More Facebook Drivers Join Teamsters, Ratify Strong Agreement

SAN LEANDRO, Calif., Dec. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Shuttle drivers who transport Facebook employees to and from work have joined Teamsters Local 853 in San Leandro, Calif., and ratified a strong agreement providing for significant wages, benefit improvements and gains mirroring or exceeding the Facebook/Loop Transportation contract already in place. These drivers with WeDriveU, Inc., will supplement the drivers who work for Facebook contractor Loop Transportation.

"This is another step in making extraordinary improvements to the working conditions and overall livelihoods of tech shuttle drivers," said Rome Aloise, International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 853. "We are moving to bring drivers in the entire shuttle bus industry into the Teamsters Union so that there is a level playing field on costs and so that the richest companies in the world are assured of quality, experienced drivers for the valuable employees they service."

Under the agreement, wages start at a minimum of $24.75, along with fully paid health care for the first year and contributions into a defined contribution pension plan. There are 11 holidays and 9 sick leave days, along with split premiums of 10 percent on top of the base wage rate. Additionally, significant language protections were negotiated.

Teamsters Local 853 was recognized by the company last week and the contract was finished and put into effect beginning today.

The drivers join tech industry workers throughout Silicon Valley who are choosing Teamsters representation to improve their working conditions. In November 2014, 87 Facebook drivers with Loop Transportation voted to join Local 853. In February, the drivers voted unanimously in favor of a contract that included significant wage increases, paid health care, guaranteed hours and improved working conditions, among other gains.

On Nov. 22, nearly 200 drivers who are members of Local 853 and work for Compass Transportation—contractor  to Apple, eBay, PayPal, Yahoo, Evernote, Genentech and Amtrak—ratified an agreement that raised pay, provided affordable benefits, a defined contribution pension and more.

The Teamsters Union is part of a growing movement of labor, faith and community-based organizations and workers challenging income inequality in Silicon Valley through an innovative partnership called Silicon Valley Rising. For more information, visit http://siliconvalleyrising.org.

For more information on tech worker organizing with the Teamsters, visit http://teamster.org/tech-drivers-deserve-union.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Rome Aloise, (510) 915-6430
raloise@teamsters853.org

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SOURCE Teamsters Local 853