Teamsters Local 995General Membership Newsletter

February 12, 2010yMike Magnani Secretary-Treasurer300 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89106Tel. (702) 385-0995 Fax (702) 385-4410

www.teamsters995.com

Important Dates:

General MembershipMeetingMeeting

Tuesday, February 23, 201010:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Shop Steward TrainingThursday, March 4, 20109 00 & 6 009:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Inside This Issue:Inside This Issue:

Secretary-Treasurer’s Report

Scholarship ScholarshipAvailable

Labor News from Around the Country

Shop Stewards Shop StewardsNotice

General Membership Newsletter February 12, 2010Mike Magnani, Secretary-Treasurer

300 Shadow Lane • Las Vegas, NV 89106 • Tel. (702) 385-0995 • Fax (702) 385-4410 • www.teamsters995.com

Inside This Issue:■ Secretary Treasurer's

Report

■ Scholarship Available

■ Labor News from Around the Country

■ Shop Stewards Notice

Important Dates:General MembershipTuesday, February 23, 201010:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Shop Steward TrainingThursday, March 4, 20109:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

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Teamsters Local 995General Membership Newsletter

February 12, 2010yMike Magnani Secretary-Treasurer300 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89106Tel. (702) 385-0995 Fax (702) 385-4410

www.teamsters995.com

Important Dates:

General MembershipMeetingMeeting

Tuesday, February 23, 201010:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Shop Steward TrainingThursday, March 4, 20109 00 & 6 009:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Inside This Issue:Inside This Issue:

Secretary-Treasurer’s Report

Scholarship ScholarshipAvailable

Labor News from Around the Country

Shop Stewards Shop StewardsNotice

Understanding Your WorkplaceWeingarten Rights

If you are called to a meeting with management and believe disciplinecould result, you should state the following:

“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully

request that a union representative be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions.”

These are your Weingarten Rights. Use them to protect your rights!

Local Union Executive Board Back Row from left to right:Mike Magnani-Secretary-Treasurer Brian Vonderohe-Trustee Terra Lax-Recording Secretary Ed Rudd-TrusteeFront Row:Tony Sasso- Vice PresidentHelen Green- PresidentJames Dunbar- Trustee

Franklin D. Roosevelt – The Second Bill of RightsExcerpt from President Roosevelt’s January 11, 1944 State of the Union Message to the Congress of the United States

We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. “Necessitous men are not free men.” People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.

In our day these economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all – regardless of station, race, or creed. Among these are:

The right to a useful and remunerative job in the •industries or shops or farms or mines of the Nation;

The right to earn enough to provide adequate food •and clothing and recreation;The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products •at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;The right of every businessman, large and small, •to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad;The right of every family to a decent home;•The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity •to achieve and enjoy good health;The right to adequate protection from the •economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;The right to a good education. • ■

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Secretary-Treasurer’s Reportby Mike MagnaniHappy New Year! Here’s hoping that 2010 is a much better year for our members and their families. Hopefully, our elected officials in Washington, D.C. will figure out how to restore America to gainful employment. All most Americans want is to be able to work, to earn their own way through life with the dignity of having a job and raising a family. I see many good men and women who have worked hard all their lives, who never asked for help in their lives, who through no fault of their own are now out of work, and cannot locate livable wage employment.

Feel free to contact your elected officials. Remind them that our U.S. Constitution guarantees jobs for all Americans who want employment and that’s not happening, as evidenced by the magnitude of unemployment in the United States. Bring back our production jobs, the steel production industry, textiles and the automobile assembly plants and their support industry if we wish to turn the job market and our country’s economy around. Take the time to contact your United States Senators and Congresspersons, ask them to take a stand --- to focus on creating meaningful employment for all Americans who want to work.

Full employment should also be a concern for our retirees. Without new employees entering the workforce and contributing to our union pension plans, even the Social Security program, our retirees may face difficulties. All retirement programs are dependent on money infusions. Those infusions are generally based on hours worked, which is something high unemployment does not help.

The big news in the Local Union today is in contract negotiations and organizing new units for the Local Union.

In the world of contract negotiations, our members employed at the Levy, Stern & Ford law offices recently ratified a fourteen month Labor Agreement. Our Local Union is currently engaged in contract negotiations with the recently organized Bally’s/Paris Business Center, Binion’s Horseshoe (Valet Parkers) and Planet Hollywood (Valet Parkers). The Local Union is also engaged in successor labor agreement contract negotiations for our members employed at the Golden Gate Hotel and the Teamsters Local 631 Construction and Convention Training Trust employees. The Local Union has just taken proposals from our members employed in the Caesars Palace Front End unit, the Paris Hotel and the Rio Hotel. Four more of our Local Union’s labor agreements are scheduled to expire before the end of 2010.

Our Local Union’s organizing department has just won, by way of a National Labor Relations Board-conducted representation election, the Valet Parkers employed at the Hard Rock Hotel and has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requesting that they conduct a representation election at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. The Hard Rock Hotel managers have filed an appeal to the NLRB decision, asking that the Board overturn that decision. We are confident that the Hard Rock Hotel will not succeed in its efforts to overturn that decision. Our efforts to win the Mandalay Bay Hotel Valet Parkers look good. The Local Union is also engaged in a couple other organizing efforts at this time. It’s all about growing the Local Union. There is strength in numbers.

Our Local Union is currently in the preparation stages of our 36th Bernie Buckley Charity Golf Tournament. The funds gathered from this event go to a number of local charities such as Child Haven, Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Shade Tree Shelter, WestCare, Nathan Adelson Hospice, Special Olympics, St. Judes Ranch for Children, the Las Vegas Paiute Indian Scholarship Fund, Nevada Community Enrichment Program, Opportunity Village, United Labor Agency of Nevada and to sponsor three scholarship awards for the children of Teamsters Local 995 members. All donations are made from the Bernie Buckley Charity Golf Committee and on behalf of the members of Teamsters Local 995. Over the many years that the Local Union has sponsored this event, contributions of over a million dollars have been made to various local charities. It is our way of giving back to our community. A little trivia for those

Mike Magnani,Secretary-Treasurer

TEAMSTERS DON'T HURT TEAMSTERS!continued on page 3, See Report

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Special Notice to Our Shop Stewards, Alternate Shop Stewards and Interested MembersThe Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services has had one of its representatives (Commissioner Kitty Simmons) instruct our Local Union’s last two Shop Steward training sessions and has agreed to have its Commissioners (Kitty Simmons and Lavonne Ritter) instruct our March, April and May 2010 Shop Steward training sessions. Though we encourage our Local Union’s Shop Stewards and alternate Shop Stewards to attend these sessions, these sessions are open to all of our Local Union membership.

These sessions instructed by the Federal Mediation and

Conciliation Services can also serve as an invaluable tool for all members, but would be particularly valuable to new Teamster members. Please try to attend and bring a friend.

Future Shop Steward training sessions:

March 4, 2010 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Local Union OfficesApril 1, 2010 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Local Union OfficesMay 6, 2010 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Local Union Offices

See you at these meetings. ■

It’s pretty easy to understand in the abstract the notion that “an injury to one is an injury to all.” And it’s also not too complicated to grasp that if I don’t speak up when someone else is being mistreated, that person isn’t likely to be there for me when I need some support. But what’s needed, of course, is for each of us to “walk the walk” and not just

“talk the talk.” So if your co-workers on the night shift are getting cheated out of their differential, the test is whether you and your co-workers on the day shift and swing shift make it your business to make sure that the union can do what’s needed to fix the problem. ■

Show SolidarityBy Bill Burgos, Business Representative – 385-0995, ext. 209

The impact that technology has had on the workplace and society in general, is undeniable. It will become even greater as computers get smarter, faster, smaller, and so inexpensive that virtually everyone will be able to own one.

Already, we can see how the non-stop, technology-driven, global economy is tearing down traditional concepts of time and space. The Internet permits a person to conduct business anytime day or night with a company that might be 10 time zones away. Portable laptop computers, cell phones, and wireless Internet connections allow people to work anywhere at any time.

In addition, technology will help business gain more control over hiring decisions. Computers have reduced the

need for many white-collar managers since they allow one person to do the work of two or three. Robots have reduced the need for assembly workers. Conveniences like voice mail, personal digital assistants, calendar software for PCs and handhelds, and voice-to-text software have eliminated many clerical jobs.

As technology changes, we must sharpen our skills to keep up with the changing times and trends in the workplace. I cannot imagine a Robot doing certain jobs such as negotiating contracts and organizing new members; can you? We can only wait to see what new twists and turns technology will bring us in the years to come. ■

Workplace TrendsBy Beverly J. Williams, Business Representative – 385-0995, ext. 207

“Error moves with quick feet…and truth must never be lagging behind.” – Alexander Crummell (1819-1898) – Cleric and Scholar

“A wise man will keep his suspicions muzzled, but he will keep them awake.” – George Saville (1633-1695) – Statesman

“Forgiveness is all-powerful. Forgiveness heals all ills.” – Catherine Ponder – Writer

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I wrote this article over two years ago addressing the blatant favoritism being shown to certain Teamster members employed at one of our properties. Two weeks ago a member came in to speak to me regarding the exact same issue. I was asked to print it again because the issue is ongoing. So here it goes…

It was brought to my attention today that several Teamster members have been playing golf on a weekly basis with management at one of our hotels. I would like to point out to all of my Teamster brothers and sisters that even

though you may think of it as “no big deal”, your fellow employees see it differently. Your co workers are well aware of the favoritism shown i.e. early outs, extra days off, and the relationship existing between management and those individuals in question. We can’t tell you what friends to choose, but in the eyes of your co workers a relationship with management could be interpreted as fraternizing, i.e. (playing golf, tennis, hockey) or simply hanging out with them at a local bar. Remember Teamsters don’t hurt Teamsters. ■

Fraternizing with ManagementBy Debra Miller, Business Representative – 385-0995, ext. 208

DON’T SHOP AT WAL-MART OR SAM’S CLUB!

“If you have achieved any level of success, then pour it into someone else. Success is not success without a successor.” – T.D. Jakes – Cleric

Report, continued from page 1members that may not already know – WestCare, which is a program to help children kick drug and alcohol problems, got its start from a grant received from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in the amount of $50,000 and began its program right here in Las Vegas, Nevada. The General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters at the time of the grant was Frank Fitzsimmons. The original name for what is now called WestCare was the Fitzsimmons House.

Thanks for being Teamsters. Talk to any new hires that come to your department. Make sure all new hires are members. Should you question whether a new hire is a union member, just call the Local Union offices at 702-385-0995, ext. 7 and ask our staff. There truly is strength in numbers, and non-members weaken our members’ efforts to prevail in grievance resolutions and contract negotiations. Non-members that infiltrate your work area should be encouraged by every member in that work area to join the Union. ■

Scholarships Available:Since the mailing of our November General Membership Newsletter, our Local Union has received the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund applications for 2010. Since this scholarship offering was not published in our last General Membership Newsletter, I would like to call on all members to help us spread the word that this scholarship offering is available to our Teamster members in your work areas.

The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships annually to outstanding high school seniors. All applicants must comply with the following eligibility and application criteria.Each applicant must:

Be the son, daughter or grandchild of an active, retired, disabled, deceased or laid-off Teamster member who has 1. had at least twelve months of consecutive membership in good standing in the Teamsters Union;

Be in his/her last year of high school and may not apply if he/she has already graduated from high school;2. Be in the top 15% of his/her high school class;3. Plan to submit excellent SAT or ACT scores for evaluation (U.S. only);4. Plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university. Those who plan to attend non-academic or certificate 5. programs or community college, may not apply;

6. Applications must be received at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters offices no later than March 31, 2010; Applications are available at our Local Union offices.7.

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General Membership Newsletter4

Labor News From Around the Country

continued on page 5, See Labor News

Labor lobbied hard with congressional leaders to reconcile different versions of the House and Senate-passed health care bills. Unions made big legislative push as December ended following Senate passage of health care legislation on Christmas Eve. Union leaders and activists visited more than 100 members of Congress "to deliver thousands of letters from union members with a simple message: Pass real health care reform now-without a new tax on workers' benefits." Among the Senators they targeted was Ben Nelson, Democrat from Nebraska, who later voted to end filibuster helping to pave way for historic Senate vote. Organized labor Dec. 7 called on Congress to extend jobless benefits and health care assistance for unemployed workers. AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt-Baker cited a new report which predicted that one million workers will lose their benefits in January unless Congress acts quickly. Benefits for another 3.2 million will end in March, the report projected. The report was released at a news conference in Washington, D.C. where Holt Baker was joined by labor commissioners and officials from eight states, workers, union representatives and civil rights leaders. There are currently 26 million people who are either jobless or without full-time work. New study, "Keeping a First Line of Defense for the Jobless," was released by the National Employment Law Project (NELP), Center for American Progress Action Fund and The Half in Ten Campaign.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and Change to Win Chair Anna Burger and other key international and national union leaders participated in White House Jobs Summit Dec. 3. AFL-CIO and affiliates such as Work-ing America also sponsored series of roundtables around nation on the eve of the Jobs Summit to push for "immediate creation of good jobs." Federation released a five-point program for job creation while the CtW and other unions also submitted plans. The AFL-CIO plan includes: extending the lifeline for jobless workers; Rebuilding America's schools, roads, and energy systems; increasing aid to state and local governments to maintain vital services; funding jobs in our communities; and putting TARP funds to work for working families. "The job crisis is hitting all working Americans across the country," AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said. "We need jobs-now."

Change to Win union leaders unveiled their plan for job growth at President Obama's Jobs Summit in De-cember.

"The only way out of this recession is to work our way out of it," said Change to Win Chair Anna Burger. According to a statement, Change to Win's proposals focused on investment in building and maintaining state and local infrastructure; stimulate investment in emerging industries; generate additional jobs through addressing the "growing hunger crisis" across America with broadened food stamp eligibility as well as continued unemployment and health care benefits; and direct job creation with investment in public service jobs. Change to Win also pushed for a new job-creating trade policy that would promote U.S. exports.

Labor pushed back in December against Senate's health care reform proposals that would tax health plans worth more than $8,500 per year for individuals and $23,000 per year for families. AFL-CIO launched new series of ads opposing what it called a "new tax on middle class families' benefits." New tax, said the AFL-CIO, would increase premiums, cut benefits and raise out-of-pocket expenses for working families. Because the tax is not indexed to inflation, one in five workers would be affected by 2016, AFL-CIO said. "This would amount to an enormous tax on workers' health care benefits, one that would grow rapidly, as insurers increase premiums by an equivalent amount. It would shift health care costs onto the backs of workers," federation predicted.

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa urged Obama Administration to "think America first" when it comes to trade policy. Hoffa's remarks were later cited by President Obama in his nationally televised address following the White House Jobs Summit. "We've had a bad trade policy going back to Clinton, going back to Bush. We made bad trade deals. If you're going to export, you need to open markets," Hoffa said during a panel discussion on expanding American jobs through exports. As an example, he pointed out that Korean companies sell cars here but we can't sell U.S.-made cars there. "We still can't get our beef in, we can't get our cars in," he said. The same is true of China and Japan, he said. "When you go to China, they think 'Buy Chinese'. You want to do business there, you build a plant there," he added.

Unionization rates in Japan increased during 2009 for the first time since 1975, reported the government's recently released Basic Survey on Labor Unions conducted in June last year. Estimated 18.5 percent of all employees

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 995

February 12, 2010 5

belonged to unions, up 0.4 points from the previous year. According to news reports, increased membership among non-permanent workers, on top of a shrinking labor population, is considered to have contributed to the rise in percentage. Government survey found the number of union members nationwide totaled 10.078 million. Among industries, accommodation and food services experienced the highest jump in union membership of 11.2, followed by a 6.9 percent increase for wholesale and retail industry and 4 percent for transport and postal services. Unionization in construction and public service went down by 3.1 percent.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in December agreed to pay $40 million to 87,500 Massachusetts employees to resolve class action suit filed in 2001 which accused giant retailer of wage and hour violations. "It is the larg-est settlement of any wage and hour class action in the history of Massachusetts, and it dwarfs settlements of similar class actions against Wal-Mart across the country," said plaintiffs' attorney Philip Gordon. Workers had accused Wal-Mart of failing to provide proper rest and meal breaks, manipulating time cards and refusing to pay overtime. Payment comes less than three months after Wal-Mart agreed to a deal with state prosecu-tors to pay $3 million to settle charges that it denied its Massachusetts workers proper meal breaks. According to news reports, people who worked for Wal-Mart between August 1995 and this year will receive payments of between $400 and $2,500, depending upon their years of service.

International Longshoremen's Association recently ratified two-year extension of a master contract covering between 13,000 and 17,000 East and Gulf Coast dockworkers. Contract extension covers workers who load and unload ships from Maine to Texas. Wage increases range from $1-$1.50 hourly, depending on classifi-cation, with an increase in starting base rate from $16 to $20 hourly. "This master contract extension passing by such a large margin represents a monumental achievement for the ILA rank-and-file members," said ILA President Richard P. Hughes. Contract also provides that the union will be "partners with management in the introduction of new technology," according to union spokesperson James McNamara. He explained that the parties will create a new joint committee on technology that will look at many issues.

National Labor Relations Board recently affirmed Administrative Law Judge's ruling that Starbucks violated

labor rights of two workers in New York City by restricting activity on behalf of an Industrial Workers of the World union local and because of their support for the union. NLRB ordered Starbucks to reinstate with back pay two of the three fired employees, Joseph J. Agins Jr. and Daniel Gross, who the ALJ had determined were fired unlawfully, and to allow workers to wear pro-union pins to work. The company "interfered with, restrained, and coerced employees" at four stores in New York City by restricting their freedom to wear union buttons, the board said. IWW, which is attempting to organize Starbucks workers, issued a statement calling the NLRB decision "a huge victory" which gives "new momentum" to shop-floor organizing efforts.

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen announced Nov. 5 a tentative five-year agreement with BNSF Railway Co. "It is an honor for me and for the four BLET general chairmen to be able to present to our members a proposal that gives them the security of a five-year agreement, additional income and additional time off without a single giveback or rule change," said National Vice President Steve Speagle in a statement. BLET is a division of the Rail Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Pact covers about 6,000 locomotive engineers working for Ft. Worth, Texas-based BNSF and includes wage and work rule provi-sions. Health and welfare benefits would be determined through national railroad bargaining, which is set to begin in early 2010, the union said. The union did not release specific wage increases, but said pay hikes are provided in each year of the contract.

National Mediation Board considered historic changes in union representation elections. Proposed rule under review would allow workers covered by the Rail Labor Act to vote either "yes" or "no" for union representation. Under existing 75-year old rules, a majority of the entire eligible workforce is required to vote "yes" for a union which means every worker who does not vote is considered a "no" ballot. NMB's proposed rule reflects proposal made to the board Sept. 2 by more than 30 unions, who said current practice is "unfair and undemocratic." "With this change, never again will workers in these industries seeking to form a union be thwarted by such un-democratic rules," said Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), among the groups which requested the changes to NMB election procedures. ■

Labor News, continued from page 4

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This year, like last, I am choosing to stand with those in need, and there are plenty. I pride myself at being at the opposite end of the Chamber of Commerce, the moneyed on Wall Street, and the Fat Cat Bankers.

Which side are you on, is a question we need to ask, and re ask. Whether it is in the United States, Canada or New Zealand, we will ask the question. Elected officials, business associates, big banks and trade groups; all should be held accountable for the side they choose. Now is the time for accountability from those who; fight labor law reform, financial regulator reform, health care reform, or block change that brings shared prosperity to working families.

It is true that the greedy have chosen their side. The 6 largest banks in American handed out of $140 billion to their top tier. That is enough money to keep every home out of foreclosure for the next several years. The Chamber of Commerce spent over $100 million fighting EFCA, a public option for health care, and the creation of a consumer financial protection agency. Some elected officials chose to vote for special interests over the interests of the American public. It is time to ask the question, which side are you on?

In this New Year, I am most hopeful that there will continue to be organized outrage and action against those who are on the wrong side of working families. I am optimistic that we can create a foundation for a Fair Economy, one that puts people to work and works for people. I have seen the results of what can happen when we pull together for the cause of fairness and justice.

This last year, I was privileged to Chair the Business Leaders for a Fair Economy. This coalition of over 1000 business leaders, entrepreneurs and small business owners came together to counter the myth that the Employee Free Choice Act would hurt the business community.

I am proud to say that I, along with other outstanding business leaders Darren Horndasch, Damien Miller and Diana Ortiz, were presented the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award by American Rights at Work for our work on the coalition.…

As business leaders we know that shared prosperity starts with putting real change in workers pockets. It starts with putting people back to work and closing the ever growing wage disparity between the top 1/10 of one percent, and the millions of workers who have lost their job or suffered from flat or declining wages.

These issues are personal for me because the American Dream is very real to me. Everyone should have the same opportunity to achieve their dreams as I did.

In reality, sometimes I am embarrassed to use those initials CEO. For far too many, the initials "CEO" have come to signify choosing the wrong side; greed, corruption and disdain for hard working men and women, especially those who choose to belong to a union. CEO's who squander corporate profits to hire union hating organizations to violate labor law and fire and intimidate workers for exercising their right to for a union are no better than common criminals.

My saving grace is I am proud to be the CEO of a company that is different.

Last year, AIL/NILICO negotiated a new contract with our employees who are members of OPEIU Local 277. That contract puts more money, pensions, better health care and improved benefits into our employee's pockets.

Our commitment to shared prosperity has paid off at the bottom line. AIL and NILICO experienced over 20% growth in 2009, added 1500 new sales agents, expanded the number of public relations professionals, and all of them are dues paying union members.

To flourish in 2010, we must put more money into the pockets of the unemployed, underemployed and underpaid workers. We must create good jobs, allow for workers to choose to organize and protect consumers from predatory lenders. We must create and advance an economy built on fairness for all.

Lastly, we must demand accountability for the answer to the question, which side are you on? ■

Which Side Are You On?By Roger Smith, President & CEO, American Income, National Income Life Insurance Company

“There is incredible value in being of service to others. I think if many of the people in therapy offices were dragged out to put their finger in a dike, or take up their place in a working line, they would be relieved of terrible burdens.” – Elizabeth Berg – Novelist

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Retirees – Best WishesWe would like to congratulate the following member who recently retired: John Rosso–Valet at Bally’s Las Vegas for 10 years and previously at the Maxim and Aladdin Hotels.

SympathiesOur sympathies to the family and friends of Zenaida Jhockson, Bally’s Call Center and Carole Sharp, Las Vegas Hilton PBX; who recently passed away.Our sympathies to Sharon Sweet, Flamingo Front Desk on the loss of her husband; and Nancy Brasfield, Circus Circus Room Reservations, on the loss of her father.

The Teamsters in December announced their support for Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (l-Vt.) amendment to eliminate the proposed excise tax on insurance plans from the Senate health care reform proposal.

The 40 percent tax would be levied on family plans worth more than $23,000 and individual plans worth more than $8,500 starting in 2013. As those thresholds rise with inflation, more and more plans would be subject to the tax.

“Millions of working Americans will pay thousands of dollars more in taxes under the Senate’s proposal to finance health reform,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “Millions more will have their health benefits cut, even if they don’t belong to a union.”

Nearly two-thirds of employers would cut health benefits rather than pay the excise tax, according to a recent study by Mercer Consulting. Another 23 percent would pass the cost of the tax on to employees. Seven percent would simply terminate their plans.

“The idea that this tax will curtail rising premiums is just dead wrong,” Hoffa said. “We much prefer the House plan, which would require the wealthiest Americans to pay back part of the tax cuts they have been given over the past

decade.”

Many plans are expensive because they cover workers in dangerous occupations, because they are in regions where insurers have nearly-monopoly power, or because they cover a group that’s older than the general population.

Gary Willett, a member of Teamsters Local 730, spoke against the tax at a news conference with Sen. Sanders.

“The last thing middle-class working families need is to pay more taxes,” said Willett, who works in a Giant Food warehouse in Jessup, Md. I’m working 50-60 hours a week of hard, physical labor, loading trucks in a warehouse. I’m paying income tax on 50-60 hour weeks. When we negotiated our contract with Giant Food, we gave up part of a wage increase to maintain our health benefits at the same level. My plan isn’t a Cadillac plan. I pay 20 percent of major medical charges and I have an annual deductible of $200. If this tax goes into effect, the cost of my plan will exceed the threshold in 2017. I expect my employer will pass that tax on to me or my benefits will be cut. That means I will either be paying $230 more in that first year than I’m already paying or my benefits will be reduced. I urge the Senate to tax those who can afford a Cadillac, not hard-working middle-class families.” ■

Teamsters Oppose Senate Plan to Tax Health Insurance Plans – Support Sanders Amendment to Eliminate Tax

“The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can’t be done isgenerally interrupted by someone doing it.” – Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915) – Writher and Publisher

Plus Credit UnionFor any of our members who might be interested in joining a credit union, Plus Credit Union is an option available for Teamsters Local 995 members and their immediate families. Plus Credit Union (formerly known as IBEW Plus Credit Union) is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial organization that has been in operation since 1952. The members of the Credit Union are primarily

dues-paying union workers. The employees of the Credit Union are union members, represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 396. Plus Credit Union offers many services such as loans, mortgages, several types of accounts, second-chance checking and many other products. For more information, call 871-4746 or go to www.ibewpluscu.org.

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Pension InquiriesAttention all Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan participants. Field representatives from the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund will be at the Southwest Administrators offices in Las Vegas, Nevada on the second Tuesday and Wednesday of every month, as well as the fourth Tuesday and Wednesday of every month from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To schedule a meeting to speak with your Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan representative regarding your plan benefit, call 1-800-453-1634.

No member should retire without counseling with their pension providers to assure themselves that they have met all necessary qualifications and that they understand their monthly benefits.

A business owner decides to take a tour around his operation and see how things are going. At the shipping docks he sees a young man leaning against the wall doing nothing.

The owner walks up to the young man and says, “Son how much do you make a day? “

The guy replies “200 dollars.”

The owner pulls out his wallet gives him $ 200 and tells

him to get out and never come back.

A few minutes later a shipping clerk asks the owner “Have you seen the UPS driver? I asked him to wait here for me.”

A Worthwhile WaitBy Mark Ranger, Organizer – 385-0995, ext. 215

Are You Serious?Can you cry underwater?

When do you become important enough to be considered assassinated and not just murdered?

Why does grass grow where you do not want it to and not grow where you do?

Why did we put a man on the moon before we realized it would be a good idea to make luggage with wheels?

If we don’t care that Jimmy cracked corn, why do we still sing about it?

We say, “It’s Greek to me.” What to the Greeks say?

What disease did cured ham have?

What’s the difference between unique and very unique?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast?

When you get to heaven, are you stuck for eternity wearing the same clothes you were buried in?

Why are actors IN movies but ON television?

Why do we pay to get to the top of tall buildings, then pay to use binoculars to look at things on the ground?

“At 3-1/2, my son Nick was excited to be starting preschool like a big boy. We sent him off with pride and high hopes. At the end of the first day, we asked him, ‘What lesson did you learn today?’ His answer: ‘Don’t climb the fence.’ We’re still proud and hopeful, though we thing his teacher’s got her hands full.” – Frank Sennett – Journalist

“Forgiving is not forgetting; it’s actually remembering – remembering and not using your right to hit back. It’s a second chance for a new beginning. And the remembering part is particularly important. Especially if you don’t want to repeat what happened.” – Desmond Tutu – Cleric and Civil Rights Leader

“Home is the heart of life…Home is where we feel at ease, where we belong, where we can create surroundings that reflect our tastes and pleasures… Making a home is a form of creativity open to everyone.” – Terrence Conran – Entrepreneur and Designer

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 995

February 12, 2010 9

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 995

REQUEST FOR NAME/ADDRESS/BENEFICIARY CHANGE300 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas, Nevada 89106 • (702) 385-0995 phone • (702) 385-4410 fax

Should you have a name, address, phone number or beneficiary change, please fill out this form and return it to the Local Union offices as soon as possible. Beneficiary changes should be turned in to the pension and health insurance offices also. Those forms are available at the Local Union offices.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________Last Name First Name Initial

Social Security Number ________________________________

ADDRESS CHANGE

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ New Street Address City State Zip Code

New phone number including area code (_____)___________________________

NAME CHANGE ONLY

New Name _____________________________________________

BENEFICIARY CHANGE Note: The beneficiary designation below cancels all my prior beneficiary designations.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________Benificiary Last Name First Name Initial

Relationship ________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street Address City State Zip Code

Signature _________________________________Date___________________

Would you like us to mail you address and beneficiary change forms for our insurance office?_____ yes _____ no, and/or our Pension Trust Fund office? _____ yes _____ no.

Withdrawal CardsShould you be planning to leave the jurisdiction of our Local Union for any reason, to include a promotion to a supervisory position, moving out of state, starting your own business, etc., please contact the Local Union to obtain a withdrawal card. Just call 385-0995, ext. 7 or come by the Local Union offices to obtain that card. It is quick and easy to obtain. ■

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 995

General Membership Newsletter10

Roger Stoewer,Excalibur Receiver

Danny Wietzel,Stratosphere Warehouse

Walter Plourde,Bally's Warehouse

Admiral Dewey,Paris Warehouse

Ed Rudd,Luxor Warehouse Shop Steward and

Teamsters Local 995 Trustee

Sophal Sar,Stratosphere

Warehouse, Alternate Shop Steward

Marvie Harris,Tropicana PBX

Richard Adams,Excalibur Receiver

Chester Cooper,LV Hilton Receiver

Felipe Mireles,LV Hilton Receiver

Harry Gooding,Stratosphere Warehouse

James Colby Prather,Circus Receiver

Dexter Carreon,Stratosphere Warehouse

Shane Elliott,Paris Warehouse

Hector Valenzuela,Stratosphere Warehouse

Jorge Blanco,Rio Warehouse

Larry Graves,LV Hilton Receiver

Millard Webb,Caesars Palace

Warehouse

Richard Nadeau,Harrah's Receiver

Steve Wehby,Rio Warehouse

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 995

February 12, 2010 11

Allen Sansone,Rio Warehouse

Marco Osorio,Stratosphere Warehouse

Chuck Cameron,Plaza Receiver

Gerry Gillett,Luxor Warehouse

Steve Symons,Harrah's Receiver

John Vittorino,Caesars Palace

Warehouse

Brian Ashworth,Tropicana Receiver

Rich Rumer,Sahara Warehouse

Dave Robinson,Caesars Warehouse

Steve Black,Excalibur Receiver,

Shop Steward

Kib Marler,Circus Receiver

Eric Rowe,Rio Warehouse

Joe Sims,Caesars Palace

Warehouse

Rick Benge,Caesars Palace

Warehouse

Rolando Cotton,Tropicana Receiver

Lionel Scorza,Rio Warehouse

Tony Dukes,Caesars Warehouse

Shop Steward

Don Marshall,Excalibur Receiver

Jack Murray,Rio Warehouse

Cedric Dixon,Paris Warhouse

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 995

General Membership Newsletter12

Matt Frisvold,Plaza Receiver

Doug Wendelin,Caesars Palace

Warehouse

Rob Love,Paris Warehouse

Chris Rapone,Caesars Palace

Warehouse

Sonny Camat,Rio Warehouse

Danny Claudio,Stratosphere Warehouse

Oscar Cardenas,Excalibur Receiver

Big Rob Benavente,Stratosphere Warehouse

Harry Gooding,Stratosphere Warehouse

Kevin Partell,Circus Receiver

Richard Brand,Luxor Warehouse

Carlos Gonzales,Paris Warehouse

Tommy Cantu,LV Hilton Receiver

Dave White,Caesars Palace

Warehouse Foreman

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 995

February 12, 2010 13

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 995

Admiral Larry, Kelly Young, Llew Wilson & Rick Horn,Paris Warehouse

Mike Magnani, Secretary-Treasurer, Teamsters 995 congratulates Charles Williams,Circus Circus Laborer,

on his retirement

Eric King & Llew Wilson,Paris Warehouse

Jose Bermudez, Carlos Vega & Lucio Cavada,Bally's Warehouse

Marco Osorio, Harry Gooding, Big Rob Benavente & Danny Claudio, Stratosphere Warehouse

Cesar Insorio & Artis Carhee,Luxor Warehouse

Chris Barnaby and Russell Hollis,Circus Circus Warehouse

Horacio Garcia & Roy Mariscal,Bally's Warehouse

Oscar Pena, Rick Lombardi & Juan Higuera,Paris Warehouse

PROFESSIONAL, CLERICALAND MISCELLANEOUS

EMPLOYEESLOCAL UNION 995

AFFILIATED WITHTHE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD

OF TEAMSTERS

300 SHADOW LANELAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89106

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLAS VEGAS, NVPERMIT NO.686