After we win our election, we will elect a team of our co-workers to a negotiating team and with the expert help of the Teamsters will sit across the bargaining table as equals to management and will negotiate our fleet service contract. Before it takes effect, this contract must be voted on (ratified) by us.

Through our Teamster contract we will establish our wages, hours and working conditions. For the first time we will have a say in these critical items. The contract is the law of the workplace. The rights and benefits in the contract are guaranteed. Management cannot legally change them without negotiating with the union.

It is important to know that employers do not give workers the rights and benefits in the union contract. They are won over years of tough negotiations because of membership unity. An example of this is the CAL mechanics. Prior to winning a strong Teamster contract, the CAL mechanics’ situation was bleak. However, the mechanics have negotiated three strong Teamster contracts and have turned their situation around. For example, the mechanics now have strong scope language that gives them strong job security. We deserve that same security as well.

After we form our union, we will vote to accept or reject whatever has been negotiated. The proposed contract does not go into effect until a majority of the members vote to accept it.

Contracts can cover workers on a national, regional, or local union level.

Our Teamster contract will cover such rights and benefits as:

• Wages and Pay Increases
• Health coverage
• Job security
• Promotions
• Vacations
• Holidays
• Retirement benefits
• Work rules
• Seniority rights
• Leave
• Grievance procedures
• Hours of work
• Overtime pay
• Equipment, uniforms and allowances
• And whatever else CAL fleet service workers feel need to be addressed by a Teamster contract.