Why is Zollars Still There?

When Teamsters were asked to approve concessions last fall, they were promised that CEO William Zollars would be gone by the end of 2010. But he’s still sitting in the CEO chair.

When the International Union approved an extension of time for YRCW to get enhanced credit agreements in place, it also allowed Zollars to stay on, running the company.

It’s time for him to move on.

Profits Expected to Rise in 2011

Every public trucking company is expected to post year-end higher profits for 2010 than 2009, and that improvement is expected to grow in 2011. YRCW is the only pubic carrier which posted a loss in 2010, expected to be about $200 million. Signs point toward improvement, so hopefully YRCW will move well in the black for 2011.

The Backbone of This Union

“Freight Teamsters were the backbone of this Union for over 50 years.

“Hoffa has clearly abandoned Freight Teamsters. His decision to not include UPS Freight into Master Freight, and our pension, has turned out to be disastrous.

“I’m running for delegate to make sure members have a real voice at the June convention, not just the Hoffa YES men. We’re going to make Sandy Pope the candidate for working Teamsters like us.”

Ed Taylor, YRC, Local 107, Philadelphia

RCW Pension No Answers Yet

What pension credits will YRCW Teamsters earn when the company resumes partial payments into pension funds in June? This is still anyone’s guess.

The Trustees of the Central States Fund met in January, and once again didn’t take up the issue. They did find time to eliminate any early retirement at all under age 57 (See article, page 5).

Members have a right to know—and plan—and not wait till June.

The Central States Fund includes some 55 percent of YRCW Teamsters. No word yet from other major pension funds, either.

A Candidate Who Knows What We Face Everyday

“Members need to make sure we keep the right to vote on IBT officers. That’s a key reason why our delegate team is running.

“Nominating Sandy Pope means getting a candidate that understands what it’s like to be a working Teamster.”

Barry Strohl, YRC, Local 509, South Carolina

January 24, 2011: Teamsters at UPS Freight continue to shake their heads and wonder what happened to the union power they were promised when they joined up. Members report agents and officers have little to say when it comes to enforcing key aspects of the contract. They claim the International is working on it. But members see little happening in terms of results.

More than two years into the contract, most terminals don’t have established work rules. Article 41 calls for these within 60 days of ratification. According to sources, UPS Freight insisted on regional rules while the union countered with the tradition of terminal by terminal. So far as anyone knows, that stalemate remains, and working Teamsters suffer.

Another key issue is the rampant use of subcontracting throughout the system. Grievances, many dating back over a year, are on hold as members await the outcome of an arbitration process that has been unfolding since May 2010. That grievance out of Dallas Local 745 addresses the use of rail. It’s unclear how that decision will affect the majority of Article 44 subcontracting grievances regarding the use of so-called “one-way” contractors.

Meanwhile, members need action. It’s time for Hoffa and Hall to stand up and enforce the contract they touted as such a great victory for our union.

January 24, 2011: Imagine what TDU could do with even more members. Can you help make it happen?

Recruit five new members* to TDU by Oct. 1 and we’ll waive your registration fee to the TDU Convention. Click here to order TDU Membership Cards.

*Recruit five members at the normal rate, or 10 part-timers. Be sure to write your name as the sponsor on each new membership card. Return the filled-out cards on the right and dues payments to: TDU, P.O. Box 10128, Detroit, Mich. 48210.

TDU membership is kept confidential. TDU solicits and accepts membership applications and donations only from Teamsters, retired Teamsters and spouses who are not employers.

We asked three TDU members what they do to build our organization. Here’s what they had to say:

Gilbert Clark, UPS, Local 688, St. Louis

How do you introduce people to what TDU’s about?

I tell members that if they want to see a change in our union, they have to participate in making change. And TDU is where you get the information you need and join up with other Teamsters to learn how to do that. Then I bring them to workshops and the TDU Convention so they can see firsthand how important TDU is.

Do you do this by yourself?

No, we’ve got a good team here. We have regular meetings of 30 or 40 members where we share information we get from TDU and what TDU is all about.

Whenever we need to get something out or make calls for a meeting, we divide it up and get it done. We work together to distribute Teamster Voice and other information from TDU. This helps keep people aware of TDU.

David Kremer, Univ. of Minn., Local 320, Minneapolis

What is your advice on how to recruit members to TDU?

You’ve got to ask people to join! And most times, more than once. But that’s not enough. You have find out what issues people are concerned about and connect those with TDU’s information and campaigns.

How do you identify potential TDU members?

Be strategic—think “Who have I been talking to lately about problems at the job? Or in the union?” Make a plan to follow up with them. Our veteran TDU members are asked to identify potential members to invite to meetings or events and they’re responsible for following-up and build a relationship with that person.

Julian Tysh, Sotheby’s, Local 814, New York

How have you been able to build TDU in Local 814?

I always tell the brothers and sisters from my local, to check out TDU. You can’t be a serious trade unionist without taking your education seriously. TDU provides you with that education.

TDU always advances the principles of democracy and member-to-member organization that helped the New Directions Slate get elected and are now helping us rebuild our local. When members come to a TDU training, they see TDU and 814 promoting the same ideas: Getting involved in your union, educating yourself, and becoming an organizer.

TDU has grown in Local 814 because our members appreciate the education that TDU provides. With many important battles on the horizon, TDU has helped us build a more committed and better educated rank-and-file army.

February 1, 2011: Members are spreading the word about Sandy Pope’s campaign for Teamster General President.

Can you do your part?

It starts 1-on-1

“If you want to get Sandy elected, start where you work. Talk to members about their issues and why you support Sandy Pope.

“The best way to convince other members is to talk to them personally, face-to-face.

“We’ve been going from building to building to talk to members about the election and our effort is really starting to pay off.”

Nicole Halliday, UPS Local 150, Sacramento

Spread the Word

“Sandy came down to Philly and we’ve taken her to meet Teamsters at US Foods, New Penn, Waste Management, VWR Scientific, UPS, and more.

“Most members we talk to still don’t know we’re going to have an election–but they’re excited to meet Sandy and hear about her campaign.

“We can win this election if we keep talking to members and let them know how they can make a difference.”

Jim Price, YRC

Join Sandy’s Team

“Do you want new leadership in the Teamsters? Then join Sandy Pope’s team.

“Go to www.sandypope2011.org and sign up for email updates. You’ll get the latest campaign updates that you can share with other members.”

Mike Spruill, Kraft Local 807, New Jersey

Sign up to help at www.SandyPope2011.org

Looking for a Change

We are steadily making progress running for delegate in Local 690. We have a slate nominated and plans for a mailing and a phone bank. And we are out talking with Teamsters.

More members are open to TDU and our message than ever before. Leadership is poor in the local. Times are tough. People are looking for a change.

John Lattanzio
YRC, Local 690
Spokane

Not His Father’s Teamster Leader

I started with Yellow in 2001. My dad retired in 1998 and worked for Yellow 32 years.

My dad is a James Riddle Hoffa supporter. ME TOO!

I just want James Riddle’s son James P. out! James P. is riding his dad’s coat tails.

James Riddle Hoffa will come back to avenge himself someday! If we support Sandy Pope for Teamster General President!

Mike Eppler
YRC, Local 407
Cleveland