May 13 Publication Date
Southern California Newspaper Articles from Local 572

Rick Middleton:

I recently chaired a meeting in Washington, DC to discuss the IBT efforts to continue organizing bus workers across the country. Discussed were our ongoing efforts to negotiate a National Master Bussing Agreement with First Student. Following that meeting, I met with First Student corporate executives who have agreed to sit down and begin work on a Master Agreement. We’ve agreed to a negotiation schedule that sets June 30, 2010 as a target date to complete our negotiations. Regional supplemental Agreements will be negotiated at the conclusion of each successful organizing campaign. The bussing sector continues to be the fastest growing segment of our Union.

In addition to negotiating bussing contracts, all Southern California grocery Locals have met to discuss procedural rules and member contract proposals for our upcoming grocery negotiations. Additional discussions will be held and all ideas will be thoroughly explored as we prepare for our upcoming negotiations with Ralphs Grocery Company.

On a final note, thanks to all of you for your offers of support and warm wishes as I undertake my new work as Western Region Vice President.

Dennis Watson:

As the dust finally settles after the recent management restructuring at UPS, we have a new Division Manager. Initial reports are that we may see some much needed relief for Package Car Drivers. I’m told that one of his top priorities will be the reduction of the planned day. I’m also told that safety and driver appearance are high on his list, so make sure to work safely and follow the UPS appearance guidelines. Only time will tell if we can finally leave recent challenges behind us. Supervisor working grievances continue to be processed and I expect most, if not all to be paid by the time you read this article. Please call me with any questions regarding your grievance.

Traci Smith:

To all Transit Operators: I will be having a series of craft meetings scheduled in the months of May and June to discuss serious issues concerning ADA compliance and what the law requires from you as a professional. As a reminder, all school bus operators if you are not working summer school and will be out for more than 30 days, call the office and request a withdrawal card. Also, make sure the Company has your correct contact information so that you can be contacted about the upcoming fall bid.

Thanks to all those who participated in precinct walking or phone banking for the Steve Neal campaign.

Our condolences go out to the families of Sharon Dunning, Lawrence Russell and Demsy Paiz.

Remember whatever affects one directly affects us all indirectly.

Lonnie Holmes:

First Student, Palm Springs: A meeting will be held with the members on May 10, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. to discuss upcoming contract negotiations.

First Student, San Bernardino Districts: Effects bargaining has been scheduled for May 19, 2010.

First Student, Hesperia: A contract ratification vote has been scheduled for May 7, 2010. The Committee is not recommending the Last Best and Final offer form the employer.

LAUSD/Upland/SB District, County: Negotiations Committee Members, we meet every third Sunday after the general membership meetings. Remember Committee Members attendance is mandatory, no exceptions.

Marta (Big Bear & Crestline): An opening letter has been sent out to the employer requesting dates for negotiations. A meeting will be scheduled with the members pending confirmation of an agreed upon date and time for both locations.

STA, Palmdale and Eastside: Over the next few weeks all members should be receiving our newly negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreements. Also, the retro pay should be ready to be paid out this month.

Adriana Salazar and Connie Oser:

LAUSD: Times are definitely tough at LAUSD! Since UTLA and AALA have now accepted furloughs – Teamsters has agreed to come to the table and negotiate. As you know, we told the District previously that we were not willing to agree to furloughs without proof that all unions were sharing the sacrifice evenly.

Upon hearing the news that UTLA and AALA agreed to furloughs in exchange for rescinding all RIF notices, – we quickly requested details of all agreements. We need to know how many members from each bargaining unit have been RIF’d already, how many have taken early retirement, and how many were forced to accept B-Basis assignments; not to mention the cafeteria managers that have had to accept Satellite Kitchen assignments now at a lower rate of pay and shorter work days. All of that converts to a dollar necessary for us to compare each unit’s sacrifice. Unit S has already taken a huge hit!

We met with the District on May 4th – only to find that even their most basic calculations had changed drastically with no explanation. This is unacceptable when negotiating economic issues.

Please be patient while we fight hard for your jobs. We’ll continue to update you accordingly. If you’re not receiving our email updates –send us an email requesting you be added to the list: asalazar@teamsters572.org or coser@teamsters572.org.

Steve Badger:

Ralphs Transportation: There are several grievances moving forward to arbitration regarding subcontracting. With the Company moving to a two-hour delivery window it has produced some schedule changes regarding drivers start times. With these changes, there may be a need for a master or an in-house bid at each location. This will be determined by the total amount of changes. The Company agreed it will meet with all local Unions prior to any bid.

Hostess Brands: The Union is moving several grievances forward to arbitration. A reminder to all route sales drivers, make sure you take your lunch before the fifth hour. The Company has no mercy on this issue.

Canteen Vending: All drivers make sure you call your supervisor when you have problems with your route. The Company is watching all routes.

Joe Barone:

Pepsi: Negotiations are ongoing. I will update you at the yard with any important changes.

Farmer Bros.: Congratulations on your new two-year Agreement.