Last week we put our words into action, joining forces with the Texas AFL-CIO at the Texas State Capitol. Thanks to President Rick Levy and his lege-savvy, incredibly helpful staff, we were able to voice our concerns regarding Peloton’s platooning project to many legislators. At this time, Peloton is unable to legally operate on Texas roads due to current following distance laws. However, we are watchful of any pending legislation to alter that language. Stay tuned for ways you can help in the next phase of this battle.
Take a look through the gallery from our visit and see if you can find your representative:
Presidents Perrier and Levy 
TX AFL-CIO HQ 
Meeting with Rep. Terry Canales’ office with TX AFL-CIO and BLET 
Inside the Capitol 
Meeting with Rep. Craig Goldman 
Rep. Craig Goldman shows off his UPS truck 
Pres. Perrier signs the guestbook in Rep. Victoria Neave’s office 
Meeting with Rep. Chris Turner and aides from Senator Beverly Powell’s office 
It was an HONOR to meet Rep. Armando Martinez, the only union member serving in the House of Reps. 
Sharing our concern with Rep. Royce West’s office 
TX AFL-CIO HQ 
The Capitol’s Dome is beautiful.
And these are just a few of the photos we captured for you! Our representatives also visited the hardworking staff for: Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, Rep. Ramon Romero, Jr., Rep. Yvonne Davis, and Rep. Nicole Collier. Senator Bryan Hughes was kind to meet with us, as well, on his way to another meeting. Again, many thanks to our friends at the Texas AFL-CIO for facilitating, navigating, and mentoring our group.
As some of us focused on legislative action, business agents at the Local prepared for this week’s SRAPGC, attended various meetings, and conducted shop visits. Lots of them. BA LaQuanda Chatman reported ongoing issues with supervisors working, which is a major concern across the board and at every hub. In the past week, every agent, along with President Perrier, has been on UPS property, speaking with members and surveilling issues during work operations.
As you can see, we’ve also started new member registration drives, which we’ll be holding regularly along with implementing and continuing new-hire orientation programs led by stewards and our internal organizing unit. This month during the drives, we’ll be distributing your new, laminated Weingarten Rights cards that were discussed at the last General Membership Meeting. If you’d like to pick one up in person without having to wait for a shop visit, feel free to stop by the hall or grab one at the February 23rd monthly meeting.
On the Americold front, Business Agent Andrew Reddell says phase two of contract negotiations resume on February 14, 15, and 18.
One of the areas in which we’d like to serve our membership more effectively is to work together to positively impact our communities. Be looking for announcements for various committees and ways in which YOU are needed in the near future. We’ll be beginning this program by reinstating the Women’s Committee, which has done some fantastic charitable work in the past. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Kristan Turns at: kturns@local767.com. If you have ideas or input, drop Kristan a line for sure. All are welcome!
On Monday, officers from our Executive Board flew to Washington, D.C., to attend training and educational courses at the IBT. President Perrier reported that, although ongoing, the team is learning about important topics and enjoying hearing about the detailed history of our great Teamsters Union. He’s bringing back some new ideas and information to share with all. Check out some of the photos he’s sent:
We hope you’re all having a great week out there and are staying dry and warm. For daily updates, be sure to check out our social media accounts (the icons to the right, under the headers of each page, will take you straight to our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube).
