US Sen. joins Minn. Teamsters stewards' seminar

JC32 Political Director Ed Reynoso, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and
Local 320 Secretary-Treasurer Brian Aldes 

Our brothers and sisters at Local 320 in Minneapolis had one heckuva steward seminar last weekend. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar came and denounced the War on Workers; two Local 320 students received $10,000 scholarships; organizing victories were reported; and stewards attended educational workshops throughout the day.

Secretary-Treasurer Brian Aldes called the seminar "momentous." We know this from his blog:

This year our special guest, U.S. Senator Amy Klobochar, addressed our stewards and condemned the national assault on the American worker; from the attack on labor unions to the decline of manufacturing. Sen. Klobochar articulated her plans for reducing the national debt, reviving our industrial sector and improving the infrastructure, and creating good paying jobs for Minnesotans. Sen. Klobochar’s visit was a real boost for our stewards, especially during this political season.

Two -- count 'em two -- students from Local 320 received $10,000 scholarships from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund. They are Alex King, son of Teamster Local 320 member Ping Wang,  and Carlie Derouin.

Aldes presented the awards to applause he described as "thunderous."

As Principal Officer, there is simply no prouder moment for me than providing a hand up for our future generation.

Joint Council 32 Political Director Ed Reynoso briefed the stewards on the importance of getting involved in the political process this fall. And he told them how the national War on Workers will affect Minnesota public employees, many of whom belong to Local 320.

Aldes gave a special shout out to Brother Shawn Ellis, Central Region education coordinator. We know how hard Shawn worked for the seminar's success.

However, wrote Aldes,

...the real winner at the seminar was Teamster Steward Bob McFarland who won the drawing for the 32” flat screen TV!