Raynham Center Water District Workers Join Teamsters

SOUTH EASTON, Mass., Dec. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nine employees that work for the Raynham Center Water District in Raynham, Mass. voted to join Teamsters Local 653 in South Easton, Mass., securing a strong voice to represent them on the job.

The workers, who did not have any representation prior to the vote, approached Local 653 three weeks ago to discuss joining the Teamsters. Local 653 represents more than 200 public service workers in Massachusetts including 130 members at Brockton Public Schools.

"We were seeking the strong representation Local 653 brings to the table," said Luke Bisio a working foreman and water technician who has been with Raynham Center Water District for 17 years. "We want to ensure that we have a voice on the job that understands our challenges."

Bill Trask, Teamsters Local 653 president and business agent credited the workers' initiative and desire to become unionized as the driving force behind the organizing victory.

"This group knew exactly what they wanted when they approached us," Trask said. "They knew that we already represented public service workers and have secured strong contracts for them. I look forward to helping these workers with their first contract."

The union has scheduled contract negotiations with Raynham Center Water District in January 2017.

"We are successfully organizing more and more in the public service industry and it is because of the support of International Vice President Sean O'Brien and our executive boards from the local and Joint Council 10," Trask said.

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 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Bill Trask, (508) 230-7140

SOURCE Teamsters Local 653