Secretary-Treasurer Patrick D. Kelly: The War on Workers continues in California. It is absolutely essential that Teamsters and their families register to vote preferably, (PAV)  Permanent Absentee Voter. If you do that you do not have to worry about traveling to the poll on election day and we can concentrate on getting our members and their families to vote before election day. We are faced with a very destructive measure (The Stop Special Interest Money Now Act 11-0010) "Paycheck Destruction" which is prelude if passed to Right-to-Work for Less. It is your responsibility as members of the Teamsters Union to step up and fight to protect your job and your families. You can do this by participating in D.R.I.V.E. either through payroll deduction, one time contributions or monthly credit card payments. We are fighting to protect our members and their families as well as our friends and neighbors. We are mobilizing first in the workplace as well as in the neighborhoods.

Organized Labor is supporting the development of California High Speed Rail. We have to plan ahead and make sure we get as many cars off the road as possible so that we don't choke our logistics and trucking sector. There are hundreds of thousands of jobs that are dependent upon efficient goods movement. If our interstates and roads are choked with car traffic we will lose jobs. If you are interested in supporting high speed rail please visit: www.standupfortrains.org. We want to thank all of our stewards that participated in our recent shop steward training and we also want to thank the members that attended the Joint Council 42 Boot Camp. To stay updated on upcoming events and to learn more on the ballot initiative Paycheck Destruction sign up for Joint Council 42 text group. Step 1 - Using a smartphone, send a text message to: 86466 Step 2 - In the message screen, type: JC42  Step 3 - Press SEND.  We need your active participation. We can't win political or organizing campaigns without you anymore than we could win a strike without you. Power to the Teamsters!

Business Representative & President Donna A. Metcalfe: OCTA: We are pleased to report that Grievance #12-15-0, #12-16-0, #12-21-0 and #12-27-0 were successfully resolved. On 2/10/12 an operator was offered a behavioral contract after a Hearing before Discharge. He was returned to work.  On 2/24/12 a Return to Work Agreement with stipulations was offered after a Hearing before Discharge. The operator was returned to work. Accident #12-01525 was overturned and the discipline was removed. Please be vigilant and exercise caution as you perform your job on a daily basis. Durham School Services: This first-time contract was overwhelmingly ratified on 3/10/12. We had our first Labor-Management meeting on 4/13/12. Many thanks to Patrick Kelly for his support and guidance and to Jeff Sweet for his help. The Shop Stewards and Subcommittee members did a fabulous job throughout the process. Welcome to Teamsters Local 952!

Business Representative & Vice President Don Brewster: Straub Distributing: We have extended the current Agreement until June 11th on cost sharing with the upcoming Medical increase. We have begun negotiations. The committee will keep the Members updated on the progress. Albertson’s Irvine Produce: The move back to a 5-8 hour work week along with a rebid has been completed; we would like to thank all Members for their help during the transition.

Recording Secretary/Business Representative Grant Maertz: UPS: The fight for full-time jobs continues.  Several new driving jobs are opening up in both UPS buildings.  The part-time operations are also hiring and filling positions.  Supervisor working issues continue and it’s very important to get this information to the shop stewards so we can take it on!  Now is a good time to make sure your contact information is updated at UPS and at the Union.

Business Representative Ruben Lopez: MV/OCTA: A new Collective Bargaining Agreement has been ratified by the membership doing contracted fixed route work for OCTA. The agreement maintains the level of medical benefits while improving working conditions, Pension contributions and significant increases in wages.  The Window Dispatcher agreement is nearing completion as well and should be before the members for ratification shortly. Veolia Transportation: On April 15, 2012 the drivers ratified a new Collective Bargaining Agreement for ACCESS and Para-transit work being performed through OCTA.  The agreement maintains the level of medical benefits while improving working conditions, Pension contributions and significant increases in wages.  The committee is continuing to meet with Veolia to arrive at an agreement for the Radio/Window Dispatchers. MV/I-Shuttle: A JLM is being scheduled to discuss concerns with current routes and meal periods.  Shop Steward Denis Garcia will be participating in the discussion and will be available to receive your comments.  If you have any concerns please let Denis know as soon as possible.

Business Representative Jeff Sweet: Pepsi: We wish to congratulate newly appointed Transport department stewards Gary Haley and Gary Marken. Many issues have been raised in the that department and their assistance is appreciated. 7-Up: Contract proposal surveys will be send out in May along with a notice for a proposal meeting. UPS Freight: We ask that the members speak with the clerks about the benefits of being a Union member. They have an opportunity to unite with the drivers and dock workers to also have a voice in regards to their hours, wages, working conditions and benefits.

Business Representative Eric Henry: Iron Mountain: Negotiations continue with more dates calendared in May. The CBA expired March 31st & will remain in full effect based on an extension agreement signed by the Employer & Locals 542 & 952. We are working diligently to reach an agreement. Contact me if you have questions. Prime Time Shuttle: Surveys were sent out mid April. Please fill them out & return them to your shop steward in order to help us prepare for our up-coming negotiations. Our contract expires June 30th & bargaining will begin soon. Contact me if you have questions.