|
|
 |
 |
|
 Welcome to the offical website of Teamsters Local 150. The Teamsters Local 150 website offers information on upcoming meetings and events, union services, labor issues and membership. The purpose of belonging to a union is to level the playing field between the employer and employee. To accomplish this, our members need to stay informed on labor related issues and current events of the Local Union. This website was designed with this in mind. Visit the Teamsters Local 150 website to keep current on Teamster events and news.
|
|
 |
|
 Spring Stewards Seminar
Wed, May 25th 2005
By Terry Skjelstad
General President James Hoffa Attends Stewards Seminar Along with International VP Chuck Mack and JC 38 President James Long.
The first steward’s seminar of the year was certainly an event that all those who attended will not soon forget. This is the first time in the history of Local 150 that I can remember, that the General President of our International made an appearance to address our membership. While it is true that candidates for the office of International President have been to Sacramento for campaign purposes, no sitting President has accepted an invitation to attend any Local 150 events.
This memorable day started with the film presentation of the documentary “The History of the Teamsters.” Everyone should see this film that depicts the struggles of working men and women to build the Teamsters into the most powerful labor union in America. It was quite a moving film and you could hear a pin drop while it was being shown. If you want to order a copy, see Lisa in the office.
After the film our Secretary-Treasurer Jim Tobin spoke and gave a report on the state of Local 150 and the positive results the new leadership has achieved. His message was that it will not be business as usual as it has been in the pass at our local. We have hired two full time organizers and have organized more new members in the last few months than the previous leadership did in two terms in office. Besides our organizing victories, Jim pointed out that the new team is winning great contracts and prevailing on important grievances and arbitrations for our members. He also urged everyone to get involved with organizing by volunteering on construction, warehouse, driver, and any other campaigns for workers who need our help in making their lives better. The stewards were next introduced to the newest members of Local 150. Several DHL drivers shared stories of their mistreatment by their employer and how happy they are to now be represented by the Teamsters.
Western Region International Vice President Chuck Mack was our next speaker. He reported on the important political issues that all union members must be aware of, including threats to our pensions, health care, and our union way of life in general. And then Chuck Mack introduced our key note speaker, Teamster President James Hoffa. As I say in my Agent report, I am not sure that everyone realizes just how important brother Hoffa’s visit was. With more than five hundred Teamster locals, he has to turn down many requests to speak at the local level. The last time he visited our local, before he became President, only a handful of members showed up. This time he was greeted by two hundred enthusiastic members. President Hoffa’s remarks showed that he was very pleased with the direction that Local 150's new leadership has taken our local the past two years. Brother Hoffa commented: “Local 150 has always had potential, but now, under the new leadership you have in place, your local is growing and reaching that potential. I am pleased to say this local is under new management and it is working!” He went on to say that Local 150 is a local that all Teamster locals should model themselves after.
James Long, President of Joint Council 38, reminded everyone that we must do everything we can to combat the political attacks that threaten our union lives and the lives of all working men and women. President Long also congratulated our own Jim Tobin who has been selected to serve as an officer on the Joint Council Teamsters #38.
Before the break for lunch and closing remarks, several Business Agents and the Organizer gave reports on various issues affecting their members and the local in general. All in all it will be difficult to top this event in future seminars, but rest assured, your Secretary-Treasure and Business Agents will be up to the task. |
|
|
|
