Convoy 252 June/July 2008
Teamster Leadership Needed in Tough Economy
June 20, 2008: Soaring gas prices. A sinking economy. Our union can shield us in tough times—but only if our leaders plan ahead.
Takeover Bid Brews Trouble for Bud Teamsters
June 20, 2008: Teamster members at Anheuser-Busch are worried about the future of their jobs after Belgian beer giant InBev announced its plans for a takeover on June 11.
UPSPAC and Your Rights
June 20, 2008: UPS recently sent a mailing to Teamster members to try to get us to donate to UPSPAC, the political arm of the corporation.
Crossing the Line on Safety Quizzes
June 26, 2008: When it comes to safety audits, some UPS managers are not following proper methods.
No Cost of Living Raise for UPS Teamsters
June 20, 2008: All UPS Teamsters will be missing something this summer: a cost of living raise of 15¢ per hour.
UPS Contract Talks Underway in Chicago
June 20, 2008: Chicago Local 705 has entered bargaining with UPS on a new contract covering more than 10,000 Teamsters in the Chicago area.
Massive Losses in Local 804 Health Fund
June 20, 2008: A report by Local 804 members reveals that the union’s health fund lost nearly $18 million from 2003 to 2007. During that time, the fund lost 55 percent of its assets.
Pension Protection Act: Brought to You by UPS
June 20, 2008: Right after the Pension Protection Act was passed in 2006, the New York Times warned “the new Pension Protection Act will do little to protect most Americans.”
Freight Teamsters in New Era
June 20, 2008: This is going to be a year of change for freight Teamsters: whether we end up stronger or weaker depends on how we deal with the changes that are coming.
Chicago Freight Teamsters Take a Stand
June 26, 2008: By a vote of 281-15, freight Teamsters in Chicago Local 705 passed a strike authorization vote that gave their negotiating team a strong message to take back to the bargaining table.
Hoffa Targets Local 624 for Trusteeship
June 20, 2008: The Hoffa administration has targeted Santa Rosa, Calif. Local 624 for a potential trusteeship. A trusteeship hearing was held on June 3 on charges of financial misconduct.
African American Teamsters Push for Leadership Opportunities
June 30, 2008: Hundreds of thousands of Teamsters are African American, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at the Teamsters General Executive Board.
What We've Won
June 23, 2008: Since 1976, Teamsters for a Democratic Union has brought together members who want to build a stronger union—by getting organized and sticking to our principles.
Carhaul: Protecting Our Future
June 20, 2008: As Convoy goes to press in mid-June, the employers and the International are near to announcing a tentative agreement, which the members can review and vote on.
Part-Timers in L.A. Demand Money for Unpaid Breaks
June 30, 2008: UPS is violating the rights of part-timers in Southern California to get breaks in their fourth and fifth hours—or to get paid for unused break time.
Local 804 Members Threaten Lawsuit: Pension Fund Refuses to Turn Over Info
June 20, 2008: A pension attorney representing Local 804 members has warned trustees at the Local 804 Pension Fund that they are in violation of federal law for refusing to comply with members’ r
A Workerless Warehouse?
June 20, 2008: Last November, Ralphs grocery announced plans to open an automated center in Paramount, Calif. by 2010.
Members Spying on Members on the Rails?
June 20, 2008: All Teamsters want to work safely, without injury. But company programs that put the blame on union members—rather than unsafe working conditions—won’t make our jobs safer.
Letters from Our Members
TDU Keeps Us Going
We all get a bit down at times and TDU is what brings us back up and keeps us going. Thanks for all that you do.
Baltimore Members Meet to Get Pension Facts
June 14, 2008: Local 355 Teamsters came from UPS, U.S. Foods, Sysco, Giant, and DHL on Sunday, June 8 to discuss the pension freeze in the Local 355 fund.
Chicago Local 714 in Trusteeship
June 12, 2008: On June 9 the International Union finally followed the recommendation of the Independent Review Board (IRB) and placed Chicago Local 714 into trusteeship.




