Critical Legislation Now Moves to House for Vote

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(WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union applauds the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means for today’s vote to approve H.R. 397, the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act, more commonly referred to as The Butch Lewis Act. 

The Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act, offered by Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), was first introduced in Congress in November 2017 by Rep. Neal. The measure has 193 co-sponsors, including nine Republicans. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) has again joined Rep. Neal in introducing the bill in the 116th Congress.

“I’d like to thank Chairman Neal, Rep. Peter King and every member of the House Ways & Means Committee that voted to advance H.R. 397 to the House for a vote,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa.  “We cannot delay any longer – this legislation must be passed in Congress so that millions of American workers retain their hard-earned retirement security.”

There are more than 300 multiemployer pension plans across the country — including the Teamsters’ Central States Pension Fund — that are in danger of failing. The Teamsters have been fighting for years for a legislative solution and have worked with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to do so.

The measure would boost financially troubled multiemployer pensions plans so they don’t fail. It would create a new agency under the U.S. Treasury Department that would sell bonds in the open market to large investors such as financial firms. Those proceeds would then be used to bolster faltering pension plans as part of a 30-year loan program.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

We are pleased to announce that Local Union # 71 has successfully led an organizing campaign at Adams, an Oldcastle Company in Lilesville, NC. These drivers are suppliers for bagged, ready mix concrete and supplies to Lowes, Home Depot and such. The vote was held on Friday June 21^st with a nearly a 4 to 1 ratio in favor of being represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. We’d like to give all the recognition for this successful campaign to our new Joint Council # 9 Organizer, Edsel McDonald. None of this would have been possible without his insight and hard work on this project. As we begin negotiations with Oldcastle, we hope to gain momentum toward organizing the 50+ employees inside the plant as well. 

Congratulations to Gracie Rackcliff, daughter of Donnie Rackcliff, driver at USF Holland in Charlotte, NC. Gracie graduated from Piedmont High School in Monroe, NC and will be attending Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Gracie is a member of First Baptist Church in Marshville, NC where she sings in the church choir, works in the nursery and has gone on multiple mission trips. Gracie works a lifeguard in the summer, babysits and plays sports. While in school she was on the swim team, excelled in band, served as President of the Project Unify and was one of the founders of the Break the Silence Club, which focuses on making mental health a priority instead of a stigma. Gracie also worked with other organizations in the community during her high school years. We wish the best of luck to her as she starts a new chapter in her life.

Congratulations to Devin D. Cox, son of Winston Cox, UPS pre-loader in Charlotte, NC. Devin graduated from West Mecklenburg High School and will be attending Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC.  Devin plans to study science to one day become a Marine Biologist, Bio Technologist or a Bio Chemist. He maintained the A/B Honor Roll since the 7^th grade. During his years at West Mecklenburg High, he was a part of the Y.E.S. program to help out different communities such as Toys for Tots & Feeding the Homeless. During his Sophomore/Junior years he tutored he peers for quizzes, assignments or upcoming tests. During his Junior/Senior he was part of the committee called Voter Registration Ambassadors to assist fellow students in the importance of their right to VOTE. Devin was a very active young man during his high school years. We wish him the best of luck as he starts a new chapter in his life.

(WASHINGTON) – The last supplement to the YRC Freight, Holland and New Penn National Master Freight Agreement has now been ratified by the affected membership, which means the new national collective bargaining agreement and all supplemental agreements are now fully ratified and will take effect immediately. The National Master portions of the agreement and all other supplements were previously approved by the membership on May 3.

The only outstanding supplement following the May 3 vote, the Joint Council 40 Supplement, was approved this week.

“The national contract will now take effect and I want to thank all our members for their support during this long process,” said Ernie Soehl, Director of the Teamsters National Freight Division.  “The wage increases are retroactive to April 1 and it is anticipated that any retro pay will be distributed within the next 30 days.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.