Teamsters Stand Together in Florida
Even though Dan McLean had just worked two ten-hour shifts in his job with Pasco County, Florida’s utilities department, and hadn’t made it to bed that night, he did make it to the Teamster Member Organizers Bootcamp held recently in Tampa. There he was joined by more than 60 Teamster members and nonunion workers alike who came to join the Mighty Army of Teamster volunteer organizers. Hosted by Joint Council 75, Local 79 and the International Union, Saturday’s event was one of a number trainings that are contributing toward a major goal—to recruit and train 1,000 new member organizers by year’s end, in order to grow the Teamsters Union and bring more power to workers.
The Bootcamp kicked off with a warm and energetic welcome from Ken Wood, International Vice President and President of Joint Council 75 and Local 79. Wood commended the participants for their time, dedication and commitment to spreading the benefits of union representation.
The training brought participants up to date on the state of unions; provided background on the successes of the Teamsters in organizing 43,000 workers last year; outlined Teamster goals for the future; taught attendees how to communicate effectively with other workers; and finally, put the members into real life action through house calling workers in Pasco County.
Giving Back
“I’m here to learn how to help the unorganized. I know it’s hard for people to volunteer their time an
d go to another county where they don’t know anyone, but we’re all striving to achieve the same goals,” said Steven Mueller, a maintenance worker with Florida’s Collier County School District, who along with his coworkers voted overwhelmingly to become members of Local 79 in March 2007. “It’s important to never give up and this is my way of giving back.”
Shelly Jones is an accounting tech with Hernando County, also in Florida. She and her coworkers became Teamsters by more than a 3-1 margin in March 2009.
“I’m here to help people better their lives,” said Jones, a Local 79 member. “It’s all about educating them on their rights.”
Passionate About Progress
McLean was joined at the training by many of his coworkers who felt just as passionately about the importance of gaining union representation. They are part of the approximately 1,500 Pasco County workers who have the potential to become Teamster members.
“I’ve worked nonunion for years and the union is the way to go. As a union member, things are a lot better, not just with wages, but with how you feel about yourself and your job,” McLean said.
Deb Walton, who works in the Pasco County Road and Bridge Department, is a former member of Local 251 in East Providence, Rhode Island. She dedicated her Saturday to learning how to help organize.
“I know what we can do as a union,” Walton said. “I want that protection, job security and respect.”
The blitz took place on Saturday and Sunday and was a resounding success, resulting in hundreds of house calls in Pasco County. Through the blitz, the Bootcamp participants were able to put their newfound knowledge into practice, while moving the campaign forward and helping workers organize.
Participants in the Member Organizers Bootcamp finished the weekend armed with the tools to properly educate and assist workers who want to form their union. Some also got the motivation to recruit others to help the cause.
“Look around for people who are motivated and who you think can be leaders,” said Ineda Edwards, a member of Local 173 and a Southern Region TNBC board member. “I have names of people that when I go back home I’m going to ask to get involved. I think if it’s 1,000 member organizers or 2,000, whatever the end result is, it’s fantastic.”
