Silicon Valley Drivers For Google Join Teamsters

SAN LEANDRO, Calif., March 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 853 announced today that 110 drivers for WeDriveU, a transportation company that shuttles employees for Facebook, Google and other tech companies, have gained Teamsters representation.

WeDriveU recognized Local 853 as the drivers' union after an independent third-party arbitrator verified the union's majority standing. The company also recognized Teamsters Local 117 in Seattle as the representative for Facebook and Google drivers at the same time.

"We appreciate that WeDriveU has respected the rights of these drivers to be represented by a union of their choice. This is a good thing for the company, the drivers and Google, who will get well compensated drivers who will be experienced and safe in transporting Google's valuable employees," said Rome Aloise, International Vice President and Principal Officer of Local 853 in San Leandro, Calif.

"We expect to continue to level the playing field for all these drivers so that they all have good wages, benefits for themselves and their families, and something to put away for the future. This is another step toward bringing the entire industry up to these standards," Aloise said.

In December 2015, Facebook drivers with WeDriveU, who are members of Local 853, negotiated a strong first agreement securing wage increases, healthcare benefits, retirement and numerous other gains and protections.

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.   

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

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SOURCE Teamsters Local 853