Yet another year has passed and our economy still barely hangs on. Unemployment remains high and congress seems to be more interested in bickering than solving problems. With this being an election year, it’s extremely important for each of you to educate yourself and VOTE! “We the People” can direct our own future if we are part of the process. There is strength in numbers; that’s what brings a Union its strength, SOLIDARITY. If we allow the special interest groups and corporate greed to select the leadership of our great country, we will continue down the path we are currently on. Each and every one of you has a voice and it’s time our government heard it! Let’s stop the nonsense of the rich getting richer, stop the insanity of legislation that promotes the “right to work for less”, bring American jobs home, limit free trade where it hurts the American worker and demand that our representatives work for US, not the almighty dollar!

                Back on the home front, Local 324 has some contracts opening up this year. The largest is at WinCo Foods in Woodburn where we have more than 390 members. With their contract expiring on April 28, 2012, we have been working hard in preparation for bargaining. Surveys have all been returned and compiled and we have scheduled meetings with our members in late January, early February. In several communications with the Company, it appears that negotiations will begin in early March. We encourage our WinCo members to attend as many of our meetings as possible. We will have regular updates posted on the Union bulletin board, so make sure to check it out.

                Contract negotiations begin for Norpac Services in Salem as well with bargaining dates on January 23 and 30, 2012. A meeting with all the drivers occurred on Saturday, January 14, 2012 with a great turnout. Up for discussion was healthcare costs and wages; something that has continued to grow in disparity. Watch the Local’s website at www.teamsterslocal324.org for updates and notifications. Other contracts will be opening up for negotiations in the coming months and include the City of Independence, Aramark Uniform, Alsco, Black Butte Ranch Fire Department, Professional Mechanical, Allied Waste and US Bakery / Franz. We will keep everyone posted on when these open and when dates for bargaining will be scheduled.

                As discussed in the last edition of the Oregon Teamster, we had a routine audit performed by the IBT in November and December. These regular audits reinforce the protections built in to the Teamster Organization and give credibility to the process. The results of this audit were extremely positive. Local 324’s books were found to be in superb order and only minor issues were raised. Our entire staff, our Executive Board, and especially our Office Manager, Debbie Robblee, were all highly commended for our attention to detail, thoroughness and compliance. I would like to personally thank Debbie Robblee for her outstanding performance and commendation from the IBT!

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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.