Press Releases
Teamsters Join with Business, Community to Host N.Y. Job Fair
(NEW YORK) –– Sunset Park is home to some of the last sections of working waterfront in the city, and a job fair held Tuesday night aims to employ neighborhood residents in some of the good jobs on the waterfront.
Manhattan Beer Distributors partnered with Teamsters Local 812, City Council Member Carlos Menchaca, and community organization UPROSE to host the job fair, which was held at the UPROSE offices.
Residents were there to learn about opportunities at Manhattan Beer, which has openings for delivery truck drivers and warehouse workers. Manhattan Beer’s employees are members of Teamsters Local 812. The Teamsters’ contract ensures that the Manhattan Beer workers are paid good wages and are covered by the union’s health and welfare and pension funds.
“When we say we want local hiring, we mean it,” said George Miranda, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16, which represents 120,000 workers in the New York City area, including members of Local 812. “The Teamsters are working to preserve and expand New York’s industrial businesses. Union employers like Manhattan Beer provide good jobs that allow working families to stay in their neighborhoods and thrive here.”
“The Teamsters Job Fair at UPROSE was a wonderful reminder that the working class Sunset Park waterfront community should not have to choose between living here and working here – that we indeed, deserve good paying jobs that come with growth opportunities and benefits,” said UPROSE’s Elizabeth Yeampierre. “UPROSE applauds the commitment from Teamsters to its Sunset Park members and our community and we look forward to continue working together to strengthen the economic backbone of our community.”
Manhattan Beer distributes beer and other beverages throughout the five boroughs, Long Island and the Hudson Valley.
The groups expect that more good jobs are on the way. The de Blasio administration, the NYC Economic Development Corporation, and Council Member Menchaca recently announced a new master lease for South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, which will reactivate the port facility for maritime business. The Teamsters have committed to local hiring at the facility, so that jobs created benefit the Sunset Park community.
In addition, an action plan unveiled by the mayor and the City Council earlier this month would bar residential development in the city’s Industrial Business Zones and restrict other competing uses, helping to keep manufacturing zoned land safe for true industrial uses. City funds will also be invested to upgrade industrial facilities and support new industrial businesses.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters 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.