Please Click Here to view information about 492 office hours, meetings ans scheduling changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Retiree lunches are canceled indefinitely. Please go to the 492 retiree page (or click here) for updates. 

The IBT has established an information resource center at  www.teamster.org/covid-19  for members who are seeking additional information.

Emergency Waivers for CDL/CLP and Medical Certificate Renewals

Commercial drivers are experiencing problems renewing their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and Medical Certificates as many State Driver’s Licensing Agencies are complying with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on social distancing. Medical providers nationwide have reprogrammed their activities and resources to meet the increasing need for medical support to deal with the public health crisis we are facing due to the Coronavirus. In response to this growing crisis, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted waivers that provide temporary regulatory relief as detailed below through June 30, 2020. Click Here For More Info

• FMCSA Waivers For Commercial Drivers CDL & Medical Cards
• UPS & UPS Freight COVID-19 Update, Click Here
• UPS Freight Health Care COVID-19 Update Click Here
• ABF & YRC Freight COVID-19 Updates, Click Here
• Movie Workers COVID-19 Updates, Click Here
• Airline COVID-19 Update, Click Here

The IBT is now posting Pictures of Teamster Hidden Heroes. Simply reply to this email with pictures or You and/or your Coworkers at work and we will submit them for post. Click the picture below to view the current pics.

COVID-19 EPISODE #2 3/30/2020 -NOTES:Listen to this second special edition of the Teamster Nation Podcast dealing with the coronavirus epidemic, and get the latest health, safety and legislative news from America’s Strongest Union. Plus get updates from the heads of the Package and Convention, Trade Show and Casino divisions. Listen here: http://ibt.io/COVID19UPDATE2

TEAMSTERS WANT STIMULUS BILL TO ADDRESS SAFETY FOR ALL WORKERS

Union Says Those Working Outside of Health Care Industry Must Also Be Protected

3/25/2020 - The Teamsters are raising concerns that coronavirus-related stimulus legislation still being negotiated in Congress is not addressing the health and safety of workers across industries.

Whether it’s those in food processing, drivers who transport goods to market, those who stock the shelves, or cashiers who handle the sales, these are critical workers who need to be on the job right now. They, and others like them, want the federal government to outline standards that would ensure their personal safety in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis.

Of course, there are many others who are still working at this time and whose health must be considered, including public sector, sanitation and medical waste workers who are putting their lives at risk by doing their jobs during this pandemic.

“We understand during this outbreak that the welfare of health care workers is paramount,” Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said. “But we are concerned that other essential frontline workers will be left out of mandates for federal OSHA guidance and funding for personal protective equipment (PPEs).”

The Teamsters have called on the Administration to issue a comprehensive Temporary Emergency Standard from OSHA to provide guidance and compel action from employers to keep members safe on the job, and the unions need funding for PPEs for these workers as well. The union is also urging Congress and the Administration to take swift action to address these critical health and safety needs in the stimulus bill currently being debated.

COVID-19 EPISODE #1 NOTES: Listen to this special episode of the Teamster Nation Podcast addressing the coronavirus outbreak, where Teamster staff lets members know what they are doing to help members stem both illness and economic loss. Plus a look at the special challenges going on the Healthcare and Solid Waste and Recycling divisions during this challenging time.

SHOW NOTES: Featuring interviews with Enjoli DeGrasse, deputy director, Teamsters’ Safety and Health Department; Raven Hall, staff attorney, Teamsters’ Legal Department; Sunshine McBride, deputy director, Teamsters’ Political and Legislative Action Department; Nina Bugbee, director, Teamsters’ Health Care Division; and Chuck Stiles, director, Teamsters’ Solid Waste and Recycling Divisions

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is closely monitoring the global health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. View factsheet from the Safety & Health Department below.

• Teamsters: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary & Resources (Updated March 19)
• Teamsters: Healthcare Workers Coronavirus Factsheet (Updated March 23)
• Teamsters: Airline Members Coronavirus Factsheet (Updated March 19)
• Teamsters: First Responders Coronavirus Factsheet (Updated March 19)
• Teamsters: EMS Coronavirus Information & Checklist
• Teamsters: Solid Waste & Recycling Coronavirus Factsheet

The following is a list of additional resources from the CDC, OSHA, WHO and other agencies to help us all get through this challenging period.    

*This is an emerging, rapidly-evolving situation. This page will be updated as the pandemic and responses to it are developed.

• TEAMSTERS STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC (March 13)

• Teamsters: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary & Resources (Updated March 19)

• Teamsters: Airline Members Coronavirus Factsheet (Updated March 19)

• Teamsters: EMS Members Coronavirus Factsheet

• OSHA: Information for Workers and Employers About the Coronavirus Outbreak 

• OSHA: Protecting Workers During a Pandemic Fact Sheet

• OSHA: COVID-19 Control and Prevention

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 2019 Novel Coronavirus Webpage

• CDC: What to Do If You Are Sick with COVID-19

• CDC: Prevention and Treatment

• CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

• CDC: COVID-19 Information for Travelers

• CDC: COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): Coronavirus Update

• World Health Organization (WHO): Coronavirus Updates

• Federal Aviation Administration: Coronavirus Updates

• Canadian Government: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak Update

• DOL: New Guidance on Unemployment Insurance Flexibilities During COVID-19 Outbreak

TEAMSTERS STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

(WASHINGTON) – As the United States responds to the outbreak of COVID-19, we must ensure that working people are able to perform their jobs in a safe working environment and that sick leave is available to all workers. Without adequate sick leave, workers will be forced to continue working in order to provide food and housing for their families, thus potentially exposing others to the virus.

Federal, state and local governments, as well employers, need to listen to front-line workers in every industry about the actions needed to keep working people safe on the job and to protect our communities.

Teamster members have greater job protections than nonunion workers. However, every worker must be provided basic economic security and protections during this crisis.

The Teamsters will fight to ensure that:

• Everyone has access to free COVID-19 testing;
• Every worker is provided some form of paid sick leave;
• Workers are not punished for calling in sick;
• Frontline workers who treat potentially infected populations be provided with the appropriate protective equipment;
• Workers understand that they are entitled to worker compensation benefits if they are infected as a result of their work;

Those receiving unemployment benefits while affected by COVID-19 are exempt from searching for work during that time. It is imperative that we come together as a nation to ensure that sick workers and their families stay home when they are sick, continue to be compensated and protected during this time and that federal, state and local governments do everything in their power to keep workers protected during this crisis. We have established an information resource center at www.teamster.org/covid-19  for members who are seeking additional information.

fmcsa_waivers_for_commercial_driversweb.pdf

Governor Lujan Grisham Signs House Bill 364 Into Law

Measure Ushers in Public Sector Labor Law Reform in New Mexico                                                               

HB 364 was signed into law on March 5, 2020. Pictured are all of the labor leaders that had a hand in pushing the law up the hill including Teamsters Local 492 Political Coordinator Melissa Malcom (shown above in front row 4^th from the left).

“House Bill 364 modernizes New Mexico’s Public Employees Bargaining Act (PEBA) and provides public sector employers and employees with the currently used tools necessary to create a coherent and consistent labor policy in New Mexico, in step with laws recently modified by other states. HB 364 represents a true and hard fought compromise between New Mexico’s public servants and State and local governments. Though HB 364 incorporates many changes, the provisions which are most significant can be summarized as follows: labor board restructuring, freedom to choose a Union without intimidation (election reform), dues deduction reform, and protecting employees' rights to fair representation.

Every person in New Mexico deserves the right to come together and stand up for their safety and economic well-being, and HB 364 strengthens this right for New Mexicans. With this bill, championed by Senators Mimi Stewart and Daniel Ivey-Soto, and Representatives Sheryl Williams Stapleton, Christine Trujillo, and Daymon Ely, we solidified that public servants will have their voices heard. We want to extend our greatest appreciation to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and every member of the House of Representatives and the State Senate who stood in solidarity with working New Mexicans. We appreciate your courage to respect and empower the working women and men of our state,” said Labor Attorney Shane Youtz.  

Film & Media Day 2020 Santa Fe NM

Film & Media day was held on 2/10/2020 in Santa Fe, NM at the State Capital. Shown in the picture above are some of the key figures responsible for the passage of SB2 NM Film Incentive bill (left to right); NM Federation of Labor Consultant Jon Lipshutz, Local 492 President Trey White, New Mexico House Representative, Antonio "Moe" Maestas, Local 492 Film Business Agent Melissa Malcom, and IATSE 480 President Liz Pecos. Thank you to all of those that work so hard to improve the lives of NM Film Workers and Local 492 looks forward to future collaborative efforts to ensure the great local residents of New Mexico have even more opportunities in the future to work in the NM Film Industry!  

ABF Freight to Pay 2019 Profit-Sharing Bonus to Eligible Union Employees

• Bonus payment for reaching 95.2 percent operating ratio achieved in 2019
• Payment to all eligible union employees, representing nearly all union employees, is first in company’s history

January 30, 2020 - ABF Freight announced it will pay a profit-sharing bonus to all qualifying union-represented employees in return for the company achieving a 95.2 percent operating ratio in 2019. See Profit Sharing MOU Here. 

“Returning ABF to historical margins has been a long-term goal, and the bonus payment is something we have hoped to do for some time,” said ABF President Tim Thorne. “Thanks to successful yield initiatives, focused account management and prudent cost management, we reached the required levels to pay the bonus and we thank all of our employees for their hard work and dedication to the company and our customers. This is a proud day for ABF.”

The profit-sharing bonus for employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, ABF’s largest bargaining group, will be 1% of qualifying employees’ W-2 earnings as specified in the 2018 ABF National Master Freight Agreement ratified in July 2018. Employees in smaller union groups will receive similar payments. The total number of employees who will receive the bonus is approximately 7400.

This is the first time in ABF’s nearly 100-year history that a profit-sharing bonus will be paid to all eligible union-represented employees in return for hitting specific financial targets. Only a small group is ineligible this year, having been paid last year. Operating ratio refers to the ratio of operating expenses to operating revenue and is generally considered a measure of profitability and efficiency in the trucking industry. According to terms of the collective bargaining agreement with the IBT, the bonus will be paid by check within 60 days of the 2019 calendar year-end.

2019-2022_ABF_Profit_Sharing_Bonus.pdf

Western States Pension Accrual Rate Increased! Pension Fund Nearing Full Funding Status!

As we begin a new year and a new decade, I am pleased to announce the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan Board of Trustees and professional staff have taken several steps that will make the Plan stronger and more secure in the years ahead, while at the same time providing Plan Participants with an increase in the accrual formula for work performed in 2020 and expanding opportunities for retirees to work additional hours without having their monthly benefit suspended. Click Here to Read the New Hour Limits Document

The Plan is moving closer to full funding each year and has just enjoyed an exceptional investment return for 2019 in conjunction with record contribution levels. In this current moment of strength, it is timely to take this prudent step to ensure future funding stability. Taken together, these steps are a positive. On the one hand, they will strengthen Plan funding and stability and on the other, they will increase member retirement benefits in 2020 and provide greater choices for our retired members.

These key initiatives are as follows:

1) Effective for hours worked in 2020 the basic accrual rate used to calculate benefit levels will move from 1.2% to 1.5% for each contribution dollar, an increase of 25%. This is the first accrual increase in more than a decade and we hope it will be a pattern for further improvements in the years ahead. Click Here to view the 1987-2020 Accrual Chart.

The Plan has largely recovered from the Great Recession and the Trustees appreciate the patience of Teamster members. Their loyalty has been a major factor in ensuring the funding stability of the Plan was strong and solid enough to support benefit improvements. That time is now at hand. One caveat- the accrual increase is applicable only to hours worked in 2020. Future increases will depend on market returns and continued strength in the Plan1s funding metrics.

2) The Trustees have expanded the amount of work a retiree may perform without incurring a suspension of his or her monthly pension payment. Beginning in January 2020 the monthly hours of otherwise suspendible work has been increased for retirees under the age of 60. In the past, they could work less than 50 hours per month without a suspension. That has now increased to less than 60 hours per month. For a retiree aged 60 to 65, the hours limit remains at less than 85 hours in a calendar month. In addition to the change above, the new rules allow all retirees under age 65 to work as many hours of otherwise suspendible employment as they wish during any three calendar months in a calendar year. The three months need not be consecutive and are the choice of the retiree. It's important that retirees carefully monitor the number of hours and months that they work or for which they are paid. The rules are somewhat complicated, if you have questions please check the Trust's website or call the Administrative Office in your geographical area. We're pleased with these changes to retiree work rules. They will allow retirees under age 65 greater choice and the opportunity to strengthen their financial security.

To read the full letter from the Pension Office, Click Here

2020WesternPensionAccrual_Increase.pdf

WCTPT_Hours_Limits_Relaxed_Post-Retirement_Employment_2020.pdf

Pension_Contribution_Rate_Chart_1987-2020.png

On the night before he died, Martin Luther King gave a speech about the dignity of labor. It still rings true. He was in Memphis, Tenn., supporting sanitation workers' rights to respect and a decent wage. He said: “Whenever you are engaged in work that serves humanity and is for the building of humanity, it has dignity and it has worth.”

Dr. King's spirit lives on, especially in the hearts of 32,000 Teamsters solid waste workers who've been able to better their lives with a Teamsters contract. And it lives on in the workers who today are fighting the growing attacks from corporations that want to lower wages through right-to-work (for LESS) laws. Dr. King had this to say about "right to work:"

"In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by false slogans, such as 'right-to-work.' It provides no 'rights' and no 'works.' Its purpose is to destroy labor unions and the freedom of collective bargaining…. We demand this fraud be stopped."

Dr. King believed that the civil rights movement and the labor movement together would have the greatest impact in the struggle for human dignity. The Teamsters shared that view. Early Teamsters leaders were strongly against separate unions for African-Americans. In 1919 the union adopted the slogan, "Equal Pay for Equal Work," signaling their strong support for all their members.

Teamsters General President James R. Hoffa opposed segregation and chose to forfeit prospective members because of it. "We don't need 'em," he said. "Their way is not the Teamster way." 

Teamsters in 1961 gave food and clothing to African-American families who were punished for registering to vote in the 1960 presidential election. Teamsters marched with Dr. King in Chicago in 1966.

In 1963, scores of Teamsters joined the historic March on Washington. Buses carrying Teamsters arrived from near and far, some driving through the night to join the activities on time. Locals that were especially involved included Locals 810 and 239 of New York City, Local 875 of Flushing, New York, Local 20 of Toledo, Local 688 of St. Louis and Local 743 of Chicago.

In 1968 Teamsters leaders and rank-and-file members marched in Dr. King's funeral procession.

Today, the Teamsters are honoring the memory of Dr. King both in words and in the battle to lift up workers to a better life.

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa had this to say: “Even in death, Martin Luther King Jr. continues to inspire and guide us. His legacy lives on in every union member, every labor activist, and every American who has stood up in the name of justice, equality, peace and compassion.”