From the President

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Why Union?  For You and Your Family!

 

 

It has been a busy year for Local 100 and there are many events and issues which we would like to address.  As 2009 begins, I would like to take this time to remind our members of the benefits of paying dues.

 

DUES & DON’TS:  It’s About Your Livelihood – It’s About Working Together.  It’s About Union!  Union membership rewards workers by providing better wages, pension and health care cost benefits (see statistics below).  On average, union workers’ wages continue to be significantly higher than non-union.

 

In addition to higher wages, union members are far more likely to have guaranteed defined pension benefits.  And as medical care prices continue to rise, union members enjoy a substantial savings on their monthly premiums versus their non-union counterparts.  These are just a few examples of the benefits you enjoy as a union member.  The numbers show that union membership leads to a better quality of life.

 

If all of our members can apply these facts we will begin to really understand the value of belonging to a union.  I know that paying union dues is tangible, every month you see that deduction coming out of your check, and sometimes you might get upset about it.  But what may not be as apparent each month are the guarantees that you receive through a union contract.  The security of having regulated hours and overtime, seniority privileges, grievance procedures and safety rules, paid holidays and vacations.  And on average union member earn $9,360.00 more annually than non-union workers in every job in the alphabet from airline pilot to zookeeper.  So I ask you, will you trade the average of $540.00 per year in dues and in return lose $9,360.00 or more annually?  Think about it!  People that don’t belong to a union “pay” in other ways, not having the perks and benefits that you as a union member have.  And remember, they don’t have an avenue to change it unless they organize.  WHY UNION?  FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

 

 

DUES & DON’TS

 

The high cost of not paying union dues:

 

Union workers’ median weekly earnings                                           $822

Non-union workers’ median weekly earnings                                     $642

Union wage                                                 better by 28%

 

Union workers with guaranteed (defined benefit) pension                    68%

Non-union workers with guaranteed (defined benefit) pension             14%

Union pension                                                         better by 54%

 

Union workers who receive medical benefits                                      80%

Non-union workers who receive medical benefits                               49%

Union medical benefits                                       better by 31%

 

*Source:  Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008

 

 

Desk of Secretary-Treasurer

 

 

Current reports indicate that we are in the midst of the worst recession since WWII.  This is apparent when you see how many companies are struggling to remain viable in these difficult economic times.  Many people have seen wage freezes, lay-offs and, as in the case of YRC, wage concessions.

 

However, 2008 did bring some positive trends to our local union with employees of several companies voting to be represented by Local 100.  We would like to welcome our newest members from UPS Freight, UPS CSI, First Student, George Fern and Clermont County Water and Sewer.  Also, employees of Ryder Logistics voted to become members of our local union and that election is currently in the process of being certified by the NLRB.

 

It can be argued that the years following WWII were the most prosperous era in our country’s history.  At that time, union density was at 35%.  Excluding government jobs, union density is now only approximately 7%.  However, that could all change with the passage of an important piece of legislation coming up before Congress called The Employee Free Choice Act.  This Act would entitle employees to unionize without enduring the long and nasty anti-union campaign which is usually waged by companies that do not want their employees to have the strength of bargaining.  Thankfully, our political landscape has also changed.  President Obama understands the plight of working people and is in support of this legislation.  In addition, many members of his Cabinet as well as members of Congress are behind this legislation.

 

It is time to once again raise the standard of living for all Americans, not just the elite few.  We at Local 100 are fully committed to this effort and hope that all of our members are supportive as well.  Just as the rising tide lifts all boats, when we help others become stronger, we become stronger ourselves.

 

Happy New Year to all!

 

 

What's New 96th Anniversary Celebration Updated On: Jun 08, 2009 (22:17:00) 96TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION A pig roast was held at the Local 100 Union Hall on Saturday, May 30, 2009 to celebrate the 96th anniversary of Teamsters Local 100.  The picnic was a great success!  Many members came out and brought their families to enjoy a fun-filled day.   There was a "bouncing castle" for the kids as well as games and prizes.  The adults enjoyed cornhole and door prizes.  Also, Business Representative David Webster entertained the crowd! Be sure to check out the pictures of the pig roast in the photo gallery.  Also, make your plans to attend this gathering next year when we celebrate the 97th anniversary of Teamsters Local 100! Organizing Victory at First Student Posted On: Dec 19, 2008 (06:38:55) Local 100 is happy to the First Student victory of an additional 200 members. Organizing Victory at Clermont Water Works Updated On: Dec 19, 2008 (06:47:00) Local 100 is proud to announce another organizing victory at Clermont County Water Works. Victory at Ryder Logistics Posted On: Dec 19, 2008 (06:48:34) Victory at organizing Ryder Logistics.