The Teamsters represent 1.4 million working men and women in virtually every occupation throughout the United States and Canada. Teamsters operate computers; protect families as law enforcement officers; work as technical employees in both the public and private sectors; care for patients in hospitals and nursing homes; work as public defenders; assist customers at car rental agencies; work at leading hotels; work in schools as both principals and custodians; repair highway bridges and collect tolls on thruways and turnpikes; process, store and deliver food products; and transport automobiles, trucks, SUV's and other vehicles.

YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK

A Teamster contract establishes a uniform set of wages, hours and working conditions. At the expiration, as stipulated in your contract, labor and management negotiate improvements or changes to this Agreement.

Your Teamster contract covers such rights and benefits as:

• Wages and Pay Increases
• Health Coverage
• Job Security
• Promotions
• Vacations
• Holidays
• Retirement Benefits
• Work Rules
• Seniority Rights
• Leave of Absence
• Grievance Procedures
• Hours of Work
• Overtime Pay
• Equipment, Uniforms and Allowances

The contract is the law of the workplace. The rights and benefits in the contract are guaranteed. Management cannot legally change them without negotiating with the Union.

UNITY WINS BENEFITS

Your Employer did not give workers the rights and benefits in the union contract. They were accomplished through years of tough negotiations with the union and because of membership UNITY.

YOU VOTE ON THE CONTRACT

You vote to accept or reject what has been negotiated between the employer and the Union. The proposed contract does not go into effect until a majority of the members vote to accept it.

Contracts can cover workers on a national, regional, or local union level. Experience shows agreements covering a period of three years best serve the interests of the members. Some contracts, however, run for longer or shorter terms.

KNOW YOUR CONTRACT

Read your contract. Ask your union steward to explain any language that is unclear to you. If you know your contract, you can take full advantage of the benefits contained in it. You will also know when your employer has failed to live up to the terms of the agreement.

You should become familiar with the employer's work rules and attendance policy, as well as the union contract. All three will make you aware of your rights and responsibilities.