Teamsters Local 391

The Teamsters are committed to organizing workers that want Teamster representation. Organizing is not about holding a vote; it is about gaining a voice in the workplace. When the NLRB conducts a union election it's a secret ballot. No one has any right to know how you voted. How does the union work out problems with management? Through the grievan... ce procedure. The contract spells out what the grievance procedures are and explains how conflicts are to be resolved. When management engages in unfair conduct or violates a a provision of the contract there are steps spelled out in the contract to resolve the problem. First, talk with your supervisor. When he or she refuses to do anything about it, go to your Teamster shop steward for help. The steward sits down with you and management and tries to talk about the issue. If it can't be resolved at this meeting, a business agent from the union approaches the company to discuss the issue. If the problem still cannot be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, the business agent appeals to upper management. If this step fails, both parties bring in a neutral arbitrator to hear evidence and order a final resolution of the problem. What are shop stewards and business agents? A shop steward is one of your co-workers, who acts as an agent of the union in the workplace. The union membership and the Teamster local union determines procedures for electing shop stewards and negotiates how many stewards are in each job location, shift and department. The steward's job is to make sure your company lives up to your contract. When there is a problem with management and you need union help, your first stop should be a visit with your shop steward. A business agent is an official of your local union who handles any problems the shop steward cannot. What is a "bargaining unit"? A bargaining unit is made up of all the employees who are eligible to vote for and be in the union. Who negotiates your contract? The Teamsters and the company each choose their own negotiators. The company's ...Read More