Bring Back The Fight

Bring Back The Fight
A grass roots organization for Wisconsin Teamsters
February 2016 Newsletter
Zuckerman vs. Hoffa for Teamster Presidency
(from Fight Back) Fred Zuckerman announced he will challenge Jim Hoffa for President
of the International Brotherhood of the Teamsters. Zuckerman is known in the
Teamsters for his outspoken opposition to the “give back” contract negotiated with UPS.
Current Teamster President Jim Hoffa and his underling Ken Hall are responsible for
that “give back” contract.
In making his announcement, Zuckerman said, "Hoffa has failed to organize in our core
industries of carhaul, freight, warehousing, and grocery... He's negotiated
concessionary contracts, even during a time when companies like UPS were making
billions of dollars. To protect the members we have, we need to rebuild organizing
efforts in each and every one of those industries."
Zuckerman made the announcement on a nationwide conference call to supporters
January 10, 2016. During the last contract at UPS, Zuckerman as President of
Teamsters Local 89 set an example when his Local union overwhelmingly, repeatedly,
and consistently voted down the UPS contract and its supplements. Teamsters Local 89
with reform Teamster leaders across the country formed the central leadership of a “Vote No” campaign in opposition to Hoffa’s bad deal with
UPS. Despite this, in a move that stretched the legality of the Teamster constitution, Hoffa signed the concessionary agreement.
“Hoffa’s sellout looked like a done deal until Fred Zuckerman’s Local 89 and other reform leaders stood up to the sellout,” said Teamsters Local
344 activist Adam Fredrick, “this gave me the strength to speak out as part of a national movement fighting for all UPS workers.”
Zuckerman will run with other reformers on the Teamsters United slate. Initially, Teamsters United announced Tim Sylvester would run for
President, but moved Zuckerman into the slot after Sylvester was defeated in a local union election. Zuckerman joined the Teamsters when he
helped organize Houston’s Chemical Express workers in 1979. Later he took a job as a car hauler in Kentucky, which made him a member of
Local 89. As an active member, he became a steward for 7 years, then a business agent, and was elected Local 89 President in 2000.
Zuckerman also held the important national position of Grievance Panel Chair under Presidents Ron Carey and Jim Hoffa. Then he was the IBT
Carhaul Director until he broke with Hoffa’s failed leadership. Along with being president of Teamsters Local 89, Zuckerman is currently the
President of Teamsters Joint Council 94. Under Zuckerman’s leadership, Local 89 is known for its organizing of nonunion members and fighting
the boss to protect their members’ standard of living.
Zuckerman wants to fight at UPS as well as for the national freight truck drivers, carhaul drivers, and other core Teamster industries. He argues
for mobilizing the membership to fight for a better standard of living for all Teamsters. This stands in stark contrast to Hoffa’s “Let’s make a deal!”
approach.
5 Workers Evaluated After Hazmat Spill At UPS In New Hartford
(from Utica.com) Workers were let back into the building around 11 a.m. after a hazmat spill Monday at
the United Parcel Service in New Hartford. New York Mills firefighters were deployed to the spill around
3:30 a.m. to UPS at 10 Ellinwood Dr. Workers were let back into the building after a hazmat spill around
11 a.m. Monday at the United Parcel Service in New Hartford. New York Mills firefighters were deployed
to the spill around 3:30 a.m. to UPS at 10 Ellinwood Dr.
“We just concluded the incident at 10:45 a.m. when the product was picked up and it was deemed safe,”
New York Mills Fire Chief Rick Ulinski said. Normal loading operations were underway when fumes were
emitted from a package being shipped. The fumes were later discovered to be a 70% solution of nitric
acid.
Five workers at the site were taken to the hospital for evaluation, one of whom was transported after the initial discovery. “When they opened the
box, it had fumes coming out and the building was evacuated,” Ulinski said. Oneida County Emergency Services and Utica firefighters were later
dispatched to assist with the spill just before 5 a.m. “It was a relatively small spill, we just had to take precautions,” Ulinski said. It still took about
7 hours to process and contain, but the chief said the result and response to the spill were a success.
January General Membership Meetings
Local 200 Tuesday Feb 9th 7pm
Local 662 Tuesday Feb 9th 7pm
Local 344 Tuesday Feb 9th 8pm
Local 662 Wednesday Feb 10th 5pm (Green Bay)
Local 662 Thursday Feb 11th 7pm (Eau Claire)
Local 695 Tuesday Feb 16th 7pm
All those in good standing with the union are welcome to attend!
This weekend, remind your
friends, family, and neighbors
that support Walker and Act 10
and Right To Work this little
nugget:
Weingarten Rights
The Supreme Court has ruled that an employee is entitled to have a Union Representative
present during any interview, which might result in his/her discipline. When in this situation, it
is up to the individual to insist upon Union Representation. If the individual fails to do so, they
may waive their rights.
When in this situation, tell management:
If this discussion could, in any way, lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my
personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my Union Steward, Business Agent, or
Union officer be present at this meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any
questions.
During questioning, use the following instructions:
- Listen carefully to the questions
- Think about your answers
- Do not guess or volunteer
-Answer clearly and concisely
-Do not supply documents or information
-You have the right to consult with a steward
-Tell the truth
-If unsure, say so
-Do not lose your temper
-Avoid joking
-Don’t be intimidated
Bring Back The Fight In Action
Walking The Strike Line In Kohler
Collecting Signatures For Petition
Against Working Black Friday
Protesting Right To Work
Walking The Parade In Laborfest
www.bringbackthefight.org
Bring Back The Fight is a grassroots group to keep Teamsters informed, educated, and organized. Bring Back The Fight is not
affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Teamsters for a Democratic Union, Teamster Locals in Wisconsin, or any
company with a union contract.
©2016 Bring Back The Fight