Membership Rights at Contract Time

Teamster members do have power and democratic rights when it comes to voting on their contracts.

It was not always this way. But Teamster members united through TDU to win key rights at contract time.

TDU won the Right to a Majority Vote on Teamster Contracts

Teamster members have the right to vote on their contracts by majority rule.

This might seem like a no-brainer. But before 1987, it took a two-thirds vote to reject a contract.

That meant that employers could force through a bad contract if it was approved by just 33 percent of the members.

In 1985, the International Union imposed the National Master Freight Agreement after 64 percent of the members voted no! The International Union also forced through a national UPS contract that 52 percent of the members rejected.

TDU launched a national campaign and we went to court. In 1987, we won the Right to Majority Rule on contracts.

TDU won the Right to a Fair and Informed Contract Vote

Teamster members have the right to see the entire wording of all changes to their contract and supplement before a vote—thanks to TDU.

In 1984, the International Union secretly renegotiated the national UPS contract—behind the backs of the members and local officers too!

TDU went to court and overturned the secret deal in the precedent-setting Bauman v. Presser case. The judge ordered the ballots impounded.

And Teamsters won the right for every Teamster to cast a fair and informed vote in all contracts.

TDU won the Right to Vote on all Supplements and Riders

Teamster members have the Right to Vote on their supplements and riders. Members have used this right to defeat contract givebacks.

UPS Teamsters voted to reject 18 supplements and riders this year. As a result, they’ve defeated some of the TeamCare healthcare cuts and are continuing to organize to protect their healthcare and win improvements in their supplements.

Teamsters did not used to have this right. That gave employers a tool to force through unpopular concessions in supplements.

TDU fought back. We wrote an amendment to the Teamster Constitution. We coordinated with local unions in Pennsylvania to submit an amendment to the Teamster Constitution. And we won the Right to Vote on supplements at the 1991 Teamster Convention.

March 15, 2013: Many members think that union meetings are just a place you go to hear long reports or to listen to beefs that you don't understand by members who work at other companies. And sadly, many union meetings are not much more than that.

Local unions can and should make meetings informative and a forum for ideas and questions. Expert speakers and workshops can be alternated with union business and contract issues.

But even when union meetings seem to be almost designed to keep members away, rank and filers can turn them in something positive. Here are some tips.

Keep it Positive

There's nothing wrong with getting angry when members are getting the short end of the stick. But if you are trying to build unity and support in your local, you need to have some positive proposals.

For example, members in some locals, fed up with the lack of organizing, have proposed that their locals dedicate a percentage of the budget to organizing the unorganized.

Publicize and Mobilize

Getting members to union meetings can be a challenge.

But members are more likely to attend a particular meeting if you help them see why their attendance at that meeting would make a difference. For example, a few years ago TDUers mobilized members to attend in a number of locals in the Midwest and South about unfair pension reemployment rules. As a result, a number of local officers started to take a stand. And, we won a rules change.

So you need a way to tell members why attending a specific meeting is important. Leaflets can help. So will volunteers to spread leaflets and talk it up.  Phone lists, texts, and e-mail lists are also effective ways to turn people out to meetings.

Pick and Choose Your Battles

We can all think of dozens of changes that are needed to improve our locals or our working conditions. But there is a danger in taking on every issue that comes along. First, you can't win them all. Second, you run the risk of being seen by your fellow members as all over the map.

So, when possible, pick a single issue that is widely understood and an issue that directly affects a lot of people and/or can attract wide support.

Members in Local 251 have proposed three bylaws changes, including one to require elected rank and filers on all contract negotiating committees. That's an example of a positive proposal which can unite members to build a stronger union.

Work as a Group

While one person working alone can often make a difference, the best way to be successful at union meetings is to work with a team or a small group.

Ideally you can assign each person a job at the meeting. One person can be lined up to make a motion. Another can hand out flyers explaining the motion. A third person can be ready to appeal a ruling by the meeting chair, if they try to shut you down.

The more people you get to do something, the more support you are likely to get. This is because you are showing people right off the bat that a number of people care about the issue or proposal.

Here are some jobs that your people can take on:

• Who will work on the flyer about the issue?
• Who will distribute the flyer?
• Who will speak on the issue or line members up to speak?
• Who will call or text members to get them to attend?
• Who will make the motion or proposal?
• Who will second or support it?

Won't They Just Shut us Down or Use the Rules Against Us?

Maybe. The chair of a meeting can do many things to use the rules against you.

For example, once when members of New York Local 854 organized a group to read proposed changes to the local bylaws, the local officers went to their supporters at the meeting and asked them to leave—so that there would no longer be a quorum. They hastily adjourned the meeting.

The chair may try to just rule you out of order when you want to speak or make a motion. There are a few ways to counter this:

Raise the issue under "new business." This is the point in the agenda where other issues can be raised.

If the chair says the issue can't be brought up at this time, ask, "When exactly can this issue be brought up on the agenda?"

Prepare supporters in advance to demand that you be given the chance to speak. Sometimes that pressure will work. If not, members can even formally appeal the decision of the chair by saying, "I appeal the decision of the chair." Such an appeal is not debatable, does not need a second and is passed or defeated by a simple majority vote. (This is part of Robert's Rules of Order and is contained in most local union bylaws).

The best way to overcome tricks by the chair is to have several members ready to speak up ("let her speak") and vote to overrule the chair.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't have the same people always speak. Ask others to help out.
• Have people prepared to speak. You may want to practice in advance. Talk it over.
• Don't make it personal. Stick to the issues.
• Don't speak too much. It's not how much you say, but how you say it and how you organize to back it up. Keep it short and to the point.

Use Meetings to Find Allies

Speaking up at union meetings is important. So is listening. Make a point of talking to other members who raise issues at a meeting. And be sure to get names and phone numbers. Many TDU members have found important allies by listening to other members and following up with them.

Follow Up by Informing Others

What do you say when a member asks, "What happened at the union meeting?" The most common response is, "If you wanted to know, you should have been there."

That won't help get other members involved in building a stronger union.

You're better off answering the question. Don't miss the opportunity to talk about issues that are important to you and draw other members into participating in the fight for a stronger union.

Interested in using union meetings to advance members' rights? Contact TDU to discuss your specific situation. Click here to send us a message.

March 15, 2013: More than 150 Teamsters gathered in New York City on March 9th for a day of educational workshops and stewards trainings.

The conference, organized by the N.Y. Chapter of Teamsters for a Democratic Union, brought together UPS workers, construction workers, school bus workers, dairy workers, and food warehouse Teamsters for workshops on grievance handling, legal rights, and just cause.

Commercial movers met in a special workshop on picketing rights and tactics to prepare for their contract fight, and UPS inside workers held a training on contract enforcement for part-timers.

More than 15 members from Providence Local 251 made the trip down to attend—they're planning their own education conference for May 4.

Sharpen Your Skills

"I needed to be there to sharpen my skills. The grievance handling workshop was a good refresher and the class on just cause provided great tips on defending members."

Kenny Yuen, Steward, Tops Moving & Storage, Local 805, New York

Learning Our Rights

"I learned a lot about my rights on the job at my first TDU conference. I brought along two co-workers and I’ll be working to get more members involved in TDU."

Evette Colón, Consolidated Bus Transit, Local 854, New York

Union Solidarity

"I was overwhelmed with the atmosphere of the conference—so many Teamsters from different industries, all working for change. I was impressed with the knowledge and skills many of my fellow TDU members have."

Lookman Thomas, Rhode Island Hospital, Local 251, Providence, R.I.

SAVE THE DATE!
2013 TDU CONVENTION
November 1-3, Chicago

The biggest Teamster educational and reform event of the year will once again be hosted by the Chicago Chapter. Save the date so you can join Teamsters from across the country who are organizing to win stronger contracts, enforcing our rights on the job and taking back our union.

5 Things Teamsters Can Do When the Contract Comes Down

1. Read Between the Lines

Last time, UPS walked away with concessions from the union and contract loopholes they've used to crush Teamsters. Make sure you study the fine print on harassment, technology, full-time jobs, subcontracting and other issues.

Freight Teamsters are on the watch against any concessions to their healthcare and wages.

2. Inform the Members

Carry a copy of the proposed contract with you. Organize parking lot or contract review meetings to go over the contract with other members and see if the proposals match up against the improvements we deserve.

3. Attend Local Contract Meetings

Attend the contract meeting called by the local. Make sure you get all your questions and concerns addressed. The companies have been putting out their propaganda—working Teamsters need to have a discussion of the real facts.

4. Don't Settle Short

If the contract doesn't deliver on our crucial issues, we have to come together, speak up, and be prepared to send our negotiators back to the table.

5. Join TDU

TDU and its UPS and freight networks are the only source of independent information about our contracts and pensions. Teamsters need these rank-and-file networks to push our union negotiators and the employers to deliver stronger contracts—and to help us enforce them once they're in place.

Click here to join today.

"The union and company need to see rank-and-file members paying attention and getting mobilized. The contract will only be as strong as our involvement.

"Study the proposed contract and read between the lines. Get informed now—read the updates from TDU, Make UPS Deliver, and the freight networks—so that we're not bamboozled by PR when the contract hits and so there can be resources to educate others when they have questions."

Michael Savwoir, TDU Steering Committee Co-Chair

TDU on the Move

See You On the Picket Lines

"We just held our first TDU meeting of the year in New York to make local organizing plans. Our first project is a Teamster Education Conference that's set for Saturday, March 9.

"We'll be holding workshops on everything from effective grievance handling to organizing 'street heat actions' to back organizing drives, strikes and contract campaigns.

"See you in these workshops and on the picket lines."

— Sandy Pope, Local 805 President, New York

A Movement For Change

"In Providence, we're holding monthly TDU meetings and building a movement for change in Local 251.

"More than 1,200 members signed our petitions to amend the Local 251 Bylaws to give members the right to elect our shop stewards and our contract negotiating committee, and to vote on officers' salaries.

"Informed and involved members make a stronger union. That's why we're organizing an education conference this spring. TDU is about putting information in members' hands so they can enforce their rights and have some power and dignity on the job."

— Matt Taibi, Local 251, UPS, Providence, R.I.

Arm Yourself With Information

"The Chicago chapter of TDU is looking forward to participating in the upcoming regional Labor Notes Troublemakers School and involving Teamsters.

"I've been glad to participate in Local 705's education program and attend a three-year labor studies course at DePaul University.

"The TDU Convention is a great place to learn, too. It gave me an opportunity meet other Teamsters and see how other locals are. I even got to meet and talk with some of the Wal-Mart strikers. I am excited to go to the one this year."

— Mike Bauhmart, Local 705, UPS Part-time Steward, Chicago

Teamster Education

NY-NJ TDU Education Conference
Saturday, March 9
CUNY Law School, Long Island City, Queens

Join Teamsters and TDU members for a day of workshops to learn strategies for enforcing your rights and building a stronger union. For more information call NY TDU at 718-287-3283.

Southern New England Labor Education Conference
Saturday, May 4

Save the date for a day of labor education and solidarity. For more information contact Matt Taibi at 401-935-1663.

2013 TDU Convention
November 1-3
Chicago

The biggest Teamster educational and reform event of the year will once again be hosted by the Chicago Chapter.

Save the date now so you can join Teamsters from across the country who are organizing to win stronger contracts, enforcing our rights on the job and taking back our union.

January 23, 2013: Know your rights and stay informed with resources from TDU.

Running for Local Union Office

$20. This comprehensive guide covers building your team, campaign do's and don'ts, phone and email lists, flyers, mailers, websites, Facebook, fundraising, negative attacks, observing the vote count, and much more. Click here.

The Complete Union Steward's Guide

$27.95. The indispensable survival manual for labor's frontline troops.
Click here.

Grievances

$8. The mechanics of the grievance procedure and organizing tips to involve members. Click here.

The STAA Handbook

$10. This handy, clearly written guidebook is a roadmap to understanding and using one of the most effective tools available to transportation industry workers to enforce truck safety. Click here.

Books from Robert Schwartz
Expert labor attorney and educator

$22. Just Cause. Covers how to prepare and win discipline and discharge grievances, focusing on seven principles of Just Cause: fair notice, prior enforcement, due process, substantial evidence, equal treatment, progressive discipline and mitigating and extenuating circumstances. Click here.

Also see: The Legal Rights of Union Stewards and The FMLA Handbook.

Click here to order at TDU's online store.

Prices do not include shipping. Contact TDU for discounts on orders of five or more copies.

Make UPS Deliver with T-Shirts, Stickers and Tools to Help You Enforce the Contract

UPS Driver Daily Log Book					End Part-Time Poverty at UPS Gear: T-shirts Stickers

January 18, 2013: The annual TDU Convention will be the weekend of November 1-3, in
Chicago. The biggest Teamster educational and reform event of the year will once again
be hosted by the Chicago Chapter.

Save the date now so you can join Teamsters from across the country who are organizing
to win stronger contracts, enforcing our rights on the job and taking back our union.

The Steering Committee of Teamsters for a Democratic Union made the decision to return to Chicago, after considering options in Detroit, Cincinnati and Cleveland. The Committee has expressed interest in holding the 2014 convention in a new location.

Click here to get more info on the Convention and let us know you’re interested in attending.

You haven’t joined TDU yet? Click here to join today.

In 2012, TDU launched new campaigns to win stronger contracts, hold the line against  concessions, take on corporate greed and rebuild Teamster power.

TDU wishes you and your family a warm, happy and healthy holiday season.

In the coming year, Teamsters and workers everywhere will face new challenges. TDU will be there. We’re proud to stand with you—and wish you and your families the very best in this holiday season.

The first "$100,000 Club" in 1976. (Copies of this historic book are available from TDU.)

November 26, 2012: It started in the mid-1970s, with an organization called PROD, the Professional Drivers Council. PROD collected hundreds of LM-2 financial reports on Teamster locals, joint councils and the International and began to analyze them, tracing all the multiple salaries, family connections, and more.

The "$100,000 Club" was born.

In 1979 PROD and TDU joined hands in one organization. TDU has published "The Club" annually ever since.

A look at the history shows how this research has changed Teamster financial priorities for the better.

By the mid-1980s, top Teamster officials were pulling down salaries of up to $609,000. Indexing this to the cost of living, that would be $1.28 million in today's dollars!

Teamster President Jackie Presser makes an entrance at the 1986 IBT Convention.

It was obscene. Along with that, they had private jet planes to ferry them to resorts.

TDU was exposing all of it with hard facts, and members were mad.

Then, on March 14, 1989, we won the Right to Vote for International officers. The plan adopted by the court tracked what TDU had proposed to settle the racketeering case filed by the Justice Department against top Teamster officials. The settlement came the day before the trial was to start.

TDU went to work, hard and fast. "Wanted" posters were issued, detailing top salaries of the incumbent members of the General Executive Board, such as Arnie Weinmeister, who pulled down $502,276 in 1989.

These posters of high-living Weldon Mathis forced him to withdraw from the 1991 IBT election.

Weinmeister then withdrew from the election. So did Weldon Mathis, General Secretary Treasurer of the IBT.  TDU's "club" report took on new power.

Members were not going to vote for people pulling down these salaries. So the insiders picked R. V. Durham to run for president, an officer from North Carolina who had not yet reached those inflated salaries.

But TDU was on the move. TDU, along with Ron Carey, who was running for General President, proposed to limit salaries, especially multiple salaries. The Carey campaign grew.

So, Durham tried to head off our momentum. He proposed a watered-down version of the TDU proposal for the IBT Constitution, and it was passed at the 1991 IBT Convention. It set the General President's salary at $250,000 (plus a cost of living bump for every year an incumbent stays in office) and a ceiling: no International official could make multiple salaries totaling more than the General President's salary.

The corporate jets were sold. And Carey, after winning the election, sold the limousine they rode around in.

Ron Carey then made other reforms to change the union's priorities. He closed down the "area conferences" which paid 63 multiple salaries.  A fresh wind was blowing.

But TDU continued to publish the "$100,000 Club" every year, without fail. Ron Carey was listed, just like everyone else. No salary has ever been left-out or altered.

The Club changed with the times and inflation. At first, the "$100,000" included expenses and allowances. But later, the line was change to $100,000 salary. Later still, it was changed to $150,000.

The Club makes a big difference in how Teamster dues money is spent. But still, too much of it goes to multiple salaries and to cronies, when it could be better spent on organizing, winning better contracts, and educating Teamsters.

TDU provides this information for members, because an informed membership makes a stronger union. It is nonpartisan. It is not an attack on those listed; many are hard working officers.

Click here to download this story as a leaflet.

Click here to download the 2012 $150,000 Club Report.

Click here to download TDU's Annual Teamster Salary Report. This longer report includes all officials who made over $120,000 in salary.

"TDU gives Teamsters information they can't get anywhere else. Knowledge is power, and TDU gives members their power. That's why Hoffa and certain officials hate TDU."

Phil Richards, Unified Grocers
Local 630, Los Angeles