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Albion College Workers Choose Teamsters Union
(DETROIT) – Workers at Albion College in Albion, Mich., voted overwhelmingly in two separate elections Tuesday to join Teamsters Local 1038 in Detroit. Facility operators voted 26-9, while secretarial-clerical workers voted 24-3, in favor of the Teamsters Union over their prior representative, the Michigan Education Association (MEA). The more than 70 new Teamsters are seeking bargaining power, fair wages and the security of their first Teamster contract.
Sharon Jones, a facility operator who has been employed at Albion College for 33 years, reached out to the Teamsters a few months ago looking to organize. Jones had served in several leadership roles, including president, for the MEA unit at Albion College but wanted stronger representation for the campus workers.
“I did some research and it was clear that the Teamsters had a strong record representing education employees at all levels. Even though we have a great relationship with Albion College, I have always believed it is important to have the strongest job protection possible,” said Jones, noting that employees who provide janitorial services for the college have a great contract under the protection of the Teamsters Union.
“Workers who serve and operate our education facilities deserve a strong voice in the workplace. In college campuses and school districts across Michigan, the Teamsters are standing up for the men and women who make our schools and colleges run,” said Marian Novak, an organizer for Teamsters Joint Council 43. “As more workers realize the value of Teamster representation, Joint Council 43 will be there to help improve the lives of working families.”
It is with great pride that we welcome the newest members to our local,” said Greg Nowak, President and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 1038 and Joint Council 43. “The workers came to us for help and we look forward to providing them with the best representation possible to ensure they are protected on the job.”
Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @TeamsterPower.