Local 278 has rejected the possible merger with Local 85.

Probably wasn't a good fit, 278 has a gang of UPSers and little else.

Local 85 the oldest Local West of the Mississippi, the oldest Brotherhood of Teamsters Local in the IBT, and one of the most miltant Locals in the IBT is like the orphan of the IBT. Nobody wants to merge with Local 85-- supposedly because of it's Members.

What kind of Teamsters Union is this? The kind of Union where we all dress up in pretty little uniforms, toast s'mores by the campfire, tell ghost stories and sing Neil Sedaka songs?

Hey Brother maybe it's more likely because of the leadership (?) of Local 85. Does 85 have any assets that make it desirable to another Local?

Hey TA, Real Team knows Local 85 as good or better than most anyone. 85 Teamster members are like Teamsters used to be, they are tough and unyielding but their world has passed them by. Their membership has shrunk because work opportunity eg freight, produce, fish, meat, freight forwarding, the rail hubs and a lot more has shrunk or disappeared, and the growth areas eg UPS and Garbage are not included in their jurisdiction, except for DHL. Unfortunately, its only going to get worse. 278 would have been a decent match except for a likely culture clash, but 853 which has a lot of members on the SF side of the Bay Area is also a decent match. 85 is a tough Local to service with jurisdictions such as the movie industry that are great, but require time consuming service and representation, so its difficult for 85 to be self sustaining. Its too bad that there are no reduced or elimination of per capita payment provisions included in some of these merger or trusteeship discussions. Another suggestion that I have made previously is to give 85 the entire JC#7 movie industry jurisdiction, even though I pissed everyone else off when I suggested it.

I think that's a great idea! Give 85 the Motion Picure industry throughout the area!
Be good to see all the Trade Shows under one as well, that way the Brothers and Sisters from 70 and 287 could share the same Health and Welfare benefits Local 85 enjoys, which are the best in the area.

We ARE the most miltant Local in the IBT. Our Local leadership is doing a great job on this one! We will be deep, and in force on July 22, Brother, across the Bay in Oakland supprting our General President and Brother Mack at that huge rally. Hope to see you there!


Thanks for the kind words!