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Saturday Morning Update .            News and information on local Union matters, from Mike Parker. .

September 12, 2009

Saturday Morning Update:

After one week on the picket line we have settled the strike at Aunt Millies Bakeries.  Late last night the members unanimously ratified a three year contract replacing the one that expired in May.  The Strike was caused by the Company’s proposal that would strip away the bargaining rights for wages and immediately cut up to 13% off the wages of the Teamster Drivers and open us up to more unilateral wage cuts in the future.  The settlement totally preserved our bargaining rights.  Provides for a slight pay increase, maintains health care benefits, and maintains 401(k) contributions for all current members.   In other words we got what we stood for.     

It is hard for most of us to understand what it feels like to be on strike.  Someone once described it as jumping off a cliff and hoping your parachute opens.  The stress and the emotional roller coaster that the members go through during a strike is horrendous.   The stress it places on strikers and on the families of the strikers who wonder about whether or not they will be going back to work and be able to provide for their families is terrible. 

The true character of a person comes shining through.  Most stand strong and grow closer together as they go through the trying experience together.  All of those who struck at Aunt Millies showed true grit and toughness.  It has always amazed me how the good comes out in people when they stand up for what is right and good. 

It has always been shameful to witness the weak brothers cave in and scab on their Brothers and Sisters by crossing their own picket line and working during the strike.  Yes unfortunately, we had three of those.  Those too blinded by their individual interests to care about their Union Brothers and Sisters and even their own rights to protect their own future.  Too blinded by their own greed to see the long term picture.  Our Local of course will not treat these scabs in a discriminatory manner.  Would’nt  dream of it.     

We had some fun times practicing civil disobedience, without any violence I might add.  Corey Smith from Jack Cooper Transport got to put into action his training from the Teamsters Organizing Boot Camp that he recently attended.   He and many of the Aunt Millies members practiced the art of peacefully and effectively getting our message out to the Public, without any major incidents.   

Following and picketing bread trucks was tiring but I must admit it was a truly enjoyable experience when the manager of Walmart threatened us and called the police after we told him we would not leave our spot in front of his store.  Without without need or inclination to leave, we told him “no” and stood our ground; he walked back in his store with his head down.  The police never came.   

Other Brothers and Sisters stopped by the picket line bringing food and or drink and more importantly emotional support for the striking workers.  Teamster Local 580 Members from UPS, Jack Cooper Transport, American Red Cross, Pepsi Cola, the City of Lansing, Consumers Concrete, and others all helped in this way.  The Local Labor Community from the AFL-CIO,  UAW, Building Trades, Teachers Union, Postal Workers Union, and others supported us as well.  

Carol Wood the future Mayor of Lansing, U.S. Congressman Mark Schauer, Bob Alexander, Sandy Allen and other politicians also stopped and supported us.  

The next time you see a picket line stop by it and offer whatever support you can.  It means so much to a person that is walking that picket line, if you cannot stop at the line at least lay on your car horn as you pass.  It helps.   Our strength is in our diversity and numbers.  Whether you a Teamster Veterinarian, Teamster Bread Route Salesman, or Teamster Aircraft Mechanic we are a Union when we help support each other.  

It was heartwarming when the Owner of L&L Shopright called said he wanted his Driver back and offered his support for the Teamster Drivers.  He, other store owners, and store managers from Meijer advocated for the Teamster Drivers behind the scenes.  This I believe is a testament to the dedication and professionalism that Our Members demonstrate each day they work and provide these stores with the service that they have come to expect.

More Drivers have been called back at Jack Cooper Transport things are picking up there.  The cash for clunkers program has paid off to some extent it appears.  Yellow Roadway has announced that they will be staying in Lansing and not moving their operation to Coldwater.  The volume at UPS has ticked up slightly.  We have many more challenges coming our way but together we will weather the storms and improve the lives of working women and men.  The negatives can wait for another day.  This was a good week to be a Teamster.

Now I am going to L&L Shopright and buy me some good Teamster Bread.  Even the non union guys helped in this one. 

Fraternally,
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Teamsters Local 580
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Mike Parker
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Secretary Treasurer/Principal Officer  

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Upcoming Action Members needed.  Call the Local and volunteer if interested:
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Possible Area Standards Picketing at the Lansing Board of Water and Light.  This is on behalf of Teamster Drivers at Crandall Brothers Trucking.
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Possible Informational Picketing and handbilling on behalf of the Teamsters at American Red Cross.
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Political action for Teamster endorsed Lansing Mayoral Candidate Carol Wood.
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Mobile Food Pantry 3rd Saturday of the Month.  Call Estella Escamilla at 483-4125 for details.