Northern California Teamster December 2004/January 2005 issue

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Volume 49, Number 5 December 2004/January 2005
Teamsters Local 856 members who work in SF hotels celebrate returning to work at meeting November 23
Hotel lock-out ends
with cooling-off period Teamster strength In California can’t overcome
Teamsters and
national election results
UNITE-HERE
By BARRY BROAD In State Legislative races, despite a have created minimum standards for
California Teamsters vigorous campaign by Governor employer-based healthcare for em­
return to work
Public Affairs Council Schwarzenegger, the Democrats re­ ployers of 50 or more employees. The
Across California, huge numbers of tained all of their seats. Just six Governor’s opposition almost certain­
for holidays
Teamsters registered to vote, did months ago, the Republicans were ly made a difference in the Proposition
phone calling, walked precincts, predicting that they would capture the 72 fight. Nevertheless, the closeness
San Francisco Teamsters are
talked to co-workers, and even trav­ State Assembly and gain seats in the of the election means that the issue of
back at work at 14 hotels after six eled to battleground states. This effort State Senate. The Govemator’s coat­ health care coverage is very much
weeks. A two-week strike at four clearly paid off in a number of impor­ tails were very short indeed! alive. We live to fight another day!
hotels by UNITE-HERE Local 2 tant California elections. The biggest disappointment for or­ For in-depth numbers and percent­
quickly turned into a six week However, when the longest, nasti­ ganized labor was the very narrow de­ ages, please go to the Secretary of
www.ss.ca.gov.
lock-out at 14 hotels; more than est, and most contentious election feat of Proposition 72, which would States’ website at
campaign in U.S. history came to an
4,000 union members were on
end on November 2, George W. Bush
what became a very noisy picket Wishing all current, retired and
was re-elected President and Republi­
line.
cans increased their majority in the future Teamsters a very happy
Members of Teamsters Local
U.S. House of Representatives and
856 who work at these hotels re­
U.S. Senate. holiday season and a prosperous
spected Local 2's picket line.
President Bush has already prom­
They were all relieved to go back ised to “spend the political capital” he New Year.
to work under a 60-day cooling- earned in the election by privatizing
off period on November 23. social security. Stay tuned. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • a * * * *
“We believe that Local 2 will In California, one of the bluest of • Happy Holidays ! j
win its fight with these multina­ the “blue” states, John Kerry resound­
• Felices Fiestas! •
ingly defeated President Bush —so
tional hotel chains,” said Local
don’t expect a lot of visits by the
856 Secretary-Treasurer Mike j B ! j
Bush-Cheney team in the next four
McLaughlin. “And we’re going
years. Barbara Boxer handily won re- : Meilleurs Vieux! :
to be there to help them.”
See complete story on election to her U.S. Senate seat and • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • a
voters re-elected the entire Congres­
Page 5.
sional delegation. From the staff and officers of
Teamster port driver rep Gilberto Soto killed in El
Teamsters Joint Council 7
Salvador. Story on page 3.
MEMBERS IN FOCUS
Teamster Stephanie Coyote new head of SF Film Commissison
Teamsters lead effort to bring film industry back to San Francisco
Filmmaking used to be a big indus­ piece of the pie. People cisco.” Beane says that Local 85 cur­
try in San Francisco, providing hun­ will come here if we take rently has 30 members working under
dreds of jobs. From Bullitt and Dirty away the penalties. I’ll try the Local 399 agreement as location
Harry to Mrs. Doubtfire and The to make that happen, but scouts.
Streets of San Francisco to Nash it will take some time.” “The film commission is at its best
Bridges, San Francisco was a movie­ Some people want to right now because we have someone
making town providing incredible blame labor for the high in the film office who will listen to
scenery and local color. cost of working in San us,” Beane said. “You can’t beat hav­
That was then. Looking to save Francisco, but Stefanie is ing that relationship. And we have the
money and hassle, the industry has clear that the labor cost is same goal—jobs.”
fled San Francisco over the last sever­ only one ingredient. New Film Commission President and
al years. Now Stefanie Coyote, a loca­ York City covers police Local 350 Secretary-Treasurer Robert
tion manager and Teamsters Local 85 services; in San Francis­ Morales concurs. “It’s a new day in
member, is working to bring it back. co, the movie companies the city for filmmaking.” And he
And she has a team of Teamsters to have to pay time-and-a- should know—Morales has served on
back her up. half. Also, hotels and the Film Commission since Art Agnos
Eight weeks into her new job as catering service are ex­ was mayor, with a short break for the
Stefanie Coyote, after a morning shoot at several
Executive Director of the San Francis­ locations around North Beach pensive here. “The cost of Jordan administration. He’s been
co Film Commission, Stefanie says labor is about the same President of the Commission for the
she’s feeling “outrage, enthusiasm, Earlier this year, Stefanie worked everywhere there’s a union contract, past nine years.
frustration...it’s complicated!” But on a Burger King commercial as a so it’s not that.” Morales says that Stefanie will be a
she’s determined to bring the industry Teamster, then she put in for with­ If Only It Were True, a movie with welcome asset to the Commission and
and the jobs back to the city. drawal to take the Film Commission Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, to the City and County of San Francis­
Since 1988, Stefanie has been a lo­ position. just finished filming in North Beach. co. “It’s a long time coming. We need
cation manager for films being shot in Coyote has been working to seal a deal someone like her to create movie-mak­
Bringing production back
San Francisco. While she loved the with the producers of Rent. “We have ing in the city, and in turn, to create
San Francisco is number one for a
work, Stefanie says that location man­ the potential to offer low-cost produc­ more Teamster and movie jobs.”
lot of things, and unfortunately, being
agers worked ridiculously long hours tion facilities on Treasure Island, but Morales adds that Mayor Newsom al­
the most expensive city to film in is
for ridiculously low pay. “The produc­ those facilities need a lot of work. located $350,000 to the film commission
one of them. “If we can get our act to­
ers could drive wages down as they That’s our card. We should play it.” office, enabling Stefanie to get involved
gether and be a movie-friendly town,
saw how hungry we were for work.” In addition to Rent, Coyote is work­ in activities to promote San Francisco
we can bring a lot of income into the
Because movie work in San Fran­ ing with the producer of Memoirs of a positively to the movie industry.
city, provide great skilled craft jobs in
cisco has been scarce and because the Geisha to start filming in January, and
the industry and increase our publici­
location managers didn’t have a union commercials for Starbucks and Toyota Members in locus
ty. It’s about civic pride—and about
contract, they were the first to get are also in the works.
having producers bring their $40 mil­ Joint Council 7 has more than 50,000
taken advantage of. Shooting the
Labor on the team
lion budgets here. That’s my goal.” members across the greater Bay Area and
movie The Assassination of Richard
Coyote says that film companies “Stefanie is supported by virtually many of you are doing important & fasci­
Nixon (2004) added the final straw,
are going to Canada and Mexico to all of labor,” says Local 85 Secretary- nating things—at work, at home and in
pushing the location managers to
save money. “The rest of the world is Treasurer Van Beane. your communities. If you have a story you
agree that they needed a union.
competing for film business by reduc­ “We all agree that production work think might work in the Northern California
“All of the skilled labor in the
movie business up here was unionized ing costs and creating incentives. has to increase. Once Local 399 in Teamster, please contact your business
Until now, San Francisco has pushed Hollywood ratified their contract, this
except for us. This is a union business. agent or e-mail newspaper editor Debra
the business away with financial opened up the gates for production
It was time. I was thrilled to become a Chaplan at [email protected].
gouging and everyone trying to get a companies to come back to San Fran­
Teamster.”
Time to apply for James R. Hoffa Memorial
Scholarship Fund
During the 2005-2006 academic year, 100 scholarships will be awarded
The Northern California Teamster is pub- Periodicals Postage Paid at the San Fran- to high school seniors who are children of Teamster members. Applicants
lished 5 times per year (February, May, cisco, CA and at additional mailing offices. will compete in one of five geographic regions where the Teamster parent’s
August, October, and December) by: , A local union is located. Thirty-one of the awards total $10,000 over four
y POSTMASTER:
years. Sixty-nine of the awards are one-time $1,000 grants.
Teamsters’ Joint Council No. 7 Please send address changes to:
Applications are available from all Teamster local unions and from the
250 Executive Park Blvd., Suite 3100 Northern California Teamster
Scholarship Fund. Application forms and eligibility information may also
San Francisco, CA 94134 250 Executive Park Blvd., Suite 3100
be obtained from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters website
Tel: [phone] San Francisco, CA 94134-3306
(www.teamster.org) or by email: ([email protected]). Completed
applications must be submitted to the parent’s local union, providing the
Secretary-Treasurer enought time to complete a section and forward the ap­
plication to the International in time for the March 31, 2005 deadline.
Beagle and Bleiweiss Communications • Managing Editor: Debra Chaplan
NATIONAL ACTION/LOCAL IMPACT
Teamster port rep killed in II Salvador; unions call for full investigation
the back by three men who waited labor offices looted
outside his house and fled in a get­
In a separate development, the offices of the Centro de Estudios y Apoyo
away car. He died immediately.
Laboral (CEAL), a Salvadoran labor support center that immediately made
Soto’s goal in going to Central
public statements and press releases regarding the murder of J. Gilberto Soto,
America was to better understand
were ransacked in the early morning hours of November 14, 2004. The com­
working conditions for port drivers
munications and computer equipment were removed and there was evidence
there and to create a solidarity net­
that files and documents had been opened and reviewed. CEAL has filed com­
work between Teamsters and their
plaints with the national authorities asking for investigation of the incident.
Central American counterparts who
The AFL-CIO has condemned this attack on a Salvadoran labor organization
often work for the same multi-nation­
and demands that this incident, as well as any connections to the murder of Jose
al shipping companies.
Gilberto Soto, be thoroughly investigated by the Salvadoran authorities.
“Gilberto was a hard worker and a
dedicated worker,” says Joint Council
Sweeney and Teamsters General Pres­ volved in any criminal activity. He
7 President and Teamsters Port Direc­
ident James P. Hoff a met with El Sal­ was organizing port drivers, the most
tor Chuck Mack. “He was very com­
vador’s ambassador. “We expressed exploited truck drivers in the U.S.,
mitted to improving the standard of
our deep concern about the lack of any and he was visiting El Salvador on be­
living for port drivers. For him, work­
type of meaningful investigation,” half of the Teamsters,” said President
ing with port drivers wasn’t a job as
Hoffa said. “We’re concerned that Hoffa in a statement to the press.
much as a lifestyle.”
Gilberto Soto was murdered because “Our heartfelt condolences go out
Teamster Gilberto Soto was assas­
Unions call for investigation of his intention to meet with labor to the Soto family, and I pledge that
sinated on November 5 in El Salvador.
Soto, a port drivers’ representative for The Teamsters have called for a leaders and truck drivers throughout the Teamsters Union will do every­
the Teamsters in Newark, NJ, traveled thorough investigation. They suspect Central America.” thing within its power to help appre­
to Central America to meet with port that Soto was gunned down as part of The Teamsters also announced a hend these murderers and bring them
truck drivers and labor officials in El a systematic effort to suppress union $75,000 reward for information lead­ to justice,” Hoffa continued.
Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras. activity in El Salvador. ing to the arrest and conviction of According to Hoffa, “The Soto
Soto was killed outside his mother’s The Salvadoran government has Soto’s assassins. The reward money murder shows why it is important for
house in the city of Usulutan, El Sal­ agreed to conduct a full investigation. was raised jointly by the Teamsters the U.S. trade union movement to re­
vador. Witnesses say he was shot in AFL-CIO President John J. along with the two U.S. dockworkers’ main forever vigilant in developing
unions^-the International Longshore­ our campaigns for labor and human
men’s Association and the Internation­ rights around the world and for insur­
APPLY NOW
al Longshore and Warehouse Union. ing the respect for worker rights in our
“It is our understanding that there trade agreements.”
TEAMSTERS JC 7
was no robbery; Mr. Soto was not in­
Workers vote to join the Teamsters: set stage for contract talks
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
At Diamond Walnut, victory comes 13 years
EDUCATION PROGRAM
after workers went on strike
4 15 344-0085
-
After 20 years of repeated union efits. The workers had no choice but
elections, strikes and boycott cam­ to strike.
paigns, workers at Diamont Walnut In the intervening years, Local 601
7® V p ■ w f r ® n
have voted to rejoin Teamsters Local struck Diamond Walnut, saw their
CONTACT 601 in Stockton, and make a new at­ members permanently replaced, and
tempt to negotiate a contract. launched a major corporate campaign
YOUR LOCAL FOR AN APPLICATION “This is the most beautiful day of against the company. “With help from
my life,” said Teresa Michel, a sorting the International and from so many
operator in the plant. “I called my son unions in this region, including Joint
Free Hazardous Materials Training and said ‘we won!’ He couldn’t believe Council 7, we hung in there,” said
it. Our lives will change so much. I am Secretary-Treasurer Lucio Reyes.
so thankful to the Teamsters for their Since the strike began in 1991, two
New standards for transporting hazardous materials are
help—and now I’m one too.” representation elections were held,
coming into effect. To enable Teamsters to comply, we The Diamond Walnut story goes but the National Labor Relations
offer free training: back to 1985 when the company was Board threw out the results because
0 4-hour DOT (HAZMAT) Hazardous Materials Aware­ in dire straits financially and the the company had committed unfair
workers took pay cuts of 30 percent to labor practices.
ness course and refresher
help get things back on the right track. “It’s time to stop the war,” said
O 40-hour (HAZWOPER) Hazardous Waste Materials
Within a few years, profits were Reyes. “We have been fighting this
course
booming but Diamond forgot the very company for 13 years and have shown
0 8-hour (HAZWOPER) Hazardous Waste Materials re­ workers who helped them. When it that they cannot beat us. It’s time to
fresher came time for a new contract in 1991, work together to rebuild this company.”
the company offered a meager 100 an “I thank all the Teamsters and other
To sign up, call Barbara at 415-344-0085.
hour raise and demanded increased union members who helped us through
worker payments for health care ben­ this long struggle,” Reyes added.
President's Report
by
Chuck Mack
Thank yau far doing your part
On behalf of the officers, officials economic justice for working families.
and staff of Joint Council 7,1 want to As Jim Hoffa and Tom Keegel said
extend best wishes to all of our mem­ in their Statement from Teamsters
bers and their families for a most joy­ Union Leadership Regarding Novem­
ous holiday season and a successful ber 2 Election, “November 2 was not
and peaceful New Year. the end of our fight to take back this
I also want to say thank you. country for working families. It was the
Thank you for all , beginning. This effort
As election results in
that you did in this was never about one
Local 624 President Harley King at left, and Secretary-Treasurer Bob Carr at
year’s national and California show we’re candidate, one politi­
right, with DHL-Airborne Express displaying their checks.
state elections. It cal party, or a single
up to the challenge. We
made a difference. election. It is about
Kerry-Edwards won do not intend to aban­ moving forward a local 624 wins $50,000 arbitration award
decisively in Califor­ pro-worker agenda at
for members at DHL
don our struggle for
nia. Barbara Boxer the national level.
was re-elected to the “We will continue
economic justice for In a case that has taken nearly work is to be returned to Local 624
U.S. Senate. Team­ the fight for fair trade,
three years to settle, a group of members to perform. In addition,
ster endorsed candi­ working families. universal health care,
Local 624 members who work at the Company was hit with a whop­
dates won at the state worker rights, pen­
DHL (formerly Airborne Express) ping $50,000 penalty for not re­
and local levels, and while we lost on sion reform and retirement security.
received a share of a $50,000 turning the work when it was orig­
Proposition 72, the health care initia­ And we will continue to work with
penalty award in November. inally instructed to do so.
tive, it was by less than 1% — amazing everyone—Republican, Democrat and
In 2001, the company took “This case could not have
in light of the money the restaurant as­ Independent—who shares our agenda.”
away nearly two-thirds of the ended like it did without many
sociation and Wal-Marts of the world The task ahead is clear. We need to
Sonoma County delivery area from hours of hard work and the sup­
“ponied” up. build Teamster and labor power as
Local 624 members working out of port of Secretary-Treasurer Bob
None of this would have happened never before. There can’t be any let
its Petaluma Station and gave the Carr, Recording Secretary Alice
without your hard work. All the voter down over the next two years. We
work to a non-union subcontractor. Hale Bowker and member Wendy
registrations, worksite visits, phone have to continue voter registration,
Local 624 President Harley King Balich,” says King. “It’s a great
banking and “get out the vote” activi­ member education and DRIVE partic­
presented the members’ case in feeling to be able to pass out
ty paid off. ipation. We need to identify issues,
three separate hearings before the $50,000 to our members just be­
Results nationally, however, will build coalition and forge alliances. Sit­
Labor Board. fore the holidays!”
not make life easier for Teamster ting still not only makes us an easy tar­
The end result is that all of the
members. Expect the Bush Adminis­ get—it insures that nothing gets done.
tration to come after labor with an That’s a prescription for disaster.
anti-worker pro-business agenda. Em­ This election isn’t about surrender,
ployer based health care, multi-em­ it’s about struggle. It’s not about going
ployer defined benefits, pensions, and backwards, it’s about moving forward.
even social security are at risk. The last words of labor organizer
As election results in California Joe Hill as he was about to be hanged
show, we’re up to the challenge. We do nearly a century ago are instructive.
not intend to abandon our struggle for “Don’t mourn for me - ORGANIZE!”
SF Teamster hotel workers need your help
For two months, 400 members of Teamsters Local 856 employed at
major San Francisco hotels respected the picket lines of locked-out
members of Local 2 (UNITE-FIERE). While the employers’ group final­
ly agreed to a 60-day cooling-off period in mid-November, there’s no
guarantee that the contract will be settled in mid-January. If they have
to go on the picket line again, these Teamsters will need your help to
maintain their mortgage payments, health benefits and pay other bills.
by contributing as much as possible to the
You can help them
newly established Please send as
Local 856 Solidarity Fund.
large a contribution as you can, as soon as you can, to:
Local 856 Solidarity Fund
c/o Teamsters Local 856, 453 San Mateo Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066
Executive Board
News I Chuck Mack...................Secretary Treasurer
Joe Silva..........................President
Milton Lewis .................Vice President
Lou Marchetti ................Recording Secretary
Larry Aiello .....................Trustee
from Tim Mosier ................. — Trustee
Emil Radloff....................Trustee
Business Agents
Bob Bell Dominic Chiovare
Lawrence Dias Martin Frates
Local 70 Odus Hall........................Business Agent!Organizer
Lou Marchetti................ .DispatcherlBAIOrganizer
Luis Magallon..................Conductor
Phil Frost .........................Warden
70 Hegenberger Road, Oakland, CA 94621 December 2004/January 2005 Phone [phone]
Local 70 cab drivers force Port of Oakland to
The Officers and
back off unfair limo deal at airport
sta ff o f Teamsters
A large delegation of Oakland airport taxicab ilar manner as waving for a cab.
Local 70 wish ail
drivers forced the Port of Oakland to delay “You are enriching one company, and taking
,
plans to allow a single limousine service to that money directly out of the pockets of cab
members retirees and
operate from the curb at the Oakland airport. drivers who are already working 18 hours a day,
This would displace Local 70 members from six days a week, just to make a modest living,”
your families
current facilities, and cause unfair competition Local 70 Secretary-Treasurer Chuck Mack told
with cab service. the Commission. Mack led off a parade of some
Happy Holidays!
Appearing at the November 16 Port Com­ 10 taxi drivers who spoke to the Port during the
mission meeting, members of the Local 70-affil- public comment period.
Here's to
iated East Bay Taxi Drivers’ Association After hearing from the drivers, the Commis­
protested a proposal to give monopoly status to sioners voted unanimously to take another look
even better
one limousine service at the airport. The airport at the contract.
is controlled by the Port Commission. “I think we really surprised the commission­
days in
Currently, limousine companies can only ers,” said Mack.“They got the message.”
access airport travelers if they have a pre­ “The drivers did an outstanding job. They are
20051
arranged contract. The new plan would provide a really positive addition to our union. They are
the companies with a kiosk in the baggage claim articulate, and they are willing to stand up for
i
• •
area where passengers can hire a driver in a sim­ their rights.”
Newly-established Pori Drivers Association to light for rights
Owner-operators at the Port of out of the terminal—all without
Oakland have organized the Bay Area compensation.
Port Drivers Association, dedicated to
• Port drivers are routinely assigned
improving wages, benefits and condi­
poorly maintained, unsafe inter-
tions for all drivers.
modal trailers and are liable for
The Association is working on a
citations on this equipment.
series of programs, including partici­
• Port drivers are forced to haul over­
pation in hearings before the Oakland
weight containers, another viola­
City Council and the state legislature
tion of state and federal law.
on the issues drivers face, and how
they impact the community. • While steamship lines charge their
“This is part of a national cam­ customers fuel surcharges when the
Owner-operators meet with West Oakland clergy at Mount Eden Baptist Church on|
paign,” said Local 70 Secretary-Trea­ price of diesel spikes, frequently
Oct. 15
surer Chuck Mack, who also serves as these extra funds are not passed on
director of the International’s Port ers October 15 and are setting up hire the drivers. Most drivers are own­ to the drivers.
Division. “The whole unfortunate situ­ meetings with other community lead­ er-operators—they are responsible for • Motor carriers routinely cheat drivers
ation is the creation of the steamship ers to seek their support. paying for their truck, and for mainte­ by requiring them to purchase unnec­
companies, and ultimately they are Trucks of wrath nance and repair, fuel, insurance, essary and inflated insurance policies
going to have to bear the cost of fixing workers compensation and all the oth­ and by violating Federal Truth-in-
Truck drivers hauling cargo to and
it.” er expenses that go into operating the Leasing regulations.
from the port are the most exploited
The Association is working closely vehicle.
workers in the maritime industry. The At the same time, under court inter­
with Local 70 and with the Interna­ • Port drivers are paid not by the
average port driver has no health insur­ pretations of anti-trust law, these truck
tional Longshore and Warehouse hour, but piece-rate for each con­
ance, no pension, no paid vacation or drivers, as independent contractors,
Union (ILWU). Mack and Internation­ tainer moved, depending on the
holidays, and takes home between $7 cannot bargain collectively.
al Representative Bob Blanchet are distance.
and $8 per hour after expenses. “We’ve got difficult challenges to
spearheading the effort.
Shippers hire trucking companies • Port drivers spend hours each day overcome,” says Mack. “But I believe
Members of the Association met
to move their cargo on and off the waiting for roadworthy trailers, for these drivers are ready and willing to
with West Oakland Community lead­
piers. The trucking companies then containers, and just to get in and take on the fight.”
President’s Report Democracy in acti
ty o c S iC a a
More than two hundred mem­
bers showed up for nominations
New terms of office— for us and Bush
of officers and officials in early
November. If you weren’t a can­
local 70 [lection Scavenger inilustn/update
didate, you came to give support
to your choice or choices for term
On Saturday, November 6, our members assem­ Franchise agreements for solid waste, green
of office that will run January,
bled in the Local 70 auditorium to nominate officers waste and recycling were up for renewal in Dublin
2005 through 2007.
and officials for the 2005-2007 term of office. and Union City and Local 70 officials are working in
President Joe Silva and Secre­
Chuck and I were nominated for our current posi­ each city to ensure that our members’ interests were
tary-Treasurer Chuck Mack did
tions as President and Secretary-Treasurer. No other considered as part of the package.
not have opposition. All other
candidates were placed in nomination for these posi­ The era of the residential “garbage man” is over.
positions however, were contest­
tions which means that we were elected by acclama­ No longer limited to traditional garbage service,
ed. The election is a mail refer­
tion. On behalf of both of us, it is an honor to receive franchise holders are now required to pick up tradi­
endum with votes to be counted
this vote of confidence. We pledge to continue to do tional solid waste, cardboard, plastic, cans, bottles,
on Tuesday, December 7 th.
our best to represent you, our members, in the new lawn and yard clippings, oil and batteries. This
Installation of officers and offi­
term of office. expanded service requires sophisticated and expen­
cials will take place at Decem­
A full list of nominees for Officers and Business sive automated trucks that provide curbside service.
ber’s membership meeting
Agents appears to the right. So far, the campaign has On November 2, the Dublin City Council
December 21st, and the new term
been spirited and all candidates have encouraged the reviewed bids for the franchise. The current fran­
of office begins January 2, 2005.
membership to exercise their right to vote. chise holder, Waste Management (WM), submitted
The future of our local union requires member­ the most expensive bid. Amador Valley Industries
ship participation. The election results will be (AVI) was next, with Republic submitting the least
reported December 7, 2004. expensive bid.
America West With cost as a key factor, the continuation of
WM’s relationship with Dublin is in jeopardy. Coun­
In August, America West Customer Service Rep­ cil members, however, insisted that the wages, hours
resentatives (CSR) voted overwhelmingly to join the and conditions of Local 70 employees who current­
Teamsters Union after a strong organizing campaign ly service Dublin be protected. The Council also
by the America West workers themselves. The demanded that these employees be given the oppor­
almost 1,200 CSRs in Phoenix spearheaded this suc­ tunity to continue servicing Dublin residents no mat­
cessful campaign and produced a stunning victory ter which company gets the franchise. The Dublin
among their counterparts at 50 airports. City Council postponed its decision until December
The next step requires additional internal organiz­ to allow all three companies to review their bids.
ing in preparation for national negotiations with On November 9, the City Council of Union City
America West. Local 70 will represent CSRs at the reviewed bids from WM, the current franchise hold­
Oakland, San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento er, and Browning Ferris Industries (BFI). Again,
Airports. We are already in contact with representa­ WM’s bid was more costly than BFI’s and the Coun­
tives from each of these regional airports. We will cil clearly identified cost as the critical issue.
encourage the CSRs to select shop stewards at each The Council also insisted that Tri-Ced, a local
facility and utilize the IBT Airline Division to begin company with strong ties to Union City, be consid­
shop steward training. We would hope that America ered for recycling services. Tri-Ced hires workers
West will release CSRs for training. from the community and is signatory to a collective
Regional meetings are scheduled for CSRs to bargaining agreement with Local 70. As in Dublin,
make contract proposals and organize a national Union City exacted a commitment from BFI that the
negotiating committee. We must build on this wages, hours and conditions of the Local 70 employ­
momentum; these Customer Service Representatives ees who currently service Union City be protected.
deserve nothing less. The decision was held over for a future Council
2004election—a Oeleat lor workers meeting, most likely in December.
As franchise agreement renewals become more
The November 2 election returns were disappoint­ competitive, Local 70 is less concerned with which
ing, to say the least. Despite the unprecedented company is selected and more concerned that our
turnout of union voters, core issues impacting work­ members continue to be protected.
ers were not addressed. We mobilized like never Business Agent Larry Dias has worked hard to
before and placed our concerns before the electorate: standardize the wages, hours and conditions in all
fair trade, restrictions on outsourcing, job creation solid waste and recycling contracts. We don’t intend
through investment in infrastructure, affordable health for our hard-earned gains to be eroded from one
care, workers’ rights to organize and pension protec­ community to another.
tion. All of these require a commitment by govern­ Local 70 will continue to participate in the renew­
ment to adopt policies that promote working families. al process by attending City Council meetings when
The focus on terrorism, the legitimacy of the war these issues are being decided. We must hold Coun­ Photo montages of the candidates
for union office were created by
in Iraq and the continuous debate on moral values cil members accountable and be ever-vigilant.
Melvin Humbane, a Local 70 mem­
trumped issues affecting working families.
Hoimavs ber who works at Coca Cola in San
Despite this setback, the fight continues. Eco­
Leandro.
nomic justice is delayed but the underlying issues On behalf of all of our officers and officials, I wish
will continue to plague us. With resolve, we will you and your family safe and prosperous holidays.
continue to place our issues before the electorate.
Our challenge is to remain engaged.
Page C
Secretary-Treasurer’s Report
(?/s c( c6 TH adi
Taking stock, recognizing our successes I
With the holidays at hand and the year winding
down, it’s useful to take stock of where we’ve been
and where we’re going. In 22000044 wwee bbaallaanncceedd tthhee tbooks by both increas­
ing dues and cutting expenses. The decisions were
not easy but necessary to keep the Local healthy
We did well in the recent national and state elec­ financially. As we approach the New Year, the big
tions. Kerry-Edwards, Barbara Boxer and Proposi­ unknown has to do with our property. BART, the
tion 72 won handily in the Bay Area. Unfortunately Airport, and the City are interested in securing it to
the rest of the country wasn’t marching in the same provide a right-of-way for an elevated train that will
direction. It will not be easier for workers over the run from BART to the Airport and back. If we sell
next few years. We need to regroup and reorganize the property or it’s taken by eminent domain, we
politically. Local 70’s grassroots, terminal to termi­ want to realize top dollar. It’s too early to speculate
nal, rank and file political program could well serve on what that amount might be or where the Local
as a model for labor throughout California and might relocate. We will provide regular member
beyond. Thank you to the officers, officials and updates as the matter moves forward.
members who did the work, got the job done and Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to
made our Political Action Program so effective. again serve you as Secretary-Treasurer. The fact that
[lection II I was unopposed is flattering and comforting but
Candidates for office will not lead me to conclude that I’ve been right on
Local 70 members have been campaigning for every decision or action over the last three years,
President union office for the past month. The balloting com­ nor will it produce apathy or arrogance. More than
Joe Silva mittee will count the votes on December 7 and the ever I am committed to the Local, our members and
Vice President results will be in the next edition of the paper. their families.
John Albanese • Milton Lewis The campaign has been spirited and I’m sure On behalf of Local 70’s officers, officials and
touched most of our members by now. Congratula­ staff, I want to wish all of you and your families
Secretary-Treasurer
tions to all the candidates. There are no losers here. Happy Holidays.
Chuck Mack
Your willingness to run for office, the sacrifice and
Recording Secretary
commitment by all during the campaign, vali­
Rob Dias • Felix Martinez
dates that democracy is alive and
Trustee well in our Local. October^,2004
Larry Aiello Jerry McCoy
local 70 says ‘No’
Walter Felis Tim Mosier
Rich Fierro Emil Radloff ToVmo»WN ^ ,„,wrWeate
to Wells Fargo
py viirftfu*e <* on
Business Agent
c e ^ o W C o n d o n ^ ^ ,
tefereu1
Bob Aiello Marty Frates In our
In late October, Local 70 learned Fargo made a ^ campargt^ m ^ derstarvd
Bob Bell Odus Hall for
that Wells Fargo Bank had made a proposidotv /* a; d ^fficulttom -
Dominic Chiovare Lou Marchetti
$50,000 contribution to the “NO on
Larry Dias
Proposition 72” campaign. This proposi­
tion is the health care initiative requiring ded.
employers with 50 or more workers to
eeffiittss Wto “e*“?Rsabfaf{lfiiningg,, PetA L amount ooff ^* ^
give their employees basic health care
6mptoVet a check »
coverage.
Local 70’s Executive Board decided
£ ? * » * * * * ■
that if Wells Fargo was opposed to Jr.
Sincerely Sdva-
Joseph*
employer-based health and welfare,
President
Local 70 was opposed to Wells Fargo.
ChUC^ aTteasutet
Printed here is a letter to the bank closing
Secretary
a checking account the Local has had for the
last decade. CM-.^sirts
Local 70 offices and hiring hall will be closed
in observance of the Holidays on:
Udk
Thanksgiving day St day after
12/23 24 HTfC
Christmas £r
12/30 31
New Year Ex
Happy holidays!
PcVuVccaL D'ctl&'hs ftehwft For Local 70 members who are sick or hurt.
We want to hear from you—you may have benefits coming.
by Lou Marchetti
SICK BENEFIT FUND
The dust has settled from the labor enjoys today came as a result of
Monthly Meetings—2nd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
November elections. On the surface the struggles against great odds.
1 -800-243-1350 or 510-569-9317
re-election of George Bush and the Samuel Gompers, founder of the
defeat of Proposition 72 seemed devas­ AFL, said it best: In order to be eligible for Sick Benefits, claims must be filed at Local 70’s office
tating to labor, but we have always had “Trade Unions were born of the within thirty (30) days of disability. Also, dues for the previous month, must have
been paid on time.
to fight for our gains and we are not necessity of workers to protect and
about to give up now. Labor leader Joe defend themselves from encroach­
Haue you movedP
Hill’s motto, “Don’t mourn ....organ­ ment, injustice and wrong... To
ize,” definitely comes to mind. protect the workers in their
Once again labor’s voice was heard inalienable rights to a higher and T ell us your new atitiress!
in Alameda County. If left up to us, a better life; to protect them, not
So that you don’t miss out on important information distributed to mem­
new president would be sworn in and only as equals before the law, but
bers by mail, please remember to provide Local 70 with your new address and
Proposition 72 would be forcing bad also in their health, their homes,
telephone number. Because this is an election year and the Local 70 Execu­
employers, like Wal-Mart, to provide their firesides, their liberties as
tive Board has approved a mail referendum ballot, it is especially important.
health insurance to its workers. men, as workers, and as citizens;
Please complete a Status Change Form (available from your Shop Stew­
I want to thank the brothers and sis­ to overcome and conquer preju­
ard) and return it to Local 70, or leave a message with the information any­
ters of Local 70 for their participation dices and antagonism; to secure to
time by calling Local 70’s Business Office at 800-243-1350 or 510-569-9317.
in the political process. You set them the right to life, and the
records in phone banking, voter regis­ opportunity to maintain that life;
tration and spreading the word at the the right to be full sharers in the
Local Union 70, City of Oakland, CA
work-sites. With your help we did abundance which is the result of
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
secure important victories. The reelec­ their brain and brawn, and the civ­
TRUSTEES REPORT
tion of Senator Barbara Boxer, as well ilization of which they are the
as maintaining a majority of labor founders and the mainstay; to this
September 2004
friendly legislators in Sacramento, is the workers are entitled... The
INCOME Contributions 1,790.00
something we can all take pride in. attainment of these is the glorious
Benefits Paid 39,682.98
Membership Dues $199,576.83
After a disappointment it is always mission of the trade unions.” Funds for transmittal 55.50
Initiation and Re-initiation Fees 18,826.30
inspiring to look back on our history. Happy Holidays to you and your Withdrawals and Transfers 4.00 Refunds-Dues 417.00
Refunds-Ini & Reini 566.40
Let us never forget that the benefits families! Assessments & Fines 13,010.75 Refunds-Other 61.00
Non-member fees 1,144.25
Office and Administrative 18,767.54
Funds for transmittal for members 154.00
Legal Fees 6,704.00
e TEAMSTERS LOCAL 70 Other Receipts (Schedule A) 4,010.84 600.00
Mandatory Drug Test 249.50
Telephone number and extension list Total income $236,976.47 Other Professional Fees 1,440.25
Taxes 7,313.37
Main Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] EXPENSES Meeting and committee expenses 396.24
Salaries $85,815.01 Auto expenses 4,323.57
(Dial main number plus extension, or direct dial number listed below) Expense allowances 6,075.00 Out of town travel expenses 3,273.94
Per capita tax 56,804.46 Other expenses (Schedule B) 12,799.19
Board Members Office Staff Total expense $246,885.45
Net income ($9,908.98)
510-569-9384 *66 Chuck Mack 510-569-9320 *62 Margaret de la O
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
510-569-0593 *71 Joe Silva 510-636-4789 *61 Gabriela Dimas Sept. 30, 2004
As of
510-569-7202 *17 Lou Marchetti 510-636-4782 *67 Fahm Saechao
Assets Sept. 30, 04 Aug. 31, 04 $ Change
510-636-7937 *65 Milton Lewis 510-569-9322 *72 Regi Swayne
General Fund-Checking Acct. 94,513.79 113,001.92 (18,488.13)
510-569-9325 *25 Larry Aiello 510-636-4783 *74 Jacenta Thompson Petty Cash 850.00 850.00 0.00
General Fund-Savings Acct. 12,985.93 12,979.95 5.98
510-569-9325 *25 Tim Mosier 510-569-9324 *73 Diane Todaro
General Fund-CD 538,672.70 538,107.94 564.76
510-569-9325 *25 Emil Radloff Building Maintenance Cash in Special Funds 71,008.52 70,958.91 49.61
Land 161,487.99 161,487.99 0.00
Business Agents 510-636-4781 *64 Bruce Kelley Buildings 196,664.56 196,664.56 0.00
510-635-6847 *11 Robert Bell East Bay Drayage Drivers Trust Office Furniture/Equipment 20,448.97 20,448.97 0.00
Other Assets 16,764.79 ' 16,764.79 0.00
510-569-4665 *13 Dominic Chiovare Health & Welfare (EBDD only) Total Assets $1,113,397.25 $1,131,265.03 ($17,867.78)
510-568-5494 *14 Larry Dias 510-636-0381 *63 Shirley Fields- Liabilities & Equity
Payroll Liability 0.00 434.75 (434.75)
510-638-2022 *15 Marty Frates
Local 70 Office Long Term Liabilities: Obligations 1,198,176.82 1,205,700.87 (7,524.05)
510-430-3548 *16 Odus Hall Total Liabilities $1,198,176.82 $1,206,135.62 ($7,958.80)
925-798-2550 EBDD-Concord
510-569-1203 *17 Lou Marchetti Equity
Office Opening Balance Equity (211,544.74) (211,544.74) 0.00
Hiring Hall 510-569-1203 Net Income 126,765.17 136,674.15 (9,908.98)
Total Equity $(84,779.57) $(74,870.59) ($9,908.98)
Total Liabilities & Equity $1,113,397.25 $1,131,265.03 ($17,867.78)
0 0
fa SCHEDULES
j i (it M t m o v i m Local 70 Obituaries 1 Schedule A—Other Receipts Schedule B—Other Expenses
1 Sale of Supplies 472.00 Sick Benefit Payments 6,580.00
Membership application Fee 510.00 Building Maintenance 400.00
JFORD, Don Oren, May 13 MERRITT, Anthony, October 21
1 Bl Interest-General Fund checking 21.00 Interest—IBT Loan 5,023.88
1 EE>ERHARDT, Robert, October 8 MOORE, Coy, October 17 Interest-Citizens Funds 5.98 Bank Error (0.49)
Interest-Washington Mutual Savings 6.18 Pest Control Services 120.00
1 FRETTAS, Raymond V., October 9 PHILLIPS, Frank, May 13 Interest-Washington Mutual CD 43.43 Gardening Service 325.00
i Interest-McM Funds 564.76 Drug Test 99.80
1 GfIMOJA, Andrew, October 1 SILVA, George, October 1
Reimbursements-Other Receipts 436.75 Nor Cal Teamsters News 61.50
i Insurance (Benevolent) 75.00 IBT Assessment 2.00
1 LE.WIS, Marvin, October 30 SYCHER, Robert, October, 2004
i Health & Welfare Cost Rmbrse 1,715.74 Labor Day Picnic 187.50
1 M.\RIANO, Eugene, October 1 | Joint Council 7 Reimb for Scrtry 160.00 Total Other Expenses $12,799.19
R .... I Total Income $4,010.84
0 0
AROUND THE LOCALS
Teamster elected to vinced Mayor Ron Gonzalez and the December elections for Locals 70 and 624
Watsonville City Council City Council to authorize an increase of Three local Unions re-elect officers on
approximately $12 million to California
Congratulations to Local 890 Busi­
Waste Solutions in order to settle a five- “white ballot"
ness Agent Oscar Rios for getting elect­
year agreement for the Teamsters who
ed to serve on the Watsonville City Locals 315, 665 and 853 completed Local 853:
work at that company. “This was the first
Council in November. Rios had been the their election process in November Rome Aloise, Secretary-Treasurer
time the City readjusted rates after the
first Latino mayor of Watsonville in the when the slate of officers for each local John C. Becker, Sr., President
bid was completed,” says Secretary-
1990s, but was term-limited out after was elected by acclamation, also Phil Tarantino, Vice President
Treasurer Robert Morales.
serving two terms. “I’m glad to be back known as a “white ballot.” Here are the Antonio Christian, Recording Secretary
“We were having difficulties negoti­
on the council to represent the interests new officer slates: Jeff Belunza, Mike Furtado, Julie
ating this agreement because the em­
of working people in Watsonville,” Rios ployer had won a low-bid franchise deal Local 315: Molina—Trustees
said.
with the City and could not afford to pay Dale Robbins, Secretary-Treasurer Local 70:
Local 890 settles tough con­ our members prevailing wages and ben­ Steve Gutierrez, President While there are contested elections for
tracts for salad industry efits,” says Morales. It took over a year Mario Martinez, Vice President Vice-President, Recording Secretary,
for Local 350 officers to accomplish this Paul Poston, Recording Secretary Trustees and Business Agents, Chuck
After turning down two contract pro­
task. Dan Cahill, James Francis & Jim Mack was re-elected as Secretary Trea­
posals from Dole, 1,800 Local 890 mem­
S veum—Trustees surer and Joe Silva was re-elected as
bers who work in the package salad plants Victory over Sunset
President on white ballots.
Local 665:
in Yuma, AZ and Soledad, finally ratified Local 350 won a significant arbitra­
their contract by a 9-1 margin. Following tion at Sunset Scavenger Company in Ernie Yates, Secretary-Treasurer Local 624:
the Dole settlement, River Ranch, with San Francisco in October. Mark Gleason, President There were contested elections for all
locations in Salinas and El Centro, came In early 2003, the employer refused to Edward Dion, Vice President positions. Mail ballots must be re­
up with a proposal that their 700 employ­ return member Juan De La Cruz back to Edward Carter, Recording Secretary ceived by December 20. See the notice
ees could ratify as well. work after an injury on the job. The em­ Chuck Andrew, W.T. Brown,Vincent on page 6 for more information about
“This is a new industry that didn’t exist ployer had two attorneys and two doc­ Jung—Trustees this election.
15 years ago,” says Local 890 Business tors at the arbitration hearing.
Agent Mike Johnston. “This industry With the help of Attorney Duane Bee­ Progress is Teamster to operate from the curb at the Oakland
grew out of the fields, so it’s traditionally son, the union prevailed and De La Cruz In September, 80 counselors at the airport. This would displace Local 70
very low paying. It’s also half union and won back pay for the 18 months with all Progress Foundation, a San Francisco members from current facilities, and cause
half non-union, and fiercely competitive. of his seniority and benefits. De La Cruz mental health services provider, over­ unfair competition with cab service.
Our goal was to get real wage improve­ is now back to work. whelmingly chose representation by Members of the Local 70-affiliated
ments, along with decent health insurance Local 85. The part-time “relief’ coun­ East Bay Taxi Drivers’ Association ap­
Election victory
and retirement funds.” selors provide mental health services in a peared at the November 16 Oakland Port
Contracts at both companies are for The Teamsters scored a winning elec­ Commission meeting to protest a pro­
residential setting.
four years. The employees will get wage tion in San Francisco when six of the posal to give monopoly status to one
“These workers face many unique is­
increases of 5% the first year and 3% in seven Teamster-endorsed candidates limousine service at the airport.
sues. We welcome them to our Local,” says
each of the subsequent years, with much won election to the San Francisco Board After hearing testimony from about 10
Local 85 Secretary-Treasurer Van Beane.
more for some workers. Dole made some of Supervisors last month. drivers, the Commissioners voted unani­
Cab drivers force Port to
dramatic improvements in health cover­ “I must recognize the members of Lo­ mously to take another look at the contract.
age, adding a good dental plan. cals 278,350 and other locals who worked back off limo deal “I think we really surprised the com­
so hard on these elections,” said Local missioners,” said Local 70 Secretary -
San Jose adjusts rates A delegation of Oakland airport taxicab
350’s Robert Morales. “Having good peo­ Treasurer Chuck Mack.“They got the
drivers forced the Port of Oakland to delay
Local 350 scored a great victory in ple in office makes our work easier.” message.”
plans to allow a single limousine service
San Jose when they successfully con­
Teamsters on the line for SF hotel strike As McLaughlin noted, the turning unemployment insurance, they agreed to
points in the lockout occurred when the turn over part of their own strike benefit to
As this issue of the Northern Califor­ in the barrel.” State of California awarded unemploy­ members of Local 856 and 665. “The co­
nia Teamster goes to press, members of The current Local 856 agreement ment benefits, and when Kaiser and other operation between our locals has been ab­
Local 856 and Local 665 who respected with the hotels expires in 2007. providers agreed to dip into reserves to solutely outstanding,” McLaughlin said.
picket lines established by UNITE- “This is only a temporary truce, but provide health and welfare coverage for On the other hand, the combined strike
HERE Local 2 at major San Francisco we have won the first round,” said Local December. Those two actions took a lot of benefits are still not sufficient if the hotel
hotels are back at work under a 60-day 856 Secretary-Treasurer Mike McLaugh­ heat off the members of Local 2 and al­ strike resumes. To that end, Local 856 has
cooling off period. lin. “The hotels had said they would not lowed them to stay out, if needed, through set up a Solidarity Fund which will take care
Local 2 and the hotel employers signed permit Local 2 to return to work if the the busy holiday season. of emergencies on a case-by-case basis.
the agreement for a cooling-off period on union did not drop its proposal for a two The hardships faced by Local 856 Local 856 members have already con­
November 20. Local 856 has some 400 year contract; they lost on this issue. The members were also softened by assistance tributed $15,000. “This is an ongoing
members who work at the front desk and hotels tried to deny Local 2 members from the IBT strike fund. Local 856 mem­ Fund to which we will continue to re­
back office and over 200 Local 665 mem­ health benefits for December; they lost bers were neither on strike nor locked out quest voluntary contributions.”
bers work in the hotel parking lots. They on this issue. The hotels opposed unem­ and therefore would not ordinarily qualify Local 2 and the hotels’ Multi-Employ­
were back at work on November 23. ployment benefits for Local 2 members. for strike benefits. However, after receiv­ ers’ Group, are scheduled to return to bar­
“You guys were heroes,” said Local 2 They lost on this issue.” ing an appeal from Local 856, General gaining on December 2. “We're going
President Mike Casey. “I cannot tell you “We believe that Local 2 will win its President James P. Hoffa agreed to make back to the table in good faith,” Casey
how grateful we are for your support. fight with these multinational hotel chains. an exception to the usual procedures. said after the meeting. “If it doesn’t work,
You can count on us when it’s your turn And we’re going to be there to help them.” Once Local 2 members qualified for we’ll decide what we do after that.”
Executive Board Please note:
JOINT
Chuck Mack...President The Bulletin Board will be included in the paper only once
Steve Mack...Vice President each year, in the June issue. (We will print address and meeting
COUNCIL Robert Morales...Secretary-Treasurer changes on an ongoing basis.) Please save this copy of the Bul­
letin Board for information about your Local Union.
Rome Aloise...Recording Secretary
Ernie Yates...Trustee Delegates’ Meetings
7 Carlos Borba...Trustee The regular 2004 delegates’ meetings are held the first Tuesday
Franklin Gallegos...Trustee in February, April, June, August, October and December.
Nominations & Elections— international Constitution
December, 2004
The following excerpts from the Interna­ ployment tour of duty. To be eligible to vote in the election, a the provisions of Article X, Section 5, concern-
tional Constitution apply to all nominations The Local Union Executive Board may per­ member’s dues must be paid up through the ing the payment of dues for a period of twenty-
and elections in Teamster Locals: mit additional reasons for absentee balloting if month prior to the month in which the election four consecutive months, together with no in­
ARTICLE XXII, Section 4(a): they so desire. Application for absentee ballots is held. terruptions in active membership in the Local
To be eligible to nominate and otherwise par­ shall be made to the Secretary-Treasurer of the ARTICLE II, Section 4(a)(1): Union for which office is being sought because
ticipate in the nominations meeting, a member Local Union not less than five (5) days prior to To be eligible for election to any office in a of suspensions, expulsions, withdrawals, trans­
must have his dues paid through the month prior the date set for election and shall contain the Local Union, a member must be in continuous fers or failure to pay fines or assessments. Pro­
to the month in which the nominations meeting grounds therefor. Absentee ballots shall be good standing in the Local Union in which he vided, however, that if a member on withdraw­
is held. Nominations shall be made at the meet­ valid only if they are received by noon of the is a member and in which he is seeking office, al deposits his card in the month immediately
ing by a member in good standing other than the day on which the polls close. and actively employed at the craft within the ju­ following the month for which it was effective
nominee by motion seconded by a member in (NOTE: The International Union recom­ risdiction of such Local Union, for a period of and pays his dues for both months in a timely
good standing other than the nominee. Candi­ mends that prospective nominees be advised to twenty-four (24) consecutive months prior to manner as provided in Article X, Section 5(c),
dates must accept nominations at the time made verify, in advance of the nominations meeting, the month of nomination for said office, and such period of withdrawal shall not be consid­
either in person, or, if absent, in writing, and may the eligibility of the nominators and seconders). must be eligible to hold office if elected. “Con­ ered a break in continuous good standing in the
accept nomination for only one office. A mem- ARTICLE XXII, Section 4(c): tinuous good standing” means compliance with Local Union.
ber may also run for and be elected as a Business (NOTE: In addition to the foregoing Constitu­
Local 624, Santa Rosa
Agent or Assistant Business Agent as provided tional provisions, the International advises that:
in Article XXII, Section 8, and may hold both the Elected officers of the Local Union, shall, by
In order to vote, a member must have his/her dues paid through the month of No­
office and the position if elected to both. virtue of such election, be delegates to any Joint
ARTICLE XXII, Section 4(b): vember, 2004. Membership in good standing, as required, is subject to verification Council with which the Local is affiliated as well
The Local Union Executive Board shall by the Union. as to any convention of any subordinate body
have the authority to establish all rules and The election shall be conducted by mail referendum ballot. The ballots will be which may take place during their term of office.
regulations for the conduct of the election to mailed out on December 3, 2004 and all ballots must be received at the P.O. Box by Elected Local Union officers shall be dele­
supplement the provisions of the International 9 a.m. December 20, 2004, at which time they will be picked up and counted. You gates to such conventions in the order of priori­
Constitution and the Local Union Bylaws, in­ ty set forth in the Local Union Bylaws. If the
have until the close of business day on December 17, 2004 (12:00 Noon) to become
cluding the authority to use mail referendum Bylaws do not set forth anoifter of priority,.the
current on your membership (Dues and Initiation).
balloting or absentee balloting without mem­ principal executive officer shall have first prior­
Request for duplicate ballot should be made if a member has not received a bal­
bership approval. Absentee voting by mail ity, followed by the remaining elected officers in
lot by December 8, 2004. Request will be made directly by the member to the Elec­
shall be permitted only upon application of the order determined by the Executive Board.
members who are ill or absent from the city or tion Service at Pacific Election Service Inc., 1650 Stanmore Dr., Pleasant Hill, Ca Members are advised to consult the Bylaws
town where they are normally employed at the 94523, phone [phone]. of their Locals for additional rules concerning
time of voting because on vacation or on em- Bob Carr, Secretary-Treasurer nominations and election procedures).
Q&A about the Western Conference of Teamsters Supplemental Benefit Plan
This information is provided by the Q. Would my surviving spouse
Marty Teamster Local Unions have struggled to find a way to help their
Western Conference of Teamsters Sup­ receive a benefit after I pass away?
members deal with cost-of-living increases. Each year, medical and other liv­
plemental Benefit Plan. A. Yes. The surviving spouse ben­
ing expenses go up, while pension benefits remain level. Well, there is a so­
efit is 50% of the last benefit earned
Q. How would the WCT Supple­ lution: the Western Conference of Teamsters Supplemental Benefit Plan/
prior to a retiree’s death and is based
mental Plan benefit me? Established in 1982, the Supplemental Plan provides additional annual
on the ages of retiree and spouse. For
A. The Supplemental Plan provides benefit for retirees already receiving pensions from the Western Conference
example', if a retiree received $500 the
an increasing benefit to the members of Teamsters Pension Plan. Here are some answers to commonly asked ques­
year before death, the spouse would
to help offset medical and other living tions about the plan.
receive a benefit of $250 for life. In no
expenses. Over 20,000 retirees and
spouses are currently receiving annual tal Plan? ple, a retiree would receive $110 in case will this benefit be less than $150
benefits. A. There are nearly 22,000 current the first year, $220 in the second year, per year.
retirees, surviving spouses and benefi­ $330 in the 3rd year, etc. These Q. What happens if my spouse
Q. What is the difference between
ciaries. In 2004 they received over $9 amounts are reduced for married par­ dies before I do?
the WCT Pension Plan and the
million in benefits. ticipants in order to pay for a Joint and A. Future increases are no longer
WCT Supplemental Benefit Plan?
A. The Supplemental Plan benefit Q. What is the cost? Survivor benefit for their spouses. reduced if the spouse passes away
is not based on contributions paid A. For the retirees there is no cost Q. What if I retired before my prior to the retiree. That is, your fu­
prior to retirement and is a benefit for this benefit. The benefits are pro­ employer joined the Supplemental ture increases would be the full $110
paid annually, not monthly. The ben­ vided through employer contributions Plan? per year, rather than being reduced for
efit increases each year as long as the negotiated in collective bargaining A. New employers bring their ex­ the Joint & Survivor benefit.
employer continues to contribute. If agreements. isting retirees with them. In addition
the employer ceases to participate, the Q. How does the WCT Supple­ to the increasing benefit above, rtirees If you would like to know more
increases stop. However, the retiree mental Plan benefit retirees? would receive a benefit of $23 for about the Supplemental Plan, call
will continue to receive the annual A. Participants receive an increas­ each full year of prior retirement. For [phone], ext. 657. Southwest
benefit for life. ing benefit of $110 per year, as long as example, if you have been retired 10 Administrators will provide details, a
years, you would receive $340 in the Summary Plan Description booklet
Q. Currently, how many retirees their employer continues to contribute
first year (10 x $23 + $110). and enrollment information.
are participating in the Supplemen­ to the Supplemental Plan. For exam­