Local 710 Volunteers Gear Up in Chicago
Approximately 50 volunteer member organizers from Teamsters Local 710 recently spent the day in Chicago reviewing organizing skills at their local’s Teamster Bootcamp. Teamsters Local 710, under the direction of Principal Officer Patrick Flynn, has a history of running successful organizing campaigns. Many of the local’s members have assisted around the country in many organizing campaigns, like the recent successful United Airlines mechanics project.
“These volunteer organizer training sessions are amazing,” observed Mike Sweeney, Director of Organizing for Local 710. “To witness the commitment of our members towad growing the union and their willingness to give of their free time is a testimony to their dedication to their nonunion brothers and sisters and to the Teamsters.”
The focal point of the Local 710 Bootcamp was the company which will be a critical organizing target for the whole union–FedEx. Members learned about the different divisions of FedEx and discussed the importance of working together in a coordinated and powerful way to support organizing across the country. Scores of letters were written urging Illinois senators to support the Express Carrier legislation which would level the playing field for all courier companies.
“This was my first seminar,” said Keith Kazluski, a Teamster member and Bootcamp participant. “Information is a very powerful tool. It reminds me how important organizing is to the future of the Teamsters.”
Mike Hilliard, a 22-year Teamster who is a road driver at YRC, has consistently helped his local on many organizing projects. However, the training day provided him with new skills.
“By concentrating on the Teamster story and the art of questions, the instructors taught us a lot. This was a great synopsis of what we member organizers are in for, as far how determined companies like FedEx are to remain nonunion.”
Teamster members from Locals 705, 179, and 731 joined their brothers and sisters at Local 710 for the day-long session. Local 710 urges its member organizers to attend the upcoming Teamster Bootcamp being hosted by Joint Council 25 on November 7.
