18 replies to this topic

[FUTDU]

While Fred and Hoffa spend the next year kicking the piss out of each other in the name of brotherhood where is the TDU? Come on Sandy are you really going to lay in the grass like a snake and come out at the last minute and steal the election? Who's your running mates? Honestly you do realize this is your best shot at winning.

[Hawfuh_Hater]

FUTDU, on July 01 2010 - 07:43 PM, said:

While Fred and Hoffa spend the next year kicking the piss out of each other in the name of brotherhood where is the TDU? Come on Sandy are you really going to lay in the grass like a snake and come out at the last minute and steal the election? Who's your running mates? Honestly you do realize this is your best shot at winning.

HOLY SHIT! BREAKING NEWS!

FUTDU is calling for a reform slate to run against Hoffa for the position of Teamsters General President!

But will FUTDU vote for those reformers?

[FUTDU]

Hawfuh_Hater, on July 02 2010 - 05:55 AM, said:

HOLY SHIT! BREAKING NEWS!

FUTDU is calling for a reform slate to run against Hoffa for the position of Teamsters General President!

But will FUTDU vote for those reformers?

HA HA! I would not vote for TDU. They talk alot of smack but the never back it. All I am saying is lets see what you got.

[teamodude]

FUTDU, on July 02 2010 - 03:00 PM, said:

HA HA! I would not vote for TDU. They talk alot of smack but the never back it. All I am saying is lets see what you got.

TDU sucks look what they have done to every Local they have got into. They are currently ruining Local 631. They ran on a TDU agenda used the TDU manuals to get elected with their lies and half truths now they deny they are TDU. But guess what they didnt collect any signatures for Hoffa didnt go to any of the barns and ask for any help for Hoffa. Penus says he is staying nuetral. TDU SUCKS ASS.

[coastal]

I never really understood why the division into TDU? --when in fact we are all Teamsters belonging to the same International Union. Of course, I'm old school Teamster, when back in the day we wore the "Blue" Teamster Jackets with pride. Those of you that have been around for awhile know what I'm talking about. There are only a few of us old school Teamsters left and I am one of them.

I remember the days when I use to chase ready mix trucks and on construction sites, and on many a picket line, when it was a time when bricks/sticks used against us from scab truckers,etc. My point being, we created jobs,(for the members) we chased trucks, we fought hard in our work with pride and we fought for the cause, all of us as one, all Teamsters being the same, not divided into two different groups??

Now these past years we have TDU? TDU is like in comparison to Operating engineers for example, trying to claim Teamster work. Except worse, were divided amongst ourselves now. Everyone needs to get their head out of the sand, and wake up, and realize if we want a strong union again we need to all be on the same side, not this division between Teamsters.

Where are the ready mix and construction union jobs gone? In CA compared to other smaller or metropolitan US states, there is no excuse for not creating these jobs, or not chasing trucks, with all the many labor unions in CA and CA is known for good weather and large undeveloped area's and construction building,etc. Many non union outfits out there, when there could be teamster work.

The focus seems to be on more large scale organizing, Fed-X, other, like when UPS became Teamsters, in which is fine, as the more members, the more money to keep the organization funded. However, when if all we focus on is large scale throughout, the wages seem to be lower in contract negotiations. Teamsters should make more than 8.00-20.00 an hour. That is what I've been reading on t-net lately by members in their wages. Teamsters should make more than that,who can survive on 15.00 dollars an hour,-dues, not many these days. Then were no better than the average corporation, securing large accounts (groups) with low wages? I understand large scale organizing needs to be done yes, but lets not forget about the construction and ready mix trades and all other small group classification jobs in which can also produce higher wages for the Teamster members. I guess I got off topic here, but it's just I feel strongly about things. And I'm not a member trying to tell a business agent how to do his or her job,as I was a business agent in CA and I therefore do not understand why I see so many non union outfits driving around,etc. We cannot win them all I know that, but for too long, I've seen the same non union outfits, with no approach by teamster agents for the longest time.

I've been viewing T-net for the past year duration now. And within that time, I've viewed the division of TDU from Teamsters, harassment lawsuits, lawsuits (or rumors) that organizers filed against IBT for not being re-hired?, complaints of low wages, organization financial problems, lay offs, rumors of pension trouble, extreme high wages of local CEO's, and numerous other things.

Maybe I was born in the wrong era? Maybe I feel many have forgot why we became teamsters in the first place. This is not a get rich organization and anyone with that attitude as a representative for the members should look hard into when you first started and why.

I use to be in one of the largest membership locals and my S/T was the lowest paid salary compared to other nearby labor unions with smaller memberships. He on purpose, kept his salary low, and the members then would not have argued if he made his salary higher then either, as he always kept it low. But he kept it low, as he never forgot why he was there in his position, in which was for the members of this organization. As he continued to view himself as union member,(to serve the union members) compared to a S/T behind a desk,in which made him a great S/T and honest leader. And this was at a time when our local was always in the black, never the red. Then on top of that, when the members were on strike on one occasion that we were unsure how long it might last? He then (with already low salary) he then cut his S/T pay even lower to ensure the local would remain running well and I even lowered my pay as well with him, followed him by example. We were the only two that volunteered to do that within the local, but we both lowered our pay just the same, for the membership of our local. After the strike was to be over, my pay would return to the way it was prior, but after wards, I never did raise my pay back up again to what it once was, even when I could have back then. Some of my members of the local were making more income than I was, but I didn't mind, I was there to serve the membership and find them jobs. That was my focus, my goal, to see my members happy and live well. I know the two-three years before retirement is important in keeping paycheck higher compared to lower those nearing retirement. But I did it,(Pay cut) and although I was not near retirement years and never brought my pay back up, I don't regret my decision back then. It felt right to lower my pay even when it wasn't needed back then, just in case. I was proud to do it, and didn't hesitate either.

Wouldn't it be better to lower your pay (Union reps,CEO's,GP) compared to laying off union/International staff, locals going into the red, so we can bring our organization back up again to what it once was. No CEO needs to make 250-500k a year, when the members are making 8.00-20.00 an hour and paying high union dues. I know many will not agree with me on a local/International level, but it would be nice if some would follow by example for our organization. The Teamsters has always been the strongest Labor Organization around. It's up to all of you to keep it alive for generations to come.

[400lbsgorrilla]

Hello Coastal you speak of ready-mix organizing and yet I don't think we have ever met,If you would like to get involved in going after these non union companies you spoke of please feel free to contact me as this is what I have been trying to do.Just call local 853 and ask for Doug Radonich and they will get us together. I truly hope that you are for real and not just a talker,I look forward to hearing from you.

[coastal]

Hello Gorilla, Thank you, I will contact the local next week (after the 4th July Holiday)and provide my contact information when the local office is open again. I honestly,had to look in my Roster to see what local you were from.

Gorilla-I'm unsure if you and I ever had the opportunity to meet? We will know once we exchange contact information and we talk further. I use to focus on organizing the non-union ready-mix drivers, while also in Construction Teamsters. Remember Robertson Ready-mix? Back in the day, that was the non union outfit I focused on then among others, when I was in CA Teamsters.

I'm not all talk no, I'm for real. Anyone that knows me well and/or me seen me in my work, they know I possess strong follow-through and for real. In person, I don't talk as much(except when needed-organizing,contracts,etc) compared to how I am right now on this post.

Before I go further, I'm not in CA anymore, moved out to DC Metropolitan areas. However, I am still a domiciliary of CA for certain reasons. I thought I'd inform you of that now, and if your still interested in having me help assist, knowing I do not currently reside in CA, I would be willing to help you going after these non-union companies whether that be in CA or elsewhere. I'm experienced in chasing/organizing ready-mix trucks, somewhat different than regular local union organizing tasks, as I'm sure your well aware of already. I also did IBT organizing on east coast part of (07-08) where I was the only organizer in 3 US states besides my computer lead. Once completed, remainder of 2008-09 I then went overseas as I'm an Executive Protection Principal/agent.

We'll talk further this next week. But this gives you a general idea of who I am and my background. You may also have seen me through the years at CA downtown LA union events, speaking next to Miguel C, before he passed away,AFL-CIO National Convention in LA, and volunteering on many Teamster union projects, including other union trades, and on UPS picket lines(Volunteer representation) when the nationwide strike happened and assisting the GP of the laborers union on projects, and other labor organizations and so on.

Have a good 4th of July.

Coastal.

[billkn]

coastal, on July 03 2010 - 06:45 AM, said:

Now these past years we have TDU? TDU is like in comparison to Operating engineers for example, trying to claim Teamster work.

Do you blame them? Ever since almost 30 years ago the head rock and sand guy (S/T from 420-you know him well) ordered his members to cross the Operators picket line they have never forgotten to pay us back. That was the beginning of the end for ready mix. What a Dick (sic) head maneuver! And one know it all still praises him when she should be denouncing him.

[coastal]

billkn, on July 03 2010 - 11:24 PM, said:

Do you blame them? Ever since almost 30 years ago the head rock and sand guy (S/T from 420-you know him well) ordered his members to cross the Operators picket line they have never forgotten to pay us back. That was the beginning of the end for ready mix. What a Dick (sic) head maneuver! And one know it all still praises him when she should be denouncing him.

First of all over 30 years ago, (Oliver T) was in office and he was thrown out!- by IBT-(FOR Good reason). So that would be the time frame your talking of. Oliver Traweek, did things like that, crossing picket lines. As I remember. Dick was not in office as of yet then. So get your facts straight. Dick was always in ready-mix and he went into office in 1980-95, and went into office to fix/correct Oliver Traweek Mess he had made. Including, Dick would never cross a picket line! I should know and I do know, he would not, has not. It's been known to many in Construction/Ready-mix trades(building material and dump truck drivers) that operating engineers has always tried to claim and steal Teamster work, even when Teamsters had jurisdiction over certain vehicles that is Teamster off-hwy equipment. Operating engineers never cared about rules and regulations on construction hiring hall, mandated by the Teamsters. I should know, as I was the first woman construction dispatcher in the History of the Teamsters and I patrolled and pulled off many Operating engineers off Teamster jobs! As the work was ours, the Teamster members on certain vehicles, on dirt jobs. We had the 769 rock trucks, B35's, boom truck, articulated crane,low beds, dump trucks,etc-on dirt jobs. Ready-mix is freeway jobs(on highway)mixers, doubles and transfer dumps, and including going in and out of the rock quarries. Ready-mix and operators don't have an issue, as operators not trying to steal ready-mix vehicles/work. Construction and Operators usually have an issue,(Claiming same work) so your statement above really makes no sense at all.

I imagine you are an operating engineer, (BA) I fired maybe?) or other someone I might know, just trying to stir up some things that are untrue, and I'm not that thinned skinned and when you speak untruths, too many of us in ready-mix that knew Dick Well, and respect him, know better than what you are saying. Or maybe your just trying to try and get to me, under my skin? I'm not that thinned skinned.


Let me ask you a question.. If your walking down the street and someone walked up to you and snatched your wallet,or better yet personal vehicle, would you run after them, later try and get your vehicle back?- and or just stand there and forget about it?-And think about your loss? We didn't cross picket lines, but we took our work back when operating engineers stole our work or tried too from the Teamsters. And this has been going on long before the 60's.

And considering I was in 420 since 82, and Dick was in since 80, and I was on picket lines prior to 82, I should know the real facts here. As you said yourself, I know him well. So I will defend his honor, since he is not here to speak/DEFEND for himself.

Whatever Oliver T. did (with ready-mix)30 yrs ago, I wouldn't know all of it. Or for that matter W. Bond,(bond lost the 420 local) after I already left. But both of them were screw up's just ask anyone. After Dick sudden demise, I left 420 within months. Anyone with integrity, left after Bond got in by death only. Only a few stayed and I refused to work for someone like that. So what events occurred while he was in office, I don't know that, as I left 420.

In regards to the ready-mix, before Dick death, we were so close with organizing the non union ready-mix companies, oh so very close. And he and I worked extreme long hours and Dick died serving his 420 members, in overworking himself to death. This is a man you should honor, not talk badly of. Everything he did, he did for the Teamster members of this union! One of my last conversation with him, was when I was at the union office and we were talking about our organizing efforts with the ready-mix, and things were looking good, yet we both were very tired, and over that weekend he passed on.

So yes, I want to finish his work for him that he didn't get to complete. I don't see why you would have an issue with that? Unless your someone that is recently feeling rejected.

[400lbsgorrilla]

Coastal I hope that you have had a safe and happy 4th of July, as far as working together I look forward to exchanging info. It sounds like you focused most of your time in the LA region of Cal but if you can organize down there you can organize any where. You can leave your info with any of the office staff and they will get it to me. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[400lbsgorrilla]

billkn, on July 03 2010 - 11:24 PM, said:

Do you blame them? Ever since almost 30 years ago the head rock and sand guy (S/T from 420-you know him well) ordered his members to cross the Operators picket line they have never forgotten to pay us back. That was the beginning of the end for ready mix. What a Dick (sic) head maneuver! And one know it all still praises him when she should be denouncing him.

They forgot to pay us back ARE U FUCKIN KIDDIN ME THE OPERATORS CAN KISS OUR ASS IF THEY DONT HONNOR OUR LINES THEN WE WILL NEVER HONOR THERES!!!!!! The end of Redi-mix is far far off. I work under a sixty year old cba and have know thought of getting rid of it any time soon, Things would be so much easyer if the trades would just stick to what they do best,the labors should dig, the operators should run the heavy equipment and the TEAMSTERS should drive anything with tires and a sterring wheel,if that were to happen then things might get back to normal but untill that time FUCK THE OPPERATORS THEY CROSSED MY PICKET LINES FOR 80 DAYS AND I WILL NEVER FORGET OR FORGIVE THAT.

[FrankieRavioli]

400lbsgorrilla, on July 05 2010 - 08:07 AM, said:

They forgot to pay us back ARE U FUCKIN KIDDIN ME THE OPERATORS CAN KISS OUR ASS IF THEY DONT HONNOR OUR LINES THEN WE WILL NEVER HONOR THERES!!!!!! The end of Redi-mix is far far off. I work under a sixty year old cba and have know thought of getting rid of it any time soon, Things would be so much easyer if the trades would just stick to what they do best,the labors should dig, the operators should run the heavy equipment and the TEAMSTERS should drive anything with tires and a sterring wheel,if that were to happen then things might get back to normal but untill that time FUCK THE OPPERATORS THEY CROSSED MY PICKET LINES FOR 80 DAYS AND I WILL NEVER FORGET OR FORGIVE THAT.

hey gorrilla, unfortunately union construction members have been crossing picket lines for many years. every trade union that signs a project labor aggreement agrees not to honor picket lines for the duration of the project. i hate to say it, but the teamsters union is as guilty as the rest. i for one have never crossed a picket line and NEVER well

[tiredinvegas]

FrankieRavioli, on July 05 2010 - 09:15 AM, said:

hey gorrilla, unfortunately union construction members have been crossing picket lines for many years. every trade union that signs a project labor aggreement agrees not to honor picket lines for the duration of the project. i hate to say it, but the teamsters union is as guilty as the rest. i for one have never crossed a picket line and NEVER well

This is bullshit the Operators, Laborers, Carpenters, Electricians etc are taking our work every day. They claim our fork lifts as tools of the trade. They infring on us every day hauling everything they can. The Laborers in Southern Nevada are claiming all the dump trucks, water trucks and flat beds and I am sure they are doing it elswhere. The Operators crossed our picket lines in Las Vegas on our last Ready Mix strike and had all kinds of excuses for it but bottom line a unionest doesn't cross picket lines period. The Operators told their people if they didn't cross our line they would be terminated and they would dispatch someone else out that would cross. There is no unity in the AFLCIO and if it doesn't straighten out the Teamsters needs to tell all of them to kiss our ass and we need to get the hell out of it. I agree FUCK the Operators until they show some unity to our craft and stay of our work rock trucks and water pulls they are ours period and Hoffa should be ashamed for making a deal that they could have juristiction on that equipment anywhere. We also need to take back our fork lifts period thats our work tool of the trade bullshit. I support Hoffa and always have but he needs to step up and tell the other Unions to stay out of our craft or we will go after all their work, there needs to be a line in the sand. I have worked as an organizer in the past and its a tough job but worth every hour you spend problem is our members get a job and dont want to participate in the hard work that needs to be done. Go to Walmart and look at the Teamster bumper stickers in the parking lot and you will get the idea. Look at your work site and see how many American made Union made cars are in the parking lot. In my local Union the ST bought his wife a Lexus and our Presidents wife drives a BMW what kind of example does that set for the Membership TDU fucks thats what they are. We all need to quit bashing our union kick the shit out of TDU and start working together for the greatest organization in the country, the Teamsters Union.

[coastal]

400lbsgorrilla, on July 05 2010 - 07:49 AM, said:

Coastal I hope that you have had a safe and happy 4th of July, as far as working together I look forward to exchanging info. It sounds like you focused most of your time in the LA region of Cal but if you can organize down there you can organize any where. You can leave your info with any of the office staff and they will get it to me. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Gorilla, Thank You, I also hope you had a safe and enjoyable 4th of July as well. I accepted a dinner (bbq) invitation from my computer tech and his wife and afterward we watched fireworks nearby at a park, when normally during the day, I would participate in something patriotic--like a military base and/or event/parade and reflect on things. But I had a safe and nice time, thank you.

I will call and leave my contact information, as I thought I'd give you the allowed time today (Monday) to inform the local that I will be calling since they were closed over the holiday weekend. I also look forward to exchanging information and talking with you further.

I did focus most of my time in the LA region, mainly our local at that duration had the jurisdictional area's of All of LA, Orange Counties, and parts of Ventura and parts of San B. So I was somewhat all over the map in CA area's, excluding San Diego. Yes, the truckers in LA area's can be more aggressive compared to other area's I've noticed through the years. But I do well in stressful/threat situations and my leadership talents come out when the unexpected happens. When things are calm, I'm calm in my work, and personality. when shit hits the fan (excuse my language)(LA riots, or non calm picket line duty,etc) and everyone else is in a panic, that is when I multitask (Suddenly switch modes)lead others, don't panic, and do my best work. I've always been that way, in which is no wonder why I also do executive protection details, disarm suspects/force protection/personal/dignitary protection.

Your timing is good in contacting me right now, as I have no US details going on at the moment. I've been asked to go overseas again,(up coming months) but this time near IQ. I was thinking about it, as this past winter in DC meto area's was somewhat not what I'm use too, as from sunny CA, although not a normal winter for here, I've been informed. But I had a lot of down time, during winter in which I like to keep active and able to drive my vehicle and not snowed in. I'm not renewing my lease, as I was thinking of going overseas, and putting furniture in storage while I was gone. So I have to make a decision prior to September,(maybe before that) as I already gave notice that I won't be renewing my lease. So after we talk further and if we decide to work together, I'll do the same, put things in storage and come up your direction to work instead. And/or whatever we decide upon, but we'll talk more about that later.

Thanks again,

Coastal.

[billkn]

"Coastal" talks a big story, years ago having a teamster job only because of her dad, and her singular claim to fame is holding Santangelo's hand (?) on Teamsternet from the many deserved attacks he took. She stuck up for him regardless of his disgusting behavior towards women. How classy is that? And then she whimpers that he shits all over her. What a nut! I got my info from a longtime ex BA and Local President who dealt with construction and ready mix since the 70's. He claimed that Dick Martino was THE ONE who ruined the relationship with the Operators by sending ready mix trucks across their picket lines, severely screwing them over. Wonder what was in it for Dick? Ever since then they fuck us every chance they get. Do you blame them? And I am told that ready mix is almost dead now in LA, along with construction Teamster work. Thanks for that too, Dick! Any rate she shows her true colors by being friends with Santangelo. He screwed over other Local Union Leaders, real Leaders who should have been recognized and acknowledged, especially one in particular who truly saved the Retail Clerks when Santangelo was too busy doing radio interviews. Santangelo was so afraid of this Leader that he did all he could to screw him over. Well guess what, he is still going strong, taking care of his members while Santangelo sits at home, probably playing with himself. Gorilla, are you really planning on PAYING this bimbo? I hope she is only a volunteer, regardless check out her successful organizing campaigns (if any). No help is better than bad help. We don't need anymore from the Santangelo school of Teamsterism.

[coastal]

tiredinvegas, on July 05 2010 - 04:25 PM, said:

This is bullshit the Operators, Laborers, Carpenters, Electricians etc are taking our work every day. They claim our fork lifts as tools of the trade. They infring on us every day hauling everything they can. The Laborers in Southern Nevada are claiming all the dump trucks, water trucks and flat beds and I am sure they are doing it elswhere. The Operators crossed our picket lines in Las Vegas on our last Ready Mix strike and had all kinds of excuses for it but bottom line a unionest doesn't cross picket lines period. The Operators told their people if they didn't cross our line they would be terminated and they would dispatch someone else out that would cross. There is no unity in the AFLCIO and if it doesn't straighten out the Teamsters needs to tell all of them to kiss our ass and we need to get the hell out of it. I agree FUCK the Operators until they show some unity to our craft and stay of our work rock trucks and water pulls they are ours period and Hoffa should be ashamed for making a deal that they could have juristiction on that equipment anywhere. We also need to take back our fork lifts period thats our work tool of the trade bullshit. I support Hoffa and always have but he needs to step up and tell the other Unions to stay out of our craft or we will go after all their work, there needs to be a line in the sand. I have worked as an organizer in the past and its a tough job but worth every hour you spend problem is our members get a job and dont want to participate in the hard work that needs to be done. Go to Walmart and look at the Teamster bumper stickers in the parking lot and you will get the idea. Look at your work site and see how many American made Union made cars are in the parking lot. In my local Union the ST bought his wife a Lexus and our Presidents wife drives a BMW what kind of example does that set for the Membership TDU fucks thats what they are. We all need to quit bashing our union kick the shit out of TDU and start working together for the greatest organization in the country, the Teamsters Union.

I don't know which above post to respond too, but I'll just start here. They are taking our work everyday and it's been ongoing. CA right now, is almost in a State of emergency, and I was informed just the other day, that Government employees that were making 20.00+ an hour are now going to be making min wage in CA. We don't need that trickling effect as well. Now there is jobs out there to be had, by Teamsters and We need to create more jobs and take back what is ours. Easier said than done to draw a line in the sand, when it comes to operators. My truck drivers in past have almost been run down by Operators on our picket lines. Of course the operators are going to threaten their people to cross our lines or they will be fired,this happens all of the time and not just with operators. Some enjoy doing it too? But the operators are the worst of the bunch. They not only take our work, but they go to our union contractors and try and make deals with them, and you then find fake dispatch orders coming into the teamster locals, (with multiple special skills our drivers need to have for many different vehicles?) and if no one on the out of work list that has all of those skills/qualifications, then the contractor can request by name,(someone off the list) in which it usually is an operator that recently signed up in a Teamster capacity. And/or the contractor can find his own driver within 72 hours if I did not fill it then. I always knew, it was a fake dispatch order when I'd see stuff like that, and patrol the job sites,pull operators off, and fill with Teamsters. But the operators have been a distraction for too long. Then they also go to our union contractors and get them to try and say it's a "settlement of jurisdiction", when it's not a settlement of jurisdiction, as if it really were that means the contractor can bring in his own selected men/drivers, like I didn't see right through that? I did. So then, I'd end up going head to toe with the Operators Union and I didn't back down! I even had to lock my dispatch records up when I went to lunch break or left the office for meetings when out in the field, as operators would try and find a way to get the union secretaries to see what number they were on the out of work list,etc pretending to be a teamster member on the list. Then a fake job order is coming in with multiple things, and I knew it was fake and an by an operator! The operators even have their non union friends out on our job sites. Checking benefits that are being reported to the trust fund, is another way to find operators, labors, non union guys out on jobs sites for Construction and have them removed. When a union transfer comes in also,(from another construction local) and what you think it is an A list teamster(from another local) that wants to be on your local construction B list, be careful, it might be an operator trying to find a way to get around the construction dispatcher rules and to find out what jobs are there, like a spy for the operators. Laborers are out there too, but they are easily removed compared to the operators who will put up a fight and not honor our picket lines. I never had children, but my guys,- my teamster members were like my children, meaning don't fuck with them you operators. But they keep on stealing our work, not honoring our picket lines, crossing our picket lines, etc. We need to come down hard on them, we need the membership participation as well. The only way we are going to get more membership participation, is if the members know we have their backs! We need more Public Relations, more meetings with Other trade craft International/local unions, be on and patrol job sites,picket lines, and take our work back. We are laughed at bye the Operators right now and have been.

A lot of our members are grocery shopping at walmart yes your correct. You have to understand, we also have to reach the wives of the Teamster members. I know their complaints, they just cannot afford to shop elsewhere, many have told me. So what we need is to bring back is the PRIDE in the Teamsters whatever way we can! And by doing that, we need to create good paying jobs and show were strong again with hope for our members of the Teamsters throughout. Right now, many members are just riding out their jobs, waiting until the day they will later retire, or the ball to drop, and have no problem shopping at walmart. When you have a job your proud about, when you know your reps are working for you, back you, and there for you, then the "cause" of being a teamster means much more. Otherwise, many teamster members may look at it as just a job or paycheck. Sad, but true.

In regards to the personal vehicles, no it does help when the reps drive non American made vehicles. Sadly, most of the parts now in days in American made vehicles are foreign made parts. I still drive an American made SUV and it's not new yet 95 actually. However, I'm good with mechanics, keep it running in good shape. I could buy a new vehicle American made as I won't own anything else but American made, but my vehicle has never given me any problems yet, even if it is 15 yrs old now. It runs good as the same duration I bought it new. When I was a BA, I didn't buy a brand new vehicle, yet a two-three year older vehicle that runs good. But for me then, I didn't want to show up to the union parking lot with a new vehicle, that would not sit well with my members. Also, I was chasing trucks all of the time and I often had to replace windshield from ready-Mix trucks ahead of me, as the rocks fly out on occasion.

We need to be able to lead members when your a rep,organizer,etc- but not act as if your better than your members, (by new vehicle,etc) as you need to be one of them! One in the same. When the members see locals making cost cuts, or out there more on job sites, then the members will also follow by example, by not shopping at walmart and going to more union meetings and more participation. If the members feel your way above them in attitude or paycheck, position, or other, then they feel lower and dispair and feeling as if what's the point,etc.-(because they then think you don't understand them or how they are thinking,etc). Including returning members phone calls, not waiting 2-3 days or a week to get back to them. If your a rep, and busy, call the member, and say I'm busy right now, but I'll get back to your issue,etc. The fact you were busy and made the time to call the member back shortly after they called, the member will understand and appreciate that. You guys already know that, but it's just I want to see our Teamster Union be as it once was. Something to be proud about.

Coastal

[coastal]

billkn, on July 05 2010 - 10:30 PM, said:

"Coastal" talks a big story, years ago having a teamster job only because of her dad, and her singular claim to fame is holding Santangelo's hand (?) on Teamsternet from the many deserved attacks he took. She stuck up for him regardless of his disgusting behavior towards women. How classy is that? And then she whimpers that he shits all over her. What a nut! I got my info from a longtime ex BA and Local President who dealt with construction and ready mix since the 70's. He claimed that Dick Martino was THE ONE who ruined the relationship with the Operators by sending ready mix trucks across their picket lines, severely screwing them over. Wonder what was in it for Dick? Ever since then they fuck us every chance they get. Do you blame them? And I am told that ready mix is almost dead now in LA, along with construction Teamster work. Thanks for that too, Dick! Any rate she shows her true colors by being friends with Santangelo. He screwed over other Local Union Leaders, real Leaders who should have been recognized and acknowledged, especially one in particular who truly saved the Retail Clerks when Santangelo was too busy doing radio interviews. Santangelo was so afraid of this Leader that he did all he could to screw him over. Well guess what, he is still going strong, taking care of his members while Santangelo sits at home, probably playing with himself. Gorilla, are you really planning on PAYING this bimbo? I hope she is only a volunteer, regardless check out her successful organizing campaigns (if any). No help is better than bad help. We don't need anymore from the Santangelo school of Teamsterism.

I don't know where you get your mislead information, but it is so OFF, that your not even worth replying too. You obviously have not been around very long, and have no idea what your talking about, but just trying to stir up things in any negative light that fits your need. Dick was a good man, honest, and true leader and I don't need to say that, as many throughout including Canada already know that. So your weak attempt to put things in a negative light, will fall short. Many will laugh to themselves and think ok, here's another internet troll, in which is exactly what your being.

If construction and ready-mix is dead now in LA,? (your words) it's not because of Dick. It's due to Bond, when after dick passed away and Bond could not hold onto 420, and the division of the local 420 into several different local unions. As when I was in Construction I had not one member complain about me or my work and I know they will go to bat for me, even 15 years later. Including they will go to bat for Dick as well, as they never complained about him either in any which way. Dick kept getting re-elected, no opposition, white ballot, so he must of been doing something right. Including on JC 42 board.

I already answered the post about the 25-30 years ago ready mix thread, and I had told you Oliver Traweek was in office then. It's public knowledge, you can use google search to find it,that Oliver was thrown out of office by IBT and Dick came into the local to clean up his mess. If members crossed any picket lines, Dick did not tell them to do it! Some of the members have a mind of their own, do things without advisement and you would know this if you ever been on a picket line,(in your lifetime?) and when drivers out of work for a long or short period of time and they get irritated (watching others take their work) and then cross picket lines without union representation and then we have to go meet up with drivers once we get word that they crossed a picket line to ensure the members safety! Dick would never leave his members that might have crossed a picket line without his knowledge to the wolves! He would show up and make sure his union members safe in all respects! As that is the kind of man and union leader he was. So if Dick was seen or rumors on a picket line where members have crossed on their own, we'll that has happened to all locals throughout with their members on occasions. If only two members out of 30 cross a picket line, dick would go down there to make sure the members are ok in all respects and safe and also enter the picket line to meet up the the members and bring them out and out of possible danger as well. Easy to cast stones when you obviously have no clue what your even talking about here.

It is no secret that when I first joined the Teamsters, that I did go work for my father in the capacity of Titan Operator. Who better to trust than your own blood daughter. Including the secretarial staff from Oliver Traweek, that remained, when Dick got into office, the administrative staff were wonderful and trustworthy and honest as well.

In regards to who I know, and whom I conduct business with, that being business associates, Union leaders,business agents, organizers and members, and knowing them for many years durations, yes I do consider them friends, not all but most. I've been out 15 years, do I know what they are up too in every day, every year in their work or personal? No I don't. I only know what they tell me to be true, or not true, what they volunteer to tell me, as I have been out of the Teamsters for 15 years, besides when I did recent IBT organizing in 2008. And I keep in contact with most of the VP's, Presidents, throughout US including Canada for many years. Is that a problem for you? I also keep in contact with the other trade craft unions as well, as I was in Public Relations after I left the Teamsters in 95.

I have no comment in regards to the ex-VP as your just wanting to cause problems on t-net. I'm not in contact with him no. I did not know about all that was going on within his local, when I had meeting with him then. I felt no need to google him after I saw him and/or even ask other VP's about what he was up to lately within his local, as I just don't do that, I'm not intrusive. If I never saw him last year briefly,(going to his local to say hello when I was in CA) it wouldn't even be an issue right now. If I had the allowed time, I might even had said hello to Cammack as well since the local is next door and I was in the area, but I didn't have the allowed time then to do so. So I know many throughout and I keep in contact every few years only,by phone and or if they are in my area, and if you want to make something more out of it than what is there, I've already been through that and done with it on t-net.

Time to move on and focus on our union, and not petty things.

[tiredinvegas]

coastal, on July 06 2010 - 03:16 AM, said:

I don't know where you get your mislead information, but it is so OFF, that your not even worth replying too. You obviously have not been around very long, and have no idea what your talking about, but just trying to stir up things in any negative light that fits your need. Dick was a good man, honest, and true leader and I don't need to say that, as many throughout including Canada already know that. So your weak attempt to put things in a negative light, will fall short. Many will laugh to themselves and think ok, here's another internet troll, in which is exactly what your being.

If construction and ready-mix is dead now in LA,? (your words) it's not because of Dick. It's due to Bond, when after dick passed away and Bond could not hold onto 420, and the division of the local 420 into several different local unions. As when I was in Construction I had not one member complain about me or my work and I know they will go to bat for me, even 15 years later. Including they will go to bat for Dick as well, as they never complained about him either in any which way. Dick kept getting re-elected, no opposition, white ballot, so he must of been doing something right. Including on JC 42 board.

I already answered the post about the 25-30 years ago ready mix thread, and I had told you Oliver Traweek was in office then. It's public knowledge, you can use google search to find it,that Oliver was thrown out of office by IBT and Dick came into the local to clean up his mess. If members crossed any picket lines, Dick did not tell them to do it! Some of the members have a mind of their own, do things without advisement and you would know this if you ever been on a picket line,(in your lifetime?) and when drivers out of work for a long or short period of time and they get irritated (watching others take their work) and then cross picket lines without union representation and then we have to go meet up with drivers once we get word that they crossed a picket line to ensure the members safety! Dick would never leave his members that might have crossed a picket line without his knowledge to the wolves! He would show up and make sure his union members safe in all respects! As that is the kind of man and union leader he was. So if Dick was seen or rumors on a picket line where members have crossed on their own, we'll that has happened to all locals throughout with their members on occasions. If only two members out of 30 cross a picket line, dick would go down there to make sure the members are ok in all respects and safe and also enter the picket line to meet up the the members and bring them out and out of possible danger as well. Easy to cast stones when you obviously have no clue what your even talking about here.

It is no secret that when I first joined the Teamsters, that I did go work for my father in the capacity of Titan Operator. Who better to trust than your own blood daughter. Including the secretarial staff from Oliver Traweek, that remained, when Dick got into office, the administrative staff were wonderful and trustworthy and honest as well.

In regards to who I know, and whom I conduct business with, that being business associates, Union leaders,business agents, organizers and members, and knowing them for many years durations, yes I do consider them friends, not all but most. I've been out 15 years, do I know what they are up too in every day, every year in their work or personal? No I don't. I only know what they tell me to be true, or not true, what they volunteer to tell me, as I have been out of the Teamsters for 15 years, besides when I did recent IBT organizing in 2008. And I keep in contact with most of the VP's, Presidents, throughout US including Canada for many years. Is that a problem for you? I also keep in contact with the other trade craft unions as well, as I was in Public Relations after I left the Teamsters in 95.

I have no comment in regards to the ex-VP as your just wanting to cause problems on t-net. I'm not in contact with him no. I did not know about all that was going on within his local, when I had meeting with him then. I felt no need to google him after I saw him and/or even ask other VP's about what he was up to lately within his local, as I just don't do that, I'm not intrusive. If I never saw him last year briefly,(going to his local to say hello when I was in CA) it wouldn't even be an issue right now. If I had the allowed time, I might even had said hello to Cammack as well since the local is next door and I was in the area, but I didn't have the allowed time then to do so. So I know many throughout and I keep in contact every few years only,by phone and or if they are in my area, and if you want to make something more out of it than what is there, I've already been through that and done with it on t-net.

Time to move on and focus on our union, and not petty things.

Their is no excuse for a Union person to shop at Walmart period. If its the wives then someone should nut up and take control of their own house I gauntee you my wife dosen't shop at Walmart and God knows we need to save every dollar we can. The excuse they can't aford to shop any where else doesn't fly. I would also add that it doesn't matter where the parts are made the car isn't assembled in a Union plant. Our jobs are leaving this country and Ray Charles can see that if we don't buy their forein made shit they cant't afford to keep making it. Protect American Union jobs buy American if it is at all available. Any Union Rep or officer that buys or drives a forien made car is a hypocrit and should be removed.

As far as the Operators and other Unions doing our work if one of their members wants to become a Teamster and go to work under our contracts and thru our Union that is one thing but for the Operators or other unions to claim our work is another. There is o time left to have useless meetings and make more agreements that they don't honner anyway. We need to take our work back and now.

[teamster4sure]

teamodude, on July 02 2010 - 08:07 PM, said:

TDU sucks look what they have done to every Local they have got into. They are currently ruining Local 631. They ran on a TDU agenda used the TDU manuals to get elected with their lies and half truths now they deny they are TDU. But guess what they didnt collect any signatures for Hoffa didnt go to any of the barns and ask for any help for Hoffa. Penus says he is staying nuetral. TDU SUCKS ASS.

Philapenas is TDU that's a fact. He can't stand Hoffa. Thats why the papers where never taken around to get signatures. He is destroying local 631. By the time he gets voted out the next Sec. Tres. will have a huge mess to clean up. Like trying to retore the health and welfare. Retoring vision and dental insurance for the members. Its will be like Obama trying to clean up Bush's mess.