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Ask the Teamster Troublemaker

teamstertrouble-400.jpgEmployers are quick to label any Teamster who sticks up for the contract or questions management’s authority as a “troublemaker.”

 

Ask the Teamster Troublemaker is an advice column dedicated to spreading the information that “troublemakers” need to enforce members’ rights and build a stronger Teamsters Union.

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Can I Solicit Grievances?

I’m a new steward at UPS. I’ve been encouraging members to file grievances against excessive overtime and supervisors working. My supervisor told me that I need to watch my step because I am not allowed to “solicit grievances.” Am I doing something wrong?

- Troublemaker in Training

Free Speech and My Contract?

I’m a steward and was on the bargaining committee for our contract. We reached a tentative agreement that the agent and majority of the team signed off on.

A couple of us couldn’t support it and put out a flier opposing the contract. My BA said I couldn’t oppose the agreement because the boss was claiming we had bargained in bad faith. Is that right?

— No in Northridge

Help! The Boss Is Singling Me Out

I’m not the steward on my shift, but I’m definitely the most out-spoken member! I speak my mind and I file grievances when the boss breaks the contract. The day after I filed my last grievance, he took me in his office and gave me a warning letter. I know it’s payback—what can I do about it?

— Telling It Like It Is

How Do I Get More Support for My Grievances?

If I’m a steward, do I have the right to demand that another steward sign my grievance? Does that come under “duty of fair representation?”

Many times, I’ve asked other stewards to sign off on big grievances with me, because I think the union would be more effective if we worked together to attack difficult managers and problems at the workplace. It’s also good to have a witness at the meeting. I’m usually faced with a “do-it-yourself” attitude. Yes, I’m a steward, but I’m already in danger of retaliation from a manager that seems eager to fire me. I’m constantly wondering what will happen if I stick my neck out any further with grievances.

- Lots of grief but no support

Pays Dues, Wants to Vote

In Minneapolis Local 120, many construction Teamsters lose their right to vote because they are on withdrawal card. I have introduced a change to our local bylaws at the January general membership meeting to have the local union elections changed from November to September. They should not lose that right, after paying their dues for nine or ten months out of every year, because of the kind of job they work in. Can this be changed at the IBT Convention?

– Would-Be Voter

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Wayne & Jeni Ottney, Holland (retired)
Local 164, Jackson, Mich (now Local 299 Detroit)

 

 

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