Updated 07-03-2009
"Don't Stop till you get enough."
On July 7th & 8th, 2009, Local 117 and their bargaining
committee will meet at the table to negotiate a reasonable
contract for the new Darigold/Estenson drivers as of August 1st,
2009. Many of you are asking as to what to expect. Both parties
are expected to engage in good-faith-bargaining and reach the
middle of the road to maintain labor peace for the years to
come.
This is a great opportunity for the
movement (Union) to sit at the table with a brand new company
who has not had any experience with labor negotiations.
Perhaps they are a little apprehensive because of the
stereotypes pertaining to Union represented employees.
Establishing a great union experience with Estenson is very
important to the success of these negotiations.
Local 117 will enter negotiations like they enter all others...
with confidence preparedness, and a complete understanding of
what their membership of drivers are expecting. Make no mistake
about the fact that we are not entering these negotiations with
an arrogant and stupid approach. We will maintain a wise
commitment in our demands, compromise where needed, and stand
on tradition without moving an inch.
Darigold deserves a work force that is happy, reasonably
compensated and in return have a workforce that will appreciate
the history of their great product. Many drivers have and are
raising their children on Teamster wages and health care. We
have an obligation to maintain the legacy of our traditional
economic elements.
The mountaintop isn't easy to climb, but
mountaintops often times make for good focal points to remind us
of the ability to dream, work hard and achieve. We as Teamsters
have an obligation to not take our movement for granted and
perform our daily tasks with pride.
Over ten years ago, I remembered the pride of being a Darigold
driver, and then the outsourcing happened and those that came in
didn't have a clue of the history. I hope that the pride can
return with good leadership... and an appreciation for the
drivers and warehouse workers who make it happen on a daily
bases.
"Don't ask what your union can do for you, but what you can do
for your union."
Thanks, Laborwatchman.
Updated 06-28-2009
DRIVERS MEET WITH LOCAL 117
On June 12, 2009, the Ruan/Darigold drivers met with the
leadership of Local 117 to discuss the events in the past few
weeks. The drivers were given information as to the 50 + 1, and
the next phase to begin bargaining with Estenson/Darigold for a
CBA.
The bargaining sessions are scheduled for July 7th and 8th,
2009. The drivers were also informed that Ruan is refusing to
continue the effects bargaining sessions with Local 117, even
though Local 117 has made every effort to be available to finish
the effects bargaining process. Ruan is facing an Unfair Labor
Practice charge, which was filed Friday, June 26, 2009.
Darigold has kept their word and has provided the first
employment opportunities to all of the Ruan/Darigold drivers who
have met Estenson's hiring qualifications. The Local is still
working on getting everybody across the finish line. We still
have to get to the mountain top, but with the leadership of
Tracy Thompson and her staff, we should get there.
To all of our inside brothers and sisters at Rainier and
Issaquah, we thank you for your continued support and
encouragement. We look forward toward bargaining a fair contract
with Estenson/Darigold. Bargaining in good faith doesn't mean
overkill, but instead, a nice consistent approach to the four
anchors...wages, health & welfare, pension and language of the
CBA process.
Thanks, Laborwatchman.
