en-us News updates for Local 959 as published on www.akteamsters.com. http://www.akteamsters.com/ http://www.teamster.org/content/sotheby%E2%80%99s-addresses-labor-governance-annual-meeting http://www.teamster.org/content/sotheby%E2%80%99s-addresses-labor-governance-annual-meeting Sotheby's defended its labor practices and corporate governance at the auctioneer's annual meeting, as shareholders and union members pressured it to resolve a nine- month lockout of art handlers. http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-romney-shows-his-true-colors-latest-attack-working-americans http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-romney-shows-his-true-colors-latest-attack-working-americans Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa rebutted Mitt Romney's attack today on working families by noting he made his millions as a vulture capitalist who closed factories and sent jobs to China. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-welcome-news-yrcw-lenders-have-agreed-reset-loan-terms http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-welcome-news-yrcw-lenders-have-agreed-reset-loan-terms Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa welcomed news today that YRC Worldwide Inc. (YRCW) has agreed with lenders to reset its agreements on some loans and will be able to retain proceeds from the auction of certain properties. http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/womensconf_04162012.pdf http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/womensconf_04162012.pdf Save the Date: Register for the 2012 Teamster Women's Conference. http://www.teamster.org/content/toledo-supports-red-cross-workers-readies-rally http://www.teamster.org/content/toledo-supports-red-cross-workers-readies-rally City leaders in Toledo, Ohio recently passed a resolution supporting the on-going strike by Red Cross workers. http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-americas-recovery-depends-good-green-jobs http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-americas-recovery-depends-good-green-jobs Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa issued the following statement as part of the union's observance of Earth Day. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-remain-committed-reaching-fair-agreement-hostess-execs-save-company-jobs http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-remain-committed-reaching-fair-agreement-hostess-execs-save-company-jobs The Teamsters Union remains ready and willing to resume negotiations with Hostess Brands Inc. executives in an attempt to save the company following the agreement in bankruptcy court Friday that a decision would not be handed down before May 1. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamster-drivers-and-warehouse-workers-reach-agreement-coca-cola-0 http://www.teamster.org/content/teamster-drivers-and-warehouse-workers-reach-agreement-coca-cola-0 Teamster drivers and warehouse workers in the Charleston and Logan areas have reached an agreement with Coca Cola after a brief strike Thursday. http://www.teamster.org/content/airline-division-rebukes-assertions-world-airways http://www.teamster.org/content/airline-division-rebukes-assertions-world-airways Responding to a letter alleging an illegal job action by World Airways Pilots and Flight Attendants, represented by the Teamsters Airline Division, Captain David Bourne, Director of the Airline Division released the following statement: http://www.teamster.org/content/wonder-bread-employees-stage-informational-picket-outside-tulsa-plant http://www.teamster.org/content/wonder-bread-employees-stage-informational-picket-outside-tulsa-plant Gary Ketchum, president of Teamsters Local 523, described the action as an "informational picket" to draw attention to what he views as preferential treatment given to executives amid the bankruptcy of Hostess Brands Inc. http://www.teamster.org/content/calualcmi-mechanics-weekly-update-april-12-2012 http://www.teamster.org/content/calualcmi-mechanics-weekly-update-april-12-2012 The Airline Division is committed to providing the membership with up to date information about the merger process. Below are the important developments that occurred over the past week. http://www.teamster.org/content/cspan-secretary-labor-solis-%E2%80%93-proud-be-teamster-family-0 http://www.teamster.org/content/cspan-secretary-labor-solis-%E2%80%93-proud-be-teamster-family-0 In her remarks at the National Action Network's 14th Annual Convention in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, April 12, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis shared her personal experiences growing up in a Teamster household. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamster-harbor-victory-may-have-broad-impact http://www.teamster.org/content/teamster-harbor-victory-may-have-broad-impact Far from Los Angeles' centers of power, the harbor seldom gets the attention it deserves as a driving force in the Southland's economy. Yet decisions big and small made there have an impact on businesses and workers as far away as the Inland Empire. http://www.teamster.org/content/hostess-cuts-four-executives%E2%80%99-pay-1-after-big-july-raises-exposed http://www.teamster.org/content/hostess-cuts-four-executives%E2%80%99-pay-1-after-big-july-raises-exposed The chief executive of Hostess Brands said Sunday he is slashing executive compensation in the aftermath of creditor allegations that the company may have pushed management's salaries higher in the months leading up to its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in an effort to skirt bankruptcy rules. http://www.teamster.org/content/fra-requiring-locks-locomotive-cabs http://www.teamster.org/content/fra-requiring-locks-locomotive-cabs The Federal Railroad Administration has published a final rule updating its railroad locomotive safety standards, saying in the rule that the changes incorporate existing industry and engineering best practices related to locomotives and to the electronics in them. http://www.teamster.org/content/tolls-la-truckers-vote-unionization http://www.teamster.org/content/tolls-la-truckers-vote-unionization US truck drivers working for Australian transport giant Toll Group at the Port of Los Angeles will hold a historic vote on Wednesday that could have ramifications at ports across the US and in Australia. http://www.teamster.org/content/buy-american-made-easter-cards http://www.teamster.org/content/buy-american-made-easter-cards It's springtime, and the Graphic Communications Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters wants you to know that you do have a choice on Easter. Many Easter cards are made in the USA, and some are not. http://www.teamster.org/content/coors-hates-immigrants-say-teamsters-cesar-chavez-event http://www.teamster.org/content/coors-hates-immigrants-say-teamsters-cesar-chavez-event Teamsters from four local unions and Joint Council 7 marched in the 12th Annual Cesar E. Chavez March today to raise awareness about anti-immigrant behavior, worker abuse and discrimination by DBI Beverage, the distributor of products by Coors Brewing Co. [NYSE: TAP] in Northern California. http://www.teamster.org/content/wis-federal-court-strikes-down-parts-union-law http://www.teamster.org/content/wis-federal-court-strikes-down-parts-union-law A federal court has struck down portions of Wisconsin's law curbing collective bargaining rights, saying dues can be automatically withdrawn and annual certification votes can't be required. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-locals-710-135-help-indiana-tornado-victims http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-locals-710-135-help-indiana-tornado-victims Teamsters Local 710 in Chicago and Local 135 in Indianapolis teamed up with American Bottling Co. to deliver 30,000 pounds of water and soft drinks to help the tornado victims in Henryville, Ind. Local 710 Secretary-Treasurer Pat Flynn arranged the donation. http://www.teamster.org/content/red-cross-employee-striking-donor-safety http://www.teamster.org/content/red-cross-employee-striking-donor-safety Phyllis Schoville, member of Teamsters Local 507 in Cleveland, spoke to radio show host Rick Smith about how she and other members are on strike to protect donor safety. http://www.teamster.org/content/federal-labor-law-violations-provoke-teamsters-strike-republic-services http://www.teamster.org/content/federal-labor-law-violations-provoke-teamsters-strike-republic-services Republic Services workers were forced to strike the nation's second-largest solid waste and recycling company today in response to Republic's labor law violations, which include backing out of a negotiated contract with Teamsters Local 991 in Mobile, Ala. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-win-resolution-uc-clerical-layoff-campus-closure-issues http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-win-resolution-uc-clerical-layoff-campus-closure-issues Teamsters Local 2010 has reached an agreement with the University of California (UC) in settlement of the union's legal actions challenging the temporary layoffs imposed on union-represented employees in the year 2010. http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-hall-slate-sworn-new-term http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-hall-slate-sworn-new-term Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa, General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall and the newly elected International Vice Presidents and Trustees were sworn in today to a five-year term on the union's General Executive Board. http://www.teamster.org/content/helmets-hardhats-puts-veterans-back-work http://www.teamster.org/content/helmets-hardhats-puts-veterans-back-work When Ross Bowlin started his service with the Marines in 2001, just days out of high school, he must have known that his life would, in many ways, never be the same. But there was no way to predict what lie ahead. http://www.teamster.org/content/coors-tasteless-say-teamsters-st-patricks-day http://www.teamster.org/content/coors-tasteless-say-teamsters-st-patricks-day More than 100 Teamsters marched in the St. Patrick's Day parade today to raise awareness about anti-immigrant behavior, worker abuse and discrimination by DBI Beverage, the distributor of products by Coors Brewing Co. in Northern California. http://www.teamster.org/content/ac-transit-choose-teamster-employer-manufacture-buses http://www.teamster.org/content/ac-transit-choose-teamster-employer-manufacture-buses The Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit District Board of Directors has voted to purchase its buses from Gillig, LLC, a local company that employs 450 Teamster members who produce heavy-duty transit buses. http://www.teamster.org/content/pepsi-levies-sin-tax-its-workers http://www.teamster.org/content/pepsi-levies-sin-tax-its-workers Four years ago, PepsiCo (PEP) began rolling out a wellness program that charges its employees $50 a month if they smoke or have obesity-related medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-oppose-new-border-crossing-standards-mexican-truckers http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-oppose-new-border-crossing-standards-mexican-truckers The Teamsters Union filed a legal reply brief last week in its lawsuit against the United States Department of Transportation's pilot program that is opening the Mexican border to potentially dangerous trucks, something a local Teamster president said will adversely affect states truckers. http://www.teamster.org/women http://www.teamster.org/women On August 23-25, join us at the 2012 Teamsters Women's Conference at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square in San Francisco, California. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-represent-wittenberg-village-nursing-staff http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-represent-wittenberg-village-nursing-staff The nursing staff of Wittenberg Village voted to affiliate with International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 142 in Gary, Indiana. http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-thanks-rfk-jr-canceling-sothebys-event-support-teamsters http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-thanks-rfk-jr-canceling-sothebys-event-support-teamsters Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa thanked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for moving an art auction scheduled at Sotheby's Auction House this week to a new venue in support of locked-out Teamster art handlers. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-credit-strong-defense-hostess-labor-contracts-company-seeking-court-delay http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-credit-strong-defense-hostess-labor-contracts-company-seeking-court-delay The Teamsters Union credits its vigorous defense of its labor contracts with Hostess Brands Inc. and its willingness to be constructive in finding a comprehensive solution to the company's financial woes as reasons for the company's decision, with approval from the lenders, to delay litigation seeking to set aside all labor contracts. http://www.teamster.org/content/probation-officers-alarmed-policy-reversal-oversight-offenders http://www.teamster.org/content/probation-officers-alarmed-policy-reversal-oversight-offenders Probation officers are alarmed by a cost-saving policy reversal by the state Department of Corrections scaling back oversight of offenders. http://www.teamster.org/content/labor-law-and-security-experts-testify-about-workers-rights-violations-loomis http://www.teamster.org/content/labor-law-and-security-experts-testify-about-workers-rights-violations-loomis Legal and security experts testified about workers' rights violations by Loomis, an armored car guard company, before a public hearing at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The hearing was held by UNI's Swedish Commission of Inquiry into the Labor Practices of Loomis. http://www.teamster.org/content/investors-write-chevron-country-selection http://www.teamster.org/content/investors-write-chevron-country-selection Following an unproductive meeting with Chevron on its operations in Burma, shareowners make public a letter in which they request transparency in the company's country selection criteria. http://www.teamster.org/content/business-agent-skills-survival-basis-tla-scheduled-april-16-20 http://www.teamster.org/content/business-agent-skills-survival-basis-tla-scheduled-april-16-20 The IBT Training and Development Department will conduct a Teamsters Leadership Academy for new local union business representatives/agents, April 16-20, 2012 at the Teamsters Headquarters in Washington, D.C. http://www.teamster.org/content/membership-mobilization-power-program-scheduled-march-27-28 http://www.teamster.org/content/membership-mobilization-power-program-scheduled-march-27-28 On March 27-28, Teamsters Local 385 will host this program that will go beyond the basic internal organizing model and focus on developing an action plan that will engage members in activities, including organizing, preparing for contract negotiations, fighting back anti-worker legislation, and building support for grievances. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-history-program-slated-april-3-5 http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-history-program-slated-april-3-5 The IBT Training and Development Department will conduct a Teamsters History Program, April 3-5, 2012 at the Teamsters Headquarters in Washington, D.C. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-demand-moma-cut-ties-sothebys-auction-house http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-demand-moma-cut-ties-sothebys-auction-house Sotheby's art handlers, other Teamsters and their supporters today demanded the Museum of Modern Art cut its ties with Sotheby's because of its unjust treatment of its employees. The workers who rallied today outside of MoMA are not on strike; Sotheby's kicked them out of their jobs with no paychecks. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-drive-standards-bus-campaign-reaches-milestone-300th-win http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-drive-standards-bus-campaign-reaches-milestone-300th-win The Teamsters' Drive Up Standards campaign to organize private school bus and transit workers nationwide has reached a major milestone, with 300 organizing wins for more than 32,500 workers since the campaign began in 2006. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-laborers-and-sheet-metal-workers-show-solidarity-british-workers http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-laborers-and-sheet-metal-workers-show-solidarity-british-workers Teamsters in New York joined forces this week with members of the Sheet Metal Workers and the Laborers unions to leaflet the offices of Parsons Brinckerhoff, a subsidiary of the British construction contractor Balfour Beatty. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-florida-doesnt-want-prison-privatization http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-florida-doesnt-want-prison-privatization The following is a statement from Ken Wood, Acting President of Teamster Local 2011, which represents 20,000 Florida Department of Corrections officers. http://www.teamster.org/content/business-agent-skills-survival-basis-tla-scheduled-april-16-20 http://www.teamster.org/content/business-agent-skills-survival-basis-tla-scheduled-april-16-20 The IBT Training and Development Department will conduct a Teamsters Leadership Academy for new local union business representatives/agents, April 16-20, 2012 at the Teamsters Headquarters in Washington, D.C. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-history-program-slated-april-3-5 http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-history-program-slated-april-3-5 The IBT Training and Development Department will conduct a Teamsters History Program, April 3-5, 2012 at the Teamsters Headquarters in Washington, D.C. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-celebrate-remember-james-r-hoffa http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-celebrate-remember-james-r-hoffa Each year in February, Teamsters take a moment to reflect upon and remember a leader who changed the course of history for working men and women in America. James R. Hoffa, born February 14, 1913, served as General President of the Teamsters Union from 1957 to 1971. In that time, he inspired thousands to stand up and let their voices be heard. http://www.teamster.org/content/ualcalcmi-mechanics-weekly-update-february-102012 http://www.teamster.org/content/ualcalcmi-mechanics-weekly-update-february-102012 Members are advised to use an abundance of caution regarding compliance with maintenance manuals and other controlled documents. There have been several issues across the system of non-compliance and it appears the FAA is increasing its presence in several cities. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-oppose-court-approval-hostess-ceos-contract http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-oppose-court-approval-hostess-ceos-contract The following is a statement from Ken Hall, Teamsters Union International Vice President, in response to Hostess Brands Inc.'s recent bankruptcy court application to fund the salary of the company's CEO in direct contrast to the major cuts the company wants imposed upon its unionized workforce. http://www.teamster.org/content/save-date-2012-teamsters-women%E2%80%99s-conference http://www.teamster.org/content/save-date-2012-teamsters-women%E2%80%99s-conference The 2012 Teamsters Women's Conference will be held in San Francisco, Calif., August 23-25. http://www.teamster.org/content/activist-gathers-23000-signatures-5-days-opposing-prison-privatization http://www.teamster.org/content/activist-gathers-23000-signatures-5-days-opposing-prison-privatization A Florida Department of Corrections activist took it upon herself to circulate an anti-prison privatization petition and gathered more than 23,000 signatures in just five days. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-prepare-strike-northern-ohio-red-cross http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-prepare-strike-northern-ohio-red-cross More than 200 Teamsters who work as blood collection workers and mobile unit assistants for the American Red Cross in Northern Ohio announced today that they intend to strike on Feb. 14 over concerns about donor safety. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-press-unionization-toll-drivers http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-press-unionization-toll-drivers The Teamsters Union, as part of its national strategy to organize harbor truck drivers, has taken on Toll Global Forwarding, charging that the company is using national labor law to delay a vote among drivers to join the union. http://www.teamster.org/content/bus-drivers-alameda-county-special-needs-kids-speak-out-about-safety-low-wages http://www.teamster.org/content/bus-drivers-alameda-county-special-needs-kids-speak-out-about-safety-low-wages Bus drivers who transport special needs students in Alameda County spoke out Thursday about safety concerns, low wages and lack of benefits. http://www.teamster.org/content/school-bus-drivers-speak-out-about-safety-human-rights-concerns http://www.teamster.org/content/school-bus-drivers-speak-out-about-safety-human-rights-concerns School bus drivers with Durham School Services in Hayward and Livermore, Calif., joined today with Teamster, political, religious and other community leaders at a "Driver Speak Out" to demand better working conditions. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-warn-hostess-not-misuse-bankruptcy-process http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-warn-hostess-not-misuse-bankruptcy-process The Teamsters Union on Thursday warned Hostess Brands Inc. not to misuse the bankruptcy process in an attempt to bully its way to unnecessary operations changes, saying a consensual resolution with sacrifices by all stakeholders is what is required. http://www.teamster.org/content/correctional-officers-say-profit-prisons-wont-save-money http://www.teamster.org/content/correctional-officers-say-profit-prisons-wont-save-money Turning prison facilities over to for-profit companies won't save Florida taxpayers any money and will probably cost them more, said Teamster correctional officers, their families, their neighbors and union officials who came to the Statehouse Monday. http://www.teamster.org/content/labor-radio-program-interviews-jim-hoffa http://www.teamster.org/content/labor-radio-program-interviews-jim-hoffa Teamster Rick Smith of the Rick Smith radio show interviews General President Hoffa about working families, stopping the war on workers and more. http://www.teamster.org/content/blet-engineers-ratify-amtrak-contract http://www.teamster.org/content/blet-engineers-ratify-amtrak-contract Today, Amtrak engineers represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, a division of the Teamsters Rail Conference, ratified by a 4 to 1 margin a new, five-year agreement. The contract calls for wage, benefit and work rule improvements. http://www.teamster.org/content/hunts-point-market-teamsters-overwhelmingly-ratify-new-three-year-agreement http://www.teamster.org/content/hunts-point-market-teamsters-overwhelmingly-ratify-new-three-year-agreement Today, workers at the Hunts Point Produce Market represented by Teamsters Local 202 in the Bronx, overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new three-year agreement that provides financial security and affordable health care for the nearly 1,300 members and their families. http://www.teamster.org/content/correctional-officers-applaud-jefferson-county-resolution-against-prison-closure http://www.teamster.org/content/correctional-officers-applaud-jefferson-county-resolution-against-prison-closure Local correctional officers hailed the Jefferson County Board for passing a resolution tonight asking that the Jefferson Correctional Institution remain open. Closure of the facility - the largest local employer - would ruin the Jefferson County economy and uproot longtime residents. http://www.teamster.org/content/senate-has-new-prison-privatization-proposal http://www.teamster.org/content/senate-has-new-prison-privatization-proposal After being rebuffed by a judge for its effort to privatize several prisons because of the way lawmakers went about it, the Legislature will try again to shed several prisons, this time doing it in statute. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-plca-agree-three-month-extension-national-pipe-line-agreement http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-plca-agree-three-month-extension-national-pipe-line-agreement Teamster pipeline construction workers across the country returned to work today following an agreement between the union and the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) to extend the previous labor agreement for three months. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-set-record-straight-hostess http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-set-record-straight-hostess The Teamsters Union today criticized assertions by Hostess Brands Inc. management that the company's current bankruptcy is the direct result of the costs associated with labor agreements. The Teamsters represent more than 7,500 delivery drivers and merchandisers at Hostess. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-leader-calls-field-hearings-proposed-prison-closures http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-leader-calls-field-hearings-proposed-prison-closures Ken Wood, Acting President of Teamsters Local 2011, today urged the Legislature to hold field hearings on a proposal to close prisons and work camps in 11 communities. http://www.teamster.org/content/blet-members-ratify-freight-rail-contract http://www.teamster.org/content/blet-members-ratify-freight-rail-contract BLET members working on freight rail lines such as Burlington Northern, CSX, Union Pacific and others have ratified a new contract. The five-year agreement covers health & welfare and other fringe benefits for over 30,000 BLET members nationwide, and rates of pay and work rules issues for a smaller number. http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-pledges-full-support-fight-indiana%E2%80%99s-working-families http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-pledges-full-support-fight-indiana%E2%80%99s-working-families Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa pledged full support in the fight against right-to-work (for less) legislation in Indiana, where working families are battling corporate-backed interests to weaken unions. http://www.teamster.org/content/new-officer-training-and-education-note-ibt-headquarters-washington-dc-february-27-29-2012 http://www.teamster.org/content/new-officer-training-and-education-note-ibt-headquarters-washington-dc-february-27-29-2012 The IBT Training and Development Department is conducting a TLA for newly-elected Local Union Principal Officers, Secretary-Treasurers and Trustees. The program will be held in the IBT classroom and will draw on the expertise of IBT attorneys and building staff. The sessions will focus on the legal and constitutional requirements of Teamster officers. http://www.teamster.org/content/shameful-attack-working-families-indiana http://www.teamster.org/content/shameful-attack-working-families-indiana The central battleground in the war against workers today is the Indiana Statehouse. Anti-worker lawmakers are frantic to pass a bill that would weaken unions and shrink Indiana's middle class. The legislative fight over the measure could make the Super Bowl look like a stroll in the park. http://www.teamster.org/content/harder-americans-rise-lower-rungs http://www.teamster.org/content/harder-americans-rise-lower-rungs Benjamin Franklin did it. Henry Ford did it. And American life is built on the faith that others can do it, too: rise from humble origins to economic heights. "Movin' on up," George Jefferson-style, is not only a sitcom song but a civil religion. http://www.teamster.org/content/gathering-storm-over-%E2%80%98right-work%E2%80%99-indiana http://www.teamster.org/content/gathering-storm-over-%E2%80%98right-work%E2%80%99-indiana Nearly a year after legislatures in Wisconsin and several other Republican-dominated states curbed the power of public sector unions, lawmakers are now turning their sights toward private sector unions, setting up what is sure to be another political storm. http://www.teamster.org/content/blet-reaches-tentative-agreement-amtrak http://www.teamster.org/content/blet-reaches-tentative-agreement-amtrak The tentative five-year deal with Amtrak would provide members with general wage increases over the life of the contract and will cover more than 1,400 locomotive engineers who operate Amtrak's passenger and commuter trains. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamster-mechanics-united-airlines-approve-agreement http://www.teamster.org/content/teamster-mechanics-united-airlines-approve-agreement Teamster aircraft mechanics and related workers at United Airlines Inc. [NYSE: UAL] overwhelmingly ratified a contract that provides for significant wage increases, maintenance of health care benefits and enhanced job security protections, the Teamsters Union announced today. http://www.teamster.org/content/how-unions-help-economy http://www.teamster.org/content/how-unions-help-economy Reuters columnist David Cay Johnston breaks down how federal business regulations on labor unions can result in a lack of jobs and damage the economy. FedEx is the perfect example. http://www.teamster.org/content/republic-waste-drivers-vote-teamsters http://www.teamster.org/content/republic-waste-drivers-vote-teamsters Republic Waste drivers in McDonough, Ga., voted 24-14 to join Teamsters Local 728 on Friday after a hard-fought campaign. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-publish-online-petition-end-sothebys-lockout http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-publish-online-petition-end-sothebys-lockout The Teamsters Union, which represents art handlers at Sotheby's Auction House [NYSE: BID], has created an online petition that asks Sotheby's to end its five-month-long lockout. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-review-new-hours-service-rule http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-review-new-hours-service-rule The following is the official statement from Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa about the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's final hours of service rule for commercial motor vehicle drivers... http://www.teamster.org/content/protest-world-bank http://www.teamster.org/content/protest-world-bank Pacific Rim is suing El Salvador for up to hundreds of millions of dollars under the U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) for not approving a mining license. http://www.teamster.org/content/union-election-rule-will-begin-april-30-labor-board-says http://www.teamster.org/content/union-election-rule-will-begin-april-30-labor-board-says The National Labor Relations Board issued a rule that will lead to speedier U.S. union elections, a measure fought by business groups and Republicans. http://www.teamster.org/content/happy-holidays-teamsters-union http://www.teamster.org/content/happy-holidays-teamsters-union General Secretary-Treasurer Tom Keegel and I would like to wish a happy holiday season to our Teamster brothers and sisters throughout North America. http://www.teamster.org/content/clean-ports-act-2011-introduced-congress http://www.teamster.org/content/clean-ports-act-2011-introduced-congress U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) introduced legislation that would allow local ports, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, to regulate and enforce fuel-efficient truck programs that go beyond current federal mandates. http://www.teamster.org/content/ceo-pay-jumps-365-percent http://www.teamster.org/content/ceo-pay-jumps-365-percent After two years of lower pay packages, chief executives at the nation's major companies enjoyed a 36.5% jump in pay last year, according to a leading survey of CEO compensation. http://www.teamster.org/content/blet-helps-santa-claus-spread-good-cheer http://www.teamster.org/content/blet-helps-santa-claus-spread-good-cheer The 69th annual CSX Santa Train ran safely and on time again this year, thanks in large part to Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) Division 781 in Erwin, Tenn. The BLET is part of the Teamsters Rail Conference. http://www.teamster.org/content/cn-and-teamsters-canada-rail-conference-reach-tentative-agreement-renew-labour-contract http://www.teamster.org/content/cn-and-teamsters-canada-rail-conference-reach-tentative-agreement-renew-labour-contract CN and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) announced today that they have reached a tentative agreement to renew the labour contract for approximately 1,800 CN locomotive engineers in Canada. http://www.teamster.org/content/university-california-employees-ratify-first-teamster-contract http://www.teamster.org/content/university-california-employees-ratify-first-teamster-contract A majority of the 14,000 clerical and administrative employees of the University of California have voted in a new contract guaranteeing wage increases for the next five years. The employees, members of Teamsters Local Union 2010, work at all 11 campuses of the state's university system. http://www.teamster.org/content/new-report-national-express-group%E2%80%99s-workplace-rights-policy-falls-far-short-international http://www.teamster.org/content/new-report-national-express-group%E2%80%99s-workplace-rights-policy-falls-far-short-international In recent years, employees of Durham School Services, the nation's second-largest private student transportation provider, have sought to form unions in order to gain decent pay and a voice on the job. But like so many workers, Durham employees have faced active resistance from their employer-despite the company's claim to be a model corporate citizen that respects basic workplace rights. http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/handheld_mobile_phones_factsheet.pdf http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/handheld_mobile_phones_factsheet.pdf On November 23rd, 2011 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a final rule amending the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs). http://www.teamster.org/content/yrc-worldwide-executes-1-300-reverse-stock-split http://www.teamster.org/content/yrc-worldwide-executes-1-300-reverse-stock-split As you may have read in the news today, YRC successfully executed a reverse stock split to raise its stock price above $1 to comply with NASDAQ listing rules. http://www.teamster.org/content/cbs-early-show-how-some-employers-skirt-paying-benefits-0 http://www.teamster.org/content/cbs-early-show-how-some-employers-skirt-paying-benefits-0 The news segment discusses questions such as 'when is an employee not an employee'. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis talks about how classifying employees as independent contractors hurts communities as well as the employees. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-demand-cuomo-fire-diana-taylor-unless-she-apologizes-supports-workers http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-demand-cuomo-fire-diana-taylor-unless-she-apologizes-supports-workers Teamsters Joint Council 16 President George Miranda today called on Diana Taylor to resign as chair of the Hudson River Park Trust unless she immediately apologizes for attacking art handlers locked out of their jobs by Sotheby's. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/28/business/media/hollywood-labor-fight-looms-as-money-for-benefits-wanes.html?_r=2 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/28/business/media/hollywood-labor-fight-looms-as-money-for-benefits-wanes.html?_r=2 Bitter disputes over health and pension payments to union members have created plenty of drama in states and cities this year. But do not look for a movie about it - Hollywood will be too busy dealing with a labor crisis of its own. http://lincolnjournalinc.com/lincoln-native-to-become-teamster-secondin-command-p7549-1.htm http://lincolnjournalinc.com/lincoln-native-to-become-teamster-secondin-command-p7549-1.htm Jim Hoffa, Jr. who will keep his position as president, and Hall, who will become general secretary-treasurer, announced the victory of their slate last week. Hall currently is one of several international vice presidents. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-nationwide-tell-7-eleven-%E2%80%98its-too-high-price-pay-fuel%E2%80%99 http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-nationwide-tell-7-eleven-%E2%80%98its-too-high-price-pay-fuel%E2%80%99 Tankhaul drivers of Teamster local unions nationwide joined members of Local Union 986 as they hand billed Thanksgiving weekend customers outside of St. Louis, Chicago, Tacoma, Wash., and California 7-Elevens this morning to protest KAG West's destruction of union jobs. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-sue-close-border-unsafe-polluting-mexican-trucks http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-sue-close-border-unsafe-polluting-mexican-trucks The Teamsters on Wednesday sued to block the U.S. Department of Transportation from opening the U.S. border to dangerous Mexican trucks through an illegal pilot program. http://www.teamster.org/content/durham-school-services-workers-vote-teamsters-yes http://www.teamster.org/content/durham-school-services-workers-vote-teamsters-yes Durham School Services drivers voted by a margin of two-to-one to become Teamsters Friday evening. The 116 workers are uniting for respect and a voice on the job. http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-elected-fourth-term-overwhelming-margin http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-elected-fourth-term-overwhelming-margin International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa, his running mate for General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall and their entire slate, were elected today by a wide margin in the 2011 Election of International Union Officers. According to unofficial results provided by the Office of the Election Supervisor, the Hoffa-Hall Slate defeated their two challengers with 60 percent of the vote. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-canada-tentative-agreement-reached-purolator http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-canada-tentative-agreement-reached-purolator The Teamsters Union has reached a tentative agreement on behalf of close to 10,000 workers that they represent across Canada at Purolator Courier. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/business/occupy-movement-inspires-unions-to-embrace-bold-tactics.html?_r=2 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/business/occupy-movement-inspires-unions-to-embrace-bold-tactics.html?_r=2 Organized labor's early flirtation with Occupy Wall Street is starting to get serious. http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-ohio-results-show-voters-wont-stand-attacks-workers http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-ohio-results-show-voters-wont-stand-attacks-workers The following is an official statement today from Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa on the results of Tuesday's election in Ohio. http://www.teamster.org/content/new-union-plus-national-labor-college-scholarships http://www.teamster.org/content/new-union-plus-national-labor-college-scholarships This October, a new scholarship, the Union Plus Building Trades President's Award, will be offered. It will offer a total of more than $13,500 in scholarships to Building Trades union members who register for the National Labor College's online degree programs. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-strike-us-foods-spreads-colorado-washington http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-strike-us-foods-spreads-colorado-washington US Foods workers in Fife, Wash., and Englewood, Colo., walked off the job today in solidarity with Teamsters across the country on strike against the Rosemont, Ill., food service giant. http://www.teamster.org/content/wives-locked-out-teamsters-address-new-york-womens-foundation-dinner http://www.teamster.org/content/wives-locked-out-teamsters-address-new-york-womens-foundation-dinner The wives of five Teamster art handlers called on Sotheby's board member Diana Taylor to end a lockout at Sotheby's Auction House Tuesday night. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-protest-madison-dearborns-war-workers http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-protest-madison-dearborns-war-workers More than 100 members of the Teamsters Union, UNITE HERE, Occupy Chicago and religious and community supporters rallied in downtown Chicago today to protest private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners' bad values and its disregard for American workers. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-stand-solidarity-qantas-workers http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-stand-solidarity-qantas-workers Teamsters Local 911 Secretary Treasurer Ray Witmer, Local 911 and Local 2010 members show their support for the workers and customers who have been stranded by the Qantas lockout. http://www.akteamsters.com/html/2012infosheet2.pdf http://www.akteamsters.com/html/2012infosheet2.pdf The Alaska Teamsters 29th Annual Retirees Reunion is being held February 27th through March 1st in 2012. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2011/Oct11/101711/101911-01.shtml http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2011/Oct11/101711/101911-01.shtml Spend any amount of time at a truck inspection facility on the U.S.-Mexico border and the reality of the alarming differences between trucking in Mexico and in the U.S. becomes crystal clear. http://www.teamster.org/content/kusi-san-diego-hoffa http://www.teamster.org/content/kusi-san-diego-hoffa Holding "NAFTA Kills" signs, hundreds of Teamster members joined General President Jim Hoffa and two California congressmen to protest the opening of the US border to Mexican trucks. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501369_162-20123544.html http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501369_162-20123544.html Fifty percent of U.S. workers earned less than $26,364 last year, reflecting a growing income gap between the nation's rich and poor, the government reported Thursday. http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/102111atlasairarticle.pdf http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/102111atlasairarticle.pdf Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Inc. on Oct. 19 announced that it has completed an agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on a single contract and integrated seniority list for about 800 pilots at Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide. http://www.teamster.org/content/british-parliament-censures-sothebys-auction-house http://www.teamster.org/content/british-parliament-censures-sothebys-auction-house Jason Ide, President of Teamsters Local 814, and Dorian Malloy Jr., a Local 814 member and locked-out Sotheby's art handler, addressed a British Parliamentary hearing on Wednesday. http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-protest-mountaintop-opening-night http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-protest-mountaintop-opening-night Professional art handlers and their supporters protested outside opening night of the new Broadway play "The Mountaintop" at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre last night. http://www.teamster.org/content/nbc-%E2%80%93-jacksonville-fl-teamsters-union-files-federal-complaint-0 http://www.teamster.org/content/nbc-%E2%80%93-jacksonville-fl-teamsters-union-files-federal-complaint-0 A federal complaint filed by the Teamsters Union claims wage theft in Florida's prisons.