Local 223 

American Red Cross 

Specialized blood collection (apheresis) workers throughout Oregon who work for the American Red Cross (ARC) voted to join Local 223 in Portland earlier this year. The workers are based in Portland, Bend, Medford and Salem, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash. 

Local 223 represents 169 workers in collections and hospital services. Nearly half of the apheresis workers are senior workers who previously worked in collections, where they were Teamsters and experienced the benefits of Teamster membership. 

The 36 apheresis workers perform a collection which separates blood components, including platelets and plasma, in a process that can take several hours of working with each donor. 

In addition to negotiating an agreement at the local level in the future, the group benefits immediately from being a part of the Teamsters and Coalition of American Red Cross Unions’ nationally negotiated addendum. They will participate in the superior TeamCare health care benefits plan. 

“We welcome the apheresis group to the Teamsters, and look forward to working with each and every one of the new members,” said Leslie Sloy, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 223. 

Local 2 

Fresenius Medical Care 

Patient care technicians and licensed practical nurses at Fresenius Medical Care in Butte and Bozeman, Mont., have voted to join Local 2.

The workers provide a range of patient care including taking vitals, preparing and providing medications, operating medical equipment and more. 

The workers voted to join Local 2— in separate elections conducted in Butte and Bozeman—to improve their working conditions, working hours and health insurance. 

“We are really excited to organize these groups and to fight for better working conditions for them,” said Erin Foley, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 2. 

Local 991 

MV Transportation 

With 97 percent voting in favor of union representation, workers at MV Transportation in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. recently joined Local 991 in Mobile, Ala. The workers provide transportation services for residents of Okaloosa County. 

“Congratulations to our newest members, brave and selfless essential service workers who kept their eyes on the prize and stuck together in spite of the turmoil that has thrust upon all of us by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jim Gookins, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 991. “We look forward to negotiating a contract with the wages and working conditions that reflect the incredible value that these men and women bring to their communities.” 

The workers filed for an election on March 13, shortly before the coronavirus caused a temporary nationwide shutdown, which caused the election to be slightly delayed. 

“We want protections, better compensation and to be treated equally and fairly. That’s why we reached out to the Teamsters. There’s nobody better for us to have in our corner,” said driver Dyllon Offield. 

Local 270 

A&S Transportation 

With more than 70 percent of workers signing cards in favor of representation, drivers and monitors employed by A&S Transportation recently joined Local 270 in New Orleans. The workers of A&S, a subsidiary of National Express, provide pupil transportation services for New Orleans Public Schools. 

“We are thrilled to welcome the men and women of A&S Transportation into our Teamster family,” said Stephen Sorrell, President of Local 270. 

“Even in the midst a pandemic that has brought the entire country to a standstill, these workers still found a way to organize for a voice on the job. We look forward to bringing that zeal to the bargaining table when we begin negotiations with the company,” Sorrell said. 

The organizing drive started in February and wrapped up at the end of April. 

Local 856 

SCDPDAA 

The Sonoma County Deputy Public Defenders Attorneys’ Association (SCDPDAA) voted to affiliate with Local 856. The association comprises nearly 30 attorneys serving as public defenders across Sonoma County. The public defenders join more than 300 new workers organized by Local 856 in 2020 alone. 

Local 856 also represents the Sonoma County Prosecutors’ Association, as well as more than 500 members working for the city of Santa Rosa – the seat of Sonoma County. 

“I welcome SCDPDAA to Local 856 and look forward to providing strong representation for these public servants,” said Peter Finn, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 856. 

Through the affiliation, the public defenders join Local 856’s 17,000 members throughout Northern California, including over 7,000 public employees. 

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