(WASHINGTON) – 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.
“The members have spoken,” Hoffa said. “This is not just our slate’s victory but a victory for all working Americans who are fighting to save America’s middle class. We traveled across this country to mobilize our members to fight the right-wing attack on workers. Teamster members responded because they know it is not workers who are to blame for the crisis facing America – it is the greed and corruption of big business and Wall Street and their bought and paid for puppets in Congress.
“Now that this election is completed we will intensify our efforts in the fight for all working families,” Hoffa added. “The Teamsters strength is in organizing the unorganized, fighting for strong health care, good wages, secure retirement, and holding employers and politicians accountable.”
Hall told supporters that he was humbled by the overwhelming support of the members and pledged to ramp up the campaign against corporate greed.
“We will never let up in the ongoing battle to provide good wages, benefits and working conditions for our 1.4 million members across North America, and organize tens of thousands of unrepresented workers. The right-wing corporate interests that are trying to destroy America’s middle class will find an energized and mobilized Teamsters Union that will fight to defend the principles that made this country great.”
The Hoffa-Hall Slate swept all five regions of the Union, the East, Central, South, West and Canada.
Hoffa first took office following his victory in December 1998 and was re-elected in 2001 and 2006 by substantial margins. By winning today, Hoffa is elected to another five-year term that will begin in mid-March 2012.
Having held office for nearly 13 years, Hoffa is the third longest serving General President in the 108 year history of the Teamsters Union. Only Dan Tobin, who served for 47 years, and James R. Hoffa, who served for 14 years, have held office longer.
The country’s most recognized labor leader, Hoffa has been in the forefront in the fight to block anti-union legislation that popped up in states across the country following the 2010 off-year elections. He dubbed the right-wing offensive the “War on Workers” and has spent the last year leading rallies in Ohio, California, Wisconsin, Michigan and dozens of other states threatened by the anti-union forces.
Hoffa’s efforts culminated in the overwhelming victory for union members in Ohio this past Tuesday when Ohio voters defeated Issue 2, an anti-union measure that would have severely weakened collective bargaining rights for more than 350,000 public employees.
“Ohio voters sent a wake-up call to American politicians: If you try to blame workers for problems caused by Wall Street you will pay a price. If you attack workers, you will lose. But if you stand up and fight for the middle class, you can win,” Hoffa said.
Hoffa, Hall and their slate pledged to continue the progress the Teamsters have made in national bargaining, organizing and political action.
“2012 will be a watershed year for Teamsters and for this nation,” Hoffa said. “Under our leadership, the Teamsters Union will continue to be a force for change and will lead our nation in efforts to improve the lives of working families.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, including more than 240,000 public service employees. Visit www.teamster.org for more information and follow us on Twitter @teamsterpower.
Meet Our New Officers and Directors
(Harrisburg, PA) Because of retirements and resignations, effective January
19, 2012 the following changes have been made on the PA Conference of Teamsters
Executive Board. Sister Betty Rose Fischer will move from her Trustees'
position and become the first women to serve as Recording-Secretary for the
PA Conference of Teamsters. Sister Fischer is also the Secretary-Treasurer of
Teamsters Joint Council No. 40, a board member of the International Teamsters
Women's Caucus, and the Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 538.
Brother Doug Robbins was
appointed to the position of Trustee. Brother Robbins is the Vice-President of
Teamsters Joint Council No. 40 and he is the Principal Officer of Teamsters
Local 261.
Brother James E. Smith, Jr.
has been appointed to the position of Trustee. Brother Smith is the Recording Secretary
of Teamsters Joint Council No. 53 and the Principal Officers of Teamsters Local
115.
Additionally, three new
Directors have been appointed to the Executive Board of the PA Conference of
Teamsters.
Brother Gino Bosetti. Brother Bosetti is the
Recording-Secretary for Teamsters Joint Council No. 40 and the Principal
Officers of Teamsters Local 30.
Brother Al Waltz. Brother Waltz is the Principal
Officer of Teamsters Local 636
Brother Gary Pedicone. Brother Pedicone is the
Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 250.
The PA Conference of
Teamsters welcomes aboard the new Directors whom bring with them a wealth of knowledge
and experience to the table.
The Executive Board of the PA
Conference clearly expresses that each is there to serve the interest of
the membership in opposing laws and outside forces that attempt to undermine
the integrity and well being of the Teamsters. Each has further pledged to work
tirelessly to give all Locals the best service available.
The PA Conference extends our
best wishes to the following former Board Members; Brother William E. Lickert,
Jr., Brother Kevin Cicak, Brother Vito Dragone and Bother Joe Rossi. These Brothers
are to be commended for their commitment to the PA Conference and their Local
Unions. While part of the Executive Board they worked tirelessly to insure that
the rights and welfare of our members were protected.
Won’t Get Fooled Again
Ohio Teamsters Hail SB5 Defeat As Victory For Ohio's Middle Class
November 8, 2011 Say Ohioans Won’t Get Fooled Again Galen Munroe gmunroe@teamster.org 202-624-6911 (CINCINNATI) –Ohio Teamsters’ leadership tonight said the defeat of Senate Bill 5 showed that Ohio voters support collective bargaining. SB5 would have stripped more than 350,000 public workers of nearly all their collective bargaining rights. “On behalf of all Ohio Teamsters and organized labor, the citizens of Ohio sent a message to Gov. Kasich and the Koch brothers, ‘Keep your hands off our rights to collectively bargain’,” said William Lichtenwald, President of Teamsters Local 20 in Cincinnati and the Ohio Conference of Teamsters. “I hope the politicians in Columbus wake up and start listening to the middle class and looking out for our interests as opposed to corporate interests,” said Randy Verst, president of Teamsters Joint Council 26 in Cincinnati. “Extreme politicians tried to shift the burden of the economic crisis to the middle class,” said Al Mixon, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 507 in Cleveland and a Teamsters International Vice President. “They tried to destroy our basic right to freedom of speech, the freedom to negotiate, the freedom to have a voice in the workplace. SB5 doesn’t just affect labor, it affects everybody. If they take away our basic rights, then they’ll take away everybody’s. Fortunately, Ohioans have come together to defeat this bad legislation. We won’t get fooled again.” “This isn’t just a big victory for the Teamster snowplow drivers, corrections officers and nurses who work for the State of Ohio. It’s a big victory for Ohio’s middle-class workers,” said Gary Tiboni, President of Teamsters Local 436 in Valley View; Mr. Tiboni is also, President of Joint Council 41. Teamsters represent 55,000 workers in Ohio, including about 7,000 police officers, snowplow drivers, nurses and corrections officers. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, including more than 70,000 members in the airline industry. Visit www.local2727.org and www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter at #Teamsterpower.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
GENERAL PRESIDENT HOFFA
Here's what he had to say about tonight's tremendous victory in Ohio: "Ohio voters just sent a wake-up call to American politicians: If you try to blame workers for problems caused by Wall Street, you will pay a price. If you attack workers, you will lose. And if you stand up and fight for the middle class, you will win. “John Kasich thought he could get away with blaming workers for a budget deficit caused by Wall Street greed. He was dead wrong. Now he’s one of the most unpopular governors in the country. Ohio voters understand that nurses and snowplow drivers and firefighters don’t go to work for the government to get rich. Ohioans showed on Tuesday that they won’t stand for attacks on middle-class workers. I’m sure they’re no different from voters in any other state.
“For the first time in history, collective bargaining for government workers was approved in a statewide ballot. This election shows the public supports workers’ right to for a union in order to bargain with their employer. It’s a huge victory for all middle-class working families in Ohio. “The Teamsters are grateful to the voters of Ohio for their support. And I’m proud of the Teamsters who worked so hard to collect signatures and to get out the vote. Most of the 55,000 Teamsters in Ohio work for private companies, but they showed tremendous solidarity with their fellow Teamsters who work for the government and with all public workers."
Actor and director Danny DeVito speaks at IBT Convention tells the Teamsters “Out source the CEO’s and bring the jobs back to the USA”! Listen to his speech
Tom Morello renowned acoustic guitarist supports the Teamsters. Listen to his speech and music.
The PA Conference of Teamsters’ troops converged
on Harrisburg, PA - April 11, 2011
flanking the Capitol from the north, south, east and west to protest PA House Bill 50 (Right-to-Workfor less) and other legislation detrimental to the working men and women of Pennsylvania
Photos courtesy of the Rick Smith Show; B. Banditell
(Harrisburg, PA) The PA Conference of Teamsters’ troops converged on Harrisburg, PA on 4/11/2011 and flanked the Capitol from the north, south, east and west to protest PA House Bill 50 (Right-to-Work for less) and other legislation detrimental to the working men and women of Pennsylvania.
Our message was loud and clear to the elected officials, “Stop the War on Workers“. With over 400 Teamsters present, PA Conference President Hamilton promised to bring 10,000 if they continue the assault on workers and their rights.
The PA Conference would like to thank all the affiliates for their unwavering support and especially Teamsters Local 776 located in Harrisburg who went beyond the call of duty. We would also, like to thank all the other national unions and friends of labor that supported us on 4/11.
We would like to offer a special thank you to Representative Pat Harkins and Representative Bill Keller for not only standing with the Teamsters on 4/11 but for standing with the working men and women 100% of the time.
This rally wasn’t about the Teamsters it was about our children and their children that they have good paying middle-class jobs and rights like their hard working parents.
Let's not erase 100 years of labors' hard fought battles to help the working class. Remember many of your parents and grandparents got you to where you are today thanks to labors help in securing good wages, benefits and safety in the work place. Tell your representative to oppose HB 50 and all anti-worker legislation and please tell them to support PA House Resolution 134.
At 95,000 strong, (not including retirees, family and friends) we will support our allies and battle our enemies. Remember you reap just what you sow and we will remember in May and November.
View various articles below on this rally. Photos displayed are taken from Local 776 Web Site which indicate the “Photos courtesy of our friends at the Rick Smith Show: B. Banditell. You can also view a video link of the rally from Clip Syndicate (CBS New 21-Harrisburg, PA) by copying and pasting:
HARRISBURG - A Teamsters rally today drew almost 400 laborers to the Capitol, where union leaders promised to bring thousands next time if lawmakers push through anti-worker legislation.
Last week Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Cranberry) introduced a package of bills that would end mandatory union membership for employees of the state's schools, government and businesses.
"There is a war on workers going on in Pennsylvania, sadly," said Pennsylvania AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer Frank Snyder, also of Cranberry. "We need more jobs. We don't need legislation like this."
Others at the rally said Metcalfe's legislation would take resources away from unions and would dilute their abilities to negotiate fair wages and benefits for members.
Bill Hamilton, president of the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters, organized the rally to get that message out.
He said conservative Republicans like Metcalfe aim to bust unions rather than to enact responsible legislation.
During a news conference last week, Metcalfe said it's unfair to force an employee to join a union and pay dues to an organization that might advocate views they disagree with.
Other right-to-work bills have been introduced in previous legislative sessions but not approved.
Twenty-two other states have adopted similar legislation.
Harkins: Support of union rights and education vital for Pa.’s future
HARRISBURG, April 11 –Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, today spoke at a Teamsters’ rally at the state Capitol in support of union rights and against so-called "Right to Work Legislation," which essentially would stop union workers from organizing in the Commonwealth. Harkins also called on Gov. Tom Corbett to not cut education funding for the children of working-class families and teachers.
"As a teamster for 25 years, I know firsthand how important unions are to the hardworking families of this great Commonwealth," Harkins said. "If it was not for the hard work and determination of our founding union brothers and sisters, workers today would not enjoy many of the rights they earn today – such as sick time, vacation time, and paid health care."
Harkins spoke about his measure, H.R. 134, which recognizes the rights of union workers to organize and calls for an end to the war on workers. He cautioned Corbett against cutting workers' rights, saying he was concerned Pennsylvania could enact anti-union legislation such as Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana have done.
"We do not want to see Pennsylvania join the sad, anti-worker likes of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, who has systematically dismantled the rights of normal citizens to challenge major corporations,” Harkins said. "The state cannot put the interests of Wall Street profits and out-of-state business owners over the hardworking families of Pennsylvania."
In response to Corbett’s proposal to sell off the state bus donated by former Gov. Ed Rendell, Harkins said the governor should instead use it to see firsthand the effects of anti-union legislation on Pennsylvania’s hardworking families and the towns they live in.
"Governor Corbett should ask some AFSCME PennDOT mechanics to fix up the bus and hire some Teamster drivers to drive him around the state to see the impact anti-union legislation has had on our working-class families," Harkins said. "Maybe then he will understand the profound effect on our once-bustling industries and factories these proposed budget cuts would have, causing great cities to become shells of their former selves."
Under the governor’s proposed budget, which cuts more than $1 billion in education funding, the Erie School District would receive a cut of nearly $11 million, or 18 percent. This would mean an additional $268.51 in taxes for already tapped out property owners in the city of Erie.
"The great union leader Jimmy Hoffa once said our teamsters’ children deserve the best education we can offer," Harkins said. "I challenge Governor Corbett to honor his words, and give the children of the working-class families of this Commonwealth the same educational opportunities as every other student."
Harkins said the governor’s budget hurts not only the state’s children, but also their devoted teachers.
"We must do everything we can to protect the rights of our kids to learn and our teachers to educate," Harkins said. "By cutting education spending, we are sacrificing that right for a whole generation of students."
Image:
PA REPRESENTATIVE PATRICK J. HARKINS
ALONG WITH MANY OF HIS COLLEAGUES
STANDS WITH THE WORKING MEN & WOMEN
OF PENNSYLVANIA
Hon. Representative Patrick J. Harkins
(Harrisburg, PA) On behalf of the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters and our 95,000 members we would like to applaud Representative Patrick Harkins along with his fellow colleagues for standing up for the working men and women of Pennsylvania. Representative Harkins along with a number of other representatives introduced PA House Resolution 134 (Session of 2011) supporting the right of workers to form a union and collectively bargain with employers.
Historically labor unions are responsible for the civilized working conditions we take for granted, including the 40 hour work week, laws pertaining to child labor, health and safety standards, overtime pay and many other benefits.
Representative Harkins has always been a strong advocate for workers rights and has always stood with the working men and women in this great Commonwealth. As a former driver with United Parcel Service for 23 years, Representative Harkins knows first hand the needs of working people.
Rep. Harkins along with Representatives Conklin, Briggs, W. Keller, Sabatina, Bishop, Bradford, Brennan, Caltagirone, Cohen, D. Costa, Deluca, Josephs, Hornaman, Goodman, Fabrizio, Kotik, Mahoney, Mann, Mundy, Murphy, M. O’Brien, Wagner, Staback, Roebuck, Readshaw, DeWeese and Gibbons have taken a stand against the war on workers rights by introducing PA H.R. 134. Now, lets do our part by contacting the remaining state representatives and telling them to likewise, standup for workers’ rights and sign onto PA H.R. 134. If your Representative’s name is listed above please take the time to thank them.
You can view or print PA HR 134 from the link below.
The Right-to-Work tidal wave is approaching in many of our Conference states. We must stand united to counter these wage destroying Bills. This is an issue that will hit you, the hard working union member, right in your pocketbook regardless of your party affiliation or your views on politics. Brothers and Sisters WE CANNOT let this type of legislation pass. We must let our elected officials' know we will not stand for the destruction of middle class wages and furthermore, we will vociferously campaign against any elected official favoring this type of wage killing legislation. Below is a post from our General President on this issue.
The vast, corporate-funded campaign to weaken unions and lower wages of middle-class workers has reached into statehouses all over the country. Last week in Maine, Rep. Tom Winsor requested that so-called "right-to-work" bills be drafted. So did Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello. In New Hampshire, Rep. Will Smith proposed a "right-to-work" law. Similar bills were also proposed in Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, West Virginia, and Missouri. I expect at least half a dozen more. Working families need to fight like hell against these dangerous attacks on their wages, their benefits and their job security. Research shows that most people don't know what these anti-union laws really do. That's intentional. You can be absolutely sure that a great deal of time and money was spent coming up with the misleading "right to work" name. It sounds like it prevents workers from being denied a job. That isn't what it does at all. A so-called "right to work" law prohibits security clauses in union contracts. Security clauses require all workers who receive the benefit of a union contract and union representation to share the administrative costs for those services. These "right to freeload" laws are on the books in low-wage states like Mississippi and South Carolina. That's not a coincidence. When union wages go down, workers' wages fall throughout the state. A coordinated network of think tanks, business groups and phony grass-roots organizations has for years been working toward passing these right-to-work (for LESS) laws. Leading the charge is National Right to Work. The only right it defends is billionaires' right to their wealth. The anti-worker group attracts funding from the Mellon heirs, the Wal-Mart heirs and the Coors heirs. Right-to-work bills are political payback for campaign contributions by corporations and billionaires. They are supported by false claims that they create jobs. What they have done in the states where they've been enacted is lower wages by an average of $5,333 a year. In right-to-work states: •Fewer people have health insurance and the taxpayers pay substantially more to support the state's Medicaid program. •The rate of workplace deaths is 51 percent higher. •The poverty rate rises; it's 19.1 percent in right-to-work states, compared with 16.6 percent in other states. Don't be fooled by the misleading propaganda created by billionaires and corporations for the politicians they've purchased. These proposals have nothing to do with the right to work. They're all about forcing people to work for less.
Casey Pension Bill Would Protect Benefits and Remove Burden on Companies Contributing to Multi-Employer Plans to
Without reform, pension benefits as well as the companies still contributing to plans and paying for the pension benefits of companies no longer contributing March 22, 2010
CARLISLE, PA—U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, today announced new legislation to strengthen the current funding status of multi-employer plans, protect the pensions for hundreds of thousands of current and future retirees and also protect companies contributing to these pension plans. Senator Casey unveiled his Create Jobs & Save Benefits Act of 2010 at an event in Carlisle at YRC Transportation.“Pension plans across the country have taken major losses because of the near economic collapse and the decline in the stock market,” said Senator Casey. “Multi-employer plans face unique challenges that are overburdening pension plans and the bottom lines of companies. My legislation would help correct these problems to protect the pensions of workers and unburden companies stuck paying a crippling expense that threatens its existence and the jobs of its employees.”Multi-employer plans face additional challenges as many firms in these plans have shut down during the recession without funding their pension obligations. Many multi-employer pension plans now run the risk of insolvency.As more companies leave the pension plan, the costs left to the remaining companies increase to cover the pension benefits of all employees covered by the plan. Companies still contributing to the plans also run the risk of bankruptcy because of the additional burden of being forced to pay for the pensions of the employees of other companies.
In 1995 this "95" Pontiac Grand Prix was Driven by NASCAR Driver Jimmy Hensley & sponsored by Teamsters Local No. 71 in Charlotte, NC
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Under new requirements for 2005, CDL HAZMAT drivers will be required to successfully complete a Federal criminal history background check, have their fingerprints taken and pay additional Federal fees.
