Frequently Asked Questions

Relating to Organizing

What is a union?


A union is a group of employees who join together within a company to bargain collectively for better wages, stronger benefits and safer working conditions. 
 
 

 


What does Local 610 do?

 
Local 610's primary objective is to secure good contracts for its members and to enforce the provisions of that contract. The Local Union also administers the contract through a grievance procedure.
 
See The Teamster Contract. 
 


How do you organize with Teamsters Local 610?

 


Employees who want to join Teamsters Local 610 sign a “union authorization card”. When a majority of employees sign cards, they are forwarded, in most cases, to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB then schedules and conducts a secret ballot election. In some cases, when a majority of workers sign cards the company will recognize the union.

When Local 610 is certified, the company is required by law to bargain over wages, benefits and working conditions. The laws governing public sector different.
 
See Getting Started    
  


If I sign an authorization do I have to vote yes in the election? 

What if I change my mind?


Teamsters Local 610 is 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 Local 610 work out problems with management?

 


Through a grievance 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. You would generally talk with your supervisor first. Then if they refuse to do anything about it, you would go to your Teamster shop steward to get 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 Local 610 approaches the company to talk the issue over. If the problem still cannot be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, the business agent may be able to appeal to upper management. If this step fails, the parties may request the assistance of a neutral arbitrator to hear evidence and order a final and binding resolution of the problem. 
 


What are shop stewards and business agents?


A shop steward is one of your co-workers, who assists the business agent of Local 610 in the workplace. The Union membership determines who the shop stewards are in accordance with the procedures outlined in Local 610's By-Laws.  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 help, your first stop should be a visit with your shop steward.

A business agent is an official of the 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?

 
Local 610 and the company each choose their own negotiators. The company's team is usually comprised of lawyers, local management and upper management officials. The union team usually consists of bargaining unit employees and expert union negotiators.

See Contract Negotiations. 
 


What kind of say do I get in the contract?

 
Before contract talks start, Local 610 asks you what you'd like to see in a contract. A proposal meeting is scheduled for all a bargaining unit's members, prior to negotiations beginning. Once the contract has been negotiated it's submitted to you and your co-workers for ratification. If a majority doesn't approve of the contract, your negotiating team goes back to the drawing board. 
 


How long do contracts last?
Usually 3 to 5 years. 
 


What are union dues? 

What are they used for?
 


Union dues are the money you pay to the Local 610 to help pay for support staff, legal costs, negotiation costs, arbitrator's fees, etc.

See Facts About Dues.
  


What’s a “Local Union”?

 
The Teamsters have a structure that includes a national body, intermediaries, and local unions. Most decisions are made at the state and local union level.

See Teamster Structure. 
 


So what does the “International” do?

 
The International's responsibilities include; lobbying Congress for laws that benefit workers, sending help to Local Unions that need it and coordinating national organizing efforts.
  


How democratic is Local 610 and the Teamsters in general?
The whole process is open and democratic. You decide if you want to sign an authorization card. You decide whether to vote "yes" on joining the union. You decide which co-workers you want on your negotiating team. You decide what you want in a contract. You vote on the contract once it's negotiated. You vote on who will be your shop steward. You even get the opportunity to vote on who the officers of your Local and International Union as well. 
 

 
UNION YES . . . . . UNION YES . . . . . . UNION YES  click here for more information on your rights to organize