Effective negotiations require a multi-pronged approach that combines smart bargaining with a legal, communications, political, and organizing strategy that creates the most leverage possible to convince, persuade, and sometimes force, employers to see our point of view. 

The last few months have proven that Local 856 members are ready and willing to take action when it comes to fighting for strong contracts. 

In December, 1,400 West Contra Costa Unified School District Teamsters 856 members held a two-day strike and as a result, won a contract that achieved real gains, including 100 percent employer-paid Teamsters health care, higher wages, and restrictions on wasteful outsourcing of work.

In February, 500 MarinHealth Medical Center Technical and Professional Unit Teamsters followed suit — staging a one-day Unfair Labor Practice strike, putting their employer on notice after enduring bad-faith bargaining for nearly a year. They were joined by 700 of their colleagues from the California Nurses Association who likewise walked off the job, sending a resounding message to hospital management that it’s time to recognize the people who wake up every day to provide care for the community and make the hospital run with a fair agreement.  

Also in February, United Airlines members took action in San Francisco ahead of the Pro Bowl, letting attendees of the festivities know that while the multi-billion dollar airline sponsors the big game, its management is dragging their feet in negotiations and failing to provide an agreement that offers fair compensation and job protections for 10,000 aircraft maintenance professionals nationwide — including 2,000 right here at SFO.

With 25,000 members working in nearly every industry across Northern California, and over 200 collective bargaining agreements, thousands of Local 856 members are in negotiations at any given time throughout the year. However, no matter the industry or location — from canneries in the Central Valley, to salad plants in Salinas, and public and private sector employers throughout the Bay Area — one thing remains consistent: the willingness of Local 856 members to take action to demand their labor is rightfully honored. 

That willingness to take action extends beyond negotiations. We march on bully bosses. We hold votes of no confidence on incompetent managers. We aggressively enforce our hard-won Teamster contracts through our grievance procedures. These actions have also led to real, substantial wins for members in the workplace.

While we hope that we never have to hit the streets or take drastic measures, our collective action is what makes us so powerful as Teamsters. When we work together to have each other’s backs, we demonstrate that we know we have much more in common with each other than the boss, making us well-positioned to demand and win the best in wages, health care, and working conditions. As always, I couldn’t be prouder to stand with you.