Creation of Federal Paid Day Off is Recognition of National Scourge of Slavery

(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa and Marcus King, Director of the Teamsters’ Human Rights and Diversity Commission, on the signing of legislation that would memorialize Juneteenth, the June 19 anniversary of the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally notified they had been freed as a result of the end of the Civil War two months earlier, as a paid federal holiday.

“One year ago, in the wake of unjustified deadly actions taken by some members of law enforcement against Black Americans across the country, the Teamsters endorsed a Juneteenth federal holiday to recognize the day more than a century and a half ago when the last of those enslaved received their legal freedom. We are pleased to see President Biden and Congress follow through with its creation.

“But just as real justice for African Americans didn’t result from that notification in 1865, the fight for equality doesn’t end here either. This union recognizes that we all must do more to ensure people of color can live their lives and have full access to the same rights and freedoms that so many of us enjoy without fear of reprisal. Creating a Juneteenth holiday doesn’t do that by itself, but it will continue America’s evolution towards truly bringing liberty and justice for all, and acknowledging our shared history.

“For more than a century, the Teamsters have stood for racial equality. And we remain resolute in continuing to serve as leaders in ensuring that all workers, no matter their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, receive equal pay and protections on the job. That’s what this union can do to make sure our nation lives up to its promise.”

UPS Teamsters Will Get A COLA Increase in 2021

In accordance with Article 33 of the National Master UPS Agreement and with the release of the May Consumer Price Index (CPI), there will be a .33¢ per hour (0.8250 cents per mile for mileage pay) Cost of Living Allowance on August 1, 2021 for all seniority employees who have completed their appropriate wage progression schedule. The COLA increase is in addition to the negotiated annual wage increase.

Employees who have not completed their appropriate wage progression on the effective date of the COLA increase, shall receive the adjustment on a prospective basis on the date they complete their wage progression schedule.

Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District Ratify First Contract!

Teamsters Local 492 would like to announce the newest Members added to the Teamster family in New Mexico.

Today, 5/19/2021, the workers at Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District have unanimously voted to ratify their first ever contract! In an NLRB representational election in August of 2020, the workers at Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District also voted unanimously in favor of having Teamsters Local 492 represent them. We have spent about a year in total between the start of the organizing campaign, the contract negotiations, to finally getting these new Teamsters a great first contract tentatively agreed to and then ratified.

The Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District provides safe and clean reliable water services for customers in the Eldorado area of Santa Fe county New Mexico. Melissa Malcolm-Chavez** will be the Business Agent for this new group. Melissa along with President Trey White*, organized this new group and also negotiated their new contract. 

Teamsters Local 492 would like to congratulate these new Teamsters and we look forward to working with this new group of members now and in the future! 

Teamsters Local 492 now represents about 3400 Teamsters covering 28 different contracts at 65 locations across the entire State of New Mexico plus the numerous additional contracts and locations in the movie and pipeline industries.  

*Trey White is the 492 President & Business Agent for UPS Feeder Drivers and the UPS Comanche HUB ABF & YRC Dock, Office, Shop, & City Drivers and also covers Sandia Metal Trades & PAE-Perini. Trey also serves as the 492 Organizer, Administrator for both 492 Websites (Teamsters492.org & Local492film.org), Negotiator for all Local Contracts, Event & Training Coordinator, and he also handles all IT issues, Communications and Building/Property Maintenance

**Melissa Malcom–Chavez is the Business Agent for the Movie/Film Division, UPS Gateway, Eldorado Area Water & Sanitation District and ATF. She is also the 492 Political Coordinator and serves on the Boards of the New Mexico Federation of Labor, Sandia Metal Trades, Southwest Multi-Craft Health Care Fund and the NM Building Trades.