Employees Seek Better Wages and Benefits, Strong Voice on the Job
Workers at Parsec, Inc. in Commerce, Calif., an intermodal rail transportation company, voted overwhelmingly this week to form their union as members of Local 986, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said.There are 777 ramp drivers and crane operators in the bargaining unit and the vote was 455 to 193.
"I am proud to welcome the Parsec workers who stood strong and united throughout this campaign," Hoffa said. "The workers are a key part of the global supply chain moving freight effectively and professionally every day. They deserve a secure future for themselves and for their families."
"Our local, Local 986, stands ready to provide strong representation to the Parsec workers," said Chris Griswold, President of Local 986 in South El Monte, California. "The workers do a tough job and they deserve a tough union to back them up--the Teamsters."
"We feel our power already as Teamsters and management now knows that we have a real voice that they must listen to," said Rodrigo Pastrano, a Parsec worker. "We look forward to working with Local 986 to negotiate a first contract that will help bring us fairness and respect."
The workers received tremendous support from Teamster-represented drivers who came to the Commerce terminal for deliveries and pickups, many of whom encouraged the Parsec workers to remain strong, united and focused on their mission to organize.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
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