Headline News
New Contract For NY Heating Oil Drivers
Just in time for the holidays, Teamsters Local 553 announced on December 21 that New York’s heating oil workers have approved a new union contract that provides substantial raises and increased contributions to pension and healthcare funds. The contact was approved by a 99 percent majority of union members.
“This union contract represents the American dream for hundreds of working families in New York,” said Demos Demopoulos, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 553. “This is a job where, if you are willing to work hard, you can earn a wage that provides for your family and allows you to join the middle-class. I’ve done this job, I know how hard it is, and I’m proud that the workers who keep New York warm every winter are Teamsters.”
The master heating oil contract covers the majority of workers who deliver heating oil to homes and businesses in New York City or who install and service heating oil equipment. In total, 31 heating oil companies are party to the master contract with Local 553, including Petro, Approved, Rockway, and Statewide.
The hundreds of heating oil workers who work under the master heating oil contact will receive 8 percent raises over the three-year deal. The companies will also increase contributions to the union’s health and pension funds, which provide generous benefits to union members.
“We are proud of the work we do and know that millions of New Yorkers depend on us,” said Frank Fico, a 28-year heating oil driver and member of Teamsters Local 553. “This contact allows our families to thrive alongside the industry and we know a pension will be there for us when we are ready to retire. This is what it means to be a Teamster.”
Local 553 is the oldest local in New York City affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, originally representing workers who delivered coal by horse and wagon. In recent years, the union has consolidated with other Teamster locals and grown to represent school bus workers, milk and bread delivery drivers, and Central Park horse carriage drivers.