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Ask the Teamster Troublemaker

teamstertrouble-400.jpgEmployers are quick to label any Teamster who sticks up for the contract or questions management’s authority as a “troublemaker.”

 

Ask the Teamster Troublemaker is an advice column dedicated to spreading the information that “troublemakers” need to enforce members’ rights and build a stronger Teamsters Union.

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Related Articles

How Do I Get My Local to Hold a Stewards Election?

I am an active member in a local with do-nothing officials. There is no steward in my area for over 200 workers! I’ve decided to run for steward, but when I contacted the union about setting up an election, they won’t set one up. I am willing to serve as steward and many workers in my area already come to me with their problems. How can we get an election?

– Shut Out in Chicago

How Do I Get More Support for My Grievances?

If I’m a steward, do I have the right to demand that another steward sign my grievance? Does that come under “duty of fair representation?”

Many times, I’ve asked other stewards to sign off on big grievances with me, because I think the union would be more effective if we worked together to attack difficult managers and problems at the workplace. It’s also good to have a witness at the meeting. I’m usually faced with a “do-it-yourself” attitude. Yes, I’m a steward, but I’m already in danger of retaliation from a manager that seems eager to fire me. I’m constantly wondering what will happen if I stick my neck out any further with grievances.

- Lots of grief but no support

Can I Solicit Grievances?

I’m a new steward at UPS. I’ve been encouraging members to file grievances against excessive overtime and supervisors working. My supervisor told me that I need to watch my step because I am not allowed to “solicit grievances.” Am I doing something wrong?

- Troublemaker in Training

Will the Red Zone Ruin My Retirement?

This October, I am eligible for a 30 and out pension at age 54. But with the new pension law on the books I don’t know what to do. I’ve heard that if my fund goes into the Red Zone next year, they can cut my benefits after I’m already retired. I can’t afford to retire on less than my full benefit. Do I have to keep working to hedge my bets or what?

- 29 and Almost Out

Can a Steward Be Fired for Yelling at the Boss?

Last week, I went to my boss’s office to ask him about an information request for a grievance I’m working on. He didn’t have the information, and I got angry and raised my voice with him. His door was open and some co-workers saw it. Right in front of them he told me that he would have me fired if I ever yell at him again. Can he get away with that?

-Stewing in Ohio

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I am TDU

"I attended a UPS contract workshop that TDU held for members of my local. We got critical information about the contract campaign and how we could get involved. I joined TDU because TDU gives rank-and-file Teamsters information and organization to build a stronger union."

Kyle Schram, UPS
Local 886, Oklahoma

Recent News

Yellow Updates Proposed Change of Operations, IBT Maintains Objections

February 13, 2023

Yellow has filed updated change of operations documents to consolidate Holland and New Penn into Yellow across the Midwest, East and South. Read the company's new proposed change of operations and the proposed utility employee change of operations. The Teamster National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee (TNFINC) does not accept the change of operations as drafted and the Freight Division made this opposition clear in a message to local unions.

Northeast Transportation Workers Ratify Contract After 8-Month Strike

February 07, 2023

Teamsters in Local 251 just ratified a new contract with the contractor for DHL Express in Rhode Island after waging a months-long strike.

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