Dear Members;
Union Labor night at the Volcanoes ball park is July 25th followed up by fireworks after the game. This will be a great fun family night for all who attend.
Our Local Union along with other Local Unions from across the country are circulating a petition to ask our next President to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. So you ask, "What is the Employee Free Choice Act?" Simply put, the Employee Free Choice Act would make it easier for workers to form a union at their workplace. In turn, more workers could negotiate as equals with their employers for fair wages, benefits, working conditions and retirement security for them and their families. Under the Employee Free Choice Act, if a majority of workers at a workplace decide to sign cards stating they want to join a union, they would then have the right to representation by a union of their choice. The law would also provide a path for negotiating a contract with their employer and truly hold employers accountable if a worker is intimidated or unjustly fired. So if someone gives you a card to fill out, please do so. We also have a link on our website, or you can come by the office for a card.
Deluxe Ice Cream
We have had two meetings with the Company and have worked through most language issues. Two more meetings are scheduled August 13th and 14th. Check with your Stewards or watch the Union bulletin board for updates.
Farmers Creamery Coop
As you know the first offer was rejected. We are scheduled for Federal Mediation on August 18th. Check with your Stewards or watch the Union bulletin board for updates.
Oak Harbor Freight
The company continues to take a hard line on Teamster health and welfare. A date with a Federal Mediation has been set for July 21st. Check with your Steward or watch the Union bulletin board for updates.
United Parcel Service
As many of you are aware there is a ballot out to divert a total of .70, for full-timers, to an HRA account. I would ask that you please participate in this process by taking the time to mark your ballot and return it to JCT 37. Ballots will be counted on July 25th @ 1:00 PM.
Pension Issues
If you are thinking about retirement and would like to meet with a pension representative to figure out what your options may be, contact the Local to set an appointment. This needs to be done at least four months prior to the date you expect to retire. Also we would recommend that every member periodically check with a pension representative to insure that you are properly credited with the correct contributions and years of service.
Reminders
If you are having problems with an on the job injury, here is a good place to look for information: www.workerscompensation.com/oregon/quickfacts/qfacts01.php or call the Oregon Ombudsman for injured workers at 1-800-927-1271.
Office hours are from 8:00 am- 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. If you are not receiving Teamster correspondence please call the Local Union office, or go to the website www.teamsterslocal324.org, to update your address.
When you have a time loss due to an injury or illness, regardless if it is work related, please call the Local Union office immediately regarding your dues. Also, if you change your address please call or send us your change of address.
Please don’t forget that when you leave covered employment, get a withdrawal card. You can do this by stopping by the office or giving us a call. Remember you must have all dues paid including dues for the month in which the withdrawal card is effective.
Teamster Apparel
We have some great hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts and coats for sale at the Local Union office. Come on in to the Local and select your favorite!
Fraternally,
Cliff Baker, Secretary-Treasurer
Some of Cliff's recommended web links!