Stories on this page:
IBT News Release:
THE U.S. NEEDS TRADE OVERHAUL TWO DECADES OF TERRIBLE TRADE POLICIES INDICATE IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE (April 30, 2009) WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following commentary by IBT General President Jim Hoffa was released by the IBT this week, and has appeared in many leading newspapers and on the Internet.
Teamsters News Link: SEBELIUS SWORN IN NEW SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES “APPROVED” AFTER SENATE CONFIRMATION THANKS TO SWINE FLU OUTBREAK Associated Press
"We find ourselves in the midst of a global crisis," said Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn. "What we've been missing in all of this is the head of the Health and Human Services Department." Sixty votes in the 100-seat Senate were necessary for approval. Immediately after the vote Sebelius resigned as governor in Kansas and headed to Washington to be sworn in. She drove directly from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to the White House, where she took her oath in the Oval Office. "We wanted to swear her in right away because we've got a significant public health challenge that requires her immediate attention," President Obama said, standing beside the last Cabinet official to win Senate approval. "We needs all hands on deck," he said. "I expect her to hit the ground running." Sebelius immediately went to the White House's Situation Room for a briefing with Obama's homeland security adviser, John Brennan, and other officials dealing with the first domestic test of the administration, which turns 100 days old on Wednesday. Replacing Sebelius as the state's chief executive was the lieutenant governor, Mark Parkinson, 51, a former Republican lawmaker and state party chairman Sebelius had persuaded to be her running mate in 2006. Parkinson has said he plans no major policy or staff changes and wouldn't run for a full term next year. Republican opponents cited Sebelius' pro-abortion stances and her initial underreporting of campaign contributions from a late-term abortion doctor. They raised concerns about whether Obama administration plans to overhaul the nation's health system would cut out Republicans and lead to rationing of care. "She is the wrong appointee for this particular assignment," said Sen. Robert Bennett, R-Utah. "She has backed a partisan process for health care reform. She has refused to support patient safeguards." With no HHS secretary in place, the White House had turned to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to help lead its response to the swine flu, even while insisting that vacancies at the top of HHS were not a problem. Sebelius, 60, a two-term Democrat, was the first of 20 HHS officials requiring Senate approval to win it, and she heads to work with many team members missing. The Senate hasn't acted on Obama's nominees for deputy HHS secretary or commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and Obama hasn't even nominated people for other key jobs, including surgeon general and assistant secretary for preparedness and response. There's also not been an appointment for head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, another component of the sprawling HHS, which has 65,000 employees and a $750 billion budget. Though the swine flu will be an immediate focus, Sebelius will also be charged with shepherding Obama's overhaul of the nation's $2.5 trillion health care system to reduce costs and cover some 50 million uninsured Americans.
IBT News Release:
(April 27, 2009) Washington, D.C. – The following is an official statement by Ken Hall, Teamsters International Vice President and Director of the Teamsters Package Division, regarding the recent decision on FedEx Home by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia:
“We are disappointed in the court’s decision to deprive FedEx drivers of the right to form unions and bargain for better working conditions and wages, leaving them at the mercy of this notoriously anti-worker company run by a member of the Forbes 2008 Billionaires Club. We are confident that the decision will not survive review by the full court or by the U.S. Supreme Court. [Following is a Teamsters News Link entry on the FedEx situation.]
DRIVERS MAY NOT JOIN UNION AT FEDEX HOME, COURT RULES New York Times (April 23, 2009) Thousands of drivers for the home-delivery subsidiary of the FedEx Corporation do not have the right to join a union because they are independent contractors and not employees, a divided federal appeals court in Washington ruled on Tuesday. The ruling was FedEx Home's biggest victory in a series of disputes with the Teamsters union, class-action lawyers and state officials over whether it had misclassified its drivers as contractors rather than employees to deny them various benefits and the right to unionize. The ruling overturned a decision by the National Labor Relations Board, which had held that these drivers were employees because they were an essential part of FedEx Home's business. The labor board also said that the company “exercised substantial control” over the performance of the drivers' functions, noting that they must dress the way the company wants, operate vehicles that meet the company's specifications and must display the FedEx logo and colors. In the 2-to-1 ruling, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit concluded that FedEx Home did not have to bargain with the Teamsters even though a majority of drivers at two terminals in Massachusetts had voted overwhelmingly to join that union. FedEx Home, with 4,000 drivers, is a division of FedEx Ground Packaging Systems and delivers packages up to 75 pounds, mainly to residential customers. The court found that FedEx Home's drivers have “entrepreneurial potential” and can operate multiple routes and sell routes as well as hire helpers and additional drivers, and therefore should be considered independent contractors. FedEx Home applauded the ruling. Maury Lane, a company spokesman, said the decision and a recent ruling in Washington State “confirm that FedEx Ground contractors are independent business owners who choose to own and operate their own enterprises as they like.” Ken Hall, the director of the Teamsters' package division, criticized the ruling. “We are confident that the decision will not survive review by the full court or by the U.S. Supreme Court,” he said. “We remain committed to those FedEx drivers who have sought the protection of a legitimate collective bargaining agreement to improve their lives.” In the ruling, Judge Janice Rogers Brown, an appointee of George W. Bush, and Judge Stephen F. Williams, a senior judge appointed by Ronald Reagan, signed the majority opinion. Judge Merrick B. Garland, who was appointed by Bill Clinton, dissented, writing that the drivers should be considered employees. In his dissent, Judge Garland wrote that the drivers had little “entrepreneurial opportunity,” rarely take advantage of it and stand to make little money from selling their trucks or routes. He also argued that for drivers to hire helpers is hardly entrepreneurial and noted that FedEx Home puts limits on drivers' ability to sell routes and can freely change their routes. Lawyers for the plaintiffs voiced concern that the ruling could affect a nationwide class-action suit involving 27,000 FedEx Ground drivers, who accuse the company of misclassifying them as contractors to deny them overtime and health, retirement and other benefits. Last December, the company agreed to pay $27 million to settle a misclassification lawsuit brought on behalf of 203 drivers in California. In that suit, a state judge wrote that FedEx Ground had “close to absolute control” over the drivers, adding that the operating agreement they signed was “a brilliantly drafted contract creating the constraints of an employment relationship” disguised in the independent contractor model. Washington State Labor Council Commentary: DO WE SUCK? SNOHOMISH, SPOKANE EDC’S DISAGREE BUSINESS-CLIMATE ASSESSMENTS DEPEND ON GOAL: ATTRACTING JOBS … OR TAX CUTS
(April 24, 2009) This is an ad that appeared in the February 2009 edition of Alaska Airlines Magazines, paid for by Greater Spokane Inc., which says it's "the Region’s only Regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council." In touting Washington as "The #1 State to Start a Business," they have a very different take on this state's "competitiveness" than do their compatriots at in Snohomish County. The Snohomish EDC is one of the groups championing the cause of cutting benefits for laid-off and injured workers in order to keep Boeing from leaving Washington state. The "We Suck" crowd, a bandwagon built by former Boeing boss Alan Mulally back in 2003 and now populated by business lobbying groups and politicians in both parties, continues to bash our "business friendliness" in the context of seeking tax breaks and other legislative goodies in Olympia. And their Washington-hatin' rhetoric is swallowed whole by just about every newspaper editorial board in the state. But their message is in direct conflict with what objective out-of-state assessments of our state's business climate have found. As quoted in the Greater Spokane Inc. ad above, a January 2009 report in the U.S. News and World Report said, "Washington ranks first in the U.S. in pursuing alternative-energy sources. It also has a highly productive manufacturing sector, signaling high wages and a tech-intensive economy. Washington has very low taxes, reducing your costs of growing a business. It does not have personal income or capital-gains taxes." Here's some other news from outside our state's "We Suck" echo chamber: (For more information, see the WSLC's Legislative Position Paper on our state's business climate.) Washington state is ranked the 3rd best place in Forbes magazine's "best states to do business" ranking for 2008, and was the only state in the top five in the labor, regulatory environment and growth categories. (www.forbes.com) Washington is ranked 12th best in the nation for 2009 in terms of "business friendliness" by the Tax Foundation, a conservative Washington D.C.-based think tank. Its annual report compares the states’ tax environments by measuring their sales and gross receipts taxes, unemployment insurance taxes, corporate and individual income taxes, and something called the "Fiscal Balance Index." (www.taxfoundation.org/sbtci.html) Washington ranks 5th best in the nation in the 2008 Small Business Survival Index of the Small Business & Entrepreneur Council, a business lobbying group that advocates for tax relief and regulatory reform that benefits small businesses. Washington’s West Coast competitors, Oregon ranked 32nd and California ranked 49th. (www.sbecouncil.org) So why do people still insist "we suck" and prescribe slashing the safety nets for workers who have the misfortune of getting laid off or injured on the job? The explanation hasn't changed since the staff of WSLC Reports Today wrote the following back in October 2004:
(Update: Boeing is now selling its Wichita factory, despite Kansas putting up $500 million in state-backed bonds as part of its bid for 7E7 nose and cockpit work. So look for panicked Kansas legislators to approve The Job-Creating Indentured Servitude Act of 2005.) "Job killers! JOB KILLERS!"
2009 Ann Gallagher Memorial Scholarship (April 22, 2009) Applications for the 2009 Ann Gallagher Memorial Scholarship are now available. You can download a copy here. This scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors whose parent is a member of an affiliated union. Applications must be submitted by July 10, 2009 to be considered.
(April 20, 2009) The following editorial by IBT President James P. Hoffa has been appearing all over the country on the Internet and in newspapers for the past week. Local 174 Announcement: GENERAL TEAMSTERS RETIREES CLUB GOLF TOURNEY COMING UP AUGUST 13
For only $85 dollars the day features a “shotgun” start, a cart, lunch, prizes, a trophy, and lots of laughs. Foster Golf Links is located in Tukwila only a short distance north of the Teamster Building, and is a “Union” course, represented by Local 763. ALL THE PROCEEDS from the tournament go to the scholarship applicants who are the children and grandchildren of active and retired members in locals 174, 117, 763, and 38. With tuitions soaring in our wounded economy, these kids need financial help more than ever. So dust off those old sticks, call some friends, and come on down in August and we can all make that old 174 bromide “people helping people” really mean something. You do not have to be good at golf — those balls you hit into the woods will amuse your golfing partners, and give the squirrels something to bury next fall. Entry forms will be appearing on your Local Union shelves in the near future.
IBT News Release:
(April 16, 2009) Workers' Memorial Day is coming up on April 28. The Teamsters and other Unions recognize this important yearly Day as a chance to “Mourn for the Dead, and Fight for the Living.” That thought was originally expressed by the famous Labor Activist Mother Jones a Century ago. Since 1989, the Labor Movement has observed Workers’ Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job. As we remember those who died in workplace catastrophes, suffered diseases due to exposure to toxic substances or injured in dangerous working conditions, we rededicate ourselves to the fight for safe workplaces. Decades of struggle by workers and their unions have resulted in significant improvements in working conditions. But the toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths remains enormous. More than 56,000 workers die annually from workplace injuries and illnesses; another 6 million are seriously hurt. WHY COMMEMORATE ON APRIL 28?April 28 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and has been recognized as an international day remembrance for dead and injured workers since 1996, when a Global Union delegation lit a commemoration candle to highlight the plight of workers at the United Nations. It has been officially endorsed by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). Eleven countries or territories formally recognize April 28 as a national observance day: Argentina, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Spain and Taiwan. A Workers' Memorial Day is observed in nearly 100 countries. The toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths remains enormous. Hundreds of thousands of workers are injured or killed every year. Highway incidents continue to be the leading cause of on-the-job fatalities, and truck drivers suffer more on-the-job fatalities than any other individual occupation. Ergonomic hazards cripple and injure hundreds of thousands of workers every year and remain the nation’s biggest workplace safety and health problem.
IBT News Release:
WALL STREET CHOOSES GREED OVER WORKERS, EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT Second Ad in A Week Builds on Hundreds of Grassroots Events and Momentum For Legislation During Congressional Recess Greeted with a new massive nationwide ad campaign along with over 350 grassroots actions, members of Congress returned to their home states and districts this week to be reminded that a majority of the public demands passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. A new, hard-hitting television ad hit national airwaves exposing the real motives of those who oppose the Employee Free Choice Act. It joins another ad already on the air and grassroots events across the country highlighting the broad support for the bill. The ad calls out corporations, many of whom have received billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded bailouts, as opposing workers’ freedom to bargain with their employers for better wages and benefits at a time when the imbalance of power is the reason for our economic crisis. Instead of focusing on rebuilding our economy and getting us out of the mess they helped to create, the ad points out that companies like Bank of America took $45 billion in taxpayer money and have been working against the Employee Free Choice Act, exploiting their low wage workers, and rewarding its leaders, like CEO Ken Lewis, with million dollar payouts. “The public and lawmakers alike need to know that the special interests opposing the Employee Free Choice Act are the same ones who caused this economic meltdown,” said American Rights at Work Executive Director Mary Beth Maxwell. “This new ad sends a resolute message that now is the time to help workers to bargain for a better life. The Employee Free Choice Act is urgently needed to create fairness in this economy.” The momentum for the Employee Free Choice Act is growing, with ramped up grassroots events underway during the recess including rallies, anti-corporate actions, leafleting, lobbying, town hall meetings, moving billboards, community forums, vigils, call-in days, and more. Workers, elected officials, small business owners, students, faith leaders, civil rights activists, and other advocates, are participating in an array of actions underscoring the broad and diverse support for the measure. The new ad campaign and recess activities continue to build on the broad support for the Employee Free Choice Act: independent polling confirmed a majority of the public supports its passage; over 40 leading economists — including Nobel laureates — released a joint statement endorsing the legislation as a critical part of our economic recovery; and just last week the “Faces of the Employee Free Choice Act” campaign was unveiled by award-winning cast members of The West Wing standing alongside workers to promote the freedom to form unions on Capitol Hill. “Greed” launches nationwide today, following the Sunday launch of “Fabric of America.” To view the new ad and for more information, visit www.FreeChoiceAct.org or www.americanrightsatwork.org.
Washington State Labor Council Women's Committee Scholarship Nominations The Washington State Labor Council Women's Committee is offering six (6) scholarships to rank-and-file union women. The Scholarships being offered are for the following summer schools for union women.
Both summer schools offer a series of in-depth courses, workshops, solidarity and fun! While agendas have not yet been finalized, prior summer school classes have included leadership development, organizing our unions and community for action and communication strategies. Scholarships include tuition, room and board provided at the facility and reasonable travel expenses. No loss time will be paid. Participants must be able to take vacation or union leave. The deadline for applying for these scholarships is May 30th. Application forms (along with a 100-word or less letter from the applicant) must be received by the deadline in order to be considered. Individuals may apply for one or both of these scholarships.
IBT News Release:
SANFORD PLAYING POLITICS (April 7, 2009) IBT, Washington, D.C. — The Teamsters Law Enforcement League has denounced a selfish political ploy by South Carolina Republican Governor Mark Sanford, who has refused more than $700 million in federal aid for education and law enforcement unless the Federal Government pays down the debt by an equal amount. Sanford has decided that earning media attention to help his future political ambitions is more important than protecting the hardworking men and women that patrol our streets and educate our children. “In a State that has the second-highest unemployment in the Nation, it is outrageous that Gov. Sanford is refusing federal aid that will help workers in some of our most critical public services — law enforcement and education,” said Jim Hoffa, General President of the Teamsters Union, which represents more than 1.4 million workers in North America. “In this economic climate. the Governor should not be playing political games with people’s livelihoods.” As a result of Sanford’s political stunt, thousands of law enforcement officers and teachers could lose their jobs, and thousands of inmates could be released early from prisons. Sanford has been harshly criticized by both political parties in South Carolina. On behalf of the members in law enforcement that the Teamsters Union represents, the Teamsters Law Enforcement League denounces Sanford’s actions and requests he immediately accept the funds so the residents of South Carolina do not suffer due to his arrogance.
IBT News Release:
(April 3, 2009) As Members of Congress depart Washington, DC this week to return to their home states and districts for the April recess, a new massive ad campaign, along with hundreds of grassroots actions await their arrival. A new television ad will run nationwide and over 300 events will be held across the country to remind elected officials that a majority of the public demands passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. The grassroots activity planned for the recess includes rallies, leafleting, lobbying, town hall meetings, moving billboards, community forums, vigils, call-in days, and more. Workers, elected officials, students, civil rights leaders, and other advocates, will participate in an array of actions underscoring the broad and diverse support for the measure. “This recess, we will not allow our leaders to forget that workers across the country are counting on them to make the economy work for everyone again,” said American Rights at Work Executive Director Mary Beth Maxwell. “There is an unwavering commitment by a majority of lawmakers to restore our middle class and give workers back the freedom to bargain for a better life. Our ramped up efforts send a strong message to the rest of Congress that we can, we must, and we will pass the Employee Free Choice Act this year.” Over the past month, new developments have continued to build on the momentum for the Employee Free Choice Act: the bill was introduced in both the House and the Senate; independent polling confirmed a majority of the public supports its passage; over 40 leading economists — including Nobel laureates — released a joint statement endorsing the legislation as a critical part of our economic recovery; and just this week the “Faces of the Employee Free Choice Act” campaign was unveiled by award-winning cast members of The West Wing standing alongside workers to promote the freedom to form unions on Capitol Hill. Roberta Ayala, a teacher’s aide from Denver, CO, and Joe Bordelon, a security technician from Denham Springs, LA, were part of the delegation of workers who came to Congress this week, and are traveling throughout their states during the recess to share their firsthand accounts of why workers need the Employee Free Choice Act. Roberta conveyed that she wanted a union for her coworkers “to be treated fairly,” and to be “better advocates for our students.” Joe pressed his case for the bill to lawmakers, explaining “It’s not fair that we ask the middle class to suffer and not get raises equal to the cost of living, while companies lay people off and continue to pay millions of dollars to CEOs.” You can watch the “Fabric of America” ad by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXvGYr8a5o8 IBT News Release: TEAMSTERS SUPPORT SHIPA IBT THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND SAFE HIGHWAYS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PRESERVATION ACT; LARGER TRUCKS CAUSE SAFETY ISSUES, ACCELERATE DAMAGE TO HIGHWAYS & BRIDGES (April 1, 2009) Representatives from the Teamsters Union joined Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Rep. James McGovern (D-MA) and safety advocates at a press conference today to voice their support for the Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act (SHIPA), legislation that would extend the current restrictions on the size and weight of trucks that travel the U.S. highways.
Currently, limitations on size and weight are enforced on interstate highways while states are allowed to set the limits on all other roads. SHIPA would extend the restrictions to cover the entire National Highway System. “The Teamsters strongly support the bill sponsored by Sen. Lautenberg and Rep. McGovern,” said LaMont Byrd, Teamsters Safety and Health Department Director. “Large trucks are more dangerous to drive and damage highways and bridges, the safety, highway design and operating issues involved in allowing bigger trucks are not worth the negligible gains in productivity they might realize.” States and federal government agencies don’t have enough funds to properly repair, maintain and expand our infrastructure to meet growing transportation needs, let alone build out the reinforced infrastructure necessary to operate longer and heavier vehicles on the current system.
Both sides worked hard, long hours throughout the last several days. Each day starts with the parties caucusing (meeting with their respective committee) and preparing counterproposals. We then get back together for face-to-face meetings and exchange our revised proposals. As bargaining progresses, less time is spent in face-to-face meetings and more time spent in caucus brainstorming our response. Unlike past negotiations, the parties have spent full days in negotiations, either in caucus or across the table. We have had complete, productive (and at times testy) discussions on all issues and have made forward progress each day. At this time (6:30 p.m. Friday night) we are waiting for management’s latest counterproposal. We still hope to meet our goal to conclude negotiations over language this week — so we can move into economics next week. We hope to reach agreement by next Thursday, April 9. We will be conducting a vote on Saturday, April 11. It will either be a contract ratification vote or a strike authorization vote. Eligibility to Vote. You must be a member in good standing (paid through March, 2009) in order to vote. If you have any doubt about your eligibility, you should call the dues office to check, even if you are on checkoff. No proxy votes are permitted. You must be present to vote.
BOEING NEGOTIATIONS HAVE BEGUN
On Monday, March 30, the parties met face-to-face to begin negotiations. The Union committee presented the Company with an offer covering all non-economic issues. We had met last Friday as a committee to put our proposal in writing, taking into consideration the issues raised by the members at the demands meeting, the results of the surveys, and the institutional knowledge of the committee. All of the issues raised were incorporated into the proposal prepared by the committee and presented to management. The Company did not come in with a complete proposal. They raised some issues, had some proposals, and told us additional proposals would be forthcoming. We requested they put all their proposals on the table, and they agreed to do so by the end of the day on Tuesday. Both sides began the process of responding to the other sides proposals. On Tuesday, March 31, 2009, the Company came with the rest of their proposals. Each side has shared with the other either specific language or concepts for all sections. The cards on language are now on the table. We continue to work on counterproposals. It is our goal to conclude negotiations over language this week so we can move into economics next week. We hope to reach agreement by next Thursday, April 9. We will be conducting a vote on Saturday, April 11. It will either be a contract ratification vote or a strike authorization vote. KEEP THE DATE:
OAK HARBOR FREIGHT LINES ULP STRIKE REPORT
(March 30, 2009) Teamster workers involved in the Unfair Labor Practice Strike against Oak Harbor Freight Lines put down their picket signs and went back to work on an “unconditional return-to-work agreement” in an attempt to resolve outstanding differences. Despite its promises, however, the Company ignored the rules and on February 25, 2009 illegally suspended 13 Oak Harbor Teamsters without pay for standing strong on the picketline. In a commentary in the current issue of the Joint Council 28 Washington Teamster Newspaper, Teamsters International Vice President Al Hobart addresses these recent developments in the dispute with Oak Harbor Freight Lines. It is reprinted below.
UNITED STATES SENATE CONFIRMS GARY LOCKE FORMER GOVERNOR OF WASHINGTON STATE IS THE NEW SECRETARY OF COMMERCE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
(March 24, 2009) From a United States Department of Commerce News Release, Washington, D.C — The United States Senate this evening confirmed Gary Locke as the nation’s 36th Commerce Secretary by unanimous consent. Secretary Locke will be a key member of President Barack Obama’s economic team and will work to foster and promote American economic development at home, and will be an influential ambassador for American business and industry abroad. Locke is the first Chinese American to serve as Commerce Secretary. “I’m honored to take on this challenge and will work every day to make the Commerce Department an engine for improving our competitiveness, encouraging innovation and creating jobs,” Locke said. Locke will oversee a Department that, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is charged with expanding the country’s broadband infrastructure, bringing economic development to communities hardest hit by the recession and putting Americans to work under programs run by the Census, NOAA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Former Washington State Gov. Gary Locke is a tireless and successful champion of American products, services and jobs. As the popular two-term Governor of the nation’s most trade-dependent State, Locke broke down trade barriers around the world to advance American products. Locke has worked closely with Business, Labor and Government at all levels to successfully negotiate complex issues. For the past four years, Locke has been a successful business advocate and adviser, helping U.S. companies break into international markets, particularly in Asia, and expand their international business. A partner in the Seattle office of the international law firm of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Locke co-chairs the firm’s China practice and is active in its governmental relations practice.
To open doors for Washington State businesses, Locke led 10 productive trade missions to Asia, Mexico and Europe, significantly expanding the sales of Washington products and services. He successfully fostered economic relations between China and Washington State. His visits are credited with introducing Washington companies to China and helping more than double the State’s exports to China to over $5 billion per year. He also opened a Washington State trade office in Germany to advance trade relations with European countries. Locke is widely praised in Washington State for winning a nationwide competition to win production of Boeing’s newest jetliner, the 787, which created thousands of jobs in the State. Locke successfully aligned leaders from State, County and Local Government, businesses and unions, communities and tribes in this comprehensive, successful effort. As part of his considerable trade and economic development efforts, Locke launched Washington’s Competitiveness Council with Business and Labor leaders working together to effectively position Washington State for success at home and around the world. During the eight years of the Locke Administration, the state gained 280,000 jobs. Locke personally negotiated and signed a Washington State-Canada Salmon Treaty after negotiations between the U.S. State Department and Canada reached an impasse on protecting wild salmon runs. He also conceived and launched the West Coast Governors’ Initiative on Climate Change and successfully launched public and private initiatives to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy conservation. Locke earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Yale University and a Law Degree from Boston University. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ON WHAT’S GOING ON THE NATION’S ELECTED LEADER TALKS ABOUT THE WORLD OUTLOOK NOW, AND WHAT HE IS TRYING TO DO ABOUT IT, IN AN EDITORIAL
(March 24, 2009) President Barack Obama is doing a lot, but it is hard to keep up with all the reasons he does what he does. In a March 24, 2009 editorial in the Los Angeles Times Newspaper, he talked about those reasons. The editorial is part of his “public offensive” to get directly to the U.S. citizenry to describe his actions and his policy proposals out of the circuslike atmosphere of Washington, D.C., and away from the sniping of the bigmouths in the Congress — in both the House and Senate — directed at him and at each other. His commentary is reprinted below.
OAK HARBOR UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE STRIKE UPDATE
“It was our hope that the company would take our offer to return-to-work as a positive step toward resolving our differences,” said Teamsters International Vice President Al Hobart. “But it is now clear that Oak Harbor's owners and their union busting attorney are willing to sacrifice customers, ruin the lives of hard working union families and drive this company into the ground to get rid of the Teamsters.” While the lawyers and negotiators are talking, the Teamsters Union is still putting heat on the big companies that used the services of Oak Harbor during the Unfair Labor Practice Strike — and the financiers of the Oak Harbor Company during the 157-days it lasted in its “public” form on the picketline. One of the chief financiers, KeyBank, was singled out twice recently. Following are two IBT press releases describing what has happened in this aspect of the dispute. Churches Urge Officials to Consider KeyBank's Support of Workers' Rights Violations (March 18, 2009 - Washington State) The Metropolitan King County Council decided to bid out the financial services contract for the entire County on Monday, March 16. KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) held the contract for at least the past five years. At Monday's hearing testimony was given by a worker at Oak Harbor Freight who was illegally suspended from her Job and from a representative of Seattle's churches against retaining KeyBank. KeyBank is the primary lender to Oak Harbor Freight, an Auburn, Washington-based firm that caused its Teamsters Union workers to go on strike for 157 days due to unfair labor practices. The National Labor Relations Board has found merit in the Union's claim that Oak Harbor violated the workers' rights under federal labor law. “Oak Harbor Freight Lines, which receives its funding from KeyBank, broke American labor law and violated international labor standards over the past two years in an ongoing effort to punish its workers and their families,” said Ann Erikson with the Seattle Council of Churches representing 419 faith communities. “Teamster members are fighting to protect their standard of living and to save Oak Harbor retirees' health care.” Angel Emerson, an 11-1/2-year Oak Harbor Freight employee, urged the Council to support the workers at Oak Harbor Freight. “Earlier this year the National Labor Relations Board found merit to our allegations that Oak Harbor violated federal labor law and bargained in bad faith with its employees,” Emerson said. “After the strike concluded I resumed to work, but then i was illegally suspended from Oak Harbor Freight for standing strong with my fellow coworkers during the strike.” “We believe that King County values social responsibility,” said Al Hobart, International Vice President of the Teamsters Union. “The thread of social responsibility weaves through many of their outreach programs so we hope that it also enjoys a central role in their choice for a new financial services contract for the county.” Account maintenance, deposit services, wire transfer services and warrant services are the main elements of the financial service package being bid.
2. OHIO TEAMSTERS PULL $14 MILLION OUT OF KEYBANK Cite KeyCorp Support of Workers’ Rights Violations (March 16, 2009 – Washington, D.C.) Ohio Teamsters transferred about $14 million in assets out of KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) last week after the Cleveland-based bank failed to take action to support workers’ rights. KeyBank and its parent company, KeyCorp, are the primary lender to Oak Harbor Freight Lines, based in Auburn, Washington, where more than 550 workers and their families are fighting to protect their standard of living and to save Oak Harbor retirees' health care. “We won’t stand by while KeyCorp finances a company that is waging war against our fellow brothers and sisters,” said Gary Tiboni, President of Teamsters Joint Council 41 in Cleveland. “If KeyCorp wants our business, it needs to stop supporting workers’ rights abuses.” Oak Harbor employees in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho have tried to negotiate a new contract with Oak Harbor since August 2007. Oak Harbor’s most recent proposal would permanently freeze pay for newly hired clerical staff, allow the company to arbitrarily fire clerical staff, permanently deny new warehouse workers access to health and welfare benefits, eliminate paid sick leave, and shift much more of the cost of health care onto employees. Oak Harbor’s latest offer also would freeze workers’ pensions and eliminate health care coverage for retirees who had previously been promised coverage. On February 24, Oak Harbor workers ended a 157-day unfair labor practice strike aimed at stopping the company from violating federal labor laws and bargaining in bad faith. After returning to work, Oak Harbor’s owners illegally eliminated returning workers' health care and pension plans and switched employees to a substandard health care plan. The company also suspended 13 union supporters. The latest unlawful move by Oak Harbor could incite a new strike just as the company is attempting to recover from widespread service disruptions created by the most recent strike. “We truly appreciate the support of our brothers and sisters in Ohio,” said Teamsters International Vice President Al Hobart. “I expect more unions to begin withdrawing funds from KeyCorp in the coming weeks and months as they learn more about the workers’ rights violations KeyCorp is supporting.”
STRENGTHEN UNIONS TO REBUILD ECONOMY
Hundreds of corporate lobbyists flew into Washington to make their case. Tens of millions of dollars have been spent on anti-union advertising, with much more to come. Several hundred workers also came to Washington to support Employee Free Choice. At least one worker who was fired because he wanted to join the Teamsters had never flown on an airplane before. We have a number of allies who support Employee Free Choice, including religious groups, Nobel Prize-winning economists and leading U.S. corporations such as Levi Strauss and American Electric Power. They believe, as we do, that strengthening unions is the way to rebuild America. MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE SINCE 1935 WAGNER ACT Under the status quo, the corporations get to decide whether there will be a government-supervised election for a union. Under Employee Free Choice, the workers would choose how their votes are counted. The workers could either have a secret-ballot election or majority sign-up, which is also known as card check. That's important to us. These elections have devolved into union-busting campaigns during which workers are harassed and intimidated. A recent study shows that a pro-union worker is illegally fired in 25 percent of all organizing campaigns for an election supervised by the National Labor Relations Board. We much prefer majority sign-up. It's important to the multinationals and their front groups that are spending tens -- if not hundreds -- of millions of their shareholders' dollars to oppose Employee Free Choice. They don't want to give up their ability to bully their workers. ANTI-LABOR FORCES LIE ABOUT THE SECRET BALLOT ANALYSIS OF THE WAGNER ACT The corporate-funded front groups opposing Employee Free Choice can't pretend they support collective bargaining. So they claim that expanding unions would be bad for the economy. Just recently a spokesman for one of the front groups called Employee Free Choice "a poison pill for our ailing economy." Those are the same arguments used by opponents of the Wagner Act. In 1935, Guy Harrington of the National Publisher's Association said supporting the bill "would permanently close the door to recovery." STRONG UNIONS WOULD MEAN A HEALTHY ECONOMY History shows that the economy does well when unions are strong. In these dire economic times, I can't think of a better way to restore stability to middle-class families than to strengthen unions.
APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 31 (March 10, 2009 — IBT News Release) James R. Hoffa became a Teamster member in 1934 and served as the IBT’s General President for 14 years. In recognition of his tireless service to the Union and its members, he was honored as General President Emeritus for life. At the November 1999 General Executive Board Meeting, General Secretary-Treasurer C. Thomas Keegel presented a resolution to establish the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund. This article describes the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund and outlines eligibility requirements and application procedures for this year’s competition. The deadline for applying to the Scholarship Fund is March 31, 2009. One hundred scholarships will be awarded this program year. Applicants compete in one of the five geographic regions where the Teamster parent’s Local Union is located. Thirty-one of the awards total $10,000 each. These four-year scholarships are disbursed at the rate of $2,500 per year and are renewable annually. Sixty-nine of the awards are one-time $1,000 grants. These scholarships are disbursed to the college or university at the beginning of the recipient’s freshman year. Eligibility requirements and application procedures are the same for all awards. Recipients are selected by an impartial committee of university admissions and financial aid directors based on academic achievement, SAT/ACT scores, character, potential and financial need. We consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, gender, disability, or any other legally protected status. GUIDELINESThe Scholarship Fund has established some guidelines to be used by students when deciding whether or not to apply to this program. Applicants should: Rank in the top 15 percent of their high school class; have, or expect to have, excellent SAT or ACT scores; and Due to the highly competitive nature of the program and the large number of applicants, students should carefully consider these criteria before submitting an application. The James R Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund is an independent organization established and registered as a tax exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund is established solely to provide scholarships to the children and dependents of members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and contributions to the Fund are deductible as charitable contributions to the extent permitted by law. The International Union provides certain in kind services to the Fund, such as this portion of the Union website, in order to benefit members and their children and dependents. For more information on the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship, click here.
OAK HARBOR ULP STRIKE: WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
OAK HARBOR FREIGHT LINES STRIKE If a customer asks you about the status of the ongoing labor dispute with Oak Harbor, please inform the customer that you are still working without a contract and that there are several unresolved issues from the strike. Refrain from criticizing Oak Harbor to customers. The unresolved issues include:
The Union and our attorneys are currently reviewing possible responses. Local 174 promptly filed an unfair labor practice charge against Oak Harbor for its actions, and will vigorously represent the members accused of misconduct. PRESS COVERAGE OF THE ULP STRIKEThe Auburn Reporter recently printed a good summary of the Oak Harbor Freight Lines Unfair Labor Practice Strike. That article is available here for your information. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
(April 13, 2009) The battle in the media between the proponents and the opponents of the Employee Free Choice Act is becoming fierce. The Teamsters Union is among the leaders fighting for passage of the EFCA. On April 9, the IBT released the following article about the EFCA situation.
(April 3, 2009) Boeing negotiations continue. Both sides continued to be represented by the same teams. (Representing the Union are Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks, Senior Business Agents Erv Lemon and Patty Warren, and bargaining committee members Donny Jones, Ric Monroe, Dana Moore, Dan Poole and Darcy Sansaver. Representing management are Yvette Morgan, Employee Relations; Clay Langhurst, Employee Relations, West Region; Mike Turek, Director, Licensed Transportation and Fleet Services; Ken Schoolcraft, Contract Administration; Ken Tutino, Operations Manager; and Scott McKay, Human Resources.)
(March 31, 2009) Boeing negotiations have begun. The Union and the Employer have scheduled two weeks of negotiations. Representing the Union are Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks, Senior Business Agents Erv Lemon and Patty Warren, and bargaining committee members Donny Jones, Ric Monroe, Dana Moore, Dan Poole and Darcy Sansaver. Representing management are Yvette Morgan, Employee Relations; Clay Langhurst, Employee Relations, West Region; Mike Turek, Director, Licensed Transportation and Fleet Services; Ken Schoolcraft, Contract Administration; Ken Tutino, Operations Manager; and Scott McKay, Human Resources.
(March 6, 2009) Following are instructions from the IBT and JC-28 Oak Harbor Freight Lines Unfair Labor Practice Strike Negotiating Committee regarding what returning OHFL employees should do now.