Teamsters Local 120

What's New at Local 120

Updated On: Jun 11, 2010 (15:41:00)

Teamsters Local 120 members have done the driving for the Anoka Traveler program since they organized fifteen years ago. Over the years, they have improved on their wages, benefits and working conditions from contract to contract. Last month, that progress was almost undone with the stroke of a pen.

In order to save $1.8 million, Anoka County was going to switch the operation of its program from First Transit to MV Transit. First Transit, along with First Student, has been a longstanding and reputable Local 120 employer with sizeable market share throughout Minnesota. MV Transit was an unknown quantity with no presence in the state.

Upon learning of the possible switch, Local 120 sprang into action. President Brad Slawson, Jr., Business Agent Jerry Pitra and Political Director Rhys Ledger held a series of meetings with Anoka County officials. They argued in defense of Teamsters who had dedicated their careers to providing a critical service to riders of the Anoka Traveler program.

These riders, many of whom are elderly or disabled, depend on the program for transportation to everything from doctors’ appointments to grocery shopping. Without a reliable program delivered by a proven contractor, some of Anoka County’s most vulnerable citizens would be at risk. Furthermore, the drivers who provided the service deserved better than to be forced to reapply for their jobs at a new contractor .

Anoka County immediately conveyed Local 120’s concerns to MV Transit. Within a few short days, two senior managers flew to Minnesota to meet with the union. They came prepared to assure Local 120 that its contract and its members were not in jeopardy. It turns out that MV Transit is a major bus company outside of Minnesota. Even better, the company has Teamsters under contract across the nation. In fact, it went so far as to provide a list of references from other Teamster local unions.

Eventually, MV Transit got the Anoka Traveler contract and Local 120 protected its members. They kept their jobs and protected their contract. Once again, the Teamsters Local 120 Political Action Committee proved its worth.

Support the Nurses!

Updated On: Jun 07, 2010 (19:16:00)

12,000 members of the Minnesota Nurses Association are fighting for safe staffing levels and a fair contract at six Twin Cities hospitals. The Teamsters Local 120 truck will be dropping off thousands of picket signs for their 24 hour strike. Join the picket lines anytime between 7 am on Thursday, June 10th and 7 am on Friday, June 11th. For more information go to http://69.167.148.200/programs/labor-relations/2010-metro-bargaining.

SuperValu Contract Ratified

Updated On: Jun 08, 2010 (01:20:00)

Teamsters Local 120 members employed at SuperValu's flagship distribution center in Hopkins, MN ratified a new three year contract by a 15-to-1 margin. "By standing shoulder-to-shoulder against a determined employer, we were able to hammer out a contract that delivers for our members despite these difficult economic times," said Local 120 President Brad Slawson, Jr. The deal:

Preserved 100% employer paid healthcare.
Secured across-the-board wage increases.
Protected pension eligibility and benefits.
Reduced the number of part time employees.
Added an additional double time paid holiday.
Improved the flexibility of vacation scheduling.

An overwhelming majority of members obviously agreed with Business Agent Tom Erickson's statement that, "In my 27 years as a SuperValu member, I've never been more proud of how everyone stuck together through some tough negotiations."

"Once again, Teamsters Local 120 rose to the challenge and bargained an industry-leading contract," according to Local 120 Secretary-Treasurer and International Vice President Brad Slawson, Sr.

SuperValu Ratification Vote Scheduled

Updated On: Jun 03, 2010 (10:33:00)

The ratification vote on the tentative agreement between Teamsters Local 120 and SuperValu has been scheduled for Friday, June 4th at 12:30 pm. The vote will be held at the Union Hall in Blaine. A detailed review of the agreement will be presented before ballots are cast. SuperValu members are strongly encouraged to make every effort to attend this very important meeting.

Tentative Agreement Reached with SuperValu

Updated On: Jun 02, 2010 (10:55:00)

Teamsters Local 120 has reached a tentative agreement with SuperValu. Details about the ratification vote will be provided as they become available.

"Congratulations to SuperValu members," said Local 120 President Brad A. Slawson Jr. after a long night of negotiations, "Your unity sent the company a strong and unmistakable message." He also thanked the Bargaining Committee for its determination and hard work.

"It wasn't easy," added Business Agent Tom Erickson, "but we got it done."

"Local 120 members stand shoulder-to-shoulder when the going gets tough," according to Local 120 Secretary-Treasurer and International Vice President Brad Slawson Sr., "That's why we get good contracts."