Thursday, November 17, 2011

Teamster organizing victory: A tough union for tough times


Florida Department of Corrections workers.
We have more details about our 20,000 new Teamster brothers and sisters -- correctiona, probation and parole officers -- with the Florida Department of Corrections. 

The vote for Teamsters Local 2011 was a decisive win over the Police Benevolent Association and the International Union of Police Associations. Teamsters General President Hoffa called it "a great day for Teamsters and FDOC officers."
FDOC officers have shown that in tough times, they want a tough union to represent them. On behalf of the 1.4 million Teamster members, I congratulate these officers for joining the growing movement of public service workers nationwide seeking Teamster power.
One of the most active organizers was Glynn Reeder, a sergeant with the Florida State Prison in Raiford. He said the Teamsters showed how they could make positive change when they work together.
Now that we’ve won the election, we need to get everyone to become an active member of our new union so FDOC officers can change our destiny.
The FDOC officers will belong to the newly chartered Local 2011 in Tampa, which will represent only them. Said Ken Wood, the acting president (and International vice president):
These officers go to work every day to keep our communities safe and they deserve the best representation, which Local 2011 will provide.
Becky Pastor, a probation and parole officer, is energized by the Teamster victory.
I’m very excited that all of us came together—probation, parole and correctional officers—to unite for a better future with the Teamsters. We’ve learned that we are the union and it’s up to us to make the change we need. 
Read more here.

And again, welcome!!