Public, Professional & Office-Clerical Employees and Drivers

14675 Interurban Ave S.  Ste 305, Tukwila, WA 98168 ● 206-441-0763 ● 877-441-0763

 

Shop Steward/Member Training Seminar

October 21, 2009

Shop Steward/Member Training was held at the Teamster Building in Tukwila on Saturday, September 26, 2009. The training room was filled to capacity. Secretary-Treasurer David Grage opened the session with a report on current economic situations and the trends we are seeing throughout the Local. The ever popular Sally Payne, IBT Associate Director of Training and Development, was the instructor for the day. The purpose of the program:

• to discuss ways to increase membership involvement

• to analyze the effectiveness of the "organizing" model of unionism

• to develop plans to increase members participation

The training consisted of a power point presentation, videos, group break out, problem solving activity and de-briefing on the problem solving exercise. A great lunch was catered by Galliano's Italian Restaurant was followed by door prizes and closing remarks and evaluations. Judging by the comments received, everyone in attendance had a very positive experienced and learned a lot. We would encourage you to join us at the next training seminar.

click here for photos

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King County 911 Communications Center - Contract Ratification Update

October 19, 2009

On October 15, 2009, our Union ratified the first even Teamsters Bargaining Agreement with 87% of the membership voting in favor of the agreement. Ratifying an agreement by 87% is remarkable on its own merit; however, just as remarkable is 95% of the membership voted. The fact that so many members took the time to vote, shows an unsurpassed dedication and commitment to each other as a community. The Union would like to thank the "Get out the Vote" members. Those members deserve additional recognition, they took the time, jumped on Facebook, text messaged and e-mailed each other reminding everyone to vote.

The Union would also like to thank the following members of the bargaining team for their tireless pursuit over the last 7 months to improving wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security for all members of the bargaining unit. They are; Peach Burke, Chris Condie, Sheree Good, and Kelli West.

And lastly, we would like to thank you, the membership, for your patience, perseverance and professionalism while waiting for the agreement to be brought to you and in the work you provide to the public every day. As we move forward, our goal as a Union will be to build on the foundation that we together have created.

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$10,000 James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund Winner

August 21st, 2009

Kathrin Pitt, daughter of Local 763 member Melissa Lang, of the Highline School District, has been selected as a recipient of a $10,000 scholarship. Last year only five (5) of these grand winners were selected in the Western Region. She was presented the award certificate at the Local General membership Meeting held on August 19. 2009.
 

Kathrin will be attending Seattle Pacific University and intends to pursue a course of study where she will major in nursing. She has earned many awards and graduated from Mount Rainier High with a 4.0 GPA. She also has spent many hours performing volunteer work and even going to Biloxi, MS to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
 

We are all very proud of Kathrin and know this award will be put to very good use.

 (Left to right) Melissa Lang, Kathrin Pitt, Secretary-Treasurer
 David Grage

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Unions, Times hold first post-concession “Industry Awareness Council” meeting

August 5th, 2009

When the Newspaper Guild-CWA, Teamsters locals 763 and GCC/IBT local 767M, and Electricians IBEW Local 46 agreed in April to economic concessions with The Seattle Times, part of the agreement included quarterly meetings of a new “Industry Awareness Council.” The purpose of the IAC is to talk about enhancing the company’s financial health, ongoing operational changes and preserving jobs. After all, the success of our members rests on the success of The Seattle Times.

The first IAC meeting was held on July 23. This report is being sent to members of all four unions.

Part of the first meeting was spent talking about ground rules and what both the unions and the company hope to accomplish from future meetings. Everyone in attendance agreed the best results from the IAC would be two-way communication, strengthened relationships and creative solutions.

With that said, all the parties agreed that IAC meetings are occasions for discussion, not negotiation, and that the most candid conversations were more likely to happen with a certain degree of confidentiality, especially in regard to the Times’ sensitive financial information.

The company shared some preliminary trends on health care and gave a progress report on implementation of the new payroll system, which has made it possible to take deductions for health insurance out of employees’ pay in more than one payroll period.

In general, the concessions agreed to by the unions are helping the Times’ financial outlook by reducing expenses. In addition, the number of employees has dropped considerably; as of July 1, the Times had 1,284 employees, down from 1,688 on July 1, 2008. The number of full-time employees is 996, with 288 part-time employees. In 2008, the same numbers were 1,313 and 375, respectively.

While a reduction in expenses has helped improve finances, the revenue trends are continuing to decline.

The robust retention of former subscribers of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer remains strong, at 87 percent, said Alayne Fardella, the company’s senior vice-president of business operations.

The Times and P-I have formally ended all JOA connections, and now function as independent businesses, she added. The Times’ total daily circulation is 291,000.

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Hoffa Scholarship Winner

July 21, 2009

Congratulations to Melissa Lang of the Highline School District. Her daughter, Kathrin Pitt, was selected as a James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship winner. The Mt. Rainier High graduate is one five winners in the Western Region to receive $10,000.00 toward her continued education. All of us at Local 763 are very proud of Kathrin and this achievement.

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Passing

July 17, 2009

It is with sadness to report that Gary Burnett, a Lake Washington School District Bus Driver, passed away on 7/9/09. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary's family and friends.

There will be a service on Monday July, 20th, 2009 at 10:00AM

Green Funeral Home: Sunset Chapel
1215 145th Pl. SE
Bellevue, WA 98007-5426

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AMR Contract Vote Update

July 17, 2009

The contract with AMR ratified with a 93% affirmative vote. We also want to report there was a very large turnout of members voting. Congratulations on your new contract agreement! Copies of the new agreement will be available as soon as possible, however, there is still a lot of work left before the final document is ready for distribution.

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AMR Contract Update - FAQ

June 26, 2009

Local 763 has received a number of questions from members of the American Medical Response (AMR) bargaining unit. These questions revolve around the rejection of a contract that was the result of a tentative agreement achieved through the help of a Federal Mediator. This rejection authorized a strike or work stoppage of this company.

 CONTRARY TO ANY RUMORS CIRCULATING, THERE IS NO SET DATE COMMENCING WORK STOPPAGE OR STRIKE!

What is going to happen next?

There are several things that are taking place. First of all, Local 763 is in the process of applying to Joint Council of Teamsters No. 28 (JC 28) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) for strike sanction. Without these approvals, any strike action would be against provisions of our Constitution. It would be classified as a "wildcat strike" and no members would get strike benefits or support from other Teamsters Locals and in many cases, other labor organizations.

Secondly, we have contacted the Federal Mediator and the Employer in an attempt to schedule a meeting date(s) to discuss this rejection and try to negotiate a solution.

Thirdly, meetings with the members have been set to discuss this situation and listen to your concerns and comments.

Lastly, strike committees are being formed, around-the-clock picket schedules are being worked out, picket locations are being selected, and other details are being ironed out.

to continue reading, click here

more information can be found under the EMS UPDATES page

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Highline Public Schools

June 19, 2009

Highline Public Schools notified our membership that effective November 11, 2008 they intended to unilaterally change the way bus route hours were calculated thereby reducing the wages our membership would get paid. This change affected nearly one hundred (100) of our bus drivers and bus monitors. Shop Stewards, Carole Klein and Linda Benson immediately took action and notified the Local Union. Klein and Benson then filed a Step 1 grievance on behalf of any and all affected members with their supervisor. After their supervisor denied the grievance, Klein and Benson filed a Step 2 grievance with the Union. Since that time, the Union has attempted to resolve the grievance short of arbitration. As late as April 2009, the District was indicating their desire to settle the grievance. The Union continued its’ demand for full back pay and a return to the previous system of calculating hours. Ultimately, the District wanted the Union to negotiate a new way to calculate time as a trade off for the “make whole” remedy. This was unacceptable to the Union and our membership. This case has been approved for arbitration and an Arbitrator has been selected. The Union’s law firm is now in the process of scheduling with the Arbitrator.

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Issaquah School District

June 19, 2009

On February 10, 2009 a new three (3) year Agreement was reach with the Issaquah School District. One item in the agreement was an increase to the attendance incentive for the Custodians and Warehouse Employees. During the negotiations on February 10, 2009 the Union’s counter proposal was explained to the School District’s Attorney by Jason Powell, Local 763’s Business Agent, in front of the Union’s Attorney and one of our rank and file members. Later, after their Attorney agreed to the Union counter proposal and its intent on behalf of the District, the District Labor Relations Director, who was not even there at the time, informed the Union that the District didn’t agree to our intent. Instead, the District took the position that the Union had subsequently agreed to the District proposal which had previously been rejected by the Union.   A grievance has been filed by the Union on behalf of thirty (30) of our affected members. An Arbitrator has been selected and our law firm is in the process of scheduling a hearing.

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Contract News

June 19, 2009

City of Mukilteo

The Office-Clerical Technical Bargaining Unit ratified a one year agreement and the bargaining unit was represented by the hard work of Jamie Theuer, Anna Heinrichs and Paul Walker. The Public Works Bargaining Unit ratified a one year agreement as well. We appreciate the help of Jeran Hurst, Mike Arnett and Gordon Mitchell in representing the bargaining unit. With both of these bargaining units we restructured the employee healthcare contributions to reflect the city would pay one hundred percent (100%) for employees and ninety percent (90%) for dependent coverage. Employees premium sharing would be based on their own family demographics. Some employees would be able to put up to $74 or $85 a month back into their pocket depending on the bargaining unit.

The Law Enforcement Officer Bargaining Unit ratified a two (2) year agreement which provides a wage increase and market adjustments. Appreciate the assistance and insight of Sergeant Bill Dillon and Corporal Dave Kingery.

City of Snohomish

A one (1) year extension was ratified by both the Public Works and Office-Technical Bargaining Units. The city reduced the funding of two and one-half positions which resulted in layoffs and affected three (3) employees. The following; Karen Allen, Lisa Bender, Sharon Pettit and Diane Bruland worked hard in representing the bargaining units.

Snohomish County

The Captains and Sergeants Bargaining Unit ratified a three (3) year contract. The parties filed for mediation and had three (3) meetings to reach a tentative agreement to present to the unit. Captain Randy Finsen and Sergeant Ken Ivey have been a valuable asset in representing the bargaining unit during this process.

The Seattle Times

The Unions membership in the Single Copy/Loaders and Mailers units at the Seattle Times have voted on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement lasting until January 5^th 2011. Thanks to the bargaining committees for their leadership by making the hard decisions to avoid employee lay-offs and keep people working: David Lamb, John McCue, Joe Norris for the Single Copy/Loader group and Bob Branham, John Cole, Dave Pennington for the Mailer group.

Metso Paper

The bargaining committee has voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement that reduced the employees cost of benefits, improved wages and increased their contribution to the pension. Thanks to steward Bill Myers for his leadership in putting the agreement together.

City of Tukwila

The three bargaining units ratified a new five (5) year agreement. Thanks to Shop Stewards Stan Anderson, Paul Freeman and Diane Jaber.

Lake Washington Technical College

A new three (3) year agreement was ratified in May. Rank and file member on our committee was Shop Steward Vivian Abbey.

The membership ratified a new three (3) year agreement which is retroactive to September 1, 2008 and is in effect through August 2011. Thanks to committee members Thomas Brown, John Dunn, Sue Gallacher, Dan Gill, Brian Gittings, Mike Gittings and Dave Holbrook.

City of Issaquah

The members have decided to extend their contract agreement one (1) year with thanks to Jeffrey Estrin and Ron Blaskovich.

Special thanks to all of the above-named individuals who worked hard and provided resources, experience and knowledge representing their Bargaining Units with integrity and professionalism

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Other News

June 19, 2009

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General Membership Meeting Notice

The third quarter General Membership Meeting will be held on Wednesday August 19th, 2009 at the Teamsters Building, 14675 Interurban Ave. So. - Tukwila, at 7:00P.M. The General Membership meetings provide an important source of information for you and members to stay informed on the activities of your Local and the Teamsters Union as a whole.

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Tell Your Senators to Support the Express Carrier Employee Protection Provision

What is FedEx So Afraid Of?

"I'm going to destroy then." That is the threat from FedEx's chief spokesman, Maury Lane, when asked by U.S. News and World Report about his company's soon-to-be-launched multi-million dollar ad against the Express Carrier Employee Protection provision.

Lane's words mean that FedEx Express will stop at nothing to preserve its status as the ONLY freight and package-delivery company in the United States to classify all its workers under the Railway Labor Act. The RLA applies to only aircraft and railroad workers.

FedEx does not want its special status taken away because they know it would make organizing easier for its workers. This legislation is so important because it will restore fairness to the freight and package delivery industry. This loophole has allowed FedEx to have an unfair competitive advantage and deprive its workers of the right to secure union representation.

With your help, the House recently voted to pass the FAA Reauthorization Bill and with it came the passage of the Express Carrier provision. Passing this bill shows first hand that hard work and perseverance can pay off. The new administration is on our side, and together we are making changes in Washington to better our Union and the lives of working Americans across the country.

Thank you for your help in passing this important legislation in the House. Although the Express Carrier Employee Protection provision has passed the House, the Senate has not yet voted on this issue. We must continue our hard work to ensure our voices are heard. Please contact your senators and let them know you support the Express Carrier legislation.

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General Membership Meeting

The next General Membership meeting will be held on August 19th, 2009 @ 7:00 P.M. in the Auditorium at:

Teamsters Building
14675 Interurban Ave S.
Tukwila, WA 98168

Please make every effort to attend!  

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Reminder from the Dues Office

Keep your dues current. Dues need to be posted on the last day of the month or will be considered delinquent. Also, we need to be notified of any change of mailing address by calling 206-441-0763. Employers typically don’t pass that information on to us. If you leave employment, contact the Local to request a withdrawal card.

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