Change FedEx To Win

US Labor Department, California sign agreement to reduce misclassification of employees as independent contractors

2012-02-10T07:09:00.001-08:00

WASHINGTON — Nancy J. Leppink, deputy administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, and California Secretary of Labor Marty Morgenstern have entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding the improper classification of employees as independent contractors. Leppink and California Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su hosted a press teleconference Feb. 9 during which they discussed how the U.S. Department of Labor and the state of California will embark on new efforts, guided by this memorandum, to protect the rights of employees and level the playing field for responsible employers by reducing the practice conducted by some businesses of misclassifying employees. This partnership is the 12th of its kind for the U.S. Department of Labor.

"This memorandum of understanding helps us send a message: We are standing together with the state of California to end the practice of misclassifying employees," said Leppink. "This is an important step toward making sure that the American dream is still available for workers and responsible employers alike."

"California is proud to enter into this partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor to work together to attack the problems of the underground economy," said Su. "Gov. Brown just signed an important law that went into effect on Jan. 1, increasing penalties for willful misclassification. With the Labor Department, we are poised to use all the tools in our arsenal to lift the floor for hardworking employers and employees throughout the state."

Employee misclassification is a growing problem. In 2011, the Wage and Hour Division collected more than $5 million in back wages for minimum wage and overtime violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act that resulted from employees being misclassified as independent contractors or otherwise not treated as employees.

Business models that attempt to change, obscure or eliminate the employment relationship are not inherently illegal, unless they are used to evade compliance with the law. The misclassification of employees as something else, such as independent contractors, presents a serious problem, as these employees often are denied access to critical benefits and protections — such as family and medical leave, overtime compensation, minimum wage pay and Unemployment Insurance — to which they are entitled. In addition, misclassification can create economic pressure for law-abiding business owners, who often struggle to compete with those who are skirting the law.Employee misclassification also generates substantial losses for state Unemployment Insurance and workers' compensation funds.

Memorandums of understanding with state government agencies arose as part of the U.S. Department of Labor's Misclassification Initiative, which was launched under the auspices of Vice President Biden's Middle Class Task Force with the goal of preventing, detecting and remedying employee misclassification. Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Utah and Washington have signed similar agreements. More information is available on the U.S. Department of Labor's misclassification Web page at http://www.dol.gov/misclassification/.

The mission of the U.S. Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and ensure work-related benefits and rights. To learn more about the FLSA's requirements, call the Wage and Hour Division's toll-free hotline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243) or visit its website at http://www.dol.gov/whd.

Can FedEx Be Next? A Post From Change Conway To Win

2012-02-09T07:50:00.001-08:00

Are Mexicans Contractors taking our P&D Work?Posted: 08 Feb 2012 07:40 PM PST

Uh, you are right about that. Look, what's going on in Laredo, TX Conway drivers nationwide. Listen to this. Mexican contractors from old Mexico. Bring in cfi trailers from Mexico and get paid 10.00 to 20.00 dollars to drop trl, round trip. Then, Manager Rudy tells them Mexicans to hookup p and d trl. To Laredo, TX and start delivering two stops or more in the city, Our freaking freight. And pays them 30-----40 for every 53 footer trl. If you don;t believe me, then head out to Laredo, TX and see it for yourself. There are a lot of cdl drivers out there, And the s.o.b. ceos are making money. Watch out San Diego, Ca and Nogales, AZ, it will be your turn. It's time, it;s time to organize for our people in America

Union Dues

2012-02-01T06:23:00.001-08:00

A post from Change Conway To Win

BY Okie from Tulsa

Let's talk about union dues. the political regime in Indiana are making a big deal about paying union dues, yes we will pay union dues that no secret, and what are those dues for? I will tell you they are for representation, examples are getting a contract, I mean dang who do any of us know that can negotiate a written contract for what we do. each contract is different for every profession, and further more if you have a problem on the job, let's say mgt wants to terminate your employment for whatever reason now it may be justified or it may not be, maybe mgt wants to terminate you to make an example and yes it's done believe it or not,that's were the teamsters come in, they represent our best interest ,that's what companies do not want, they want us under their thumb so they can do as they please and keep everyone scared of them for fear of being terminated at will.ok now we all pay taxes and those taxes are for representation, if I'm wrong about that please tell me, if you get in trouble with the law what do you do what's easy get a lawyer and what does that lawyer do? another easy one he or she represents you and that cost money they don't work for free,so why would anyone expect the teamsters to represent us for free? why don't we all send a message to the U.S. government and tell them we will no longer be paying for representation, one more thing let's send a message to the state we live in especially the right to work states and tell them the same thing, and that is we want representation for free no more taxes if they say no then they are hypocrites just like the CEO'S that run the company's so at Conway we have not had a pay increase in going on 5 years our medical went to the dogs it's getting to the point where we won't be able to afford it, our pension was taken away, jobs are going to outside carrier's I for one would be glad to pay the teamsters for representation so with all that said VOTE YES FOR REPRESENTATION,VOTE TEAMSTERS.HAVE A TRUE VOICE IN THE COMPANY YOU WORK FOR

We should have a written contract

2012-01-30T06:13:00.001-08:00

A post from "Change Conway to win"
by okie from tulsa

Let's talk about what a written contract is. that's a easy one for us,oh yea we don't have one,at least not at con-way 'yet 'but wait our CEO has one and all his buddies and their buddies. so why can't we have one? after all,we all know what defines a written contract and that is how it's written. contracts have certain rules and obligations, and that works both ways. but companies don't want us to have one because they do not want to abide by it. the reasons are if they want to cut our wages,benefits or terminate without just 'cause they can, where does that take us? that's easy there definition of "right to work" now with a contract we will have true "right to work" it's up to us the workers, the company cannot take collective bargaining from us.NOW WE ALL KNOW WHAT RIGHT TO WORK MEANS AND THAT IS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING,VOTE YES FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING. GO TEAMSTERS.TEAMSTERS TO WIN.

Sal At Rally In Los Angeles Ca.

2012-01-26T15:44:00.001-08:00

Indiana poised to adopt 'right-to-work' law

2012-01-26T11:31:00.001-08:00

Times Wire Services

January 26, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana lawmakers Wednesday all but guaranteed that the state would become the first since 2001 to prohibit unions from collecting mandatory fees from workers.

The Indiana "right-to-work" bill makes it illegal for union membership to be required or for unions to collect dues from nonmembers. Union leaders say the provisions will hobble their ability to bargain for better wages, while business interests say they are needed to attract new investment.

The state House passed the bill 54 to 44 after weeks of protests by minority Democrats, who tried various tactics to derail it. They refused to show up for debates despite the threat of fines that totaled $1,000 per day, and they introduced dozens of amendments aimed at delaying a vote. Finally, conceding their tactics could not last forever, they agreed to allow the vote to take place.

Republicans outnumber Democrats in the House 60 to 40, but Democrats have just enough seats to deny Republicans the 67 votes needed to achieve a quorum and conduct business.

The legislation now moves to the Senate, which has already approved a version of it. Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels is certain to sign it, making Indiana the 23rd state with a right-to-work law.

"This announces, especially in the Rust Belt, that we are open for business here," Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma said.

The House Democratic leader, Patrick Bauer, said the legislative battle was an "unusual fight" from the beginning but that Democrats waged a noble battle.

"What did they [Republicans] fight for? They fought for less pay, less workplace safety and less healthcare," Bauer said. "This is their only job plank: job creation for less pay with the so-called right-to-work-for-less bill."

Daniels and other supporters say union curbs are key to attracting new businesses. Union leaders say the rules weaken their bargaining power and will force down wages.

Despite a strong manufacturing base — steel mills in northwestern Indiana and auto plants scattered across the central part of the state — Hoosiers pride themselves on a rural character more common to Southern and Western states where "right to work" is the law of the land. The last state to approve such a law was Oklahoma in 2001.

The legislation is yet another blow to organized labor in the heavily unionized Midwest, home to many of the country's manufacturing jobs. Wisconsin stripped public sector unions of collective bargaining rights last year. So did Ohio, but voters overturned the law.

About 11% of Indiana's workforce is unionized, ranking it among the top half of the states. The rate is higher in Michigan, with 16%; Illinois, with 15.5%; and Ohio, with 13%.

Okie from Tulsa on Facts About ‘Right to Work’

2012-01-23T07:20:00.001-08:00

Right to work,is nothing more than a political way of misleading the american workers,its all funded by the greedy ceo's.it's true right to work means you do not have to join a union to work for a company,but they failed to tell the voters,the company has the right to terminate you're employment at will,and they have the right to not give you a cost of living increase,they have the right to do what ever will put you in the poor house and keep them in there mansion,funny how they forgot to tell the voters all that. Now that we have been educated,lets send the greedy ceo's a message and tell them right to work is just wrong,and we can do that by voting in the teamsters for all the right reasons.
Vote YES for the teamsters when it gets to your terminal,enough of corporate greed.

FedEx Doesn't Deliver ... On Taxes

2012-01-21T17:17:00.001-08:00

2012-01-21T14:01:00.000-08:00

FedEx Freight On Rail

2012-01-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

Six trailers heading to San Bernadino rail yard. This could be three line haul drivers work. Instead of them sitting at home waiting for work or working on the dock!

The time to organize is NOW!

Bill Logue Meeting at Mira Loma Terminal 1-17-2012

2012-01-18T07:59:00.001-08:00

President Bill Logue had meetings at our Mira Loma terminal yesterday morning. It was more of a how great the company is doing plus anti-union bashing.

When it came down to questions from the employees about rumors of mira loma losing p & d routes and becoming strictly a hub for rail loads. He had no comments, because he didn't know what was happening in this region?

A person who is put in this position and is paid a hefty salary to not know what is happening at his company is a waste of money to me.

He also mentioned about our tractors in the future. We will be getting new kenworths and volvos only. The company wants to have two companies to work with, so fedex could have some bargaining leverage to buy tractors!

Funny when you think about it. He'll bargain with other companies of tractors. But does not want to bargain with his fedex employees. So we can get a good a deal!

He Had A Dream

2012-01-16T06:58:00.001-08:00

He Had A Dream Martin L. King had a dream and so do the FedEx Watch Dogs. We have a dream that one day soon we will be Teamsters.Remember that Dr. King was coming back from a rally to help organize a company in Memphis.All races should celebrate the " Dream"

Unions Protect Middle-class Workers in the Workplace

2012-01-13T06:15:00.001-08:00

Why are middle-class workers paid overtime? UNIONS. Why are there standards for fairness in the workplace?

UNIONS. Why are there benefits that pay our doctors, specialists, and hospitals?

UNIONS. Who sets the standard for wages, benefits, human resource policies and working conditions across the board for middle-class workers? UNIONS. Who protects middle-class workers?

UNIONS. Unions represent the middle-class.

IF YOU HAVE:• An eight hour workday • A five day work week • Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays • Family and medical leave • Health, life, and disability insurance • A pension • Safe and healthy working conditions • Proper job training
THEN THANK THE UNIONS.

fedex anti union

2012-01-07T15:49:00.001-08:00

THIS IS A NONPARTISAN JOKE THAT CAN BE ENJOYED BY BOTH PARTIES!

2012-01-07T15:32:00.001-08:00

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance. "Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in," says the man. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity." "Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator. "I'm sorry, but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises... The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit heaven." So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns. "Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity." The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell." So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?" The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning...... Today you voted."

NFLPA STATEMENT ON SO-CALLED 'RIGHT-TO-WORK' LEGISLATION IN INDIANA

2012-01-07T15:22:00.001-08:00

For Immediate Release Contact: Carl Francis January 6, 2012Carl.Francis@nflplayers.com NFLPA STATEMENT ON SO-CALLED 'RIGHT-TO-WORK' LEGISLATION IN INDIANA WASHINGTON—As NFL players, we know our success on the field comes from working together as a team. We’re not just a team of football players—we’re also the fans at games and at home, the employees who work the concession stands and the kids who wear the jerseys of our favorite football heroes. NFL players know what it means to fight for workers’ rights, better pensions and health and safety in the workplace. To win, we have to work together and look out for one another. Today, even as the city of Indianapolis is exemplifying that teamwork in preparing to host the Super Bowl, politicians are looking to destroy it trying to ram through so-called “right-to-work” legislation. “Right-to-work” is a political ploy designed to destroy basic workers’ rights. It’s not about jobs or rights, and it’s the wrong priority for Indiana. The facts are clear—according to a January 2012 Economic Policy Institute briefing report (“Working Hard to Make Indiana Look Bad”), “right-to-work” will lower wages for a worker in Indiana by $1,500 a year because it weakens the ability of working families to work together, and it will make it less likely that working people will get health care and pensions. So-called “right-to-work” bills divide working families at a time when communities need to stand united. We need unity—not division. We urge legislators in Indiana to oppose “right-to-work” efforts, and focus instead on job creation. As Indianapolis proudly prepares to host the Super Bowl it should be a time to shine in the national spotlight and highlight the hard-working families that make Indiana run instead of launching political attacks on their basic rights. It is important to keep in mind the plight of the average Indiana worker and not let them get lost in the ceremony and spectacle of such a special event. This Super Bowl should be about celebrating the best of what Indianapolis has to offer, not about legislation that hurts the people of Indiana.

Facts Again Show ‘Right to Work’ Is Right to Work Less | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

2012-01-05T08:11:00.001-08:00

Facts Again Show ‘Right to Work’ Is Right to Work Less by Mike Hall, Jan 3, 2012 Indiana working families are gearing up to fight state Republican lawmakers’ attempt to ram through a “right to work” for less bill—and a new report reveals the corporate lies behind backers’ claims that “right to work” laws boost wages. Marty Wolfson, an economics professor at the University of Notre Dame’s Higgins Labor Studies Program, finds that contrary to proponents’ claims—such as those by the Chamber of Commerce, the extremist American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and others—so-called right to work laws actually lower wages for all workers, union and nonunion alike. While Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) and Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma (R) wave around statistics-loaded reports they claim show how such laws increase wages, those reports, says Wolfson, cook the books by using unreliable and biased figures. “Right to work” for less advocates also claim that wages in so-called right to work states are actually higher than elsewhere, after taking into account the variable cost of living. The formula the Chamber and others use compares the cost of living for professional and managerial households in the top income brackets. Gordon Lafer, a professor at University of Oregon Labor Education and Research Center, says that formula “doesn’t tell us about real costs of living for the other 80 percent of people.” It may be that the cost of country club memberships or personal trainers are low in a given city, but that doesn’t make things easier for regular employees. Notre Dame’s Wolfson finds that when a more reliable cost-of-living methodology is used—one that aims at measuring costs for an average family rather than the most privileged—we see that so-called right to work states actually have lower wages—even when adjusting for cost of living. Click here for the full report.

Happy New Year !

2012-01-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

Change FedEx To Win would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Years and the best for the coming year.

Stop American Censorship

2011-12-26T12:01:00.001-08:00

http://americancensorship.org/

2011-12-25T13:13:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays

The Hernandez Family and the FedEx Watch Dogs

Board adopts amendments to election case procedures | NLRB

2011-12-21T08:35:00.001-08:00

http://www.nlrb.gov/news/board-adopts-amendments-election-case-procedures

Amendments contained in the Final Rule on Election Procedures, December 22, 2011 | NLRB

2011-12-21T08:30:00.001-08:00

http://www.nlrb.gov/node/3240

Alta Dena Dairy Workers Ratify Strong First Contract | International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)

2011-12-21T08:14:00.001-08:00

http://www.teamster.org/content/alta-dena-dairy-workers-ratify-strong-first-contract

COLUMN-The corporations that occupy Congress: Johnston - TrustLaw

2011-12-20T08:08:00.001-08:00

http://www.trust.org/trustlaw/news/column-the-corporations-that-occupy-congress-johnston

FedEx Profit Jumps 76 Percent to $497 Million | Journal of Commerce

2011-12-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

http://www.joc.com/parcel-package/fedex-profit-jumps-76-percent-497-million

President Obama nominates two to National Labor Relations Board | NLRB

2011-12-15T08:41:00.001-08:00

http://www.nlrb.gov/news/president-obama-nominates-two-national-labor-relations-board

Don't Blame The Union

2011-12-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

Don't Blame the UnionsPosted: 14 Dec 2011 05:38 PM PST
From Change Conway To Win

Non-union companies lie to employees about union companies that are in distress or that have gone out of business. They typically will tell the employee that union demands cripple the company and that union bosses make business decisions for the company. So the union is the sole cause of the a company going under. Of course, it is not true. As in the case of YRC. Corporate greed, risky investments and incomprehensible financial decisions are what has put YRC in the hole they find themselves in. Their executive pay and bonuses didn't help matters either. The union didn't make them purchase other companies nor did they write the checks at YRC. Unions have served a great purpose for all workers in general. It is thanks to unions that we have a better standard of living, a minimum wage, a forty hour work week, benefit packages, and retirement plans. The company will have you believe that they give you all this out of the goodness of their heart. The reason they give you this is to keep up with unions so that the workers won't feel the need to go union. Many labor leaders and union members have lost their lives fighting for all that workers have today

Purolator Teamsters approve new contract by 92%!!

2011-12-09T15:46:00.001-08:00

About 8,800 Teamsters workers at Purolator locations across Canada have voted 92% in favour of a new five-year contract. The Teamsters Union says the deal includes wage increases of 16% over the life of the agreement.

The workers pension plan will also be increased by 22%.

The Teamsters Union says benefits have also been significantly improved and the retirement allowance has been raised by 40%!!

www.canadianbusiness.comwww.fedexworkers.org

FedEx Ground to Raise Rates 5.9 Percent | Journal of Commerce

2011-12-08T20:09:00.001-08:00

http://www.joc.com/ltl/fedex-ground-raise-rates-59-percent

Obama honors Pearl Harbor Day

2011-12-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

By David Jackson, USA TODAY

Updated: 2011-12-07 10:06 AM

President Obama has issued a statement on the anniversary of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, triggering the U.S. entry into World War II."Seventy years ago today, a bright Sunday morning was darkened by the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor," Obama said."Today," he added, "Michelle and I join the American people in honoring the memory of the more than 2,400 American patriots -- military and civilian, men, women and children -- who gave their lives in our first battle of the Second World War.""Our thoughts and prayers are with the families for whom this day is deeply personal -- the spouses, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters who have known seven decades without a loved one but who have kept their legacy alive for future generations."The rest of the president's statement:"We salute the veterans and survivors of Pearl Harbor who inspire us still. Despite overwhelming odds, they fought back heroically, inspiring our nation and putting us on the path to victory. They are members of that Greatest Generation who overcame the Depression, crossed oceans and stormed the beaches to defeat fascism, and turned adversaries into our closest allies. When the guns fell silent, they came home, went to school on the G.I. Bill, and built the largest middle class in history and the strongest economy in the world. They remind us that no challenge is too great when Americans stand as one. All of us owe these men and women a profound debt of gratitude for the freedoms and standard of living we enjoy today.On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we also reaffirm our commitment to carrying on their work -- to keeping the country we love strong, free and prosperous. And as today's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan come to an end and we welcome home our 9/11 Generation, we resolve to always take care of our troops, veterans and military families as well as they've taken care of us. On this solemn anniversary, there can be no higher tribute to the Americans who served and sacrificed seventy years ago today."

CBS Early Show: How Some Employers Skirt Paying Benefits | International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)

2011-12-06T08:31:00.001-08:00

http://www.teamster.org/content/cbs-early-show-how-some-employers-skirt-paying-benefits

Railroads, Unions Reach Tentative Accord JOC Staff | Dec 2, 2011 3:55PM GMT

2011-12-02T08:29:00.001-08:00

Agreement with engineers, dispatchers eliminates strike threat — for now Two unions representing railroad workers have reached tentative agreement with major U.S. railroads, averting the immediate threat of a national labor action. The move relieves shippers' fear of an immediate labor strike or stoppage as early as next week that would have crippled shipping amid the peak holiday season. Agreements have been struck with 12 of the 13 railroad unions, most recently with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the American Train Dispatchers Association, which represent approximately 26,500 workers. The agreements with the BLET and ATDA are locked in "well-above market wage increases of more than 20 percent over six years, far exceeding recent union settlements in other industries,” said A. Kenneth Gradia, chairman of the National Carriers’ Conference Committee. The lone union holdout, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, agreed this week to extend a cooling-off period until Feb. 8. The rail industry is "committed to finalizing the remaining agreement so that we can continue to deliver for the tens
of thousands of American businesses that rely on rail, and the hundreds of thousands of Americans who use passenger rail to commute to work every day," said Edward Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads.

High Winds Hit SBO

2011-12-01T14:19:00.001-08:00

High winds in Southern California hit our SBO yard. Knocking over two mty long vans.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T15:50:00.000-08:00

Change FedEx To Win would like to wish all of our fellow FedEx employees and managers the best this Thanksgiving Day.

Chris Hedges: Boycott FedEx - Chris Hedges' Columns -Truthdig

2011-11-23T22:12:00.001-08:00

http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/boycott_fedex_20100222/

‘Father’ of the 401(k)’s Tough Love

2011-11-22T13:28:00.001-08:00

Ted Benna, who three decades ago seized on an IRS loophole to transform American retirement savings, says he’s proud to be “father of the 401(k).” He also thinks he created a monster.The plans, which he intended to be as simple for employees as pensions, now offer too many investing options and too many opportunities to make mistakes, he says. “I would blow up the system and restart with something totally different,” he told SmartMoney.com.

“Blowing up the existing structures is the only way we can simplify them.”In 1978, when Congress passed the section of IRS code for which the plans are named, lawmakers aimed to limit the scope of cash-deferred plans being offered by some companies, but had no intent to revolutionize retirement. Benna, then the co-owner of the Johnson Companies, a benefits consultancy in suburban Philadelphia, was developing such a plan for a bank client when he happened on the idea section 401(k) could allow an entirely new option.The original 401(k) plans “could be explained to employees in just a minute,”

Benna, now 69 and semi-retired himself, says. “There were two options, a guaranteed fund and an equity fund,” he says. “With the guaranteed investment fund, we’d tell them this is what you will have when you retire. With the equity fund – which was usually something like the Fidelity Magellan fund – we’d say, you might have more, but you might have less. Most people would split their contributions 50-50 between the two.”As the plans were embraced by employers and financial institutions, Benna says 401(k)s were made so complex one needed to be an investing pro to make sense of them. “Now this monster is out of control. We went to three options, them to six, then to seven, then to 15 – it is far beyond what most participants were able to deal with,” Benna says. “And I am not convinced we have added value by getting more complicated.”

Better education was supposed to be the solution to intricacies of the plans, Benna says. If employees understood the options, the power of compound interest and dollar-cost averaging, and the advantages of making pre-tax contributions, it was believed they would do the right thing. “We’re throwing tons of money away trying to teach participants how to become skilled investors – we said, we are going to make people smart and savvy enough to make the right investment decisions, but it just hasn’t worked.”Benna blames the newfound complexity on what he says was the small percentage of employees who wanted it. “What triggered this whole mess is that some of the more sophisticated participants were a pain in the butt,” he says. “You’d have these troublemaker loudmouths push human resources, and say, ‘why don’t we have this ‘flavor of the month.’ fund” These sophisticated employees are also the ones taking advantage of the education and advice being offered, he says.

The consequence of all the complexity is twofold, he says. First, employees felt they could be more active investors. “There is too strong a potential for employees to do the worst thing ever, which is moving in the wrong direction, panicking when things are bad and cashing out after they have been battered.” Secondly, the current plans induce “a kind of gridlock – employees get so overwhelmed they do not participate – they do nothing,” he says.Education didn’t work to stop employees from sabotaging their own futures, he contends, but legislation might. “We need a legislative mandate that when you change jobs, the money needs to be retained in a retirement account – there cannot be an option of ‘here’s a check, you decide,’” Benna says.

He also advocates mandating all employees be auto-enrolled in the plans, and that their contributions be automatically increased one percentage point per year to a maximum of 10% to 15%.Despite these misgivings, Benna insists the plans are benefiting millions of employees. He gets rankled whenever someone suggests the workforce would be better off had the 401(k) never been born, noting that the pension system was more fraught that many remember. “I am not anti-defined-benefit plan – in fact I sold them for decades– they are great, but only for those who stay with the same company for 20 or 30 years.”

11-14-11

2011-11-15T07:11:00.001-08:00

Today a FedEx dockworker of 23 years gets fired in SLG (Vernon California) He was fired because another employee went to management and told them that Sal Hernandez was telling the dockworkers to make sure they write up all exceptions and discrepancy when unloading trailers, so that managers have something to do!

On Wednesday 11-09-11, Sal was ask to surrender his badge and keys and was escorted off FedEx property, until further notice. As he was being escorted off; he asks the manager who falsely accuse him of this hearsay. And that he had his rights to confront his accuser to prove him for his wrong doing. Managers reply was, he was not at liberty to say who it was, and that Sal had no representation of any kind to be allowed for this kind of Rights.

Today Monday, Sal was ask to come in at 10:30 am, and was told he was terminated for misconducts!!! Sal has been standing up for his Rights to form a union at his workplace, since 2006, and now FedEx has retaliated on him. If we had union representation, Sal would have had his Rights for a union steward to be present; Sal would have Rights to file a grievance against FedEx for allowing hearsay. Without the Teamsters and no Union representation, WE ARE AT WILL EMPLOYEESâ€¦

Misconduct Photo

2011-11-14T19:30:00.001-08:00

People get fired at this company for not following procedures, Constructive termination. Some people get fired under false accusations. No representation.But who is supervising the supervisor?

To All Veterans ...

2011-11-11T20:26:00.001-08:00

The FedEx Watch Dogs would like to wish all veterans past and present a "Happy Veteran's Day" And a heart felt Thank You for serving your country with the ultimate sacrifice.

About Strikes

2011-11-09T08:10:00.001-08:00

99 percent of Teamster contracts are negotiated and ratified without a strike.

It takes two third vote to go on strike.

About Union Dues

2011-11-08T08:49:00.001-08:00

Union dues are two and a half your hourly wage

Example if you made $20 an hour your union dues will be $50 a month.

No union dues are collected until a contract is ratified.

Union due are also tax deductable!

Turk 182 said

2011-11-03T14:18:00.001-07:00

The cost of groceries has risen .6% this yr, our cost of living raise was barely .3%, since our raise wasnt even 50% for the cost of food, i gotta wonder?

Is Uncle Fred gonna spring for a turkey for us this year?!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T19:15:00.001-07:00

At this morning pre shift in SBO, a concern about early appointments on routes were brought up. One idea was to make them later in the day, 5pm or later.I suggested that
on days that have heavy appointments, that there should be a route with just appts run out to the low desert.

The next thing out of Russ's pie hole was, " if your name was on the side of the truck, we'll run it that way". I told him it was only a suggestion?

Now I know Russ doesn't agree with my organizing, but to come off so smug and arrogant, in front of a dozen drivers only goes to show you all why I put "RESPECT" and "DIGINTY" signs on my car every day!

Happy Halloween Russ!

NYT: Will Extremists Hijack Occupy

2011-10-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

http://mobile.nytimes.com/art/859010/28?sub=Contributor

Standing Together

2011-10-25T08:21:00.001-07:00

Standing Together

By Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa
Published in The Detroit News on
October 12, 2011

Jobs are coming back from China, Mexico and Japan: Thousands of good-paying, family-supporting jobs, all at the Ford Motor Co.
Last week, the United Auto Workers and Ford negotiated a tentative agreement that will bring 5,750 UAW jobs back from overseas, in addition to the 6,250 jobs previously announced by the company.

Those 12,000 jobs will throw off another 108,000 jobs for suppliers and other businesses because of the multiplier effect of the automotive industry. And that's not even counting the 6,400 new U.S. jobs at GM the union negotiated a few weeks ago.

These jobs aren't the result of tax cuts or getting rid of regulations. These jobs are the result of a union and an employer sitting down at the table and talking.
Collective bargaining works.

Collective bargaining rights make a decent, middle-class life possible for millions of U.S. workers. But many corporations and elected officials are hell-bent on taking them away. And it isn't just organized labor they're attacking.

A war is being waged against American workers. The economic survival they once took for granted is less and less certain. The dangers of plant closures, unemployment, indebtedness and medical catastrophe loom closer even as our standard of living slowly erodes.

Workers have always had to stand together and fight for a fair wage, health benefits and retirement with dignity. And that's why labor unions fit right in with the protesters who are occupying Wall Street and dozens of other cities. Union members have always fought for the people in the street.

My friend Bob King, UAW president, likes to tell the story of how his union staged one of the first occupations ever — Occupy Flint. It's the story of the Flint sit-down strike.

On the night of Dec. 30, 1936, GM workers stopped the loading of dies to be shipped from the Fisher Body Plant to plants with weaker unions. They locked themselves in the plant and sat down for six weeks. They faced down the police, the National Guard and the company. Like the Occupy Wall Street protesters, they were fed by supporters who donated food. Like the Occupy Wall Street protesters, they formed a community, assigning groups to guard, clean, gather news and handle food. Some played musical instruments.

By Feb. 11, they negotiated a deal with GM, winning collective bargaining rights in 17 plants, a 5 percent wage hike and the right to speak in the lunch room. It was the birth of the UAW.

As Bob will tell you, those workers took militant, nonviolent, direct action against the most powerful corporation in the world. Everybody said they would lose. But they stood together. They took thoughtful, strategic, direct action. They won an overwhelming victory. And the UAW and the Teamsters went on to build the middle class throughout the industrial heartland.

Today, the 99 percent are taking militant, nonviolent direct action in Lower Manhattan. They're camped out in front of Los Angeles City Hall and the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank and in Boston's Financial District. They'll be in downtown Detroit on Friday. They're a long way from an overwhelming victory. But so were those UAW workers when they first locked the doors in Flint

Making Change at Walmart

2011-10-24T07:57:00.001-07:00

http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/1156/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4923

FedEx Is A Self Insured Company

2011-10-18T18:19:00.001-07:00

This means that they pay for their own medical claims. there are two kinds of self insured groups:
fully self insured and partially self insured.

Fully self insured groups pay for all their claims and processing. the only thing the insurance company does is the clerical work for the employer such as answering claims questions. partially self insured is the same as fully self insured groups but there are some things that insurance company takes over on the claims and processing. Fully self insured groups are more independent versus fully insured groups. Me being an employee at a health insurance company can tell you first hand that the self insured groups are more strict because they can implement their own restrictions/exclusions on what we pay on the plans. So if a member was to call me today and say she got a bill for something that she could have prevented, generally with fully insured groups we can say that we will make an exception and educate the member on what to do to prevent it from happening again. With self insured groups I would actually have to consult w/ the groups health benefits administrator to get the OK to adjust any claims because they are paying for the claims not the plan.... hope this helps.

FedEx Freight Announces Part Time Employee Benefits

2011-10-13T08:55:00.001-07:00

Management have announced that FedEx will be providing medical to their part time employees in 2013.

When asked why not start this program in 2012? And they have no answer?

A lot of new medical. Program are to start in 2013 because of Obama Care. Which is most likely a mandate, that companies most do.

So really, FedEx is not doing this from the kindness of their heart. Its going to be the Law!

Change Conway To Win

2011-10-13T08:31:00.001-07:00

Conway employees are now organizing and have a new blog:

www.changeconway2win.blogspot.com

Please feel free to visit the blog and give them your support!

Rudy

Yahoo! News

2011-10-10T12:42:00.001-07:00

http://m.yahoo.com/w/news_america/unemployed-seek-protection-against-job-bias-084916836.html?orig_host_hdr=news.yahoo.com&.intl=us&.lang=en-us

FedEx has received $1.1 billion in defense contracts during fiscal 2011

2011-10-07T13:43:00.001-07:00

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111003/BUSINESS01/310030034/FedEx-must-brace-cuts-defense?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CBusiness

Conway Freight

2011-10-05T08:38:00.001-07:00

As of today 10/4/11…I was given the green light to let everybody know here at Change FedEx To Win
, That Conway Freight has started an organizing drive with the Teamsters.

Our prayers and best wishes on your organizing drive!

General Meeting

2011-10-04T18:17:00.001-07:00

This is a General Meeting for Members and Non Members. On The Functions Of A Local And To Ask Questions:

Where: Local 952
140 S. Marks Way
Orange, Ca. 92868

Date: Oct. 9, 2011

Time: 8:30 am

This is "NOT" a Committee Meeting.

FedEx CEO's Total Pay Falls 2 Pct. in Fiscal ' 11

2011-10-04T13:52:00.001-07:00

FedEx’s CEO’s compensation fell 2 percent in 2011 , mostly because his perks were worth less than in 2010 , an Associated Press calculation shows.

Fred Smith , who also is the company’s chairman and president, received compensation valued at $7.3 million for the fiscal year that ended in May, down from $7.4 million in fiscal 2010 , according to a filing the company made Friday, July 22 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Smith’s salary rose 4 percent to $1.2 million, and the value of his stock options rose less than 2 percent to $5.2 million, the biggest chunk of his compensation. But his performance-based cash bonus fell 6 percent to $375 ,000 , and his other compensation slid 37 percent to $428 ,061 .

His perks already had dropped almost by half between 2009 and 2010 . In 2011 , they included retirement plan contributions, tax reimbursements, jet travel, use of a company car, security services, tax preparation services, financial counseling and insurance premiums.
FedEx Corp . said its 2011 net income rose 23 percent to $1.45 billion for the year, while its revenue grew 13 percent to $39.3 billion. The Associated Press formula calculates an executive’s total compensation during the last fiscal year by adding salary, bonuses, perks, above-market interest the company pays on deferred compensation and the estimated value of stock and stock options awarded during the year.

The AP formula does not count changes in the present value of pension benefits. That makes the AP total slightly different in most cases from the total reported by companies to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

– The Associated Press

Uncut v FedEx | July 23, 2011

2011-10-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

FedEx Gets A 1/2 Million Tax Break

2011-09-30T08:17:00.001-07:00

FedEx Opens Ill. Distribution Center With 200 Jobs

AP Updated 3:46PM Print | Front Page | Email this story

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. (AP) – FedEx Ground has opened a new distribution center in the Chicago suburbs that the company says will employ more than 200 full- and part-time workers. The state has promised the company half a million dollars in tax breaks and other incentives.

FedEx Ground said in a news release that it opened the 214,000 square-foot distribution center in Grayslake on Thursday. FedEx Ground is the small-package ground delivery arm of Memphis, Tenn.-based FedEx Corp.

FedEx Ground says the facility is one of five distribution centers it operates in the Chicago area. Company and state officials say the center could eventually employ more than 450 workers.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity say the state has pledged $500,000 in tax breaks and job training funds contingent on job creation.

FedEx Spends $2.8 Million Lobbying in 2nd Quarter

2011-09-29T13:47:00.001-07:00

AP Updated 3:25PM Print | Front Page | Email this story

WASHINGTON (AP) –Memphis-based FedEx Corp. spent nearly $4.9 million lobbying the federal government in the second quarter on legislation that would have made it easier for its workers to unionize, among other issues, according to a disclosure report.

That's below the more than $7 million the world's second-largest package delivery company spent in the second quarter of 2010 but above the $3.9 million it spent in the first three months of the year. The company's larger rival, Atlanta-based United Parcel Service Inc., spent about $1.1 million on lobbying in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the company continued to lobby Congress on the FAA reauthorization bill, which will speed up replacement of radar-based air traffic control with a more advanced satellite-based system.

FedEx had been vocal in its opposition to a small section of the bill that would move its employees to a new federal classification that would have made them easier to unionize. Congress has not yet come to an agreement on the bill. Now, only the shipper's pilots are unionized.

The company also lobbied on other legislation involving airport and airway funding.

Between April and June, FedEx lobbied Congress, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration, according to the report filed with the House clerk's office.

Wall Street vs. Everybody | Common Dreams

2011-09-28T14:06:00.001-07:00

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/09/26-0

New Board Members of FedEx Shareholders

2011-09-28T14:00:00.001-07:00

Martin, Ramo to FedEx Board as Hyde Retires Position

Brad Martin and Joshua Cooper Ramo are the newest directors on the board of FedEx Corp.

Each was elected to the board of the Memphis-based corporation this week at the annual shareholders’ meeting.

At the same meeting, shareholders approved executive pay plans including a $1.3 million base salary for company founder and CEO Fred Smith, not including equity-based compensation and bonuses.

Martin is chairman of RBM Venture Co., an investment company. He serves on the boards of Lululemon Athletica Inc., Dillard’s Inc. and First Horizon National Corp. Martin is also the founder of The Martin Institute, a nonprofit education reform foundation.

Ramo is vice chairman of Kissinger Associates, an advisory firm, and serves on the Starbucks Corp. board.

Martin and Ramo were elected to one-year terms as J.R. “Pitt” Hyde, the founder of AutoZone Inc., announced his retirement from the board. Hyde joined the FedEx board in 1977.

Memphis Daily

2011-09-26T06:55:00.001-07:00

CHICAGO (AP) – Fitch Ratings on Friday affirmed the debt ratings for

FedEx Corp. and its
Federal Express Corp. unit, a day after the package delivery company reported better-than-expected fiscal first-quarter results.
The ratings firm cited FedEx's ongoing financial flexibility, strong market position and manageable debt repayment schedule.
The ratings apply to roughly $1.7 billion in senior unsecured debt and a $1 billion unsecured revolving credit line. Fitch's outlook on the rating is stable.
FedEx reported net income rose 22 percent to $464 million, or $1.46 a share, in the fiscal first quarter that ended in August. That compares with a profit of $380 million, or $1.20 per share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 11 percent to $10.52 billion.
FedEx's continued focus on pricing discipline and international expansion has positioned the company to further expand profit margins and improve its credit profile while continuing to face a weak demand environment, Fitch said.
As of Aug. 31, the company had about $2 billion in cash, as well as full access to a $1 billion unsecured revolving credit facility.
FedEx projects that capital spending will rise to $4.2 billion in fiscal 2012, up from $3.4 billion in fiscal 2011.
That aside, FedEx's other near-term cash obligations remain manageable, Fitch said.
Fitch said that the biggest risk to FedEx's credit profile in the near term is the potential for another recession that sends the global economy into a slide for a year or more. Should that occur, the company could potentially see volumes across its transportation units soften, rising pressure on its profit margins and free cash flow, the firm said.
The ratings firm has FedEx's issuer default rating, senior unsecured credit facility and senior unsecured debt at "BBB," two notches above non-investment grade, or "junk" status.
Fitch has FedEx's short-term issuer default rating and commercial paper at "F2."
The ratings firm affirmed
Federal Express Corp.'s issuer default rating and senior unsecured debt at "BBB."

FedEx Cuts Forecast, Warns of 'Sluggish Growth'

2011-09-22T13:39:00.001-07:00

Package and parcel giant's profit rose 22 percent in June-August quarter
FedEx’s net profit rose 22 percent to $464 million in its June-August quarter, but the world’s largest air cargo carrier lowered its earnings expectations for the rest of the year, citing a slowdown in global trade.

"We expect sluggish economic growth will continue," CEO Fred Smith told analysts. FedEx, widely considered an economic bellwether, said it had a “moderate outlook” for the economy and now expects to earn $6.25 to $6.75 per share for its current fiscal year, compared with a previous estimate of $6.35 to $6.85.

The company’s net profit grew on an 11 percent gain in overall revenue to $10.5 billion. But U.S. domestic shipments at FedEx Express fell 3 percent and international express shipments fell 4 percent from the same period a year ago.

"The U.S. and global economy grew at a slower rate than we anticipated during the quarter," said Chief Financial Officer Alan B. Graf. "While FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight achieved improved operating results despite lower than expected growth, the more rapid decline in demand for FedEx Express services, particularly from Asia, outpaced our ability to reduce operating costs."

FedEx’s express unit posted a 19 percent drop in operating income, despite a 12 percent rise in revenue. The decline in volume was partly offset by a 13 percent increase in revenue per package, which included higher pricing and higher fuel charges.

FedEx’s ground transportation unit posted a 42 percent jump in operating income to $407 million. Revenue rose 16 percent to $2.3 billion. Average daily package volume grew 5 percent.

-- Contact Joseph Bonney at jbonney@joc.com. Follow him on Twitter @josephbonney

Grocery strike avoided; deal called 'win-win' for both sides - latimes.com

2011-09-19T20:13:00.001-07:00

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/09/grocery-strike-albertsons-vons-ralphs.html

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

What Can A Union Do For Me? Part 2

2011-09-18T19:41:00.001-07:00

All back pay, including overtime, his bid job back, and a written apology from the TM.....That should answer any and all questions you asked but I will elaborate.

The man in question is a model employee and as straight as a grizzlies dick but that has no bearing in any of this mess. Only the facts regarding the accusations do.

This particular customer accused one of our employees of theft. Big problem. The video they provided my company with didn't prove a damn thing. My company postponed and stalled to acquire an enhanced video. Still no proof of what they were claiming. The company labor man was trying to cut a deal with the local shortly after the first attempt to stall on the enhanced video. They had made a huge mistake and he knew it.

This customer and our TM put an employee from my company through hell on speculation rather than fact. How could you think the local made my company look bad? That question completely baffles me.

Had our TM a pair of balls between his legs this problem would have never gone to a hearing for a decision. There was a day and time when something of this nature would have been taken care of in a matter of minutes rather than weeks at the expense of a mans family and health.

As it stands now I hope and pray that this employee hires an attorney and pounds the living hell out of said accusing company and our douche bag TM with a civil law suit. They both deserve what ever they get.

What Can A Union Do For Me?

2011-09-17T19:39:00.001-07:00

What can a Union do for me?

I would like to share another victory for our local and all Teamsters across the nation.

A little over a month ago, a co-worker was accused of theft by one of our customers. Not the theft of anything we carry for them, but the theft of personal property from their breakroom. The accusing company provided a video of the alleged crime. After our TM viewed said video this worker was terminated and escorted off the property. A call was made to our local by the TM and the business agent was informed that this video was quite damning. Our local began preparing the case.

As of Thursday the 15th of September the terminated employee was informed he will be back to work in his original position with all back pay including overtime for the month or so he was gone. A written apology from the TM will be included in the settlement.

FAA Bill Passed By The Senate

2011-09-17T07:31:00.001-07:00

The FAA bill that the U.S. senate passed late thursday night, does not have any language in it for FedEx Express. There were two senators who would not let any Language for Express into the bill. obviously in the back pockets of uncle Freddy!

This bill has no direct effect on our current campaign to organize FEDEX FREIGHT. We are under the NLRB, National Labor Relations Board and NLRA, National Labor Relation Act, but we are not under the NRLA, National Railways Labor Act. That's why we all should have called our members of congress to include the FedEx Express Transportion.

So don't let management tell you anything different. Because we can and will organize FEDEX FREIGHT!

Toxic Managers

2011-09-14T23:10:00.001-07:00

Michael Seals formerly Anaheim Driver

Toxic managers have been around for a long time; although the increase of this type of manager at FedEx Freight is relatively new. These managers are moody, incompetent, and always looking to blame others; this manager is a compulsive liar who is always charming around management. When you encounter this type of manager everything will become your fault. You are the “poor performer”; you have the “negative attitude”. In reality this a projection of the bully’s own poor performance and incompetence.
There are basically three ways to deal with toxic management; the union grievance process, civil legal action, or the third alternative is to resign. A senior management backed toxic boss cannot be changed. Your health, career, and families should not suffer. You must look at how you exist and the work environment you exist in. Look around at the environment which you work, look at the guys who were middle-aged workers that are no longer employed at FedEx; do you honestly believe you have job security and will be able to retire with a livable pension from FedEx without Union backing.

There is an organized attack on the working in America, honorable professions such as Teaching has been downsized to teaching to a test. Emergency responders (Fire fighters and Police) are being downsized and pensions eliminated after the years of faithful service.

Unlimited access to cheap labor is contributing to the decline in American culture. Yet, the Democratic process is free. A vote only cost time, energy, and critical thinking. I continue to support my former fellow FedEx workers and especially Joe Nuno.

Happy Driver Appreciation Week - FedEx Freight Drops The Ball Again!

2011-09-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well another year has passed and once again Fedex Freight has forgotten , Driver Appreciation Week Sept. 11 - 17. But they have no problem giving misinformation about unions and organizing.

On behalf of our committee members through out the west. We appreciate all the hard work you do. Not just drivers, but all of the employees here at FedEx Freight.

Rudy Hernandez
Organizer at SBO

P. S. If FedEx gets a wind of this and does something for you. Tell them I said Thanks!

FedEx Considers Orders for 50 Freighters

2011-09-09T13:50:00.001-07:00

FedEx Considers Orders for 50 Freighters Decision to buy freighers may not come for several months FedEx is mulling buying up to 50 widebody freighters from Boeing and Airbus to update its aging fleet, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Negotiations center on Airbus’s 330-200 freighter and Boeing’s 767-300 freighter,Bloomberg said, citing unnamed sources. The order may also involve the conversion of 767 passenger jets into freighters.

A final decision on the multi-billion dollar contract may not come for several months and could be delayed by a weakening economic outlook and the risk of FedEx losing U.S. Postal Service contracts. FedEx is the largest contractor to USPS,which said this week it is pushing its suppliers for $1 billion in annual savings.

-- Contact Bruce Barnard at brucebarndard47@hotmail.com.

Quote Of The Week

2011-09-06T20:40:00.001-07:00

It is essential that there should be organization of labor. This is an era of organization. Capital organizes and therefore labor must organize.

Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary Solis' "State of the American Worker"

2011-09-05T11:16:00.001-07:00

A Brief History of Labor Day

2011-09-05T11:15:00.001-07:00

The origins of Labor Day are more than a century old.

The first Labor Day parade in New York City was held in September 1982. Two men are credited with playing an important role not only in bringing about the parade but the holiday as well. Matthew Maguire, a machinist from Paterson, N.J., and Peter J. McGuire, a New York City carpenter who helped found the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, are said to have suggested a holiday to honor working people in the United States. In 1887, Oregon became the first state to make Labor Day a legal holiday, and in 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill making Labor Day a national holiday.

How unions help all workers

by Lawrence Mishel and Matthew Walters

Unions have a substantial impact on the compensation and work lives of both unionized and non-unionized workers. This report presents current data on unions' effect on wages, fringe benefits, total compensation, pay inequality, and workplace protections.

Some of the conclusions are:

• Unions raise wages of unionized workers by roughly 20% and raise compensation, including both wages and benefits, by about 28%.

• Unions reduce wage inequality because they raise wages more for low- and middle-wage workers than for higher-wage workers, more for blue-collar than for white-collar workers, and more for workers who do not have a college degree.

• Strong unions set a pay standard that nonunion employers follow. For example, a high school graduate whose workplace is not unionized but whose industry is 25% unionized is paid 5% more than similar workers in less unionized industries.

• The impact of unions on total nonunion wages is almost as large as the impact on total union wages.

• The most sweeping advantage for unionized workers is in fringe benefits. Unionized workers are more likely than their nonunionized counterparts to receive paid leave, are approximately 18% to 28% more likely to have employer-provided health insurance, and are 23% to 54% more likely to be in employer-provided pension plans.

• Unionized workers receive more generous health benefits than nonunionized workers. They also pay 18% lower health care deductibles and a smaller share of the costs for family coverage. In retirement, unionized workers are 24% more likely to be covered by health insurance paid for by their employer.

• Unionized workers receive better pension plans. Not only are they more likely to have a guaranteed benefit in retirement, their employers contribute 28% more toward pensions.

• Unionized workers receive 26% more vacation time and 14% more total paid leave (vacations and holidays).

Unions play a pivotal role both in securing legislated labor protections and rights such as safety and health, overtime, and family/medical leave and in enforcing those rights on the job. Because unionized workers are more informed, they are more likely to benefit from social insurance programs such as unemployment insurance and workers compensation. Unions are thus an intermediary institution that provides a necessary complement to legislated benefits and protections.

The Journal of Commerce story - FedEx Freight Expands in Mexico

2011-08-30T18:07:00.001-07:00

William B. Cassidy | Aug 30 , 2011 2 :55
The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story LTL | Trucking | United States | Mexico LTL carrier adds three terminals in alliance with AutoLineas

America FedEx Freight is expanding in Mexico, adding terminals in Toluca, Puebla and Veracruz through its alliance with Mexican carrier Auto Lineas America. The U.S. trucking arm of FedEx now has access to 15 terminals across Mexico handling cross-border and intra-Mexico less-than-truckload freight. Surface trade with Mexico was up 16.6 over-year in May and 6.5 percent from April, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The three-terminal expansion in August cut transit times by an average of 50 percent for customers shipping to southeastern Mexico, FedEx Freight said. FedEx Freight’s Mexican partner Auto Lineas America is a subsidiary of Grupo Transportes Monterrey that provides truckload, dedicated and LTL service.

Contact William B. Cassidy at wcassidy@joc.com Follow him on Twitter at @wbcassidy_joc

Quote Of The week

2011-08-29T20:07:00.001-07:00

Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Board issues Final Rule to require posting of NLRA rights. Some Very Good News!!

2011-08-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

August 25, 2011

Contact:
Office of Public Affairs
202-273-1991
publicinfo@nlrb.gov
www.nlrb.gov

The National Labor Relations Board has issued a Final Rule requiring most private-sector employers to notify employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act by posting a notice. The rule was placed on public inspection at the office of the Federal Register on August 25. It is scheduled to be posted in the Federal Register on August 30, 2011 and will take effect 75 days later, on November 14, 2011.

Similar postings of workplace rights are required under other federal workplace laws. The 11-by-17-inch notice is similar in content and design to a notice of NLRA rights that must be posted by federal contractors under a Department of Labor rule.

The notice of rights will be provided at no charge by NLRB regional offices or can be downloaded from the Board website and printed in color or black-and-white. Translated versions will be available, and must be posted at workplaces where at least 20% of employees are not proficient in English.

Employers must also post the notice on an intranet or an internet site if personnel rules and policies are customarily posted there.

Questions and Answers:

Does my company have to post the notice?

The posting requirement applies to nearly all private-sector employers subject to the National Labor Relations Act, which excludes agricultural, railroad and airline employers. In response to comments received after the proposed rule was announced, the Board has agreed to exempt the U.S. Postal Service for the time being because of that organization’s unique rules under the Act.

When will the notice posting be required?

The final rule takes effect 75 days after it is posted in the Federal Register, or on November 14, 2011.

There is no union in my workplace; will I still have to post the notice?

Yes. Because NLRA rights apply to union and non-union workplaces, all employers subject to the Board’s jurisdiction (aside from the USPS) will be required to post the notice.

I am a federal contractor. Will I have to post the notice?

The Board’s notice posting rule will apply to federal contractors, who already are required by the Department of Labor to post a similar notice of employee rights. A contractor will be regarded as complying with the Board’s notice posting rule if it posts the Department of Labor’s notice.

I operate a small business. Will I have to post the Board’s notice?

The rule applies to all employers subject to the Board’s jurisdiction, other than the U.S. Postal Service. The Board has chosen not to assert its jurisdiction over very small employers whose annual volume of business is not large enough to have a more than a slight effect on interstate commerce. The jurisdictional standards are summarized in the rule.

How will I get the notice?

The Board will provide copies of the notice on request at no cost to the employer beginning on or before November 1, 2011. These can be obtained by contacting the NLRB at its headquarters or its regional, sub-regional, or resident offices. Employers can also download the notice from the Board’s website and print it out in color or black-and-white on one 11-by-17-inch paper or two 8-by-11-inch papers taped together. Finally, employers can satisfy the rule by purchasing and posting a set of workplace posters from a commercial supplier.

What if I communicate with employees electronically?

In addition to the physical posting, the rule requires every covered employer to post the notice on an internet or intranet site if personnel rules and policies are customarily posted there. Employers are not required to distribute the posting by email, Twitter or other electronic means.

Many of my employees speak a language other than English. Will I still have to post the notice?

Yes. The notice must be posted in English and in another language if at least 20% of employees are not proficient in English and speak the other language. The Board will provide translations of the notice, and of the required link to the Board’s website, in the appropriate languages.

Will I have to maintain records or submit reports under the Board’s rule?

No, the rule has no record-keeping or reporting requirements.

How will the Board enforce the rule?

Failure to post the notice may be treated as an unfair labor practice under the National Labor Relations Act. The Board investigates allegations of unfair labor practices made by employees, unions, employers, or other persons, but does not initiate enforcement action on its own.

What will be the consequences for failing to post the notice?

The Board expects that, in most cases, employers who fail to post the notice are unaware of the rule and will comply when requested by a Board agent. In such cases, the unfair labor practice case will typically be closed without further action. The Board also may extend the 6-month statute of limitations for filing a charge involving other unfair labor practice allegations against the employer. If an employer knowingly and willfully fails to post the notice, the failure may be considered evidence of unlawful motive in an unfair labor practice case involving other alleged violations of the NLRA.

Can an employer be fined for failing to post the notice?

No, the Board does not have the authority to levy fines.

F. Y. I.

2011-08-22T18:17:00.001-07:00

On fedex 2011 report "Purchase transportation cost rose 28% in 2010 due to increased utilization of third- party transportation providers"

The FedEx Watch Dogs

Quote of the Week ...

2011-08-20T13:10:00.001-07:00

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts"

Winston Churchill

Analyst doubts protests hurt BMW financially

2011-08-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

By PE Business on August 18, 2011 6:00 AM
Share:

BMW could have been embarrassed by the pressure irate Teamsters put on in the last two months, but an auto industry analyst doesn't believe it translated into serious economic pressure for the luxury car manufacturer.

Jeremy Anwyl, CEO of the industry analysis firm Edmunds.com said he doubts BMW had any bottom-line problems when Teamster picket lines visited dealerships across the country. The controversy stemmed from BMW's decision to outsource its parts distribution in Ontario, which would have meant well-paid, long-time Teamsters would have been replaced.

Last week BMW extended the Teamsters' contract in Ontario for six months.
Randy Cammack, a Southern California Teamsters leader, said he heard reports of car shoppers who dropped by BMW dealerships on Saturday car-shopping pilgrimages, spoke to picketers about the issue at hand and immediately left.

Read More

From Joe Nuno

2011-08-15T19:05:00.001-07:00

I am speaking on my own behalf, first of all, Mira Loma management hates anyone that are affiliated with FedEx Freight.

2nd; Mira Loma's motto is to intimidate employees, use other employees as examples and put fear on others. And when it comes to the employees of Mira Loma, nobody speaks up, why? Because Mark Link has them on pure fear, with his associates of in secured buddies like Bob Tillet and pot-head Alexander Parra, who runs Mira Loma by cheating the systems. Alex is the mole who erases and tampers with the computer, and covers the mistake that management creates in Mira Loma.

3rd; I announced myself to Bob Tillet and Mark Link in Fontana, that I was pro-union, and I was an employee organizing all the yards. This was done in front of all employees that attended the meeting of introduction.

4th; I was tagged, because of whistle blowing on Mark Link, who was sneaking trailers in the middle of the night, without any documentation or having the drivers log on to the computer system. Also I whistle blew on management in Mira Loma because they were loosing customers. Others drivers and I went back to Fontana and reported to Ed Smith what was going on at Mira Loma. They have a poor management team, dispatch would mistreat customers, failed to make pick ups and lied to customers.

5th; I filed charges against FedEx, with the National Labor Relation Board. On how FedEx in Mira Loma commit unfair Labor practice.

6th; I was put on administrative leave on Tuesday, but on Thursday June 30th of that week, I was schedule to be on vacation, and Friday also, on June 30th I was fired, through a phone message, while I was on vacation! I never signed any documents of my termination and up to this day still haven't got any documentation of my termination. But if I had a CBA, Collective Bargaining Agreement and paid unions dues! I most likely be working still.

Anti Union Meeting In SBO

2011-08-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

Anti union meeting were given yesterday by Alex H. A dock supervisor who worked at a union company. And Chuck L. This morning. Next time, which will most definitely happen again,ask Alex or Chuck why aren't there any pro union employees in these meetings so you can get both sides of the story? Its not like we're never going to find out!

Also, ask them why are they telling you what to do on your own time at HOME and away from work. They might as well tell you where to shop,what to eat,where to pray!

The reason why we are organizing FedEx is to stop the harassments, the favoritism, the constructive terminations, ie snap shot. To get a defined pension plan, instead of a pension that depends on the stock market, by the way how's that working out for you lately?

That's why they have these meetings. Because they want complete CONTROL of your LIFE!

LATTC | Labor Center – Schedule of Classes

2011-08-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

http://college.lattc.edu/laborcenter/schedule-of-classes/

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Recent Board Decision

2011-08-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

http://m.nlrb.gov/recent/decisions.aspx?decisionType=Board%20Decision

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International Transport Workers' Federation: Press area

2011-08-10T08:28:00.001-07:00

http://www.itfglobal.org/press-area/index.cfm/pressdetail/6243/

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Hightower Lowdown | Billionaires' front groups attack workers, public schools, and young voters

2011-08-09T13:58:00.001-07:00

http://www.hightowerlowdown.org/node/2680

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Anti Union Meetings Starting Last Week

2011-07-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

There have been anti union meetings so far in Gardena, Bandini and Whitier terminals lately. No surprises since the Teamsters have announced, at their Convention last month, that there will be a campaign to organize FedEx Freight now.

So the usual rap from managers, who are the tools of well paid union busters that hide behind the managers who could be the ones who are charged with unfair labor charges instead of the busters!

They say that the Teamsters will come to your house and make you sign a "union card". I have had a visit from them and not once during their visit did they ask me to sign a card! Did you hear that Whittier, Bandini, and you managers at Gardena!?

"All they want is your money" I personally have no problem with that. That will give me representation, which Joe Nuno didn't have, in case FedEx or a manager is trying to get rid of you for his own personal reasons, you got that Mira Loma? Besides, union dues are tax deductible!

What really gets me is how management is calling "pro union" employees,” disengaged employees”. And that the "engaged employees" should let management know who these employees are? These people who report to management can also be considered "spies" for the company and get themselves in very big trouble on behalf of the company!

So the next time management says their entire BS about the Teamsters, ask them to put all the things they are saying down on paper and sign it! If they're so sure of it, they shouldn't have a problem doing that for you.

Beside management and the rest of the tools say, "educate yourselves about the union" right? So if a Teamster and a committee member come knocking at your door let them in and "educate yourselves" and ask as many question that you like! If you ask a lot of questions at work, management will tell you, "not now later", see me in my office. Watch out, you might be considered “disengaged!”

UPS Boosts Profit 26 Percent | Journal of Commerce

2011-07-26T19:05:00.001-07:00

http://www.joc.com/parcel-package/ups-boosts-profit-26-percent

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Change of Operations Announced in Mira Loma Today 7-26-11

2011-07-26T08:55:00.001-07:00

Change of operations in Mira Loma will take place in September of this year. These changes will also effect San Bernadino and Fontana service terminals. SBO will get (we hear) HP and North Ontario, the mall. FTA, Apple, Uline and Volkswagon.

If anyone knows more, feel free to comment.

Rudy

YRC Worldwide To Name New CEO | Journal of Commerce

2011-07-22T21:55:00.001-07:00

http://www.joc.com/trucking/yrc-worldwide-name-new-ceo

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FedEx Package Handlers to Vote on Teamsters Patrick Ayers | July 19, 2011

2011-07-20T20:37:00.001-07:00

If 71 package handlers at the FedEx Ground warehouse in Brockton, Massachusetts, win the union election scheduled for August 3, it will be the first time ever for package handlers at the giant non-union shipper. They’re facing a fierce anti-union campaign.

A top issue is poverty wages; all the workers are part-time, starting at $10.50 an hour with a maximum wage of $14.50 after four years. “Since there’s no seniority,” said one worker, “personal friends of managers typically get the full-time jobs or promotions.”

He said workers have to load packages that include 150-pound engine blocks, working in trailers that go down to 2 degrees in the winter and 115 in the summer.

Brockton workers looking to unionize contacted Teamsters Local 653 and signed up 75 percent of their co-workers. They kept the union drive hidden from management for months.

FedEx fights tooth and nail at the legislative and judicial levels to keep unions out, defending its misuse of “independent contractor” status for their drivers at FedEx Ground, for example. The practice places them outside the protection of numerous labor and employment laws.

The Senate passed a reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration bill last year that excluded a provision making it easier for FedEx workers to unionize.

The Teamsters and UPS had supported a bill that would level the playing field by putting FedEx under the same labor laws that cover UPS. Since the legislative failing, the International union has shifted its attention to FedEx over-the-road drivers in the freight division.

Full Court Press

The company has flown in its top union-busting executives to Brockton, to try to kill the union with a sudden kindness not known before. Ninety percent of workers are black, and all supervisors were white. Now the white supervisors have been replaced by nice African American managers; the workers have been treated to cookouts and finally offered some basic benefits.

One worker said, “Before the union drive we had no health insurance, no vacation time, no sick days, no paid holidays, and we worked with broken and dilapidated equipment.”

With the union drive came (worthless) health insurance that’s offered after a year and a half, one week of vacation time, paid holidays, and brand-new equipment, the worker said.

At the same time, managers spread misinformation about unions to whip up fears. According to the FedEx worker, managers are organizing hour-long meetings with human resources, “reading off anti-union fliers every single day.”

Management harps on initiation fees and fines. But workers say the local charges no initiation fees to the first group unionizing, and no member of Local 653 has ever been fined.

Workers say managers have been flown in from all over the country to help beat the union, including the Eastern Division VP, who told everyone that “we have ways to keep the Teamsters out.”

Simply quitting and finding a better job is not an option. Brockton has one of the highest unemployment rates in Massachusetts, and the job market is only getting worse.

A union would enable workers to bargain for living-wage jobs in Brockton. And a victory at FedEx—the Wal-Mart of the trucking industry—could inspire other young workers to stand up to their bosses.

Supporters are holding solidarity actions at FedEx Office store locations in Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, Minneapolis, Madison, and four locations in Washington state this Saturday.

About Part One

2011-07-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

UNION DUES:

Are two and a half times your hourly pay per month.

They are for Administrative needs, B.A., negotiations, arbitration etc...

No dues are paid until a contract is made.

Dues are tax deductible.

7/22 FedEx National Day Of Action-FedEx workers organizing into the Teamsters in Brockton, MA: WE ARE TAKING ON A GIANT! | Transport Workers Solidarity Committee

2011-07-11T19:33:00.001-07:00

http://transportworkers.org/node/1849

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Sequence To a Constructive Termination Joe Nuno

2011-07-11T07:31:00.001-07:00

1st offense;
Joe was dispatched to Best Buy in Chino Ca. to do a pick up. Best Buys has four shipping areas. Joe went to the 1st shipping and picked up x amount of pallets. Next he went to the 2nd,3rd and 4th shipping areas where he was told that there was no freight here to pick. He checked back to the 1st door and was told he picked up what they only had already. Joe let his dispatcher know what was happening. Dispatch gave him other pickups to do. When he returned to the terminal, he was confronted by management that he missed the pick up at Best Buy?

2nd Offense;
Joe was dispatched to Best Buy to make a pick up. The pickup is monitored by security there at all times. You bring an order (pallet) up and you and security count the pieces on the pallet, sign the bill of lading, than load the order into your trailer. Ten days following that pick up, Joe was told that there was a pallet in that trailer he used to pick up Best Buy, which was not manifested or signed for. Joe asked management where the bill of lading was and they told him that the freight had been moved on to its destination. No foul, no harm. Right? Joe was suspended! He challenged this with HR, but to no avail he was denied and lost. He was suspended.

3rd Offense;
Joe had multi dr's at a delivery on a Friday. On the following Monday he was asked if he had any dr's that he did not turn in. instead of lying, like a few of the drivers I talked to have, he turned them in. Tuesday Joe was put on administrative leave for two dr's? On Thursday afternoon, an hour before we were to speak at the Teamsters Convention. He got a phone call from Mark Link that Joe's services at FedEx were over.

The attending Teamsters in the audience were told what had just happened to Joe, but even after this blow to his personal life, Joe went out spoke with pride. Why? Because this is a man with pride and conviction! Not like that "Coward" on the phone!

By Rudy Hernandez

The End Of The American Dream

2011-07-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

Snap Shot aka Constructive Termination

2011-07-07T08:43:00.001-07:00

On June 30th, Joe Nuno was terminated from his driver position at the Mira Loma, CA terminal by none other than the infamous Mark Link.

Joe received the call informing him about his termination during the first day of his vacation.

This shows all, that none of us, no matter how disciplined we are at work,we are all under an “AT WILL” employee at FedEx. And we need to have Representation and Collective Bargaining at the workplace.

What happened to Joe this past week will not be a deterrent to the cause we are fighting for. But should be a motivation to take us to the next level!

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE BEG!
BE WISE AND ORGANIZE!

Organizing Workshop

2011-07-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Date: Sunday, July 10, 2011

Time: 8:30 am - 11:00 sm

Place: Teamsters Local 952
140 S. Marks Way,Orange
THE TIME TO ORGANIZE IS NOW!

Hard lesson: Unions will find retail no easy target | StarTribune.com

2011-07-03T12:05:00.001-07:00

http://www.startribune.com/business/124217983.html

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The TURK Said ...

2011-07-01T14:09:00.001-07:00

NOW is the time for us to rise!!

NOW is the time to wipe the spit from our eyes!! The disdain & disrespect that this company imposes on it's workforce on a daily basis is a call to arms!!

But sadly, so many of my brethren who complain about their treatment, complain under their breath. What holds them back is Fear, Fear of the unknown, the Fear the company instills in them with mantra like, "you're lucky to have a job".
Well, I for one am tired of getting pissed on my face, and being told it's raining by Fred Smith. There's an organizing meeting on July 10th. If you're TIRED of being afraid, if you're TIRED of having our jobs OUTSOURCED, if you're TIRED of having management arbitrarily make up the rules of employment, but mostly if you're TIRED of being an at-will employee, then you need to attend this meeting. THIS revolution WILL be televised!!!

BE WISE!! ORGANIZE!

This is your new line driver from Az..

2011-06-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

This truck came into SBO this morning with a FedEx set from Az. Your job is being out source FedEx employee on a daily bases.

What are you going to do?

United We Stand, Divide We Beg!

The Time To Organize Is Now!
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bizjournals mobile: Dayton: YRC Worldwide shares soar on 'incredible trading'

2011-06-27T19:26:00.001-07:00

http://www.bizjournals.com/mobile/dayton/news/2011/06/27/incredible-trading-drives-yrc-worldwide.html?ana=yfcpc

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Petition - Shared Sacrifice: U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (Vermont)

2011-06-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

Petition - Shared Sacrifice: U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (Vermont)

FedEx and Marty Levitt ...

2011-06-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

1998:
More than 800 pilots show up at a domicile meeting at the Botanic Garden in Memphis, as well as many pilots showing up in Subic and Anchorage to watch live video streaming of the event. Guest speaker Marty Levitt tells the story of coming to FedEx in the early 1970s and being told that FedEx will never be unionized. Levitt’s book Confessions of a Union Buster, and over 25 years of experience, are his résumé when he warns that FedEx will do whatever it takes to attempt to break the Union. He says that management’s main tool will be to divide and conquer and our main weapon to fight it should be UNITY!