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Teamsters Urge Tech Giants To Support Workers, Hold Contractor Accountable
(SAN FRANCISCO) – In a letter to the CEOs of six East Bay-area companies, Rome Aloise, International Vice President and President of Teamsters Local 853 in San Leandro, Calif., urged the executives to call on their transportation contractor, Compass Transportation, to cease its anti-worker, anti-union tactics and proceed with a representation election.
Compass Transportation has service agreements with Apple, Yahoo, eBay, Zynga, Genentech and Amtrak. The majority of its 120 full-time and part-time drivers have signed authorization cards for representation by Local 853.
“I believe that your company has an obligation to strongly encourage your contractor, Compass Transportation—especially in light of the vendor requirements your company puts forth—to treat their employees fairly and allow for them to make a decision in a timely fashion. Union busting, harassment, innuendo, threats and intimidation do not seem to fit your vendor requirements and your company’s ethical practices,” Aloise said.
Aloise noted that Local 853 filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to give the drivers the right to vote on the subject of representation; however, the contractor moved for a delay of the hearing, thereby delaying the voting process.
Compass Transportation drivers are forced to work and be present for as long as 12 to 16 hours a day, but are only paid for eight. Most drivers can’t afford to live anywhere near where they work, and the extra hours keep them from their families.
“Workers like the shuttle drivers, who are only attempting to improve their livelihoods for themselves and their families, should be allowed to voice their opinions and seek representation without this type of treatment,” Aloise said.
Shuttle drivers with Facebook contractor Loop Transportation voted in November to join Local 853.
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 @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.