These are the Teamsters Local 320 shop stewards voted in by the members:
Wade Laszlo
Phil Miles
Jodie Hannig
Brian Peterson
Mike Smith
Jason Herlitz
Mike Hendricks
Thanks for voting. Thanks to all who put their names in the hat and thanks to those for their past service.
THIS IS AN OFFICIAL NEWS SITE FOR CURRENT AND RETIRED CORRECTIONS OFFICERS! This blog will keep up on current events affecting Detention Deputies and Corrections Officers. SINCE 2006!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Any One But Hoffa!
The International Elections are this summer. I am running to be a delegate on the Anyone But Hoffa Slate.
Our weakness is the result of weakness from the top down and it's time to put some muscle back in the Teamsters.
The delegate election is important because the delegates decide who will be running for General President. I ask for your support.
The man I support is Fred Gergare. Strong leadership makes a strong union. A strong union means better contracts and working conditions.
In solidarity,
Wade
Our weakness is the result of weakness from the top down and it's time to put some muscle back in the Teamsters.
The delegate election is important because the delegates decide who will be running for General President. I ask for your support.
The man I support is Fred Gergare. Strong leadership makes a strong union. A strong union means better contracts and working conditions.
In solidarity,
Wade
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Local 117 knows how to back Corrections Officers
SEATTLE) – Hundreds of Teamster correctional workers, their families, community allies, and other Teamster members rallied on the steps of the state Capitol in Olympia today in an effort to stop the cuts that they say are endangering the lives of prison workers and our communities. Teamsters Local 117 represents more than 6,000 correctional workers throughout the state. View photos from this event. PRESS RELEASE FROM TEAMSTERS (FULL STORY)
It's stories like this that make me proud to be a Teamster. There are several points I'd like to make.
First of all, especially if you view the photos, the amount of backing they, the Local 117 members, got from their local.
Second the sheer numbers. Hundreds protesting and 6,000 corrections members!
By comparison, Local 320 has passed up opportunities to have those kinds of numbers and clout in corrections in Minnesota. At least two years ago I spoke to Brian Aldes and Sue Mauren about organizing the state corrections officers (they asked me to be Teamsters) and was told no! That would be about 2,000 more members. Now if we then organized the Workhouse and most other counties we would have a strong position to bargain from. Why no? They have a 'no raid' policy towards AFSCME. How asinine to keep a job class fractured amongst different Unions rather then united.
I must ask, where was the 320 Executive Board when the Garrity rights of one of our stewards' (and by extension all of ours) was violated? Especially where was MNTLEL? They sat on their hands while this protection was weakened for every corrections officer and cop in the country.
Why do Minnesota Sheriff's and governments feel no fear when corrections officers are placed on shifts with no overlaps that compromise safety and security? When staffing levels are often dangerously low at certain times of the day?
Because there will never be those kinds of numbers and political clout as long as we are divided. Jimmy Hoffa senior knew this fact when he united the nations' truckers under the Master Freight Agreement rather then hundreds of fractured contracts. What was true then is true now. Strength in numbers.
We need a Master Corrections agreement in Minnesota. That's my vision.
It's stories like this that make me proud to be a Teamster. There are several points I'd like to make.
First of all, especially if you view the photos, the amount of backing they, the Local 117 members, got from their local.
Second the sheer numbers. Hundreds protesting and 6,000 corrections members!
By comparison, Local 320 has passed up opportunities to have those kinds of numbers and clout in corrections in Minnesota. At least two years ago I spoke to Brian Aldes and Sue Mauren about organizing the state corrections officers (they asked me to be Teamsters) and was told no! That would be about 2,000 more members. Now if we then organized the Workhouse and most other counties we would have a strong position to bargain from. Why no? They have a 'no raid' policy towards AFSCME. How asinine to keep a job class fractured amongst different Unions rather then united.
I must ask, where was the 320 Executive Board when the Garrity rights of one of our stewards' (and by extension all of ours) was violated? Especially where was MNTLEL? They sat on their hands while this protection was weakened for every corrections officer and cop in the country.
Why do Minnesota Sheriff's and governments feel no fear when corrections officers are placed on shifts with no overlaps that compromise safety and security? When staffing levels are often dangerously low at certain times of the day?
Because there will never be those kinds of numbers and political clout as long as we are divided. Jimmy Hoffa senior knew this fact when he united the nations' truckers under the Master Freight Agreement rather then hundreds of fractured contracts. What was true then is true now. Strength in numbers.
We need a Master Corrections agreement in Minnesota. That's my vision.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
December Updates
The Teamsters Membership Appreciation Meeting is Dec. 14th (Holiday Meeting). Click Here for details.
Duties include: Representing members in Internal Affairs and discipline hearings and contract negotiations.
THE STEWARD NOMINATION SHEET IS POSTED
If you are interested in being a Teamsters Union Steward please self nominate on the sheet hanging on the bulletin board. You must be a full dues paying member to be eligible. Every two years when the contract is settled we insist on elections.Duties include: Representing members in Internal Affairs and discipline hearings and contract negotiations.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The importance of health & welfare checks
For the second time in a year and a half, the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) has found that Ramsey County jail staff violated state rules governing how often inmates need to be checked on. -STAR TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Overtime Backpay Update
As of today, November 16, 2010, the Department of Labor is working to get us the unpaid overtime back pay augments owed.
As you know Dave. B. discovered our overtime was being calculated incorrectly. After filing a grievance our BA Tom Perkins directed him to the Department of Labor and he successfully received his back pay last August. The rest of us, even after assurances from the HCSO and Hennepin County that it was being worked on have gone unpaid since last July.
Enough is enough.
As you know Dave. B. discovered our overtime was being calculated incorrectly. After filing a grievance our BA Tom Perkins directed him to the Department of Labor and he successfully received his back pay last August. The rest of us, even after assurances from the HCSO and Hennepin County that it was being worked on have gone unpaid since last July.
Enough is enough.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Teamsters Local 320 Election Result
The ballots were counted today. The Sue Mauren slate has another 3 years. The Members for a Better Union slate took between 36%-37% of the vote. Not bad for the first time out, a short campaign and only spending about $1,400 compared to the Sue Muaren slate's over $10,000.
I hope the Sue Mauren slate got the message. Out of about 9,800 eligible voters only about 2,300 bothered to vote and 36% went to the Members for a Better Union slate. I'd hardly call the result a mandate.
The message is: Pay more attention to the members.
Dave Deal sums up best the reasons the slate formed and what's next.
I have to say this whole experience was eye opening. I was not running for local office yet the Sue Mauren slate took it upon themselves to attack a dues paying member for voicing an opinion. They targeted myself and Brad Slawson Sr. of Teamsters Local 120 for no apparent reason.
My sites had to become moderated because of their profanity. They had a video made about me and according to them I'm a racist and a devil worshiper. You guys won the race, but you lost the respect you need to lead. Try to remember that the members hire you to represent them, unless you want a repeat 3 years from now.
Thank you Members for a Better Union slate for having the courage to run and thanks to all of you who supported them. The election is over and it's time to get back to the business of serving the members united as Teamsters.
I hope the Sue Mauren slate got the message. Out of about 9,800 eligible voters only about 2,300 bothered to vote and 36% went to the Members for a Better Union slate. I'd hardly call the result a mandate.
The message is: Pay more attention to the members.
Dave Deal sums up best the reasons the slate formed and what's next.
I have to say this whole experience was eye opening. I was not running for local office yet the Sue Mauren slate took it upon themselves to attack a dues paying member for voicing an opinion. They targeted myself and Brad Slawson Sr. of Teamsters Local 120 for no apparent reason.
My sites had to become moderated because of their profanity. They had a video made about me and according to them I'm a racist and a devil worshiper. You guys won the race, but you lost the respect you need to lead. Try to remember that the members hire you to represent them, unless you want a repeat 3 years from now.
Thank you Members for a Better Union slate for having the courage to run and thanks to all of you who supported them. The election is over and it's time to get back to the business of serving the members united as Teamsters.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Vote. Mail your ballots!
Members, you pay about $50 a month in dues. The amount of backing you get depends on who's on the 320 board.
Supporters of the current board have waged a war on me just for endorsing the MEMBERS FOR A BETTER UNION slate.
Correct me if I'm wrong. I pay dues. I do not work for local 320. They are supposed to work for me (and you). Local 320 does not provide me with insurance or a pension. Hmm, I must then be paying them to provide a service. That service is to represent the members.
I have a right and obligation to vote in a board I think will best represent us.
Remember, elections are often decided by small amounts of votes.
Let your voice be heard. Mail your ballot.
Supporters of the current board have waged a war on me just for endorsing the MEMBERS FOR A BETTER UNION slate.
Correct me if I'm wrong. I pay dues. I do not work for local 320. They are supposed to work for me (and you). Local 320 does not provide me with insurance or a pension. Hmm, I must then be paying them to provide a service. That service is to represent the members.
I have a right and obligation to vote in a board I think will best represent us.
Remember, elections are often decided by small amounts of votes.
Let your voice be heard. Mail your ballot.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Message from Brad Slawson. Sr.
From: Brad Slawson Sr Sent: Friday, October 29, 2010 2:59 PMTo: 'jnack@co.wilkin.mn.us'; 'jonnylaw@loretel.net'; 'blhjelmen@yahoo.com'Subject:
TO JOSH NACK, JON KARGER, DAVID JENNEN, DAN TUCKER, CHERYL PETERSEN, BOB HJELMAN, ANN MUELLER, DION BREDMAN.
Recently you have received an e mail from local 320 business agent MERL KING about teamsters local 120 and the election at local 320. My name is BRAD SLAWSON SR and I am the secretary treasure and head officer of local 120. In MERL’S e mail he says that local 120 is trying to take over local 320 with this election at local 320. Meryl goes on to say that local 120 is broke and has lost thousands of members in the past. This e mail is a complete false hood. Local 120 has never had any conversation with any member OF LOCAL 320 about merging our two locals. Local 120 is the largest local in MINNESOTA, IOWA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA with a very strong treasury. Local 120 has not or will be interested in any merger with local 320. Both locals are very large and should stand alone for their own membership. I cannot believe that MERL would stoop this low to spread these MALICIOUS lies and grand distortions about local 120. I can be reached at my office during business hours at 763 267 6100 for any member that wants’ to verify this e mail and its contents. Please feel free to distribute this e mail.
Fraternally:
BRAD SLAWSON SR
SECRETARY TREASURER
LOCAL 120
TO JOSH NACK, JON KARGER, DAVID JENNEN, DAN TUCKER, CHERYL PETERSEN, BOB HJELMAN, ANN MUELLER, DION BREDMAN.
Recently you have received an e mail from local 320 business agent MERL KING about teamsters local 120 and the election at local 320. My name is BRAD SLAWSON SR and I am the secretary treasure and head officer of local 120. In MERL’S e mail he says that local 120 is trying to take over local 320 with this election at local 320. Meryl goes on to say that local 120 is broke and has lost thousands of members in the past. This e mail is a complete false hood. Local 120 has never had any conversation with any member OF LOCAL 320 about merging our two locals. Local 120 is the largest local in MINNESOTA, IOWA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA with a very strong treasury. Local 120 has not or will be interested in any merger with local 320. Both locals are very large and should stand alone for their own membership. I cannot believe that MERL would stoop this low to spread these MALICIOUS lies and grand distortions about local 120. I can be reached at my office during business hours at 763 267 6100 for any member that wants’ to verify this e mail and its contents. Please feel free to distribute this e mail.
Fraternally:
BRAD SLAWSON SR
SECRETARY TREASURER
LOCAL 120
Why are comments now moderated?
As you know it's local 320 election time. There are some people who are angry because a group,
the MEMBERS FOR A BETTER UNION SLATE is running against the current board. The current board is nervous because members have a choice. Rather then engage in intelligent conversation they have engaged in a campaign of lies, intimidation and slander. I will not allow them to use my sites as a platform. Honest disagreement, as always will be allowed.
They have launched a personal attack on me spamming my sites because I support Gergare rather then Hoffa in the IBT election and I support the MEMBERS FOR A BETTER UNION SLATE.
They are spreading lies among members that those against the current board are really trying to let Teamsters Local 120 take over our local. Read business agent Merl King's email telling the lie. I've been told by members that most of the Sue Mauren slate is spreading this lie.
Teamsters Local 320 needs to remember we HIRE you as a service....to represent us.
the MEMBERS FOR A BETTER UNION SLATE is running against the current board. The current board is nervous because members have a choice. Rather then engage in intelligent conversation they have engaged in a campaign of lies, intimidation and slander. I will not allow them to use my sites as a platform. Honest disagreement, as always will be allowed.
They have launched a personal attack on me spamming my sites because I support Gergare rather then Hoffa in the IBT election and I support the MEMBERS FOR A BETTER UNION SLATE.
They are spreading lies among members that those against the current board are really trying to let Teamsters Local 120 take over our local. Read business agent Merl King's email telling the lie. I've been told by members that most of the Sue Mauren slate is spreading this lie.
Teamsters Local 320 needs to remember we HIRE you as a service....to represent us.
Teamsters Testimony at HCSO budget hearing
Thank you Henepin County Commisioners for the opportunity to testify. We have at least 3 allies on the board: Chairman Opat and Commisioners Stenglein and Mclaughlin. Please remember them this election day.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
October Updates
We lost our contract arbitration. Sadly, the county couldn't even give us some non-monetary language considering we took a wage and step freeze. Negotiations begin anew this summer.
The Department of Labor told me that the County has until November 15th to pay out the back pay on the overtime augments. After that the regional director will take action.
The grievance filed after the Sheriff's Office changed the seniority list was denied at step 2 and will be moved to step 3.
We are preparing the arbitration for the 1.5% inconvenient work schedule grievance.
The Horobin case is in court. This is the case where the HCSO released Garrity protected information.
We, (our BA and I) will address the County Board at the HCSO budget hearings on October 28th. We encourage you to attend. Location 24th floor Government Center. 1-4 PM.
Ballots are out for the Teamsters Local 320 elections. I encourage you to support the Members for a Better Union slate.
The Department of Labor told me that the County has until November 15th to pay out the back pay on the overtime augments. After that the regional director will take action.
The grievance filed after the Sheriff's Office changed the seniority list was denied at step 2 and will be moved to step 3.
We are preparing the arbitration for the 1.5% inconvenient work schedule grievance.
The Horobin case is in court. This is the case where the HCSO released Garrity protected information.
We, (our BA and I) will address the County Board at the HCSO budget hearings on October 28th. We encourage you to attend. Location 24th floor Government Center. 1-4 PM.
Ballots are out for the Teamsters Local 320 elections. I encourage you to support the Members for a Better Union slate.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Delegate Announcement
I, Wade Laszlo, am formally announcing that I am seeking to be a delegate supporting the Fred Gergare and Brad Slawson, Sr. Slate in the upcoming 2011 IBT elections.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
VOTE- the ballots have been mailed
VOTE- You are the Union. You can effect change.
I support the Members For A Better Union Slate.
Read their Manifesto.
Then ask yourself:
Where was the board when we had the Vote of no Confidence in Sheriff Stanek?
Where was MNTLEL, where was the outcry, when the Stanek administration violated Detention Deputy Horobin's Garrity rights and released Garrity protected statements?
We took zero's for raises and for the first time step freezes....but we were forced to arbitrate, and lose, 3 NON-MONETARY ITEMS. Consider this, 4 of 7 of the County Board members are Teamsters' endorsed by DRIVE. The County could have agreed to any or all of our requests without costing them a dime if they had any fear of losing a DRIVE endorsement.
While most Teamsters took wage freezes and some groups took cuts many on the board increased their salaries!
It's time to vote in a new board that remembers that Teamsters are about strength and backing the members.
Vote for the MEMBERS FOR A BETTER UNION SLATE. Please don't just throw away the ballot. You pay dues and have the right to vote. You deserve maximum backing for the dues you pay.
I support the Members For A Better Union Slate.
Read their Manifesto.
Then ask yourself:
Where was the board when we had the Vote of no Confidence in Sheriff Stanek?
Where was MNTLEL, where was the outcry, when the Stanek administration violated Detention Deputy Horobin's Garrity rights and released Garrity protected statements?
We took zero's for raises and for the first time step freezes....but we were forced to arbitrate, and lose, 3 NON-MONETARY ITEMS. Consider this, 4 of 7 of the County Board members are Teamsters' endorsed by DRIVE. The County could have agreed to any or all of our requests without costing them a dime if they had any fear of losing a DRIVE endorsement.
While most Teamsters took wage freezes and some groups took cuts many on the board increased their salaries!
It's time to vote in a new board that remembers that Teamsters are about strength and backing the members.
Vote for the MEMBERS FOR A BETTER UNION SLATE. Please don't just throw away the ballot. You pay dues and have the right to vote. You deserve maximum backing for the dues you pay.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Apparently The Field Has Opened
There is now a real write in candidate Linda Lachner.
In addition of course, to our friend the Facebook Kitten!
In addition of course, to our friend the Facebook Kitten!
Teamsters Ballots are coming!
For the local 320 elections I endorse the MEMBERS FOR A BETTER UNION SLATE.
For the upcoming International Teamsters Election I endorse Fred Gerage and Brad Slawson, Sr.
Take the time to follow the links and please vote.
For the upcoming International Teamsters Election I endorse Fred Gerage and Brad Slawson, Sr.
Take the time to follow the links and please vote.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Vote for the Members for a Better Union Slate!
Local elections are coming up. It's time for a change in leadership.
Tired of arbitrations taking a year or more (if ever) to happen?
Tired of wage freezes while union leadership gets raises?
I endorse the Members for a Better Union Slate!
Tired of arbitrations taking a year or more (if ever) to happen?
Tired of wage freezes while union leadership gets raises?
I endorse the Members for a Better Union Slate!
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