Over 50 Atlantic County members attended a strategy meeting with the Teamsters Monday night in response to the election to be held February 11 to choose union representatives.  There were several special guests from the Teamsters International, including experts in organizing and communications.  The discussion was lively and open and even a supporter of the UWU was allowed to speak.  The members quickly reminded him though of the cost of this election to everyone whose raises are now on hold and may be jeopardized by the outcome.  Many members volunteered to help fight back and gave statements of support and encouragement.
 
Other members pointed out the excellent raises (86, 87, and 88 cents an hour) that the Teamster bargaining committee negotiated.  The Teamster contract could not, however, be honored if a different representative were elected.  A new union would have to bargain a new contract and no one can guarantee the outcome or tell how long that might take.
 
International Trustee Marcus King answered questions about the election process and listened to the members' concerns.  He cleared up several rumors and propaganda that had been distributed by the UWU to county employees.  When Marcus finally asked, "Who is going to help us win?" every hand was raised.  An Action Committee was formed after the meeting to carry out an effective outreach campaign in the workplace to defend the Teamsters contract and the Teamsters members from this outside threat.  Keep checking here for updates on our progress and for new opportunities to help ensure a landslide Teamster victory!