Pasco County, Fla., Teamsters ratify first contract

Pasco County Teamsters

Getting that first contract after an organizing victory is especially sweet, as employers often delay and obstruct negotiations. So 1,100 newly organized Pasco County Teamsters have reason to be especially pleased with a strong first contract that ushers in on-the-job representation.

Ken Wood, president of Teamsters Local 79 in Tampa, said they fought to win a strong first contract for hardworking public employees -- and they won.

The battle took almost four years, but our negotiators knew that they must bring the employees a contract that honored their job seniority, has just-cause provisions and included wage increases. And, that is just what they delivered.

The one-year contract was ratified by Pasco County employees late last week. It covers a variety of workers, including people who work on roads and bridges, in libraries and at water treatment plants.

Frank Pilgrim, a 10-year mechanic at a water treatment plant, praised the contract and the new strength it provides.

With the Teamster contract we now have someone to back us up on the job. It’s security that we did not have before.  

John Sholtes, business agent at Local 79, did an outstanding job helping to negotiate this contract. His work is much appreciated and I know that we can count on him to represent us going forward.

Pasco County employees are the newest county employees to be represented by Teamsters Local 79. The Local already represents public service employees in Hernando, Citrus and Collier counties.