Hoffa on Obama's immigration reform proposal
Jan. 30, 2013 | Yesterday President Obama announced his proposal for immigration reform and challenged Congress to act quickly. Teamsters President Jim Hoffa said the the President's plan offers a straightforward approach to a problem that can no longer be ignored. "The President's plan offers a more complete approach to addressing challenges that are at the root of the problem…For the first time, we have a proposal that will hold all parties accountable – undocumented workers, unscrupulous employers and the federal government…" Please read President Hoffa's full statement here.

Call to action! Preserve Social Security, Medicare and education
Jan. 27, 2013 | Teamsters everywhere are needed to step up in this IBT Call to Action: Extremist lawmakers on Capitol Hill are calling for cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and education as ways to reduce the national deficit…Reducing the deficit on the backs of the middle class is just plan wrong. On January 30th, events will be held across the country to send Congress a clear message: No cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and education. Instead of cutting vital programs, Congress needs to make sure that big corporations and the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. Find an event in your area here. If you can't join a direct action, you can send a loud message to Congress by joining our Thunderclap.

White House urged to act swiftly on silica exposure
Jan. 24, 2013 | Workers have been dying from silica on the job for about 100 years, with an estimated 1.7 million U.S. workers exposed to this serious hazard. Last week a public petition was posted on the White House website urging immediate release of a proposed OSHA rule to protect workers from silica exposure – which can cause both lung disease (silicosis) and cancer – on the job. Releasing the proposal for publication is just the first step in a lengthy review process….The petition requires 25,000 signatures by February 11th to elicit a formal response from the White House. ~ Crossposted from dclabor.org

UPS negotiations recess; will reconvene Jan. 28
Jan. 18, 2013 | Two weeks of negotiations with UPS and UPS Freight wrapped up yesterday in Washington with progress made on both contracts. In UPS Freight negotiations, the committee addressed seniority and work issues as well as protections for medically disqualified drivers. In UPS negotiations, progress was made on 9.5 language, military leave and stewards' rights. More info here.

Reduce your debt and get your budget in shape
Jan. 14, 2013 | Managing your money and credit doesn't have to be risky business. But conquering debt may be more challenging than ever in today's economy. The good news: union members have access to expert tools and resources to help them cut debt and improve their financial health. The advice is designed and discounted especially for union members. Services include free budgetary analysis, personal budgeting tools and savings tips, and experienced credit counselors available 24/7. Click here for helpful information from Union Plus.

ABF, Teamsters in talks again this week
Jan. 11, 2013 | Bargaining began Tuesday, and talks are scheduled to run until March. The current contract expires March 31. When the parties met in December, they ended negotiations far apart. Gordon Sweeton, the co-chairman if the Teamsters' National ABF Negotiating Committee said the union is disappointed with ABF's proposals so far. Read more here.

UPS retiree health care cost hike is outrageous
Jan. 7, 2013 | General Secretary Treasurer Ken Hall says he is outraged by UPS's move to hike the cost of health care to retirees in company-sponsored plans. In a memo to UPS Locals, Hall said the issue will be dealt with at the bargaining table. Negotiations have resumed in Washington today.