O'Brien Visit Tops Off Busy Summer for Local 2
By: Erin Foley, Secretary-Treasurer of Local Union 2
Butte– This summer was jam-packed with negotiations, proposal meetings and events for our members. We were honored to have a visit from General President Sean O’Brien, General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, and Western Region Vice President Lindsay Dougherty.
While in Montana they visited several worksites – UPS Missoula Hun, Anaconda Deer Lodge County, and the filming location of the hit series “Yellowstone.”
Local 2 hosted a meet-and–greet at the newly remodeled union hall in Butte. It was a great privilege to have the visit and have leadership meeting and talking with our members.
Bob Trappe from the IBT visited several work sites and signed up more than 100 members to contribute to DRIVE Political Action Committee. These contributions will fund our fight in state against “right-to-work” legislation and other anti-worker bills. On a federal level it will help to fund the fight against Amazon, trusts, and the delivery of goods from unmanned vehicles.
We finished out July with a “Building the Brotherhood” event rafting the Alberton Gorge, a great time was had by all, and we cannot wait to do it again in the future.
In August we were able to have “Big Mac” join us in Anaconda for the second annual Smelterman’s Day parade and events. Special thanks to Jake Kucera for not only driving the truck but also volunteering to judge the beer stein hoisting competition.
It has been a long ongoing fight, but the push has finally delivered results. Business agent Aaron Ralph negotiated mid-contract and delivered a $1.70/hr wage increase for Teamster members in the Montana Department of Transportation.
This increase gives a much-needed relief to these members, but our fight does not end here. Local 2 will be working with other unions in the state to address wages for public employees in current interim committee meetings which will set up the stage for the 2023 legislative session in Helena. If you see candidates in public forums or out knocking doors, ask them about labor issues, “right-to-work,” wages, and pension protections. Vote for the candidate that will protect your paycheck!
Additionally, Business Agent Jessica Wicks also worked mid-contract with the City of Bozeman to address wages amongst an outrageous cost of living in the Bozeman area.
The power of the worker during these times where turnover is the norm gives the worker the upper hand. Most Teamster members were able to secure a 17 percent wage increase from the city. This was a showing of cooperation between the union and management, and hopefully it will set the foundation for good faith bargaining in next year’s negotiations.
Lastly, congratulations to Business Agent Jessica Wicks for her appointment to Montana State Senator for District 39.
If you have questions regarding your Teamster pension, insurance or if you have moved, changed phone numbers, or have a change in beneficiaries, or you don’t know who your business agent is please contact the Butte office at 406-494-2747 .
General membership meetings will continue to be in person as well as having an option to participate virtually via Zoom for all meetings.
Erin Foley
Secretary-Treasurer,
Local Union 2