Lights It Up Blue For Autism - Teamsters Local 25

A Message from Mark HarringtonLocal 25 Secretary-TreasurerI want to start my report by acknowledging the great victory our membersachieved at CertainTeed Roofing in Norwood. The strike was certainly one ofthe longest in my tenure here at the local. The resolve of those members wasinspiring, as well as the outstanding job done by Business Agent George Slicisand President Sean O’Brien in obtaining a contract to be proud of.We certainly face many challenges as we move forward into this year andnext year. I recently held a strike vote with Global Petroleum dispatchers. Theworkers there unanimously authorized a strike. The company is taking ahard line with these six workers because they had the audacity to vote for aunion. Let me be clear: whether it’s six or 600, we are going to fight for workersthat select Local 25 to be their representatives.I have also started negotiations on a newly organized group over on thewaterfront in Revere. The terminal operators, who work for Sun Logistics,voted for Teamster representation in early February. We look forward to havingthose new members in the oil division.We have a number of cases going to the freight panel involving membersat Manfi Leasing. Manfi, through Stop & Shop, has been ignoring the provisionsof “innocent until proven guilty” under the freight agreement. I lookforward to those members being made whole once those cases are heard.The vacation pay dispute will be reviewed by the National GrievancePanel regarding the memorandum of understanding with YRC and hopefullywe will have a decision once and for all. This issue has been around fortoo long and needs to get resolved.One company that seems to be growing is that of Jack Cooper, a carhaulcompany that is signatory to the National Master Automobile TransportersAgreement (NMATA). The company is projecting an increase in volume withthe resurgence of the auto industry. They are in the process of hiring an additional10 drivers. They are also looking to partner up with the InternationalUnion in new ventures that could expand our membership as they acquirenew companies and put them under the union banner. I am also happy toreport that we where able to return a terminated driver from Jack Cooperback to work. The company was intent on discharging him because his truckhit a bridge and the truck was “totaled.” The company terminated himbecause he was a short-term employee. However, I finally convinced the com -pany that this member was a good worker and deserved another chance. I amhappy to report that they finally agreed and he is back to work and appreciatesour willingness to take this issue all the way.If you have kids that are seniors this year be sure to contact Trish at Local25 for your scholarship applications. We have many sources of financial aidthrough our organization from the IBT to the local level. Be well!18 | The SPOKESMAN | SPRING 2012 | www.teamsterslocal25.com