By Joe Allen This Monday, negotiations began between Teamsters and the package giant UPS for a new national contract. The formal exchange of proposals was in preparation for July, when the national master UPS contract will expire. Teamsters general president James P. Hoffa — son of the infamous Jimmy Hoffa Sr — refused to release Continue readingWill There Be a Fightback at UPS?
Teamsters
By Alexandra Bradbury It’s Friday morning, and you’re starting another 12-hour shift in the bitter cold. At least you know the end is in sight, because tomorrow is Saturday and you’re almost to the 60-hour weekly limit. That is, until your manager hits you with the news: UPS has decided to exploit a loophole in Continue readingUPS drivers beat forced overtime during holiday rush
By Kevin Taghabon After staying strong on the picket line, and building solidarity that helped shut down the Ontario Food Terminal, Ippolito workers have reached a deal. Workers with Teamsters Local 419 had been striking for paid sick days, fair wages, job security, and respect on the workplace. Workplace respect is of particular significance in this struggle. Continue readingOntario Food Terminal workers strike and win
By Pam Frache, On August 23, the more than 700 members of Teamsters Local 419 voted over 98% to reject the latest contract offer by the multinational Swissport. These brave union members, many of whom are workers of colour, newcomers, and – certainly among cabin cleaners – women, have been on strike since July 27. Continue readingTeamsters Local 419: Striking for at least $15 and Fairness
On July 27 over 700 workers employed by Swissport at Pearson Airport walked off the job. The workers, represented by Teamsters local 419, handle baggage and cargo, tow planes, clean cabins, and perform flight operations tasks for over 30 airlines. The company’s uncompromising attitude and disrespect for workers are directly responsible for this labour dispute. Continue readingWeekend Video: Swissport strike at Pearson
by Meagan Gillmore An ongoing strike at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport has revealed the harsh working conditions of the airport’s baggage handlers and grounds crew. Approximately 700 Swissport employees walked off the job on July 28, after rejecting the company’s latest offer. The vote to strike was overwhelming — 95 per cent. These workers include Continue readingBaggage handlers strike exposes airport “underbelly”
In 1997, UPS Teamsters won a stunning victory at Big Brown–the biggest victory for labor in the last twenty years. Find out how UPS Teamsters made UPS deliver 10,000 full-time jobs and record pension increases. These two videos explore the issues that drove the strike and how the Teamsters organized to win the strike.
By Ritch Whyman Last month tens of thousands of Teamster Union members across the United States watched in disbelief as the promise of sweeping reform and change in their union came crashing down as the votes from Canada and Quebec were tallied in favour of the Hoffa-Hall slate. Teamsters United, the reform slate led by Continue readingExplaining the Teamster vote for Hoffa-Hall in Canada
The following is a statement made by Teamsters for a Democratic Union (TDU) in the wake of the recent Teamster election. TDU backed Fred Zuckerman’s Teamsters United slate against the Hoffa-Hall slate. Teamsters United narrowly lost the vote. Employers play divide and conquer to keep workers from uniting and having more power. Some Hoffa-Hall officials Continue readingTeamsters United from the U.S. to Canada
By Alexandra Bradbury As of July 1, the challengers for Teamster leadership are officially nominated. Now their supporters are out seeking votes among the union’s 1.3 million members. Ballots will be mailed October 6 and counted November 14. The result will depend on how many hours volunteers spend leafleting at workplace gates—and how many phone Continue readingTeamsters United one step closer
By Dot Tompkins former union shop steward at Ikea Richmond The other day, a person I call a friend posted a link to a Google Maps street view that brought so many memories flooding back. The location was my former place of employment and the area where we spent 18 months walking back and forth Continue readingA cause worth fighting for: Remembering the IKEA lockout
R&F.ca has launched its Spring fundraising drive. Our goal is to raise $6,660 by May 1, 2015. Click here to find out how you can donate. Airport cleaners speak out about poor working conditions by Robert Devet For the cleaners working at the Halifax airport, members of Teamsters Canada Local 927 , better wages and Continue readingHalifax airport cleaners speak out