Ed Sterczala was the driving force behind the 41 part-time
firefighers joining the union. He had previously been a member of Local 170 so
he knew of the strong representation they could provide.
“We’re not looking to make
a ton of money; we just want a fair wage and a fair contract,” said Sterczala,
who has worked as a firefighter for 10 years.
Also from the Teamster.org story:They put their own lives at risk to protect the citizens of Webster, Mass. Now, the 41 part-time firefighters with the Webster Fire Department have their own protection—Teamster representation.
The firefighters recently voted to join Local 170 in Worcester, Mass., after years of difficulty in gaining a contract and recognition from their employer. They previously had an association that they disbanded when they decided to join the Teamsters.
Webster, like other towns in Massachusetts, employs part-time, on-call firefighters.
“Most of the issues are around representation. They needed a strong union to secure their benefits, wages and a legally binding contract which we will enforce,” said Mike Hogan, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 170.
“These brave workers knew that when they needed someone to represent them, the right choice was Teamsters Local 170. I am very happy to welcome them into our Teamster family,” said Paul Stuart, an organizer with the Teamsters.
