Teamsters took political action contributions raised through payroll deduc- 22 (D) 21 Blong Xiong (D) to right this wrong. We supported three can- tions. At the same time, corporations will still 23 No Recommendation 22 No Action yet didates for the AC Transit Board: Elsa Ortiz, be free to contribute unlimited amounts of 24 *Rich Gordon (D) 23 No Recommendation Joel Young, and Mark Williams. Directors money to politicians. If this passes, when it 25 *Bob Wieckowski (D) Ortiz and Young were up for re-election. comes time to make the hard decisions, who 26 No Recommendation Mark Williams is the son of a Local 853 do you think the politicians will listen to? District Candidate 27 *Nora Campos (D) member and this was his first entry into pol- Don’t be fooled by the ads when you hear 1 No Recommendation 28 *Paul Fong (D) itics. We made phone calls, did mailings, and them. The people behind this initiative say it 3 *Lois Wolk (D) 29 (D) donated money to all three campaigns and will level the playing field between unions and 30 *Luis Alejo (D) we WON! corporations when it comes to politics. But all 5 Cathleen Galgiani (D) Director Elsa Ortiz sponsored a “Buy it does is stop us from giving money. It does 7 *Mark DeSaulnier (D) 31 *Henry Perea (D) America” resolution for AC Transit. I am nothing to stop our employers and other cor- 9 *Loni Hancock (D) 32 (D) happy to report that, in March, the AC porations. We cannot let it pass. 11 *Mark Leno (D) Sam Ramirez (D) Transit Board, led by our three candidates, Teamsters statewide are beginning to 13 Jerry Hill (D) * Denotes incumbent voted to purchase more than 40 buses from mobilize to fight this corporate deception. 15 Jim Beall (D) Candidates in green are former Gillig. This will keep our members at Gillig Call your local union to find out how you can 17 Bill Monning (D) Teamsters, or are from Teamster families working for almost a year. get involved. Your future is at stake!

✓ EndorsementsENDORSEMENTS San Joaquin County San José City Council Solano County Left: Assemblyman Board of Supervisors District 2 Board of Supervisors Jerry Hill (L) at a District 1 Carlos Villapudua District 4 District 1 Erin Hannigan Local 856 fundraiser; Below: Local 601 is District 3 Steve Bestolarides District 6 Steve Kline District 2 Linda Seifert out strong for for- District 5 Rhodesia Ransom District 8 Patricia Martinez-Roach District 5 Skip Thomson mer member Jose Stockton City Council District 8 Jimmy Nguyen Sonoma County Hernandez, who’s District 2 Randy Hatch District 10 Brian O'Neill Board of Supervisors running for District 4 Moses Zapien District 10 Edesa Bitbadal District 1 John Sawyer Congress. District 6 Dale Fritchen District 3 Shirlee Zane San Mateo County Stockton Mayor No Endorsement District 5 Efren Carrillo Board of Supervisors Santa Clara County District 1 Dave Pine Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors District 5 Adrienne Tissier Board of Supervisors District 2 George Shirakawa Ballot Measures District 5 Domenic Torchia District 3 Dave Cortese Measure Y: Jefferson UHSD YES Yolo County District 5 Joseph Simitian Board of Supervisors District 4 Jim Provenza District 5 Art Pimentel

Joint Council 7 Teamster 3 A R O U N D LOCALS 150, 439, 853 & 856 T H E Giants fans hear about Coors’ bad record

LOCALS Teamsters from Locals 150, 439, 853 and 856 are disgusted by Coors Brewing Company and their tactics with distributor DBI. They let the company and the public know at the San Francisco Giants Home Opener on April 13 with a leaflet that castigates Coors for its “tasteless anti-gay views” and labor practices. The Joint Council 7 truck was festooned with a giant banner proclaiming, "Tell Coors: Stop your hating. This is California.” And, the Teamsters flew a banner over the park that read: Coors’ distributor in Northern California, of worker LOCAL 853 “Coors Hates San Francisco.” abuse and anti-immigrant policies. “Coors has a long history of funding anti-gay “The workers that distribute Coors products Elite Task Force brings rights and anti-immigrant organizations and politi- throughout Northern California are appealing to San cians,” Jim Tobin, President of Local 150 told the San Franciscans,” said Sam Rosas, Secretary-Treasurer of Francisco Weekly. “Coors also funds groups that are Local 439 in Stockton. "We want our neighbors to out 150 stewards anti-worker and promote laws that would suppress know that in this devastated economy, DBI wants to minority voting.” destroy good jobs. All these loyal workers want is a The Teamsters also accuse DBI Beverage Inc., contract that respects the work they do." JOINT COUNCIL 7 LOCAL 137 Safe driving seminar Union updates Congratulations to Business Agent Dee Arrow- smith who retired at the end of December with more On April 7, Local 853 held its founding meeting than 35 years at the Local! She did it all—from run- of the Elite Task Force, and more than 150 stewards ning the office to handling our “public sector” assign- turned out. The purpose of the group is to have ments as a BA. Dee was the expert on health and wel- activists on call when the local needs to do informa- fare issues and answered our members’ retirement tional picketing, support a strike, talk to a city hall, questions. Good luck and thank you, Dee! or get out the vote. Members at Coca-Cola Sales, Coca-Cola Service “2012 will be a tough, busy year for the Local,” Techs and Sysco Foods have recently ratified very says Secretary-Treasurer Rome Aloise. “We’ve got sev- good contracts. eral shops on the verge of striking, and lots of politi- Joint Council 7 held two meetings for commercial drivers on Local 137 is pleased to welcome our newest unit: cal work to accomplish. Our staff can’t do it all— March 24—one at Local 439, and this one held at Local 287 the maintenance workers at the Shasta Family especially as we’re called on at several actions a week.” in San Jose. More than 100 drivers turned out to learn about YMCA, who ratified their first contract with typical new DOT rules on cell phone use, sleep apnea and other Stewards in attendance said they were pleased Teamster advantages such as seniority, job protec- safety issues. and proud to be recruited to support their union. tion, grievance and arbitration, DRIVE, and more. LOCAL 315 MV Transportation Vallejo Runabout/ Benicia Breeze ratify first contract In May 2011, the drivers, dispatch and achieving a number of improvements in maintenance employees at MV Vallejo Run- wages, work rules, bidding, seniority, vaca- about and Benicia Breeze voted unanimous- tion, holidays, and health and welfare, which ly to be represented by Local 315. In March, included the Western Conference of Team- 2012, the 25 employees were finally able to sters Pension Plan. ratify their first contract that guarantees “This was truly a team effort, as rank and what they wanted from the start—the pro- file negotiating team member Harold Boutte tections and job security of a Teamster con- was very instrumental during the organizing tract. campaign and Local 315 Business Agent “With such a decisive election victory, Organizer Jim Sveum did an outstanding job there was no question we had the solidarity in our negotiations and in keeping the unity and support of the members. That paid off at active and informed,” said Robbins. “We wel- New union members at MV Transportation have a first contract. the bargaining table,” said Secretary Treasur- come these new members to Local 315.” (L to R): Nick Mangiduyos, Claire Cook, Danielle White, er Dale Robbins. The union was successful in Dafni Bangad and Business Agent/Organizer Jim Sveum.

4 May/June/July 2012 LOCAL 856 LOCAL 890 Young workers get involved Solidarity brings good contract at Olam This April, the Teamster members of was in constant communication with Local 890 in Gilroy who work in the the union’s Communications Com- garlic and onion dehydration industry, mittee, composed of about 30 mem- won a 4-year contract with a 3% wage bers who helped develop flyers and increase during each year of the con- keep the membership informed of tract and increased contributions to progress throughout the negotiation their pensions. process. From the beginning of negotiations, At the end, the union was able to Olam International, which purchased obtain a fair final proposal from the Local 856 hosts its first mixer for young members in March. the Gilroy Foods facility about a year company and also ratify it with a 93% ago, proposed and was persistent about vote from a sizable membership. “This With nearly one in five members future of this union,” he said. “Your 1% wage increases and getting rid of was due to the solidarity displayed by under the age of 35, the young work- participation is critical to ensure that the members’ pension plan and replac- our members,” says Business Agent ers of Local 856 are a formidable the hard-won victories of previous ing it with a 401k plan. Oscar Rios, “strengthened by the per- resource. That’s why the Local decided generations are preserved and that the The elected negotiating committee, sistence and efficiency of the members create a forum for the new generation union continues to thrive.” composed of four members from the on the communications and negotia- of Teamsters to assemble, network and Oliver, who even arranged a car- Gilroy Foods facility, stood firm and tions committees.” develop strategies to keep the labor pool to encourage his co-workers to movement strong. attend, said he appreciated that the The 856 young workers group had leadership is trying to connect young LOCAL 350 its first meeting in the form of a mixer workers. on March 1 at the Local’s union hall, Garcia said she attended the mixer with members from the hotel, pro- because she wanted to learn more SF Mayor signs prevailing wage law duce, freight, and car rental divisions about her union and how she could in attendance. The workers discussed get involved. “Sometimes the first step To combat the exploitation of “independent” workers who do not have the such topics as creating solidarity with is just showing up and listening to same legal protections as employees, Secretary-Treasurer Bob Morales pushed to fellow Teamsters, understanding their another person’s ideas and thinking revise San Francisco’s prevail- contract and trainings they would like about how we affect each other, and ing wage ordinance. The ordi- to see in the future. how we can become more of a com- nance was passed by the City “It was a good starting point,” munity,” she said. Council in January and signed Carcione’s Fresh Produce Member Suzuki said young workers bring into law by Mayor Ed Lee in Doris Garcia said of the first meeting. new energy and ideas to the table. She February. “I had never met anyone from the said that times have changed and so The new ordinance: other divisions. It was definitely inter- has the means to reach out to the • Bars employers from using esting to hear about their issues and membership. owner-operators and requires what it’s like in their industry. Usually “We have an advantage when it employers bidding on City con- I just meet members from the produce comes to technology,” said Garcia. “We tracts to use employees only. terminal,” said the 27-year-old. can use email, Facebook and Twitter • Requires employers who suc- Avis/Budget Shop Steward Carlos to get the word out that the union is cessfully bid to take over a City Gutierrez agrees. “I think that the there, and someone is there to help contract to retain the employ- young workers’ mixer was a great way you and to represent you.” ees of the prior contractor for to get in contact with members from “My definition of success is hap- up to six months subject to dis- other industries,” he said. piness,” said Oliver. “My union has charge only for cause; and Rich Oliver, a front desk clerk at everything to do with my happiness at • Expands the scope of the Mayor Ed Lee signs bill as leaders from Local 350, 665, the Fairmont San Francisco said that work,” he said. SEIU, IATSE, and the San Francisco Labor Council look on. industries covered to reach non- it’s important for young people to get The 856 young workers group profits and other employers. involved in their union. “The more plans to hold events monthly. Suzuki you’re involved, the more you’re said she hopes the group will continue LOCAL 948 informed,” the 30-year-old said. to grow and become a means to devel- “Paying your dues is not just literal, it’s op future leaders. “We can use this as a Cannery Council contract up metaphorical. If we don’t become way to have quick mobilization of involved, we can lose what’s already members, and also a place where Once again, it’s time for Local 948, as part of the Cannery Council, to negoti- been bargained for and gained.” young workers can bounce ideas off ate the CPI contract. The Council includes Locals 948, 601 and 890 and is chaired Local 856 Political Director Trish each other and be part of the larger by Local 601 Secretary-Treasurer Ashley Alvarado. The Cannery Council repre- Suzuki, who was instrumental in the movement,” she said. sents about 20,000 members around Central California. formation of the group, agrees. “The Gutierrez saw evidence of the larg- Numerous Local 948 members participated in the proposal meetings. “Del media has demonized unions, and the er labor movement firsthand when he Monte Hanford proposal meetings had a large turnout and we were able to collect labor movement is rarely taught in attended the California Labor valuable information in those meetings,” says Secretary-Treasurer Adam Ochoa. schools so the ideas behind the move- Federation’s Joint Legislative “Our members’ participation and input is vital to the success of these negotiations.” ment have slowly begun to erode,” she Conference in Sacramento in March. Seneca has pulled out of the CPI negotiations which means that the Cannery said. “If younger workers don’t get “I came back with a new energy – this Council will be negotiating that contract separately. Seneca proposal meetings involved, eventually our basic worker is a bigger movement than just my are scheduled for April 28th at 10:00am and 3:00pm at the union hall in Modesto. rights will disappear. workplace. I’m just one person, but Patterson Vegetable Co. continues to insist that the concessions in their last Local 856 Principal Officer Joe together we’re a union. They have a big proposal are necessary to avoid bankruptcy. “We are continuing to work with Lanthier thanked the members in corporation behind them, but we have them on other alternatives to avoid this,” adds Ochoa. attendance at the mixer. “You are the a big union,” the 32-year-old said.

Joint Council 7 Teamster 5 BULLETIN BOARD IN MEMORIAM

Meeting changes LOCAL 15/853 ROPER, Merrill C LOCAL 533 FORD, Oscar D. GATTO, Robert A. RUANO, Anthony J DEGRAT, Daniel GAGLIARDO, Benny E. LOCAL 315 SCHNEIDER, Joseph J GARRISON, Jimmy HOSFELT, Jasper J. LOCAL 70 SEALS, Anuel KELLEY, Gerald L. MAXWELL, Don R. Membership Meeting and Vallejo office AILSWORTH, Franklin D SEBASTIAO, Gilberto LOCAL 601 SMITH, Richard T MILLER, Oscar E. hour changes ALLEN, Frank C ALFICHE, Edward Lee ALLISON, Ronald G STRINGFELLOW, Leslie M ALONZO, Robert NAILOR, James The Saturday, May 12, 2012 General Membership ANDERSON, Gary D TARANTINO, Vincent J ALVARADO, Salvador PABROS, Vera M. meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will be fol- BIRCHMIER, Ross C VALLES, Frank R CASTANON, Helen M. PRINDLE, J. lowed by a seminar/workshop. CARDERA, Richard L VICKROY, Henry V CHEEK, Eugene L. ROBINSON, Herbert Vallejo Administrative Business Front Desk Hours DEMORROW, Louis L DICKENS, Howard Donald SMITH, Herb E. are now: Monday–Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; LARA, Gabriel B LOCAL 296/853 GOMEZ, Enrique T. SMITHERMAN, Ida closed for lunch 12-1:00 pm. MUNGO, Rochon FLECK, Bert HAMILTON, Louise STRATTON, Robert A. For your convenience and to save time and travel, PAGAN, Paul G LEE, Chow Ying YSOHIOKA, Lloyd S. members can pay dues/fees with a credit card by SANDERS, John E LOCAL 315 LOPEZ, Maria S. calling the union office at 925-228-2246 or 707- SAUNDERS, James BECKMAN, James W. MACHADO, Evelyn LOCAL 665 643-0387. SHEARING, Jack P BROWN, William R. PEREZ, Porfirio Michel FARRAFZADEH, Bahram Local 315 Business Representatives remain avail- SHIELDS, Herbert L CANEPA, Charles RIOS, Virginia able Monday-Friday at the Martinez, San Mateo SMITH, Kevin C CONTRERAS, Serafin ROBLES, Beatrice LOCAL 853 and Vallejo offices. Please call in advance to TAVIS, Walter ELLIOTT, Robert SANTOS, Patricia OTTOSON, Carl FERTADO, Robert STEWART, Robert schedule an appointment. WILLIAMS, Edwin C SATO, Carmen FISHER, David SOMOZA, Bolivar F. WRIGHT, Phyllis LOCAL 78/853 LESLIE, Curtis YANCEY, Kimberly YONZON, Jovanni LOCAL 350 WAUGH, Eugene MELTON, Charles PEREZ, Carlos LOCAL 856 Membership meetings: Corrected GCC 583/853 LOCAL 87 RUIZ, Alberto BAILON, Ben ABUAN, Jose R. SAN FRANCISCO—Membership meetings are held DeGOUGH, Duke BARRON, Calvert ANTE, Erlinda the Second Thursday of the month (Mar 8, June LOCAL 350 CARLTON, Mildred LA RUE, Lenny 14, September 13 and Dec.13) at 6:00p.m. at LOCAL 287 GILBERTSON, Robert Lee CASTELLO, Kenneth OMSTEAD, Patsy P. Electricians Hall, 55 Fillmore Street, San Francisco. AMADOR, Milton GOODWIN, DONALD CUNANAN, May SYLVIA, Steven SAN JOSE—Membership meetings are held the 4th AMIS, Thomas M HARO, Frederico DOHERTY, Hugh WILLIAMS, James T. Wednesday of the month (Mar 28, June 27, Sept. BELTRAMO, John H TORRES, Robert HOOKANO, Joseph 26 at 7 p.m. at Local287, 1452 Fourth St., San Jose. BENGSTON, Wade JUDNICK, Henry LOCAL 890 Thursday, Dec. 20 will be held at The San Jose BERNAL JR, William D LOCAL 386 KETTLESON, Jr., Tom AGUILAR, Dolores Airport Garden Hotel 1740 North First St., San Jose. BEVILL, Herbert L RAY, Jerry LAHTINEN, Leonard CARRASCO, Teresa Robert Morales, Secretary-Treasurer BRAGA, Antonio T CROSSE JR, Richard LUCIDO, Angelo MARTINEZ, Perfecto BRAVO, Silverio SALYTER, Norma MORALES, Kathryn RODMAN, Bonnie BROGAN, Robert W KENITZER, Dale NEIDERREITER, Carl SMITH, Jerry DUKE, David TAYLOR, Olen YOUR LOCAL UNION BUSICK, Gregory S POPP, William PHONE NUMBERS CARDENAS, Frank MCKINSEY, Charles PATTERSON, Patrick 70...... 510-569-9317 CHAPPELL, Raymond W PRETZER, Jack SHAFFER, Charles LOCAL 912 87...... 661-327-8594 CLARK, Darell J HINSHAW, David TERNULLO, Tom CABRERA, Antonio 137 ...... 530-243-0232 DAMRON, Jack D TOURIGNY, Nina GUZMAN-ORTIZ, Maria de 150...... 916-392-7070 DAYKIN, Jack E LOCAL 431 VALESCO, Mario Jesus 287...... 408-453-0287 DIEDRICK, Glenn G AVILA, Ernesto WAGNER, Lee HILL, Vera 315...... 925-228-2246 FASSLER, Alfred D WEST, Frank HERNANDEZ, Maria 350...... 650-757-7290 GOODWIN JR, Harold P LOCAL 439 JUAN, Candelaria 386...... 209-526-2755 GOULARTE, Alfred J CRUZ, Ever LOCAL 588/853 PEREZ, Yolanda 431...... 559-486-5410 JOHNSON, George E EACHUS, Michael WIDNER, James 439 ...... 209-948-9592 KANESHIRO, Eichi REED, Shanon LOCAL 2785 517...... 559-627-9993 KOWALSKI, Mark LOCAL 624/655 RIVERS, Sr., Jack Richard 533...... 775-348-6060 LEWIS, Leonel F LOCAL 484/315 BALINSKI, Eugene WARD, Robert 601 ...... 209-948-2800 LONG, Gerald E FERRANDO, John CALEGARI, Sylvio 665...... 888-770-3948 MARTY, John J GIOVANETTI, Carlo COLLETT, Robert W. 853 ...... 510-895-8853 McLAUGHLIN, Jerry L VERMOUTH, Daniel COPELAND, Orval J. 856 ...... 650-635-0111 MEEKS, Odell W COPELAND, Edith A. 890 ...... 831-424-5743 MILAM, L D LOCAL 517 COX, Danny G. 896...... 707-644-8896 MUNOZ, Ignacio ASPEITIA, Joe CROUCH, J. M. 912...... 831-724-0683 BOJORQUEZ, Joe 948...... 559-625-1061 MUNOZ, Ralph R DEAN, Elizabeth LUMPKIN, Jeffrey 2785 ...... 415-467-0450 PARSAGIAN, Stephen B DOMS, Henry C PASLEY, Harold V MONIZ, Robert FORD, Oscar

6 May/June/July 2012 BULLETIN BOARD Third Annual Joint Council 7 Upcoming Events scholarship program — Applications due LOCAL 386 Teamsters Joint Council 7 is pleased to announce the How to Apply Second Annual the Teamsters Joint Council 7 Harry Applicants must complete an application and return it Second Annual Membership Appreciation Polland Scholarship Fund. This program will provide to a Joint Council 7 office or to the office of any of the Picnic $1,000 to the child of one member in each of the fol- Local Unions affiliated with the Joint Council (see August 18th. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. lowing affiliated Local Unions: 70, 87, 137, 150, 287, above) by no later than July 1, 2012, along with the fol- Tuolumne River Regional Park 315, 350, 386, 431, 439, 517, 533, 601, 665, 853, 856, lowing: Besides great food prepared by our chefs from 890, 896, 912, 948, 2785. 1. High school or college transcript through most Foster Farms and beyond, we will have a raffle recent semester. with some really nice prizes, games and fun for Eligibility 2. Resume of school and/or community activities. the kids, and a visit from some special guests. To be eligible to apply, you must be a member of one 3. Two page handwritten or typed essay on the of the 21 Teamsters Locals affiliated with Joint Council Importance of Labor Unions. LOCAL 601 7 (see above) and the parent or legal guardian of a 4. Recent photograph of applicant. student who is or wishes to attend a college, universi- Where to Get Applications Second Annual Teamsters Local 601 ty, or trade school. Elected officials and employees of Applications may be obtained from any Joint Council 7 Membership Appreciation Picnic Teamster Locals and the Joint Council, and their fami- June 9 office or from any of the Teamster Local Unions affili- lies, are not eligible. 3-7 p.m. ated with the Joint Council. Criteria 421 C Street, Yuba City Grade point average of 2.0 (based on a 4.0 system) Teamsters Joint Council 7 is proud to support June 16 upon high school graduation. the higher education of Teamster families! 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Woodward Community Park, Manteca Teamsters to the [foot] rescue Soccer • Free Raffle Prizes • Live Music • Free Food and Drink • Face Painting • Jumpers & If you or a family member suffers from Popcorn • Family Fun & Games achilles tendonitis, bunions, corns and calluses, bone spurs, ingrown toe nails, plantar fasciitis, toe nail fungus, or any other foot or leg prob- lem, you should probably see a podiatrist. SAFEWAY drivers Here’s the good news—most Teamster & mechanics health plans cover podiatry and many podia- trists are fellow or sister Teamsters! The mem- Safeway Drivers & Mechanics Luncheon bers of the California Podiatry Medical All retired, former and current drivers and Association joined the Teamsters in 2011. mechanics who worked in the San Francisco To find a Teamster podiatrist near you, Division of Safeway Stores are invited visit calpma.org. Saturday, August 11, 2012 Napa Elks Lodge 2840 Soscol Avenue, Napa, CA 94558 $37: BBQ steak, chicken and trimmings Notice to Local 948 members No host bar. Ruan is hiring; holding referral bonus program for members Please reserve a seat as early as possible as seats are limited and an accurate head count is neces- Ruan is is hiring drivers in its Dairy and Bulk Food a $2000 VISA gift card! Your name will be entered even if sary for preparing food. Deadline for receiving operations in the Western Region, and is offering a refer- the person is not hired. However, if they are hired, you money is July 21, 2012. Make checks payable to ral bonus program to its Local 948 drivers. could earn the $1000 referral bonus and if picked as the “RSDML c/o of Gerald Towaer, 8641 Lake Referrals are paid and structured as described below: contest winner, could also win the $2000 VISA gift card! McCumber Rd., Shingletown, CA 96088 • $1000 Referral Bonus for Drivers and Technicians – The If you’re member of Local 948 driving for RUAN, For more info, call Jerry Tower at 530-474-3767 payout will be $300 after 60 days of employment and start referring other drivers to the program. If you’re a or Dessis Estep at 510-223-2047 $700 after six months of employment. driver looking for work, contact Local 948 to hook up • $500 Referral Bonus for all other positions – The pay- with one of their RUAN drivers. Hey, maybe you can out will be the full $500 after 60 days of employment. split the winnings if your driver is chosen! From April 1 – July 31st, the company will enter your name for every person you refer, into a drawing for

Joint Council 7 Teamster 7 YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS BY BEESON, TAYER & BODINE Taking case against Loomis global continued from page 1 Brinker Decision: Employers must still lead workers to water, but no longer need to make them drink On April 12, 2012, the California Supreme Court these questions as follows: issued its long-awaited decision in the Brinker case 1. The employer must relieve its employees of all duty concerning how California law governing meal and rest during required meal periods, but need not guarantee periods applies in the workplace. The Brinker decision that employees cease working during this time. concludes that employers must relieve employees of all 2. The employer must provide a first meal period no More Loomis employess tell the commission how their duty during required meal periods but need not ensure later than the end of an employee’s fifth hour of work, jobs have changed since they lost their that employees cease working during this time. and a second meal period no later than the end of an union representation While California’s Industrial Welfare Commission employee’s tenth hour of work, but no additional tim- Orders (“IWC Orders”) have long provided for the the health care or 401K plans. “Loomis has set ing requirements apply. right to take meal and rest periods during the work day, up a two-tier workforce. If you’re in the bottom 3. Employees are entitled to one 10-minute rest peri- until the year 2000, meal and rest period rights were tier, you get nothing.” od for shifts from three-and-one-half to six hours in enforceable only through injunction – not monetary “Thank you, Loomis, for the stab in the length, two rest periods for shifts of more than six damages – so employers largely ignored these require- back,” says Ron Udy about his health care costs hours up to 10 hours, three rest periods for shifts of ments with impunity. that have increased substantially. more than 10 hours up to 14 hours, and so on. In 2000, the law was changed to require employers Teague Paterson, a labor attorney with the to pay one additional hour of pay for every day in 4. Rest periods must be authorized in the middle of Beeson Law Firm, testified about the numerous which a required meal or rest period is not provided, each four-hour work period (or major fraction there- anti-union labor law violations the company and to put these protections in the state Labor Code. of) insofar as is practicable, but the first rest period has inflicted on the employees since Teamster Since then, many lawsuits were filed on behalf of need not occur before the first meal period. representation was terminated. These include employees who did not receive required meal and rest 5. Meal and rest period cases may be certified as class coercing employees into signing a waiver that periods. These cases resulted in conflicting interpreta- actions in appropriate cases. enables the company to force them to work tions of the meal and rest period laws, which the These rules apply generally to many private sector through their lunch breaks. For this, California Supreme Court undertook to resolve in Brinker, union workplaces, but some industries (e.g. construc- employees have filed a class action lawsuit including, (1) what action the employer must take to tion, commercial drivers, motion picture broadcasting, against Loomis for violating state wage and meet its obligation to provide a meal period; (2) what utilities) are subject to collective bargaining exemptions hour laws. time during the work day a required meal period must under certain circumstances. Nothing in the Brinker The commission also heard from Detective be taken; (3) how long an employee must work in decision invalidates provisions in collective bargaining Gualco, a former Daly City Police officer who order to be entitled to rest periods; (4) what time dur- agreements that are more favorable to employees, or to had been in charge of training. “Under Loomis’ ing the work day a required rest period must be taken; prevent future negotiations of such more favorable regulations, there’s only one guard pulling the and (5) whether meal and rest period claims may pro- provisions, so long as the rulings summarized above are money out of an ATM. But, once a guard turns ceed as class actions. The Supreme Court answered satisfied. his back to the public, he has no protection. I couldn’t provide any kind of training that would work in that situation,” he said. “You NEWS FROM TAP never alow a package to be moved by one indi- vidual. It’s just not safe. Someone will pay the price.” Obesity epidemic impacts Teamsters; TAP can help Bud Stow, a retired SWAT team command- Obesity is the range of weight shown to increase Although there are genetic and hormonal influ- er from the Berkeley Police Department was the likelihood of particular diseases and other health ences on body weight, obesity occurs when one ingests very clear: “I would not send an officer to do the problems. Since 1960, the percent of people in the U.S. more calories than their body burns through exercise task that these people are doing.” who are obese has risen steadily among men and and normal daily activities, resulting in the storage of “Loomis is a good company in ,” women of all ages, racial/ethnic groups and educa- excess calories as fat. said commission member Martin Viredius, who tional levels. According to the U.S. Center for Health Treatment is available serves as Vice President of the Swedish Statistics, from 1960 to 2006 the prevalence of obesity Studies show that formerly obese people who lose Transport Union. “The wages they pay are about increased from one in eight to more than one in three 35 or more pounds and remain out of the obese cate- best paid in Sweden. As we see it, labor rights are adults. Statistics for children and adolescents show an gory for two years rarely do it alone. Most successes a basic human right. Respect for human rights even greater increase. were achieved by people who were involved in multi- and labor rights should be the starting point.” Height and weight are used to calculate “body disciplinary treatments combining medical, support Veridies said he served on the commission mass index,” a measure of body fat. A BMI of 30 of group and educational components. to find the facts at Loomis. “It’s not just a mat- higher is considered obese or having an excess amount Treatment for obesity is available and may include ter of law; we need to hear the story from the of unnecessary fatty tissue. a combination of diet, exercise, behavior modification workers; to learn how they’re being treated. We Obesity has been linked to increased risk for heart and sometimes weight-loss drugs. In extreme cases or know how Loomis works in Sweden, but we also disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sever- where health problems have developed due to obesity, need to know how Loomis is functioning in al cancers, gall bladder disease, depression, sleep disor- bariatric surgery may be recommended. practice in the U.S.” ders, nonalcoholic liver disease, osteoarthritis, infertil- The Teamsters Assistance Program (TAP) is dedi- Veridies and other members of the commit- ity and skin problems, such as poor wound healing. In cated to the promotion of healthy lifestyles among tee were especially surprised to learn about how fact, obesity has been linked to higher rates of chronic those in our Teamsters community. Toward that goal, poor the safety conditions are at Loomis US. illnesses than smoking, drinking or poverty. Every year, TAP not only assists union members and their fami- “People carrying tens of thousands of dollars an average of almost $2,000 more is paid per obese lies by providing assessment, referral, case manage- have no protection. That system would be person for medical care. ment, follow-up and aftercare for alcohol and drug stopped immediately in Sweden.” Obesity can also decrease overall quality of life as related problems, but also provides information and Göran Larsson, the International Secretary obese people may be less able to do things as easily and referral for those experiencing or being impacted by of the Swedish Transport Workers Union, have difficulty participating in otherwise normal other behavior problems. worked at Securitas, a company owned by activities. Many overweight people describe their Call TAP for assistance at 800-253-8326. Loomis, for 20 years. “The difference is shock- avoidance of public places, discrimination, depres- Look for information from TARP in the next issue ing. Quality pays, but what they’re selling in the sion, disability, physical discomfort, sexual problems of this paper about how bariatric surgery can some- U.S. is no longer quality,” Larsson added. and social isolation. times trigger other addictive behaviors.

8 May/June/July 2012