Secretary-Treasurer Patrick D. Kelly: The Labor Movement and the Teamsters Movement in particular is facing a direct attack on our power to negotiate good contracts for our members and organize the unorganized. This latest attack is in the form of a referendum that is going to be held this fall that is called by us Paycheck Destruction or Paycheck Deception. It would take away the ability of unions to raise money through payroll deduction through DRIVE or any other political action committee.  This is the most significant and dangerous measure we have faced. If this is put into effect it will lead to right to work initiative as early as next year which will be very difficult to stop. If you don't know about right to work we urge you to study it and see what happens to working families in states that have right to work laws. 

It is essential that our members and their families and our retirees register to vote and get involved in their neighborhood precinct. If you are interested or are available please contact our Local Union or whatever Local Union you belong to and tell them that you do not want to see our Union wither and weaken and you are willing to get involved by mobilizing your friends, family, co-workers and neighborhood. If you want to join our activist rank and file register on our website or call Jessica Chavez at (714) 740-6218. Remember: Be Wise Organize.

Business Representative & President Donna A. Metcalfe: Boeing: The contracts have been printed and distributed. OCTA: Recall notices were sent out to twelve laid off operators during the month of January. The orientation was held on January 30th for the six who responded. Another batch of recall letters will be sent out in February. Exercise Caution! Unless there is an exempt sign posted, you must make a complete stop at all railroad crossings when in revenue service or when another individual is on board when not in revenue service. Never stop on the tracks. Durham School Bus Services: We currently have 33 tentative agreements. We’re still working through negotiations.

Business Representative & Vice President Don Brewster: Albertson’s Irvine: All Members have been paid out on the 4th of July Grievance, unfortunately the Employer violated the Agreement again on the Christmas and New Year holidays and we are in the process of grieving the violation. Straub Distributing: We are preparing for the upcoming contract negotiations. Dean Foods: The Employer has informed the Members that the Ice Cream plant will start producing ice cream for Stater Brothers. We have filed a grievance with the Employer on the movement of Albertson’s work to Swiss Riverside. We will keep you informed.

Recording Secretary/Business Representative Grant Maertz: UPS: The New Year brings on new and old challenges.  The fight for full time jobs continues.  Great progress was made last year with the creation of new jobs and we're looking to do the same this year. Utility drivers are now able to be covered by overtime relief language that was recently restored here within the Southwest Package Rider. We would like to applaud all of our UPS Teamsters for their hard work for another record breaking peak season!  It could not have been done without you!

Business Representative Frank Sevilla: Happy to report the San Diego Seven Up sales account manager's negotiations have been completed with Teamsters Local 683. The contract was overwhelmingly ratified in December 2011. This is a first time contract with seniority and bidding language as well as major improvements with the health and welfare and job protection in the form of grievance and arbitration procedures.

Business Representative Ruben Lopez: First Student: The current contract is due to expire June 31, 2012; many surveys have been returned and will be tabulated.  Two committees will be formed one from Santa Ana and Mission Viejo. Proposal meetings will also be scheduled. Dates will be scheduled with the employer in the coming months and updates will follow. Smarden: The negotiation process is still ongoing with the help of Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The employer has taken a difficult position during negotiations that has made progress very slow but we are still working on bringing you an offer in the near future. Westside Building Material: The contract re-opener for economic issues is almost here, we will be having proposal meetings in the next few months. MV/OCTA and Veolia Transportation: Contract negotiations are continuing with both of these employers; we are focusing on economic issues. Information will be posted on the bulletin board when available. 

Business Representative Mark Woomer: Albertson’s Brea warehouse has tentatively scheduled the Engineered Work Standards (EWS) to go on line March 1, 2012 in selected areas. There will be a four week ramp-up period. We recommend that all brothers and sisters to take notes and follow the (Preferred Methods of Operations), this will allow for us to identify and address any problems. CVS warehouse: The IBT Engineer has completed the audit of the Engineered Work Standards (EWS) in the warehouse and we are working with the employer to address the issues that we feel are in need of correcting. We are also working with the employer on the concerns we have requiring all employees to re-qualify in the module and the movement of work to the Ontario warehouse. We would like to remind all brothers and sisters that this is going to be a very important election year so if you have not already registered to vote please contact me and I will assist you.    

Business Representative Eric Henry: Iron Mountain: We want to thank the members for all of their input at our recent proposal meeting held in January. We have several negotiation dates scheduled in March prior to the expiration of your Agreement. Pay close attention to your bulletin boards for any updates. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your Stewards or me at 714-740-6224.