Steven S. Mazza
President, B.A.

Eugene A. DeLorme
Vice-President, B.A.

Christopher P. Toole
Secretary-Treasurer, B.A.

Ronald D. Hill
Recording Secretary, B.A.

Paul A. Markwitz
Trustee, B.A.

David W. Weilert
Trustee

Richard T. Militello
Trustee

Kevin M. McIntosh
Business Agent

Michael C. Jarosinski
Business Agent

John C. Emrich
Business Agent

 Waste Management Local Updates

Teamsters Local 118 evaluates interest at WMI Rochester NY

 Teamsters Local 118 was recently contacted by employees who work at the Mt. Read and Basket Road facilities. Raising concerns about respect, job security, wages and benefits, Local 118 suggested a small meeting to learn more about the employee concerns. A meeting was planned for Thursday October 25, 2007 at 7:00 pm.

 From the small meeting the Local Union intended to verify employee concerns and issues, and to determine if an organizing campaign would be initiated.

 At 4:00 pm the day of the meeting, Local 118 was notified that the company was circulating a petition asking employees to state their union position (this is illegal and an Unfair Labor Practice Charge is being processed).

 Local 118 was also notified that certain employees (the ‘Chosen Ones’) were conspiring to overload the meeting with anti-union sentiment and to cloud the issues.

 While Local 118 did not expect the 67 employees who showed up, everyone was welcomed into the meeting.

 Meeting Summary October 25, 2007

 Local 118 opened the meeting by welcoming everyone, and proceeded with introductions of Union officials. Representatives of the Union asked the employees of WMI to put aside their differences and recognize the issues that they agree on, such as respect in the workplace, job security and a secure retirement.

 Representatives of the Union provided information about Local 118 and the 4500 members employed at 85 facilities in the Rochester area. 

 Representatives of the Union gave an overview of ongoing and settled labor issues at other WMI facilities such as Oakland, where Teamster Members overwhelmingly voted in favor of a five year agreement.

 Representatives of the Union gave an overview of the outrageous corporate practices, including paying their CEO over 6 million dollars for a single year of compensation.

 From the floor of the meeting (WMI Employees), Eight (8) individuals spoke in support of the company, Thirteen (13) asked legitimate questions (while the ‘Chosen Ones’ disrespectfully interrupted them), and the vast majority of employees who attended patiently listened during the meeting.

 Local 118 closed the meeting at approximately 8:15, and invited anyone interested in talking one-on-one with a representative to stay and do so. The ‘Chosen Ones’ departed the meeting, and more than half of those in attendance stayed to continue discussions with Union Representatives. 

Analysis

 It was quite obvious that the ‘Chosen Ones’ intended to disrupt the meeting, cloud the issues, divide the employees and report back to the company on how the Union meeting was ineffective.

 It was also quite obvious that the vast majority of attendees were genuinely interested in learning more about the Union, wanted to ask more questions (without disruption from the ‘Chosen Ones’) and requested that the Union continue providing information.

 Check back for current news.

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