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Other Organizing Victories
Local 170
Webster Fire Department
They put their own lives at risk to protect the citizens of Webster, Mass. Now, the 41 part-time firefighters with the Webster Fire Department have their own protection—Teamster representation.
The firefighters recently voted to join Local 170 in Worcester, Mass., after years of difficulty in gaining a contract and recognition from their employer. Webster, like other towns in Massachusetts, employs part-time, on-call firefighters.
“We’re not looking to make a ton of money; we just want a fair wage and a fair contract,” said Ed Sterczala, who has worked as a firefighter for 10 years.
Local 769
UPS Supply Chain Solutions
On April 16, employees at a UPS Supply Chain Solutions facility in Doral, Fla., voted to join Local 769 in Miami. There are 41 workers in the bargaining unit.
“It is with great pride that I welcome the newest members of our local,” said Mike Scott, President of Local 769. “The workers turned to us for help and we look forward to providing them with the best representation possible to improve their working conditions and attain the respect they deserve.”
“We are very excited about this victory, it has been a long time coming for us!” said Juan Nunez, an 11-year employee and committee member. “We are seeking equal treatment and benefits as our UPS Teamster brothers and sisters who are already represented by Teamsters Local 769.”
Local 769 represents hundreds of workers at six UPS facilities in Miami. However, this is the first UPS Supply Chain Solution facility to be organized nationwide.
Local 384
Chester County DHS
Case workers for the Chester County, Pa. Department of Human Services voted 96-56 to join Local 384 in Norristown, Pa. on April 11, despite the county government mounting a major anti-union campaign against the organizing effort.
“It was a long campaign but their union-busting tactics didn’t work this time around,” said Michael Bonaduce, Local 384 President. “Through the commitment and focus of this outstanding group of workers, the good guys won this round.”
The 162 members work for five departments that fall under Chester County Human Services – Aging, Children, Youth and Families, Drug & Alcohol Services, Youth Center and Mental Health/Intellectual Developmental Disabilities.
Local 63
Red Cross
Workers in the Logistics, Kitting and Warehouse departments of the American Red Cross in Pomona, Calif., recently voted to become members of Local 63. Local 63 already represents other job titles at the Pomona facility and this new unit brings the total to nearly 200.
“We are proud to continue our strong representation of Red Cross employees in Pomona,” said Randy Cammack, International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 63.
Local 1199
Coca-Cola
Employees of Coca-Cola in the Greater Cincinnati area working in the vending service department recently joined Local 1199. The employees, 32 in all, repair vending machines and fountain equipment in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Area.
“These new members will join the other 220 employees working in production, maintenance, warehouse and fleet maintenance at Coca-Cola that we already represent,” said Randall Verst, President of Local 1199.
“Their primary reason for joining our union was that they needed strong and dedicated representation with the employer,” Verst said.
Local 683
Waste Management
Sanitation drivers, helpers, mechanics and yard crew from El Cajon’s Waste Management facility overwhelmingly voted to join Local 683 recently. The vote was 144 to 37 in favor of forming their union. There are 191 workers in the bargaining unit.
“This win has been a long time coming for us,” said Gustavo Mitre, a 10-year employee and committee member. “Our strength and unity led us to victory and helped us overcome the company’s threats and intimidation tactics.”
The workers remained strong in the face of a strong anti-union campaign that included empty promises, captive audience meetings and threats. Waste Management also brought in workers from other locations whose sole purpose was to try to bust the union drive, intimidate workers and give false information about organizing attempts at other facilities. The company’s tactics not only failed but further angered and empowered workers.
Local 406
American Bottling Co.
Twenty-three drivers that deliver soft drinks for American Bottling Co. in Holland, Mich. recently voted to join Local 406 in Grand Rapids, Mich., winning strong representation despite an aggressive anti-union campaign by the company.
The drivers fought for union representation to gain a partner that would help them address challenges in the workplace like respect on the job and fair pay.
American Bottling Co. brought in professional union busters from across the country to conduct bi-weekly captive audience meetings.
“This was a lot of work and it took a tremendous amount of courage for us to stand up to American Bottling Co.,” said driver Robert Marlink. “Managers were relentless in trying to persuade us to vote ‘no’ but we stayed our course and won the election.”