Pasco County Government Workers Rally for a Secure Future as Teamsters

More Than 1,000 County Workers Forming Union To Gain Rights, Protections

News provided by

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Aug 22, 2010, 12:00 ET

PORT RICHEY, Fla., Aug. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa led a rally today attended by hundreds of Pasco County government workers who are working now to form their union with the Teamsters so they can achieve a more secure future.

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"On behalf of 1.4 million Teamsters, including 239,000 public service employees, I stand with you today in support of your fight to become Teamsters," Hoffa said. "You work hard every day serving the citizens of Pasco County, and you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and to earn a secure future for yourselves and your families."

The county employees include parks and recreation workers, building inspectors, information-technology workers, probation officers, emergency communications officers, library employees and numerous other classifications. Workers will be mailed ballots on September 7 and will have until September 30 to vote.

County workers in nearby Hernando, Collier and Citrus counties have formed their union with the Teamsters in recent years, and employees of those counties are supporting their Pasco colleagues.

"The momentum to join the Teamsters continues to build among county government workers in the Tampa area because workers see first-hand what a Teamster contract provides—security, rights on the job and a brighter future in general," said Ken Wood, President of Local 79 in Tampa. "We look forward to welcoming Pasco County workers and negotiating a strong contract for these hardworking men and women."

Workers are seeking job security, a fair seniority process, fair and consistent work rules, an effective method to challenge unfair management decisions, a strong voice and strong union representation.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters