Showing posts with label Teamsters Union. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teamsters Union. Show all posts
Friday, March 15, 2013
Teamsters Oppose Legislation That Will Damage Florida Retirement System
Working Families' Retirement Must be Protected
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 15, 2013 - Public employees in Florida converged on the state Capitol today to protest proposed legislation that would harm the Florida Retirement System (FRS). More than 20,000 Teamsters who work as police officers, correctional officers, and public school employees would be affected by the drastic changes in the legislation, HB 7011.
"Pensions were created as a way for working families to establish an income to live on when they retire," said Ken Wood, President of Teamsters Joint Council 75 and International Vice President. "The amendments to the FRS being considered by the Legislature will put many families at risk. It will turn retirement into a high-stakes game of chance with dire consequences for many hardworking Floridians and stop the state's economic recovery."
Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico including more than 260,000 public service employees. For more information, go to www.teamster.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @Teamsters.
SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 75
Friday, January 29, 2010
Big Protest at Japanese Embassy against Toyota
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 - Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa and United Auto Workers (UAW) Vice President Bob King joined representatives from labor, environmental and consumer groups outside the Embassy of Japan in Washington today to call on the Japanese government to hold Toyota accountable for waging an attack on thousands of good-paying jobs in the United States.
In addition to endangering 5,000 middle class jobs in the carhaul industry, Toyota is also planning to close its New United Motors Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) assembly plant in Fremont, CA, which will mean a loss of up to 50,000 jobs at NUMMI and suppliers and other supporting businesses.
The delegation delivered a letter from UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles and Hoffa to Prime Minister of Japan Yukio Hatoyama following the speaking program. In the letter, the leaders of UAW and the Teamsters expressed concern that Toyota's plan to abandon workers and communities will negatively affect America's perception of Japan, and calls on the Japanese government to meet with them and with Toyota management.
King, who was representing UAW President Ron Gettelfinger and Settles, told the crowd that California led the nation in "Cash for Clunkers" sales in 2009, and that Toyota sold more cars under this program than any other auto maker.
"It's outrageous that the number one-selling car in Cash for Clunkers was the Corolla, the car that is manufactured in the NUMMI plant. After receiving more money in this bailout program than any other company, Toyota is turning its back on American workers and American taxpayers by closing the plant in the state where they sell the most cars in the U.S., shipping these jobs to Japan, and then importing the cars back to the United States for sale," said King.
"Toyota management is seeking to move work from auto transport companies that have delivered their new cars and trucks for decades," Hoffa said. "The loss of this work could lead to the destruction of the largest auto transport companies in the country and the loss of thousands of good, middle class jobs. Toyota promised to support American communities; they're instead threatening the very types of good jobs that our communities need in this time of economic crisis."
"Toyota's plant closure plan in California has betrayed American workers and exhibited a disdain for our federal programs like cash for clunkers that directly and handsomely benefited Toyota," said Dr. Brent Blackwelder, President Emeritus of Friends of the Earth US. "Toyota's decision to shift production to Japan will dramatically increase shipping miles to California for its new vehicles and is inconsistent with a worldwide effort to reduce carbon footprints."
Toyota is likewise losing the trust of the American public by abandoning its commitment to safety and being less than forthright about some of its problematic vehicles, said auto safety advocate Sean Kane, president and founder of Safety Research & Strategies.
"The now well-publicized sudden acceleration problem with some Toyota and Lexus vehicles has actually been festering for a number of years, but Toyota neglected the issue," said Kane. "Now it's trying to repair its image with a series of recalls that few believe will actually repair the many vehicles affected. It's pretty clear that there are a multitude of defects contributing to these unintended accelerating incidents that, unfortunately, have resulted in deaths and injuries."
"The Toyota Fremont, CA NUMMI plant is where the popular Toyota Corolla and Tacoma pickup truck are made, and it has among the best productivity and quality of any assembly plant in the U.S.," King said. "Abandoning this facility and endangering tens of thousands of jobs is a betrayal of Toyota's promise to support communities, and a betrayal of its workers, middle class American jobs and our economic recovery."
In addition to endangering 5,000 middle class jobs in the carhaul industry, Toyota is also planning to close its New United Motors Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) assembly plant in Fremont, CA, which will mean a loss of up to 50,000 jobs at NUMMI and suppliers and other supporting businesses.
The delegation delivered a letter from UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles and Hoffa to Prime Minister of Japan Yukio Hatoyama following the speaking program. In the letter, the leaders of UAW and the Teamsters expressed concern that Toyota's plan to abandon workers and communities will negatively affect America's perception of Japan, and calls on the Japanese government to meet with them and with Toyota management.
King, who was representing UAW President Ron Gettelfinger and Settles, told the crowd that California led the nation in "Cash for Clunkers" sales in 2009, and that Toyota sold more cars under this program than any other auto maker.
"It's outrageous that the number one-selling car in Cash for Clunkers was the Corolla, the car that is manufactured in the NUMMI plant. After receiving more money in this bailout program than any other company, Toyota is turning its back on American workers and American taxpayers by closing the plant in the state where they sell the most cars in the U.S., shipping these jobs to Japan, and then importing the cars back to the United States for sale," said King.
"Toyota management is seeking to move work from auto transport companies that have delivered their new cars and trucks for decades," Hoffa said. "The loss of this work could lead to the destruction of the largest auto transport companies in the country and the loss of thousands of good, middle class jobs. Toyota promised to support American communities; they're instead threatening the very types of good jobs that our communities need in this time of economic crisis."
"Toyota's plant closure plan in California has betrayed American workers and exhibited a disdain for our federal programs like cash for clunkers that directly and handsomely benefited Toyota," said Dr. Brent Blackwelder, President Emeritus of Friends of the Earth US. "Toyota's decision to shift production to Japan will dramatically increase shipping miles to California for its new vehicles and is inconsistent with a worldwide effort to reduce carbon footprints."
Toyota is likewise losing the trust of the American public by abandoning its commitment to safety and being less than forthright about some of its problematic vehicles, said auto safety advocate Sean Kane, president and founder of Safety Research & Strategies.
"The now well-publicized sudden acceleration problem with some Toyota and Lexus vehicles has actually been festering for a number of years, but Toyota neglected the issue," said Kane. "Now it's trying to repair its image with a series of recalls that few believe will actually repair the many vehicles affected. It's pretty clear that there are a multitude of defects contributing to these unintended accelerating incidents that, unfortunately, have resulted in deaths and injuries."
"The Toyota Fremont, CA NUMMI plant is where the popular Toyota Corolla and Tacoma pickup truck are made, and it has among the best productivity and quality of any assembly plant in the U.S.," King said. "Abandoning this facility and endangering tens of thousands of jobs is a betrayal of Toyota's promise to support communities, and a betrayal of its workers, middle class American jobs and our economic recovery."
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Teamsters Protest U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Extreme Agenda
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 - Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa today criticized the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for a failed policy agenda that has hurt working families.
Members of the Teamsters Union today demonstrated their opposition to the Chamber's extreme positions on climate change, health care reform, financial re-regulation, and workers' rights. They joined members of other unions and progressive groups at a rally outside the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's convention in Philadelphia.
"The Chamber's support of tax cuts, deregulation, bad trade deals and corporate welfare has resulted in economic disaster," Hoffa said. "It's time for the Chamber to join the 21st century and help move America forward again."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Members of the Teamsters Union today demonstrated their opposition to the Chamber's extreme positions on climate change, health care reform, financial re-regulation, and workers' rights. They joined members of other unions and progressive groups at a rally outside the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's convention in Philadelphia.
"The Chamber's support of tax cuts, deregulation, bad trade deals and corporate welfare has resulted in economic disaster," Hoffa said. "It's time for the Chamber to join the 21st century and help move America forward again."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Teamsters, Labor and Community Supporters Stage Rally for Baumann Bus Workers
Hundreds Call for Respect for School Bus Workers on Long Island
FARMINGDALE, N.Y., Oct. 17 - Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa pledged his support for the more than 1,700 Long Island school bus workers who are fighting for respect at Baumann Bus at a rally today.
The workers, who filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board on October 5, are organizing with the Teamsters to gain respect, fair and equal treatment on the job and affordable health care.
"Every single one of you deserves to be respected in the workplace, and I'm here to tell you that the Teamsters Union is going to be your partner in this fight," Hoffa said. "We are here to tell the company that it is time recognize the valuable work their workers do."
Hundreds of Baumann workers rallied for respect with Hoffa and prominent political and community leaders, including Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Rep. Steve Israel (D, 2nd); Leg. Bill Lindsay (Suffolk County, 8th Dist.); Leg. Kate Browning (Suffolk County, 3rd Dist.); Leg. David Mejias (Nassau County); and John Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor.
Several drivers, driver assistants and mechanics addressed the crowd at the rally, demanding respect from their employer, Ronald Baumann. Baumann who owns the four transportation companies -- Baumann & Sons, Acme Bus, Alert Coach and Brookset Bus -- where workers are organizing with Teamsters Local 1205.
"I know lots of parents at this company who can't afford medicine for their sick kids. We shouldn't have to choose between being healthy and being able to pay the bills," said Debbie Masching, a 30-year bus driver and mother of two who works at the Copiague yard. "We will never get the respect we deserve at Baumann unless we have a strong union backing us up. With the Teamsters I know we will win that respect!"
"We're here today because we need a change. We have an important job carrying people's children. We are the heart of this company and we don't get respect. I am confident that we will get that respect with the Teamsters," said Pamela Mason, a driver at Baumann's Bohemia yard.
"I look forward to representing the workers at Baumann Bus," said Teamsters Local 1205 President Tim Lynch. "Together we are going to win this election and negotiate a strong Teamster contract that addresses your concerns."
The Baumann organizing campaign is part of a larger movement of school bus workers who are joining the Teamsters in record numbers. Drive Up Standards is a national campaign by the Teamsters to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus and transit industry. The campaign is in the midst of a "fall offensive" featuring organizing efforts at nearly 50 bus yards. Since the campaign began in 2006, more than 20,000 workers have become Teamsters.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
CONTACT: Galen Munroe, +1-202-439-7427, gmunroe@teamster.org
FARMINGDALE, N.Y., Oct. 17 - Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa pledged his support for the more than 1,700 Long Island school bus workers who are fighting for respect at Baumann Bus at a rally today.
The workers, who filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board on October 5, are organizing with the Teamsters to gain respect, fair and equal treatment on the job and affordable health care.
"Every single one of you deserves to be respected in the workplace, and I'm here to tell you that the Teamsters Union is going to be your partner in this fight," Hoffa said. "We are here to tell the company that it is time recognize the valuable work their workers do."
Hundreds of Baumann workers rallied for respect with Hoffa and prominent political and community leaders, including Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Rep. Steve Israel (D, 2nd); Leg. Bill Lindsay (Suffolk County, 8th Dist.); Leg. Kate Browning (Suffolk County, 3rd Dist.); Leg. David Mejias (Nassau County); and John Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor.
Several drivers, driver assistants and mechanics addressed the crowd at the rally, demanding respect from their employer, Ronald Baumann. Baumann who owns the four transportation companies -- Baumann & Sons, Acme Bus, Alert Coach and Brookset Bus -- where workers are organizing with Teamsters Local 1205.
"I know lots of parents at this company who can't afford medicine for their sick kids. We shouldn't have to choose between being healthy and being able to pay the bills," said Debbie Masching, a 30-year bus driver and mother of two who works at the Copiague yard. "We will never get the respect we deserve at Baumann unless we have a strong union backing us up. With the Teamsters I know we will win that respect!"
"We're here today because we need a change. We have an important job carrying people's children. We are the heart of this company and we don't get respect. I am confident that we will get that respect with the Teamsters," said Pamela Mason, a driver at Baumann's Bohemia yard.
"I look forward to representing the workers at Baumann Bus," said Teamsters Local 1205 President Tim Lynch. "Together we are going to win this election and negotiate a strong Teamster contract that addresses your concerns."
The Baumann organizing campaign is part of a larger movement of school bus workers who are joining the Teamsters in record numbers. Drive Up Standards is a national campaign by the Teamsters to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus and transit industry. The campaign is in the midst of a "fall offensive" featuring organizing efforts at nearly 50 bus yards. Since the campaign began in 2006, more than 20,000 workers have become Teamsters.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
CONTACT: Galen Munroe, +1-202-439-7427, gmunroe@teamster.org
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