Southern California Teamster
Teamsters Local 630 Update for JC 42 News

by Paul A. Kenny
Secretary-Treasurer

March 2008

Teamsters Local 630 has won victories in recent negotiations with several employers that will benefit members and their families. With some hard work in the coming weeks, we are confident more victories will be on the way very soon. Thanks to the solidarity of Local 630 members, we are stronger every day!

Congratulations to members employed at West Central in the re-pack department. They recently forged a new agreement that should make them proud. Thanks to another recent victory, members employed at Young’s Market Cash & Carry, will see hourly wage increases will be reflected on their paychecks of March 7, 2008. You will also be receiving your retroactivity checks on the same date.

The bargaining team has been hard at work negotiating with Tropical Preserving. A vote will take place soon on the company’s last and final proposal. Members employed at Tropical should know that they have the strong support of their Teamster brothers and sisters as their fight comes to a head.

Negotiations will commence next week with OPM International. We are also scheduling for our Farmer Brothers Coffee Drivers to meet for a proposal meeting.

Members employed at Driftwood Dairy in El Monte met and discussed objectives for upcoming negotiations. Their input was compiled in a proposal drafted Sunday February 17, 2008. The company has been notified and dates are being scheduled by our Divisional Representative Robert Rios. These negotiations involve Local 63 and 495 as well. Driftwood Dairy is one of the major independent dairy companies in southern California. This company has recently changed ownership and positive changes have taken place in benefit of our members. We look forward to meeting with the company and improving wages and working conditions at Driftwood.

Members employed under the Master Hourly Statewide Liquor Agreement have been asking Shop Stewards why they still have not received a copy of the new agreement. Please be advised that per a discussion at the Statewide Joint Labor Management meeting that was held on January 28, a Contract Review Subcommittee was designated. This committee has been charged with reviewing and finalizing the Hourly contract. They will also reorganize the contract to make it easier for everyone to read and use. A meeting has been scheduled with the subcommittee for Monday, March 17. Once this task is accomplished, we will have the contracts printed as quickly as we can. Your patience in this regard, especially with your Shop Stewards, will be greatly appreciated!

Teamsters Local 630 would like to take a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by our Shop Steward Anthony Ramos at Waltco. Anthony replaced Jose Gonzalez who passed away last December.

Please keep the Local informed on your current address and phone number. If you are not sure whether your most recent information is on file at the Local, please feel free to contact our office to check. Also, make sure to notify the Pension Department and the Health and Welfare Trust of any changes as well. These are all separate departments. You must notify each of them individually of any changes in your mailing address. By keeping all parties informed of your current contact information, you to receive any important mailings that pertain to your benefits.

Reginald Bolden, from Unified Western Grocers Frozen Food Warehouse, recently passed away as well. He was a Teamster through and through, with a total of 23 years of service.

Fidel Arce, known as RC, passed away on January 29 in Harbor City. RC had worked at the Santa Fe Springs Grocery Warehouse since 1982. He was always there with a smile on his face, showing solidarity with his brothers and sisters, whether Local 630 members, other Teamsters, or UFCW members during their strike. On February 8, Local 630 put one last smile on his face when I ordered the Local 630 truck to attend the his vigil service in Lemon Grove.

Teamsters Local 630 will definitely miss Lee Walsh, Reginald Bolden, and Fidel “RC” Arce. We will work to measure up to their memory.