~ Sample Ballot ~
Do we have your correct address?
Do we have your correct address?
Atlantic County Q & A
Will my contract stay the same if I switch unions?
The UWU is making a big point in their handouts that they don't want to change the Teamster contract and that "you will not automatically lose by switching your union". If you don't want to change your contract - why switch unions? You may not lose "automatically", but you may lose eventually. Why do you think the County is withholding your 86 cent per hour raise? The UWU is so desperate for votes that they are using these half-truths to convince you there is no price to be paid for giving up your Teamsters contract.
Will my benefits be affected? see newspaper article
Maybe not immediately, but all of those things are negotiable and there is no guarantee that a new union could negotiate better or even the same benefits. For example, the Teamsters Local maintains a scholarship fund that has benefitted more than a dozen families of Atlantic County employees to the tune of several thousands of dollars. The UWU is too small to match that kind of benefit.
Are private sector contracts a bad thing?
The Atlantic County Teamsters local has more public sector employees than the UWU's entire "national" organization. Our private sector contracts give us the strength and numbers to negotiate public sector contracts that are the envy of even the biggest governmental unions. No one rivals the Teamsters political action capabilities. If the UWU contracts are so good, why do they have so few members? And why do almost all of them come from other unions?
Is the trusteeship a bad thing?
While the trusteeship was put in place by Teamsters President James P. Hoffa to correct problems with the local administration, this has only helped the members. Brother Hoffa has made a commitment to the Teamsters in Atlantic County and has backed it up with the formidable resources of the International Union. Today the local treasury is healthier, the staff is more responsive and the membership is becoming more active.
How can I help?
Come to Teamster meetings, call or email us, talk to co-workers about what is at stake in this election. Any union is only a good as its members, and Atlantic County Teamsters have really stepped up to the plate, volunteering to help win for all of us.
When can I vote?
Just as soon as you get your ballot in the mail at your home during the week of February 11th. Follow the instructions, mark your ballot for Teamsters Local 331 and put it back in the mail right away. It's that simple! If you don't get a ballot by February 19th call the number on the election notice for a duplicate ballot.
We want you to stay in the Teamsters family!
We will listen to your concerns.
We will listen to your concerns.
Elections are about majority rule and we are confident that the Teamsters represent a majority in this election. When this election is over, we want to put our differences aside and work for the benefit of all Atlantic County employees.
We realize that some of you have made a commitment to change and that you don't feel that you can go back on your word. That is an honorable position to take. Others of you may just have to agree to disagree. We respect that.
The trusteeship and the Teamsters International are also committed to change. Some of those changes are already taking place and can be seen by your co-workers and fellow members. Other changes are yet to come and we need your help to put them in place.
The Teamsters contract is a good contract and the Teamsters are a good union. The only missing ingredient is your active support and participation. There is nothing you can do in a smaller union that you can't do in the Teamsters. Let's work together to end the division between us. Unity and the Teamsters make a winning combination!
EACH ONE, REACH ONE
Why don't people vote? There may be many reasons but one of the biggest is that no one asked them to! Ask, and you shall receive! If you ask a co-worker to vote, and they agree, they probably will vote. The union you save may be your own! Look for your ballot, it may look like junk mail. Don't put it on the coffee table, or on the refrigerator, or in your glove compartment. That's a good way to forget or lose your ballot and the chance to decide your contract. Vote right away, follow the instructions exactly, don't sign the ballot, use the double envelopes, and mail it right back in. Ask, ask, ask your friends and co-workers. Did you receive your ballot? If you don't get a ballot by February 19th call 609-292-6780 right away and ask for a replacement ballot. If you lose or spoil your ballot call the same number. Don't let someone else decide for you. Make sure Teamsters members not only receive but return the ballot promptly. If "each one reaches one" you can double your votes!
Warning! We have received reports that David Tucker (UWU) is setting his sights on Judicial workers in county court buildings. If you encounter this individual, be highly suspicious. Question his clearance to be in the building for purposes of outside union solicitation. Above all, DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING! You may be signing your union contract away! Tucker uses those signatures to force a PERC election, a long, costly effort to sow dissension, and divide your union against each other for his own personal benefit and gain.
Please report any and all sightings to the Teamsters and do not be suckered into believing his promises and lies. Atlantic County workers are suffering from Tucker's turmoil right now, don't fall into the same trap. If you have concerns or complaints about the Teamsters, bring them to us and we will respond. Remember, Tucker will ask you to sign up. He may tell you that the signature does not mean anything, but once you have signed he will not give it back. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING FOR THIS MAN! The contract you save may be your own!
Please report any and all sightings to the Teamsters and do not be suckered into believing his promises and lies. Atlantic County workers are suffering from Tucker's turmoil right now, don't fall into the same trap. If you have concerns or complaints about the Teamsters, bring them to us and we will respond. Remember, Tucker will ask you to sign up. He may tell you that the signature does not mean anything, but once you have signed he will not give it back. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING FOR THIS MAN! The contract you save may be your own!