Today in Labor History

May 06  --  Union Communications Services, Inc.

Works Progress Administration (WPA) established at a cost of $4.8 billion—more than $72 billion in 2011 dollars—to provide work opportunities for millions during the Great Depression - 1935

Four hundred black women working as tobacco stemmers walk off the job in a spontaneous revolt against poor working conditions and a $3 weekly wage at the Vaughan Co. in Richmond, Va. - 1937

 

 

Firefighters in Webster, Mass. join Teamsters

A unit of firefighters in Webster, Mass. has joined Teamsters Local 170 in Worcester.

Ed Sterczala was the driving force behind the 41 part-time firefighers joining the union. He had previously been a member of Local 170 so he knew of the strong representation they could provide.

Sterczala told Teamster.org:

“We’re not looking to make a ton of money; we just want a fair wage and a fair contract,” said Sterczala, who has worked as a firefighter for 10 years.

Also from the Teamster.org story:

They put their own lives at risk to protect the citizens of Webster, Mass. Now, the 41 part-time firefighters with the Webster Fire Department have their own protection—Teamster representation.

The firefighters recently voted to join Local 170 in Worcester, Mass., after years of difficulty in gaining a contract and recognition from their employer. They previously had an association that they disbanded when they decided to join the Teamsters.

Webster, like other towns in Massachusetts, employs part-time, on-call firefighters.

“Most of the issues are around representation. They needed a strong union to secure their benefits, wages and a legally binding contract which we will enforce,” said Mike Hogan, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 170.

“These brave workers knew that when they needed someone to represent them, the right choice was Teamsters Local 170. I am very happy to welcome them into our Teamster family,” said Paul Stuart, an organizer with the Teamsters.