September 12 Publication Date
Southern California Newspaper Articles from Local 572

Rick Middleton:

By the time you read this article school will be back in session. Please be extra cautious while driving when children are present in their travels to and from school. As many of us are parents, health care is an important part of our lives. Recently I have been in talks with representatives from Kaiser to address the excessive cost increases proposed to many of our Union medical trust funds. I consider these proposed increases to far exceed the normal costs of doing business; and have not been bashful in confronting this medical giant. Depending on the outcome, it may be necessary to hold meetings with Local 572 members who participate in the Kaiser Foundation Program. Advance notice will be given if and when these meetings are necessary.

Dennis Watson:

UPS: The national negotiating committee resumed talks with UPS on September 5th. It is my understanding that negotiations will continue through September. Welcome back to members returned from discharge through the grievance procedure. Checks for supervisor working grievances should be available soon.

Joe Barone:

Costco, Yorba Linda: Two members were driving their forklifts unsafely and were suspended from driving for six months. No further disciplinary action will be taken.

Costco Business Delivery: Rumors of an upcoming location move have been spreading around now for years. As of this printing, no move is scheduled for the near future.

Costco, Norwalk: Get well to Larry Naranjo, Shop Steward and Jerry Garcia.

Costco, Signal Hill: Cesar Vargas had his car damaged by a shopping cart on company property. Even though the company was not responsible, I spoke with the manager on his behalf and was informed he accepted their settlement.

Pepsi: Get well to George Baca, Shop Steward.

Otis Spunkmeyer: The company tried to have an employee who was using FMLA to get a Dr.’s note each time he was using it. We put a stop to that practice.

Jaime Villanueva:

ATC-Veolia: Negotiations are moving forward. We have future meetings scheduled and will keep you posted.

Gate Gourmet: There’s a new branch manager at unit 574 and they have not replaced the open branch manager’s position at unit 836. They have a new human resource manager for both locations. The stewards and I will be meeting with them.

Laidlaw: I hope everyone had a good summer. Welcome back; I would like to thank Floyd Trice for his time as a steward and wish him the best in his new DDS position.

King Meat: As some of you know, the human resource manager is ill and will be out for some time. Any issues or concerns you may have will be handled by Martha at the front desk. We wish Andy Loftquist a speedy recovery.

STA: Congratulations to all our members. Both contracts were overwhelmingly approved. By now everyone should have already enrolled in the new medical plan. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call me.

Steve Badger:

Ralphs Transportation: I would like to thank the Shop Stewards for conducting the master bid. Congratulations to Pete Fitzek on his retirement; he was a teamster for thirty-eight years. The Union and the Company will start JLM meetings in September with the drivers and the warehouse at the Compton facility.

Puritan Bakery: As this article goes to print, we will be entering into negotiations with the Company.

J&J Landscaping: We are currently in negotiations with the Company.

Interstate Brands: The Company issued Warn Notices to all its’ employees in Southern California stating that they are getting out of the bread business in Southern California as of October 29, 2007 and will only continue to deliver Hostess Cake.

This was a huge shock to this local Union and its’ members. The International has been in negotiations with the Company regarding the Company’s path to market proposal recovery plan.

As soon as this local has anything to report regarding the negotiations, we will notify the members.

Cunico Corporation: The new contract was successfully negotiated. See your Shop Steward should you need a copy of the contract.

Traci Smith:

Atlantic Express: A new school year has begun. Remember if you did not work the summer and have returned, please call to let the titan operator know you are back to work. Let’s spread the word to all those First Student drivers, go Union! Let’s stand together.

First Transit: All operators please be mindful of the Drive Cam system in effect; cell phones, stopping at stop signs, wearing your seat belt, etc. All these things may trigger events. Be looking for craft meetings concerning these important issues.

Four Winds: We should start negotiations soon. Your committee is ready to go.

MV Transportation: As a reminder, we should not be driving package 1 work unless it is an emergency situation. Signing up for work on days off is not an emergency. Also, lunches are important. Please take your 30 minutes in which you are completely removed from duties.

Adriana Salazar and Connie Oser:

LAUSD: For those members who had to work on Admission Day (August 27, 2007), this was a District recognized holiday. If you had to work on Admission Day, you are entitled to 1 ½ times your regular rate of pay. Please check your pay stubs and verify you were appropriately compensated. BTS problems continue…Local 572 has recently discovered the District has continued to automatically withhold pay when they believe you have been overpaid. Our Collective Bargaining Agreement prohibits the District from doing this. Our CBA is very specific in that the District must contact you in writing and inform you of the alleged overpayment. If this happens to you, contact Connie or Adriana immediately. Members can expect another retro check on September 20, 2007. This check should be reflective of a 6% increase in wages from July 1, 2006 – December 31, 2006. If you do not receive one, contact Connie or Adriana immediately.