Warehouse workers and drivers from over 20 Amazon facilities across the country rallied against low pay and dangerous working conditions on Cyber Monday. From petitions and marches within facilities, to rallies and strikes outside, workers are demanding an end to Amazon’s exploitation that puts profits and packages ahead of their livelihoods.  Cyber Monday is the largest online shopping day of the year. Amazon’s profits are boosted, but employees pay the price, with exploding workloads and mandatory overtime, for the same low wages.  Warehouse workers at SWF1 in New York’s Hudson Valley held a rally and practice picket with community and labor supporters outside their warehouse. It is the first public action by SWF1United, following months of petitions and marches on the boss that have won incremental improvements. “We are fed up with Amazon putting its packages ahead of our safety,” said Keith Williams, an Amazon warehouse worker at SWF1. “We are rallying and picketing today to show Amazon that we are the ones who make this company so valuable and we deserve respect.” In Southern California, drivers from the company’s DAX8 warehouse in Palmdale -- members of Teamsters Local 396 -- extended their five-month strike to two warehouses: ONT1 in Mira Loma on the eve of Cyber Monday and DLX5 in Los Angeles today. They also extended their picket line to a third warehouse on Monday, RDU1 in Garner, N.C., where workers have been organizing with Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE) for years.  “Amazon should put people over packages. This is a brutal time of year for Amazon workers. We are on an unfair labor practice strike to demand that Amazon deliver the fair pay and safe jobs that we deserve,” said Tom Culver, an Amazon driver and Teamsters Local 396 member from Palmdale. Workers organizing with Amazonians United at South Jersey fulfillment center ACY1 walked out Monday afternoon in support of the collective demands of Amazon workers across the country.  At KSBD, Amazon’s airhub in the Inland Empire of California, warehouse workers organizing as Inland Empire Amazon Workers United are wearing stickers demanding a $25 starting wage.  At DDT6 in Pontiac, MI, workers are taking action to protect their safety. The warehouse workers are educating and organizing their coworkers to exercise their right to stop the conveyor belt when packages backup and create safety hazards. On Cyber Monday, they marched through the warehouse to make demands of management.  “Amazon claims it cares about our safety, but when the packages need to go out, our wellbeing is quickly forgotten,” said Alicia Ozier, a warehouse worker at DDT6 in Pontiac, MI. “I’ve been injured because of Amazon’s dangerous practices and many of my coworkers have too. We are stopping the line when the packages back up. We are demanding help with oversized packages. We are going to use our worker power to keep ourselves safe.” At STL8, workers took action in solidarity with Amazon workers around the US who are calling for higher wages and safer work. In a show of unity, members of the STL8 organizing committee wore buttons inside the facility as peak season begins, bringing further attention to Amazon’s substandard wages and high injury rates. Over 50 workers participated in the action with support from Missouri Workers Center.  Warehouse workers at DGE9 in Buford, GA, who are organizing with Amazonians United, are delivering a petition to management demanding better working conditions and pay that reflects their work, building on past walkouts and marches on the boss.  Workers at DBK4 in Queens, NY, who are organizing with Amazonians United, gave a speech at the beginning of their shift on Saturday about rude and condescending managers and created “wanted posters” listing the managers’ abuses. They let coworkers know they do not need to be intimidated and they have the right to have a trusted coworker present if they are interrogated by managers.  Amazon Teamsters also traveled to the United Kingdom to join Amazon workers from around Europe for an international day of action on Black Friday and to support an ongoing strike and union organizing drive at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse.  "Amazon workers are taking action around the globe to fight for the good jobs we deserve,” said Jessie Moreno, Amazon Teamsters member from Local 396 who traveled to the United Kington to join striking Amazon workers there. “In the U.S., my Teamster siblings and I are on strike against Amazon's unfair labor practices. We have taken our picket line across the country and now we're joining our colleagues from around the world to demand respect, fair wages, and a workplace where our health and safety are a priority. Amazon is no match for the power of its workers united." Amazon workers can change this company and win good jobs by building power together. Contact a Teamster organizer by filling out the form here. The post Amazon Workers Fight Back on Cyber Monday appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

On Sunday, Teamsters Local 25 unveiled “The Arc of the Moral Universe,” an art exhibit that honors labor unions in Massachusetts and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The exhibit was originally displayed in the Massachusetts State House and will now be a permanent part of Local 25’s union hall as it features local union members, including Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and Local 25 President Tom Mari. Created by Dorchester native Zach Horn, the art exhibit was inspired by Dr. King’s work in the labor movement and the recently ratified UPS Teamsters contract covering more than 340,000 full- and part-time workers across the country. “The UPS contract fight wasn’t just about Teamsters; it was about all working people. It was about every worker standing up to corporate America and saying we deserve more,” Mari said. “I’m thrilled to showcase this artwork so that all who pass through the hall will be reminded of the UPS contract campaign and how workers united to win an unprecedented contract that will be a model moving forward for other unions.” In August 2023, Teamsters ratified the historic contract, which designates MLK Day as a paid holiday for the first time. At the exhibit unveiling, Local 25 was proudly joined by State Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), artist Zach Horn, and more than 300 Massachusetts Teamsters.   The post Teamsters Local 25 Unveils New Art Exhibit Honoring the Labor Movement in Massachusetts appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Once again, we've attached some Teamster-inspired recipes for turkey, biscuits, mulled wine, and more.  These recipes were written using Teamster made or delivered ingredients. Where appropriate we have also noted the union origin of other ingredients or baking equipment. Many of the ingredients in these recipes were either made or delivered by members of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, & Soft Drink Conference and Food Processing Division. We hope that you will find these recipes useful as you give thanks for home and family. Click here to download full recipe cards. The post Teamster-Inspired Recipes For Thanksgiving appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The Teamsters joined the American Business Immigration Coalition, American Families United, and other allies Tuesday afternoon outside the White House to rally in support of Teamsters Local 728 member Jason Rochester who is fighting to reunite with his wife, Cecilia Gonzalez-Carmona, who is currently stranded in Mexico. “My wife Cecilia and I have been married for over 16 years. We met when we worked at UPS. I helped her with heavy boxes, and we often took breaks together,” Rochester said. “We fell in love and got married like millions of other couples, but I’m sad to say that for the past six years, our family has been separated.” Gonzalez-Carmona returned to her native Mexico in 2018, after receiving bad legal advice that she would be able to return to the United States within a year. After leaving the United States, she found out that she would not be able to re-enter the country for at least 10 years. “We’re here today to urge President Biden to use his existing legal authority to grant authorization paroles for mixed status families like mine,” Rochester added. The Teamsters are proud to support Rochester’s in his fight to bring his wife home and reunite their family. “General President Sean O’Brien and our 1.3 million members have Jason’s back in this fight,” said James Donovan, Teamsters Director of Political and Legislative Action. The post Teamsters Rally to Reunite Family appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

While Evan Scherer has delivered hundreds of thousands of packages during 10 years as a UPS package driver, he never delivered life-saving CPR to bring a man back to life. That changed on October 24. Scherer, a member of Teamsters Local 79 in Naples, Fla., had just delivered a package to a customer’s doorstep and was headed back to his truck when a distressed woman called out to him from the door. “I know the company’s policy about not going into homes, but she said her husband was unresponsive and needed help,” said Scherer. “I followed her inside and saw the husband was lifeless and pale. He didn’t look like he could be revived. He looked too far gone, but I had to try.” Scherer, who took CPR training 15 years ago when he worked for the school system, began doing chest compressions. “Everything happened so fast. One minute I was getting back into my truck and next thing I know I’m on the floor with this guy, his wife is panicking, and I hear the ambulance sirens getting closer. My mind was racing but I thought maybe this guy is still here, so I told his wife to try to talk with him while I kept doing CPR,” Scherer recalled. When paramedics arrived, the man was still unresponsive. Scherer left the house and went back to his truck, unsure if the man would be resuscitated. The next day, an officer with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office went to the UPS building to let Scherer know that emergency responders were able to get a pulse after Scherer left, and it was thanks to his actions. Sadly, the man’s health was failing. He was kept alive on a breathing tube for a few days before passing. “I happened to be delivering a package near the home two days later, so I stopped by to check in and that’s when the man’s daughter told me he had died. It was really unfortunate. They were upset but very grateful to me for what I did,” Scherer said. “We commend Brother Evan for his quick-thinking in a very high-stress situation,” said Brian Rothman, President of Local 79. “Evan’s heroic actions are a reminder of how courageous Teamsters are and how our members are trusted like family. Teamsters at UPS are part of the community. They are out there every day, going above and beyond to look out for neighbors. It’s what Teamsters do.” The post UPS Teamster Hero Jumps into Action appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The Teamsters Union sends our love to the family and friends of a UPS driver who was killed on Tuesday, November 7 when his feeder truck caught fire following a crash on Interstate 65 in Clarksville, IN. Patrick Harvey, a UPS feeder driver and member of Teamsters Local 135, was involved in a crash with three other semi-trucks caused by an unrelated police chase. The crash led to a deadly fire that killed Harvey and left another Local 135 feeder driver in his sleeper team severely injured. “We are extremely saddened by the loss of Brother Patrick, a dedicated UPS Teamster and proud member of our local,” said Dustin Roach, President of Local 135. “Patrick loved his job and loved being a Teamster. He will be deeply missed by everyone in the union who knew him and had the honor to work with him.” “On behalf of 1.3 million Teamsters, our hearts go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of Brother Patrick,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “When one of our brothers fall, it is a tragedy for every Teamster. We extend our deepest condolences to Patrick’s loved ones and we join them in mourning his untimely passing.” The post Teamsters Mourn Death of Local 135 UPS Driver Killed in Crash appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The Human Rights and Diversity Commission, in conjunction with the Teamsters History Project, welcomes the next segment of monthly history programs based on Teamsters, the labor movement, and the diversity within our union. These programs are designed to look at a wide variety of aspects in our shared past, including events in Black, Women’s, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ histories and their impact on Teamsters and the labor movement. The programs, presented in Zoom format, will be open to all and approximately 90 minutes in length; registration is required to receive the link to join the session. We do encourage you to share this announcement with anyone you believe to be interested; this is not just for Teamsters but to everyone in your communities. We hope this program will generate some lively discussion and ideas for programs in your locals, communities, and at home. Sunday, November 12, 20231:00pm-2:30pm EST Click here to register for this program. Should you have questions or inquiries on general series information contact Loren Fortune at lfortune@teamster.org The post Teamsters HRDC & History Project: “Teamster Veterans Service for All Time” appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

In recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Teamsters Human Rights and Diversity Commission (HRDC) Director Anthony M. Rosa released the following statement: “In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Teamsters are proud to stand with workers and their families, to ensure that all workers have quality, affordable health care that includes important preventative screenings, such as mammograms. Access to superior health insurance is key in breast cancer prevention, protection, and treatment. The Teamsters will continue to fight for strong union contracts that not only include great insurance coverage, but also paid sick leave and a living wage for all workers so that those battling breast cancer, those who have beaten it, and their families have the resources available to make the best choices for their health and well-being.” The post Teamsters Human Rights and Diversity Commission Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Teamsters Human Rights and Diversity Commission (HRDC) Director Anthony M. Rosa released the following statement: “The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is proud to recognize World Mental Health Day and stand in solidarity with all workers who have experienced mental health difficulties. “Today is an opportunity for individuals and communities to unite behind the 2023 theme, ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.’ The day aims to improve knowledge, raise awareness, and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right. “The Teamsters Union strives to promote and prioritize mental health for all Teamsters, their families, and communities. We remain committed to helping create a world where mental health is valued, protected, and nurtured.” The post Teamsters Human Rights and Diversity Commission Honors World Mental Health Day appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The Human Rights and Diversity Commission, in conjunction with the Teamsters History Project, welcomes the next segment of monthly history programs based on Teamsters, the labor movement, and the diversity within our union. These programs are designed to look at a wide variety of aspects in our shared past, including events in Black, Women’s, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ histories and their impact on Teamsters and the labor movement. The programs, presented in Zoom format, will be open to all and approximately 90 minutes in length; registration is required to receive the link to join the session. We do encourage you to share this announcement with anyone you believe to be interested; this is not just for Teamsters but to everyone in your communities. We hope this program will generate some lively discussion and ideas for programs in your locals, communities, and at home. Sunday, October 15, 20231:00pm - 2:30pm EST Click here to register for this program. Should you have questions or inquiries on general series information contact Loren Fortune at lfortune@teamster.org The post “Does Voting Really Matter? Lessons from the Latino Vote in 2020” appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.