Secretary Treasurer

As yet another new year progresses; Local 324 has seen some big changes do to a recent election. An entirely new Executive Board has taken office as of January 1st; there are 2 new Union Representatives and a new Office Manager. As the newly elected Secretary-Treasurer, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of Local 324 for their incredible support and introduce the new staff. It is a huge honor to represent the members and we will always remember that it is YOU, the MEMBERS, that put us here and we will diligently fulfill our duties.

Your new Office Manager is Debbie Robblee who comes from UPS where she worked for more than 10 years as an Office Specialist. Lynne Davidson has been retained from the previous administration and continues to work part-time. One of your new Union Representatives is Derek Cutter who worked at WinCo Foods in the warehouse and has been a Teamster for more than 32 years. Derek served as the President of Local 324 from January 1, 2006 to September of 2009. Your other new Representative, Quinn Webb, was a driver at Food Services of America, a 5 year shop-steward, and a Teamster for more than 22 years. Quinn has been a Trustee of Local 324 since January 1, 2006 and was elected as Recording Secretary effective this January. He has resigned that office and Randy Meadors has replaced him so the Executive Board can remain Rank & File. As for myself, I was a UPS driver for nearly 15 years, a shop-steward for nearly 8, and served as the Vice-President of Local 324 from February of 2008 to December 31, 2009.

I am happy to report that even without a smooth transition, we have hit the ground running, working as many hours as our bodies will allow making sure the needs of the members are met. Lines of communication have been opened and we are actively meeting with employers and members. Rest assured that Local 324 is hard at work to represent you and enforce contracts. We will maintain a very visible presence where you work and will make sure that it is easier to contact and communicate with your Representatives.

We are currently working on a wage opener with the City of Turner and contract negotiations with Black Butte Police. Ron Teninty has been retained to help with this process because of his knowledge of Public Sector contracts and the immediacy of the timelines. Highway Fuel and Salem Brake & Wheel have signed contract extensions and Allied Waste has a new ratified contract. Cummings Transfer in Albany and Teamsters Local 324 are still negotiating an agreement for a contract extension. Norpac Services has begun contract negotiations with this Local and Cash & Carry will begin soon; we will contact members to set up proposal meetings.

The trucking industry is taking some huge hits as of late and everything is unfolding day by day. The Bargaining Unit at Tillamook Portland Freight has accepted temporary contractual concessions so the company can resolve its’ financial issues and become more competitive and profitable. Other Units are facing uncertainties and we are actively pursuing remedies along with JC 37 and the IBT. USF Reddaway employees have a vote on an offer from the Company on Saturday March 6, 2010 at the Local on Portland Road. Stay in touch with your Representative to stay informed as things develop.

At UPS, remember to work as directed; insubordination can lead to termination. Make sure you are on the Opt-In list for Over 9-5 grievance protection and that you follow methods and trace. Over-supervision and excessive rides need to be addressed through your shop-steward or Union Representative. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the contract and ask questions if you don’t understand the language. At WinCo, shop-steward elections have been held due to the recent Boise opening. Auditing issues in Woodburn are currently being addressed. At FSA, pension contribution deferrals from pay increases have been held as well as a shop-steward election.

Please remember to attend the General Membership meetings held on the third Thursday of each month. We have one at 9:00am and another at 7:00pm. For the month of March, this meeting will be held on the 25th instead of the 18th due to a scheduling conflict. Active participation by the membership is immensely important and everyone’s individual involvement is necessary to maintain and grow the Union.

LEAVING EMPLOYMENT??? Be sure to request a withdrawal card when being laid off, going on a leave of absence, lengthy medical leave (when exceeding a full calendar month) or terminating your employment. All fees including initiation, back dues and/or late fees must be paid before a withdrawal card can be issued. Please take the time to protect your membership status by calling our office immediately upon your absence from your employment. Failure to call our office to request a withdrawal card may result in you owing additional dues. If you should ever have questions about your membership status, please call our office at 503-378-1421.