Teamsters Joint Council 7 Appoints First-Ever Political Director

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Jun 04, 2010, 03:53 ET

Doug Bloch Will Help Strengthen Member-to-Member Program to Build Power for Working Families; Deepen Partnerships with Community, Environmental, Other Allies

OAKLAND, Calif., June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Joint Council 7 President Rome Aloise today announced that Doug Bloch will serve as the first-ever Political Director for the regional council, which spans 22 local unions across Northern California and parts of Nevada. Bloch brings over 15 years of political, legislative and field-organizing experience to advance issues important to workers and their communities.

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Most recently, he served as Change to Win's Oakland Campaign Director for the Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports, a diverse alliance of over 115 local, state and national organizations to advocate for a more efficient U.S. trucking system that creates good jobs, curbs diesel emissions, and helps responsible businesses compete in the green economy. The Teamsters play an active role in this "blue-green" effort that includes the Alameda County Labor Council, the Center for Environmental Health, and the Sierra Club. Prior to that, Bloch coordinated legislative and policy strategies for SEIU Local 24/7 to help a largely African-American security officer workforce unite on the job, improve safety and training, and win middle-class paychecks and health care. He also spearheaded a member-based endorsement process for the local's political program.

"We are excited that someone with Doug's experience, passion and commitment has come on board to help expand workers' voices on the job and in their communities," said Aloise. "His proven track record will help ensure that those in office – and those seeking office – stand up for ordinary working families who deserve to see their hard work rewarded and valued. Over 50,000 members are ready to become more active in the political process and more engaged with our partners in the progressive movement."

Bloch will develop and coordinate a union education and mobilization program for the upcoming state, local, and Congressional elections, along with building member participation in the Teamsters' political action committee, DRIVE (Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education).

Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports Communications Director Valerie Lapin will serve as the Port Campaign Director. She brings 30 years of public policy, political and strategic communications experience within the union movement and specialized in environmental affairs as a Congressional legislative aide. Both Lapin and Bloch will continue to work closely together in their new posts.

In another sign of the Teamsters' deep commitment to politics and organizing, Heather Weiner, a veteran campaign strategist on labor and environmental issues, will become the Washington State-based Joint Council 28's new political action director.

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

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters