Teamsters 856 members gave big in the last two months, raising $4325 for the Solidarity Fund at the Thanksgiving Meetings and steward appreciation events.
Thanksgiving Meetings
Last week, Local 856’s annual Thanksgiving Meetings in South San Francisco and Rancho Cordova drew more than 500 members bringing food and toys for donation to needy union families in our community. But Teamsters 856 members didn’t stop there though with their generosity – the Solidarity Fund raffle raised more than $3,300 for the fund, which included a collection of more than $1500 from United Airlines members. Westin Market Street Teamsters also took up a collection at their workplace, pooling together nearly $300 for the cause. Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle generously donated the grand prize: a four-pack of
Recently retired Delta Dental Shop Steward Margaret Hernandez-Pueyo (far left) was recognized at the Rancho Cordova meeting for her 32 years of service as a steward. Seen here with fellow stewards Maria Prado, center, and Debbie Krevi, left.
luxury box tickets to a Golden State Warriors basketball game next month. Every member in attendance was a winner though – with door prizes ranging from Safeway gift cards and boxes of See’s Candy to hotel stays at the San Francisco Fairmont and San Francisco Hilton Union Square.
“The generosity of our members to assist their fellow Teamsters in need is extraordinary,” said Teamsters 856 Principal Officer Peter Finn.
Shop Steward Appreciation Day
On October 4th, more than 100 Teamsters 856 shop stewards gathered at the San Francisco Hilton Union Square for the Local’s fifth annual Shop Steward Appreciation Day. The daylong event, which included workshops, guest speakers, raffles, and a luncheon, honored the stewards’ hard work and dedication throughout the year. Stewards were able to select from a variety of workshops to attend, including courses on protected leaves, basic steward rights, leadership, and public employee negotiations.
Guest speakers San Francisco Supervisor David Campos and San Francisco Labor Council Executive Director Tim Paulson both stressed the importance of strong stewards to the Labor Movement.
SF Fairmont Steward Geoffrey Brown, President Mike Lagomarsino, and Mark Hopkins Steward Nancy Briggs at Steward Appreciation Day 2014.
Several stewards received special recognition via the following awards:
• Steward Activist Award – Garrett Savage, City of Fremont
• Perseverance Award, Ed Braun – Alameda County Probation
• Unity Award – Ana Guzman, Crowne Plaza Burlingame
• I Have “Guts” Award – Corey Hallman, Wesley Haug, & Steve Levitt, San Francisco Zoo
“Our stewards are leaders who stand up for their co-workers in the face of adversity, day-in and day-out,” said Teamsters 856 Principal Officer Peter Finn. “I’m glad that we get to set aside this day each year to show them how much they are appreciated,” he said.
The stewards in attendance raised more than $1,000 for the Solidarity Fund through a raffle and donations.
The Solidarity Fund assists members who are facing a financial hardship. Donations are accepted year-round – no amount is too small. To donate to the Solidarity Fund please make checks payable to Local 856 Solidarity Fund and mail to our office at: 453 San Mateo Ave., San Bruno, CA, 94066.