Taylor Farms workers in Tracy, California are standing up against poverty wages, disrespect and severe violations of their most basic rights. These 900 food processing workers in the Central Valley cut, wash and package salads and other products for the largest supplier of fresh-cut produce in the country. They feed the customers of major grocers, retailers and restaurant chains, including Walmart and McDonald’s.
With a revenue of $1.8 billion in 2012, Taylor Farms can afford to treat its workers in Tracy with dignity and pay fair wages, just like their Teamster coworkers have at Taylor Farms’ facilities in Salinas, California. But when workers came together to organize with Teamsters Local 601, the company responded mercilessly. It fired, harassed, and punished workers for supporting the union. The company threatened immigrant workers with deportation, hiring an army of union-busters to run a non-stop fear campaign. During an NLRB election for union representation, Taylor Farms deployed a goon squad of supervisors to intimidate workers. The company’s violations were so egregious that the Labor Board impounded ballots while it investigates hundreds of Unfair Labor Practice charges.
Workers in Tracy, following in the footsteps of labor leader and civil rights icon Cesar Chavez, are taking their fight to the public. The workers’ struggle for a better life for their families is supported by Teamsters in California and nationwide. We are building a movement for respect for the workers who feed America.
You've heard it said that the best defense is a good offense. In the war on workers, Teamster Organizing is on the offensive! We're winning power for workers across industries and across North America. Join us!
After years of unfair regulations and lack of respect, we are fighting back by forming the Washington, D.C. Taxi Operators Association. Our association will be backed by Teamsters Local 922 and the 1.4 million-member International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
The Teamsters have stood in solidarity with worker struggles in other countries since our founding. With economic globalization, our ability to organize increasingly depends on our ability to build alliances with workers on a global scale.
More than ever, Teamsters are organizing and bargaining with multi-national companies. A key objective of our Global Strategies Campaign is to build strong alliances with unions around the globe who organize and bargain with common employers. Our focus is on workers in the emerging global supply chains – the infrastructure of globalization.
Globalization creates new opportunities for international worker solidarity. We seek common cause with workers around the world to build social justice for all workers and the communities in which they live.
This web page provides information on our fight against fast-track legislation. The measure requires Congress to take only a quick up-or-down vote on secret trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and does not allow such agreements to be amended. It limits Congress’ constitutionally mandated oversight of such trade deals and lets others decide what’s best for America. The result is fewer good-paying U.S. jobs and unsafe food and products for Americans. Read more to find out why fast track is the wrong track for Teamsters and America.
This Week in Labor History
July 21
Local militiamen are called out against striking railroad workers in Pittsburgh. The head of the Pennsylvania Railroad advises giving the strikers "a rifle diet for a few days and see how they like that kind of bread." - 1877
Compressed air explosion kills 20 workers constructing railroad tunnel under the Hudson River - 1880
IWW leads a strike at Hodgeman's Blueberry Farm in Grand Junction, Mich. - 1964
Radio station WCFL, owned and operated by the Chicago Federation of Labor, takes to the airwaves with two hours of music. The first and only labor-owned radio station in the country, WCFL was sold in 1979 - 1926
A die-cast operator in Jackson, Mich., is pinned by a hydraulic Unimate robot, dies five days later. Incident is the first documented case in the U.S. of a robot killing a human - 1984
July 22
Newly unionized brewery workers in San Francisco, mostly German socialists, declare victory after the city’s breweries give in to their demands for free beer, the closed shop, freedom to live anywhere (they had typically been required to live in the breweries), a 10-hour day, 6-day week, and a board of arbitration – 1886 (From First Contact to First Contract: A Union Organizer’s Handbook is a no-nonsense tool from veteran labor organizer and educator Bill Barry. He looks to his own vast experience to document and help organizers through all the stages of a unionization campaign, from how to get it off the ground to how to bring it home with a signed contract and a strong bargaining unit.)
A bomb was is set off during a "Preparedness Day" parade in San Francisco, killing 10 and injuring 40 more. Tom Mooney, a labor organizer, and Warren Billings, a shoe worker, were convicted of the crime, but both were pardoned 23 years later - 1916
July 23
Anarchist Alexander Berkman shoots and stabs but fails to kill steel magnate Henry Clay Frick in an effort to avenge the Homestead massacre 18 days earlier, in which nine strikers were killed. Berkman also tried to use what was, in effect, a suicide bomb, but it didn't detonate - 1892
Northern Michigan copper miners strike for union recognition, higher wages and 8-hour day. By the time they threw in the towel the following April, 1,100 had been arrested on various charges and Western Federation of Miners President Charles Moyer had been shot, beaten and forced out of town - 1913
Aluminum Workers Int'l Union merges with The United Brick & Clay Workers of America to form Aluminum, Brick & Clay Workers - 1981
July 24
The United Auto Workers and the Teamsters form the Alliance for Labor Action (ALA), later to be joined by several smaller unions. The ALA's agenda included support of the civil rights movement and opposition to the war in Vietnam. It disbanded after four years following the death of UAW President Walter Reuther - 1968 (All Labor Has Dignity: People forget that Dr. King was every bit as committed to economic justice as he was to ending racial segregation. He fought throughout his life to connect the labor and civil rights movements, envisioning them as twin pillars for social reform.)
The U.S. minimum wage increases to $6.55 per hour today. The original minimum, set in 1938 by the Fair Labor Standards Act, was 25¢ per hour - 2008
U.S. minimum wage rises to $7.25 per hour, up from $6.55 - 2009
July 25
Workers stage a general strike—believed to be the nation’s first—in St. Louis, in support of striking railroad workers. The successful strike was ended when some 3,000 federal troops and 5,000 deputized special police killed at least eighteen people in skirmishes around the city - 1877
New York garment workers win closed shop and firing of scabs after 7-month strike – 1890 (Reviving the Strike: How Working People can Regain Power and Transform America: If the American labor movement is to rise again, the author says, it will not be as a result of electing Democrats, the passage of legislation, or improved methods of union organizing. Rather, workers will need to rediscover the power of the strike. Not the ineffectual strike of today, where employees meekly sit on picket lines waiting for scabs to take their jobs, but the type of strike capable of grinding industries to a halt—the kind employed up until the 1960s.)
Fifteen “living dead women” testify before the Illinois Industrial Commission. They were “Radium Girls,” women who died prematurely after working at clock and watch factories, where they were told to wet small paintbrushes in their mouths so they could dip them in radium to paint dials. A Geiger counter passed over graves in a cemetery near Ottawa, Illinois still registers the presence of radium - 1937
The Teamsters and Service Employees unions break from the AFL-CIO during the federation's 50th convention to begin the Change to Win coalition, ultimately comprised of seven unions (4 by 2011: SEIU, Teamsters, UFCW and the UFW). They say they want more emphasis on organizing and less on electoral politics - 2005
July 26
In Chicago, 30 workers are killed by federal troops, more than 100 wounded at the "Battle of the Viaduct" during the Great Railroad Strike - 1877
President Grover Cleveland appoints a United States Strike Committee to investigate the causes of the Pullman strike and the subsequent strike by the American Railway Union. Later that year the commission issues its report, absolving the strikers and blaming Pullman and the railroads for the conflict - 1894
Battle of Mucklow, W.Va., in coal strike. An estimated 100,000 shots were fired; 12 miners and four guards were killed - 1912
President Truman issues Executive Order 9981, directing equality of opportunity in armed forces - 1948
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) took effect today. It requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations to qualified disabled employees and bans discrimination against such workers - 1992
July 27
William Sylvis, founder of the National Labor Union, died - 1869 —Compiled and edited by David Prosten
All of us at TeamCare are proud to welcome you and your co-workers at UPS to TeamCare. Effective June 1, 2014, TeamCare is your new health care provider under the national master contract with UPS.
For our new UPS members, welcome! When your health insurance changes to TeamCare from the UPS Company Plan on June 1, 2014, you’ll be joining 250,000 current Teamster family members, including over 80,000 current UPS family members making it one of the largest health funds in the country.
For our current UPS TeamCare members, we thank you for your continued participation. Your new plan of benefits also becomes effective June 1, 2014.
Americans have seen a lot of changes in health care since TeamCare started back in 1950 and the first group of UPS Teamsters voted to join in 1969. TeamCare is constantly adapting and evolving to meet the needs of Teamster families. With so many changes looming on the horizon with ObamaCare, TeamCare participants have the peace of mind knowing their benefits are safe and secure.
A new health policy brings with it many questions. Whether you’re a current UPS TeamCare member or a new UPS member to TeamCare – we’re excited to welcome you and invite you to learn more about your new benefits plan.
At TeamCare, we provide professional benefit representatives to answer your TeamCare questions either by calling 1-800-323-5000 or by the "Contact Us" link at the top of each webpage.
LOCAL 100 HAS ORDERED PRINTED COPIES FROM THE IBT FOR ALL OF OUR MEMBERS, WE WILL NOTIFY THE MEMBERSHIP, WHEN THOSE COPIES ARE DELIEVRED TO THE UNION HALL.
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE PDF VERSION AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR UPS TEAMSTER BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
Thank you to volunteer teams from UPS, Children's Hospital, Cincinnati Zoo and Avondale Community Council for giving back and making a difference in the neighborhoods around the Zoo. Special thanks to the Cincinnati ToolBank for supplying the tools.
Former President Troy Stapleton
was taken from us too soon.
On Thursday Morning , May 29th, former Teamsters Local 100
President, Troy Stapleton was fatally injured in an automobile
accident in West Chester. Troy passed at the scene of this horrific
accident, which has been inthe local news for the past few days.
Troy was a member of Local 100 for more than 40 years,
Troy was the Local Union President from 2005 - 2011.
He served one last term as a Business Agent (2011-2013)
and retired in September 2013.
For many members of Local 100, Troy Stapleton was the only
Teamster President they ever knew. He represented all the best
things in this Teamsters Union.
Rest In Peace, Troy,
Our Teamster Brother.
The family announced today there will be a visitation
and memorial at the Teamsters Local 100 Union Hall
(WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union lost a true friend and brother in the labor movement with the passing of retired Local 100 president Troy Stapleton on May 29 after succumbing to injuries suffered in an automobile accident.
Brother Stapleton led a distinguished career over his 40 years in the Teamsters Union and was loved and respected by the members he represented while he served as president of Local 100 from 2005-2011 and as a business agent from 2011-2013.
“Our union lost a true friend in Brother Stapleton and he will be missed,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “Troy represented everything that we as trade unionists should aspire to emulate. He was a strong leader who went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure his members always had a voice on the job that would fight on their behalf. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this difficult time.”
Teamsters Local 100 will host a visitation and memorial for Brother Stapleton on Wednesday, June 4 beginning at 5 p.m. For additional details, please call Local 100 at (513) 769-5100.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Troy H. Stapleton who was taken from us in a tragic car accident on May 29, 2014 at the age of 62. Troy was a wonderful and loving father who cared very deeply for his family. It is for this reason that we are asking that in lieu of flowers, friends and family donate to help support the ongoing medical needs of Troy's youngest grandson, Tyson. Let's all work together to keep Troy's loving and supportive spirit alive in our hearts.
The term "Weingarten Rights" refers to a U.S. Supreme Court decision (420 US 251, 1974) which ruled that an employee has the right to a union representative in any interview the employer might hold that is intended to investigate a possible discipline charge against the employee. Often compared to the Miranda rights of criminal suspects charged by the police, there is a crucial difference: unless the union contract requires it, the employer does not have to tell the suspected employee that he or she has this right to union representation. The employee must ask for the representation!
The Weingarten Rights simply put are:
The right to be informed, in advance, of the subject matter of disciplinary interviews.
The right to union representation at such an interview.
Still there is the question of what to do when these rights are violated. Normally, the rule is to follow orders and file a grievance, or in this case an unfair labor practice charge, afterward. If you are required to attend such an interview, and your request for union representation is denied, the best advice is to attend the meeting but respond to any and all questions by simply repeating your request for representation.
Remember, if your request for union representation is denied,
Don't refuse or walkout.
Attend the meeting but repeat your request for union representation.
The role of the union representative in a Weingarten meeting:
Ask for time to talk in private before the meeting;
Take notes & record the names, dates questions;
Secure "due process" and fair treatment;
Be sure that the grievant is not railroaded;
Object to any attempts to anger or frighten the grievant;
Call a timeout to caucus or recess as needed;
Ask for questions to be rephrased or explained as necessary;
Make no permanent or undo-able decisions at that interview;
Right after the interview, call your union staff.
AS WE GEAR UP FOR THE 2014 MID TERM ELECTIONS AND THE OHIO GOVERNOR ELECTION.
TEAMSTERS AND ALL UNION MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW THAT THOSE THAT WOULD BUST OUR UNIONS WILL OUT SPEND US AND TRY TO BUY THESE ELECTIONS. WE NEED TO BE OUT-SPOKEN WITH OUR NEIGHBORS AND FAMILY MEMBERS AND GET THE VOTE OUT.
Former Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich debated a Koch-apologist yesterday who claimed America's unions funneled more into politics than the Koch brothers. Baloney. Union money at least comes from large numbers of workers seeking higher pay and better working conditions; Koch m...oney comes from two brothers seeking to entrench their power and privilege. And it's clear the Koch brothers are spending way more. In 2012, union spending (PAC, individual, outside) totaled less than $153.5 million, while Koch spending totaled $412.6 million.
Tell Congress: Stop Citizens United!
Citizens United is destroying our democracy. Since the decision, right-wing groups have spent nearly $1 billion trying to buy elections in America.
City councils all across Ohio, including Athens, Oberlin, Akron, and Cleveland Heights, have passed resolutions urging Congress to take action. They want the decision — which unleashed hundreds of millions of dollars in special interest spending in elections — reversed.
Today, you can speak out with them. Join Ed FitzGerald, sign up below to urge Congress to turn back the disastrous effects of Citizens United.
Sign this petition
By signing, you accept terms of service and privacy policy.
old union hall
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Teamsters Local 100
GOLF OUTING
September 6, 2014
KENTON COUNTY GOLF COURSE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
ROBERT HUFF AT 513-200-6497 or
BRIAN SIZEMORE AT 859-816-5290
GET A WITHDRAWAL CARD!!
If you leave your job FOR ANY REASON, please contact the Local 100 office at (513) 769-5100 and
speak with Lisa (ext. 325) to get a withdrawal card. This will stop your union dues obligation while you are not working.
Or, you may fill-out the withdrawal card request below and bring it to the Local 100 office.
The fee to obtain a withdrawal card is $0.50.
WITHDRAWAL CARD REQUEST
NAME __________________________________________________
IWW leads a strike at Hodgeman's Blueberry Farm in Grand Junction, Mich. - 1964
to avenge the Homestead massacre 18 days earlier, in which nine strikers were killed. Berkman also tried to use what was, in effect, a suicide bomb, but it didn't detonate - 1892
New York garment workers win closed shop and firing of scabs after 7-month strike – 1890
women who died prematurely after working at clock and watch factories, where they were told to wet small paintbrushes in their mouths so they could dip them in radium to paint dials. A Geiger counter passed over graves in a cemetery near Ottawa, Illinois still registers the presence of radium - 1937
July 26
guards were killed - 1912
