Copyright 2010 -Teamsters Local 17. All Rights Reserved.
Record Setting Day At Local 17!
Workers at SMG Vote Unanimously to Join Local 17
June 3, 2010
Today marked a victory that has never been achieved at Local 17. Trade show workers at SMG voted unanimously (20-0) to join Teamsters Local 17. Their ballots were cast on May 21, 2010 but a challenge by the employer postponed the final results until today. The challenge was dismissed and Local 17 has been officially recognized as the sole bargaining agent for the members at SMG.
Our Organizer and Business Agent Ed Bagwell led the way for these workers to join. Ed has been organizing for over 20 years and has a long history of success. Even Ed could not have imagined all 20 workers voting for representation by the Teamsters. "This victory was about worker's rights and freedoms" said Bagwell. "It shows the power of the Teamsters to organize in these tough times".
Elmo Simmons, a two year employee at SMG reflects on previous failed attempts to organize the workers. "We've been trying to get a union into our shop for a while. We approached a few other unions and they blew us off. That all changed when we met with Local 17. Everything that Bagwell promised he would do - he did. We're ecstatic to be Teamsters and we look forward to a long, productive partnership".
In this day and age, it is all too common to see people divided in their beliefs and opinions. Especially when it comes to politics, we often see huge divides between people who are strongly opposed to each other's beliefs. That didn't happen with the vote at SMG. Here are 20 workers who all share the same goal. "Stand together and vote yes!"
Their message is crystal clear. They want a union to represent them that has what it takes to get a good contract and a union that will stand behind that contract. The days of wanting to become union members and achieve respect and dignity on the job are behind them now. Those days are here! They wanted a local union that doesn't "go along to get along" and they came to the right place. Local 17 has a strong reputation for protecting it's members and getting the job done.
They will now have a say in their wages, hours and working conditions thanks to Teamsters Local 17.
All of us at Teamsters Local 17 want to welcome the newest members into our local.
