On Saturday, July 16, 2022, Teamster members at IMEX, in three Florida locations, voted to ratify a three-year agreement which is their first since organizing their Union just over a year ago.
IMEX workers handle the loading and unloading of cargo from trains at the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville railyards. Many of those cargo containers are transported to and from the railyard by Teamsters who work for employers like UPS, Crowley, YRC, ABF, and others. That means another link in the supply chain is now operated by Teamster members.
There were numerous workplace issues that caused these workers to organize, and all were addressed during negotiations. While pay increases are the most obvious one, workers secured a pension plan, safety language, boot and tool allowances, and penalties for management performing bargaining unit work.
“I would like to congratulate all of those on our staff that worked hard to make this happen.”, said Teamsters Local 769 President Josh Zivalich. “From Roly Piña, who served as the negotiating committee chair, to Dan Vera who organized the unit, and to David Schillinger who will represent these members going forward. The teamwork and example they set, showed these workers how to direct their energy toward achieving their goals.”
Teamsters Local 769 Secretary-Treasurer Roly Piña said, “A first contract is always difficult and this one was no different. The committee was unified in their drive to achieve real gains and that is what we did here. Some of the language in this agreement is more typical of a successor agreement and that is a testament to the commitment of these strong workers.”
Dan Vera, Teamsters Local 769 Agent, and Organizer has witnessed that commitment firsthand, having helped the workers at both the Fort Lauderdale and Miami railyards form their Union. “These workers knew what they wanted from the start and I am not surprised that they will be working under a strong first contract.”
“While all of the workers involved deserve to be congratulated, some deserve additional recognition for going that extra mile.”, said David Schillinger, the Local 769 Business Agent who will represent the Miami and Fort Lauderdale facilities. “Randy Wade and Lester Vasquez brought real insight to the committee and additional thanks to Gregory Clayton from Teamsters Local 512. Without their workplace knowledge, crafting strong contract language with solid protections would have been much more difficult.”
Congratulations to all IMEX workers at these three Florida locations. Stay strong and stand together to protect what you have fought so hard to accomplish. WELCOME TO THE TEAMSTERS!
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