I figured that since the "why I love unions" thread keeps getting tainted with all the #### about auto workers and fringe unions that do little for their members - that I would start a new thread more specific to the forum ...

(we are truckers - not auto workers you know)


sooooo... having said that - let us look a little deeper into what makes being a teamster worthwhile.


Being a truck driver is hard enough without crappy pay and hours. I love the structure and the fact that not inly does my local insist that I run compliant - but also that my company keeps everyone in check. No fools setting a 5000 mile a week pace that would lead to accidents or injuries.

I remember the nightmare runs I did as a company driver way back when... - ####... how I survived the multiple logs and tired driving I will never know.

no more of that. everything is legal and solid now...



I think the primary advantage of being a teamster is that you can count on your fellow workers to help you out if you need it - and know that they have your back when something goes wrong.

(example)


when I worked for dick simon (blast from the past) guys would get fired and get sick and get killed and everyone spent a few moments saying "wow - thats too bad..."

and then you had a 3400 mile run to do in 2 days - so you had better get to it.


but being a teamster - and having a home terminal where you know everyone - and our families know one another means that if I get sick somebody will help me mow grass or run errands or at the least check in on me.

brotherhood is the word. and the creed.


that alone is worth the 59 bucks a month.

I agree with you but the problem is the IBT does not seem interested in organizing Truckload carriers UPS Freigt (LTL) now has a contract but the IBT will not accept UPS Freight Truckload cards . The IBT does not want to help us. Can you explain why this is.. I think you could get some backing if the union seemed interested in us. IBT is no help unless you are hauling your cars or LTL freight.If we try to organize without the backing of the union we loose our jobs or companies close and start up under anothe name later. There is my rant .....

Oh by the way Local 509 Before I was fired for helping organize UPS Freight (LTL)

just bringing this thread back into view -

a lot of post recently belonged in here - not in the ones they were posted in

i have a question. i live in western wa and am trying to get on with the teamsters as a rookie ... but no one (ABF for example) seems to be interested in a rookie driver with a couple of tickets from 3+ years ago.

what can you recommend for me to do? i think that because i have a wife and we'd like a family, union trucking is the way to go. i even called the local in seattle and they weren't that interested in trucking ... kept trying to get me to go to a construction school in pasco ... so i could do roadwork. and those guys sit for WAAAAAY TOOO LONG during nov-mar/apr.

i wanna work full time, NOT be on some eligable list for 6 mos out of the year. any thoughts on what a young buck can do?

__________________



And it's official: I Start school in Lewiston, ID - 15 Oct 08

The Western States operate a litle differently - their construction divisions are larger and in "need"...

It comes as no suprise that they wish for you to go that route.

but first things first -

You will not be working FOR the teamsters.... you will be working for whichever company you are looking at - and they will be the ones to hire you.

Go to the teamsters job bank and look at what is available in your area.

- now as for working construction 6 months out of the year - if you plan your budget ahead of time - there is no reason why you will not be fine making 70K for 7 months work...

and THEN find a part time fun job in the off months.

I have a buddy working road crew in Anaheim CA... - he works 6 months out of the year - and then works as a Hunting guide in Montana at a "pay to Kill" ranch.. (I do not approve of this sort of hunting - but hey he enjoys working there).

I would say the tickets are the biggest obstacle you have..

how bad are they?

speeding or SPEEDING

(like my nasty one back in 1995 - rode a wheelie and hammered on my bike out of a high school parking area - he got me for 89 in a 20 (school zone) and unsafe takeoff from a parked position and reckless driving)

took about 2300K to clear than one up (and a few years...)

all 3 are 11-18mph over but no reckless. apparently i can bide my time w/ a non-union job until they drop off of my 5 yr mvr which will be in about 2 yrs ... little less.

i guess the school is a little unappealing as i have to provide my own food/lodging and even pay for it i believe ... plus it's a long time to go w/o an income for the wife and i. i do have a camper i could live in so i could avoid the expense of a hotel ... but i'm not sure if that's what i wanna do yet.

i'll have to get on the job board to see what is available during the year in this line of work.

thanks for the advice and if you think of anything else don't be afraid to give me a shout.

take care.

__________________



And it's official: I Start school in Lewiston, ID - 15 Oct 08

When brotherhood and work can be combined, you can't lose. I'm a biker, in a club, and will take brotherhood anytime.

Have seen this question asked elsewhere and am curious as to the answer, if indeed anyone has an answer.

I can't respond by a P.M. to stay within the rules. I don't have 50 posts yet.

Call the International in Washington D.C. and ask for Mr. Johnson. Him or one of his guys will answer that, and probably tell you the proper channels to go through in order to pull it off.

Good luck in your fight.

__________________