INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS PUBLIC AND LAW ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEES UNION

LOCAL 320
August 2017 Edition Volume XX - Issue #3

STANDING STRONG
AT ST. PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ST. PAUL PUBLIC

IN THIS ISSUE...
2. Secretary-Treasurers Report, Brian Aldes SCHOOLS FOOD
3. Presidents Report, Sami Gabriel SERVICE WORK-
4. Vice Presidents Report, Curt Swenson ERS FIGHT FOR
5. Recording Secretarys Report, Craig Johnson
7. Legal Update, Paula Johnston LIVING WAGE
PAGE 6
 OFFICERS AND STAFF
LOCAL 320 SECRETARY-TREASURERS REPORT
Brian Aldes
Secretary-Treasurer and

ORGANIZE FAIR SHARE

Principal Officer
Sami Gabriel
President/Business Agent
Curt Swenson
Vice President/Business Agent
Craig Johnson
Recording Secretary/ By Brian Aldes
Business Agent To be prepared for any legislative or legal
Marcia (Marty) Lamb
Trustee, St. Paul ISD 625
As you know, it is changes to fair share fees or collective bar-
important to be ac- gaining, we must effectively communicate
Richard Wheeler
Trustee, MSUAASF tive in our Union, but and educate the benefits of union member-
Alston Dutchin it is just as important ship now, so that any changes to the law
Trustee, U of M to grow our Union will not affect members attitudes or posi-
Paula Johnston through organizing tions of union support.
General Counsel
fair share payees.
Local 320 Business Agents The key to success in any internal organiz-
Hanna Benardson A fair share payee is not a Teamster mem- ing campaign is involvement of the mem-
Amy Hill ber. They are eligible for fair representa- bership in the actions and decisions that
Mike Horton tion only. Fair share payees cannot attend affect them.
Michael Kopp
Josh Loahr union meetings; they cannot utilize Team-
Roger Meunier ster services or the Teamster Privilege pro- Many Local Unions are finding that using
Terry Neuberger gram; they cannot vote on union business; an organizing modelinvolving members
Vance Rolfzen
Erik Skoog and most unfortunately are completely in solutionsresults in a higher degree of
voiceless in all union matters. organization and success. An employer is
Communications | Lobbyist more likely to bargain fairly if there is clear
Gus Froemke As active Teamsters and union stewards, indication that a large number of workers
it is your job to provide these fair share are involved in the bargaining process.
Organizer payees a voice. Many times fair share pay-
Claire Thiele
ees have never been presented with the Member involvement keeps workers from
benefits of Teamster membership, or are seeing the union as something separate
Support Staff
Susan Bastian confused as to what fair share means. from them. They learn how the union
Katie Glaser works, how union members achieve gains,
Ron Phillips If you know of any fair share payees at and why compromise can be necessary.
Suzanne Slawson
Joni Spaulding your worksite, now is the time to present
Kristi Ziegler them with the facts and benefits of Team- Instead of sitting back and waiting for
ster membership. We have information as service from the union, workers begin to
Minneapolis, MN to why choosing Teamsters is so beneficial. realize that they share the responsibility for
Local Union Office This information is posted on our web site both the unions victories and misses.
8:00am - 4:00pm at www.teamsterslocal320.org/member-
P: 612-378-8700
F: 612- 331-8948 resources. Also, if you are unsure whether Local 320 developed its Member Action
1-800-637-5430 a co-worker is a fair share payee please Committee (MAC) to move our Union
contact the Teamster office at 1-800-637- towards an organizing model. We continue
Online 5430 or speak to your Teamster Business to urge interested Teamsters to join the
www.teamsterslocal320.org
Agent directly. MAC because this committee will remain
Email an important vehicle for our Local Unions
local320@teamsterslocal320.org We fully anticipate the end of compulsory transition to an organizing model.
fair share fees by 2018, and for the entire
concept of fair share to become a moot Like never before, Minnesota Teamsters
point. The distinction between union mem- must organize and mobilize to remain
bership and non-membership will become strong. If you are interested in joining the
increasingly apparent. For workers who MAC please email me at Baldes@team-
choose to be members in this environment sterslocal320.org. All Local 320 members
you will be the true strength of this union. are encouraged to join!
Published by
Teamsters Local 320
3001 University Ave SE #500
Minneapolis, MN 55414 Page 2
LOCAL 320 PRESIDENTS REPORT

WHY WE MUST BUY AMERICAN

By Sami Gabriel
When we buy American, your hard earned dollar stays
The BUY AMERICAN slogan here to provide jobs for our neighbors. When we buy
has been heard for many years. American, you are making a commitment to America!
It started in 1933 when the Buy
American Act was passed by The following is a short list of Minnesota and union
Congress and then signed into made products.
law by President Hoover. Ameri-
cans and government were
urged to buy USA made products as often as possible MINNESOTA-MADE PRODUCTS:
to keep Americans employed in good jobs.
1. Angies Popcorn
Over the years, as goods that have been made in 2. Bimbo Bakery products
other countries have been more available here, peo- 3. Duluth Pack
ple have forgotten why the push to buy local started. 4. Gedney Pickles
Buying American has many other reasons why we 5. Igloo Coolers
should all be aware of where our products are made. 6. JW Hulme
7. Nordic Ware
Companies that make goods here have to provide 8. Pearsons Candy
safe conditions for their employees. OSHA mandates 9. Redwing Boots
certain safe conditions and protects employees at 10. Tervis Drinkware
the workplace. With their oversight, companies have
strived to have conditions that provide workers with a UNION-MADE PRODUCTS:
work site that has been proven to prevent accidents
and injuries. 1. Alpo Pet Food
2. Anheuser-Busch
Companies that make goods here have to abide by 3. B. F. Goodrich Tires
the minimum wage laws. Most Union employees make 4. Bridgestone/Firestone Tires
even more than the minimum wage through their con- 5. Budweiser
tracts. As most of us know, companies in some other 6. Cooper Tires
countries pride themselves in paying their employees 7. Coors
at terribly low rates. Some other countries also do not 8. Hasbro Brand Toys
have children labor laws. Young children often are the 9. Hersheys Chocolate
ones producing items such as electronics. 10. Goodyear Tires
11. Miller
Companies that make goods here have to abide by 12. Milk-Bones
strict environmental protection laws. The EPA (En- 13. Purina Pet Food
vironmental Protection Agency) is responsible for 14. Titan Tires
keeping companies obeying the task of protecting the
area a company is in and is responsible for producing
goods in a way that protects people in and around a For a more for a more extensive list of American
company. Without the tightly governed environmental products, go to either of these sites visit Labor411.org
laws, we would go back to dirty water, polluted ground and Americansworking.com.
and polluted skies.

Page 3
LOCAL 320 VICE PRESIDENTS REPORT

LOCAL 320 SUPPORTS OSFNA

By Curt Swenson
The Oromo Sports Federa-
tion or OSFNA, is the cultural
and sports platform for Oro-
mos in diaspora.
Many Teamster members
at the Minneapolis School
District, the Minneapolis Convention Center, and
the University of Minnesota identify themselves
as Oromo. The Oromo people are an ethnic group
inhabiting Ethiopia and are also found in northern
Kenya and Somalia.
The current OSFNA President, Ejero Usuu, is a
Teamsters Local 320 member from the University
of Minnesota. OSFNA holds an annual soccer
tournament and requested a donation from Local
320 for the 2017 tournament. Local 320 made a
donation to the Federation, and provided soccer
uniforms for the team with the most Teamsters.
More than 40,000 Oromo live in Minnesota. That
makes Oromo the states second highest East
African population, behind Somalis, while the com-
munity continues to grow.
Teamsters Local 320 is proud to have such hard-
working and dedicated members as those who
are in the Oromo community. We will continue to
support Teamster members who are first or second
generation Minnesotans in their experience to as-
similate and become more engaged citizens.
Teamsters Local 320 is currently working with St.
Paul Public Schools and the Hubbs Center to pro-
vide English language courses to the Unions East
African members. These courses are designed to
be highly comprehensive and provide for not only
language skills, but for quality of life skills and a
platform for newcomers to be more involved in civic
affairs.

Teamsters Local 320 Secretary Treasurer Brian Aldes with Local 320 member Nasser Nur, Oromo Sports Federation
(OSFNA) Secretary Treasurer Fuad Ibrahim, OFSNA President and Local 320 member Ejero Usuu and Local 320 Vice
President Curt Swenson

Page 4
LOCAL 320 RECORDING SECRETARYS REPORT

TEAMSTERS IN THE COMMUNITY

By Craig Johnson

Teamster pride is
something that is
necessary in todays
anti-union environ-
ment.

When you turn on

the TV or switch
on your computer you will likely see a lot
of disappointing news when it comes to
working men and women.

You will hear how unions are shrinking

and wages are declining -- how good
union jobs are becoming a thing of the
past.

Theres a lot we can say about why unions

are under attack, but Ill reserve that for
another article.

I truly believe that there are many little

things we can all do to make a difference
in our everyday lives.

The first thing we can do is show some

Teamster pride in our communities.

Membership in a union shouldnt be some-

thing to shy away from or to be ashamed
about -- being a Teamster is something to
be proud of.

Unions and the Teamsters have a rocky

past because they held and continue to
hold powerful interests accountable. No
group or organization that has held the
rich and powerful accountable like unions
can expect to be shielded from criticisms
or denunciation.
Local 320 members Mark Kapala and Gruber at Three Rivers Park District ski
When you show your Teamster pride to hill flying Teamster flag
your community, you are signaling to your
friends and neighbors that you believe in
accountability and a strong middle-class,
and that is something to be proud of.

Page 5
 STANDING STRONG IN ST. PAUL
BY JOSH LOAHR, LOCAL 320 BUSINESS AGENT

Teamsters Local 320 has been in

negotiations with Saint Paul Public
Schools Nutrition Services since
April. This group is the lowest paid
bargaining unit in Saint Paul Pub-
lic Schools, with a starting wage
of $11.66 per hour and $13.98 for
a supervisor. Workers are seek-
ing a 2% cost of living increase
for each of the three years of the
proposed agreement. In addition, if
any employee were to still be below
$15 per hour in the third year, those
employees wages would then
increase to $15 per hour. Unfortu-
nately, Saint Paul Public Schools
does not place a high value on the
livelihood of its employees, as their
offer to us was a total of 1.5% over Teamsters Local 320 members and St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) Nutrition Ser-
vice employees at SPPS Board of Education Meeting
all 3 years of a proposed agreement.

The bargaining unit is also seeking some minor changes to language in the contract. For example, currently
Nutrition Service employees are allowed to use 4 of their accumulated sick days as personal days, and we are
seeking to add 1 additional day, which is no cost item to the employer. The bargaining group is also seeking to
increase their longevity pay by $0.15 per hour, with adding a 10-year longevity step. The unit is also looking to
increase a benefit to those members who place a value on continuing their food service education. Currently,
the school district pays employees $0.40 per hour if they hold a level 2 certification, which hasnt changed in
over 10 years. The group is seeking to increase the premium pay to $0.75 per hour. Along with some small
increases to severance and deferred compensation, the only other request the group is seeking is to add lan-
guage to the discipline article which would remove a written reprimand after 1 year and a suspension after 3
years.

Saint Paul Public Schools is not placing a high value on retaining their employees or keeping morale strong as
they rejected every single request from this group without explanation. Teamster Business Agent Joshua Loahr
knew that there were budget constraints facing Saint Paul Public Schools before going into negotiations and,
rather than be unprepared, he obtained a copy of the budget and revenue of the nutrition services unit and
utilized the resources of the IBT to have them cost out the groups proposal. Even though the general fund of
Saint Paul Public Schools is strained, their food services budget is very healthy, to the tune of $2.5 million. The
total cost of the unions proposal is $700,000 versus the districts 3-year offer of $77,648.

It is quite clear to me that this school district does not believe in helping those at the bottom of the wage scales
to move up. They are willing to pay a new superintendent $18,974 (9%) more per year than their last superin-
tendent, but offer nothing substantial to someone making between $11.66 - $16.82 per hour. This is absolutely
shameful and Teamsters Local 320 along with the negotiating committee for Saint Paul Public Schools Nutrition
Services has made it very clear to the school district that they will not settle for the subpar contract offer. This
group has attended two school board meetings and plan on attending the August 15th and September 19th
school board meetings as well. Together we will stand strong for a living wage!

Page 6
 LEGAL UPDATE
BY PAULA JOHNSTON, LOCAL 320 GENERAL COUNSEL

During the last Supreme Court term, when all eyes were focused on what the outcome of Friedrichs would
be, the Court issued another decision that is extremely important for public employees. In Heffernan v. City of
Paterson, 136 S.Ct. 1412 (2016), the Court held that when a public employer demotes an employee to try to
prevent them from engaging in free speech (in this case protected political activity), the employee is entitled to
challenge the demotion in court even if the employer was mistaken about whether any protected political activ-
ity took place.

Heffernan worked as a police officer for the Paterson, New Jersey police department. The current mayor, Jose
Torrez, had appointed the incumbent police chief. Torrez was being opposed in his reelection campaign by
Lawrence Spagnola. Heffernan was not involved in either mans campaign, but his mother was for the rival
candidate Spagnola.

As a favor to his mother, who was bedridden, he agreed to pick up a Spagnola lawn sign and bring it to her.
Other officers saw him holding the sign and speaking to volunteers at Spagnolas campaign headquarters. The
next day, Heffernan was demoted for his overt involvement in the Spagnola campaign.

Heffernan filed suit, claiming that the demotion was based on the Citys mistaken belief that he was engaging
in protected political activity (i.e., free speech under the First Amendment). The district court denied the claim,
finding that he had not engaged in any protected conduct. The decision was affirmed by the Third Circuit, which
concluded that his claim would only be actionable if the employers action was prompted by actual, rather than
perceived, exercise of free speech.

The Supreme Court reversed, holding that it is the motive of the employer that is controlling. The constitutional
harm the attempt to prevent or discourage public employees from exercising their right to free speech is the
same whether the employer is mistaken in its assessment or not. The language of the First Amendment focus-
es on the governments activity, not the citizens, or, in this case, the employees.

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