Local 340 remains committed to support The American Diabetes Association

On June 24th the American Diabetes Association hosted its 2003 Business Leaders Reception presenting "Diabetes in the Workplace." President Carson teamed up with Portland Police Chief, Michael Chitwood and Portland Youth Chair, Claudia Ouellette. As the faces of diabetes — a business agent to thousands of Maine employees effected by diabetes, as a productive member of the community, as a child living with diabetes, they addressed the crowd about the effects of diabetes in the workplace and working with diabetes.

America's Walk for Diabetes dates and locations are as follows:

September 20th in Presque Isle
September 21st in Bangor
September 27th in Augusta
September 28th in Lewiston/Auburn
October 11th in Portland
October 12th in Kennebunk

Local 340 is proud of its members who turned out last year to help raise over $100,000 dollars in the State of Maine through pledged walker dollars and sponsorships combined to support and find a cure for diabetes. The money raised is used to help with education, research and advocacy throughout the State. It's been said that Maine is higher than the national average, with over 73,000 Maine people with diabetes. Diabetes effects many Teamster members and their families so please, join a fellow brother or sister in a walk to find a cure, your support will make a difference.

Local 340 encourages the members in each area to participate. If you are interested in heading up a group from your workplace, please contact Christine Noble at (207) 774-7717. Your efforts will not go unnoticed in appreciation.

TEAMSTERS 100th Anniversary Celebration
1903-2003
Washington D.C.

September 4-6, 2003

All members welcome.

James E. Carson

President and Business Agent

The Proposed Indian Casino in Sanford, Maine.

Many people have inquired about the status of the proposed Indian Casino in Sanford slated to be voted on statewide on November 4th. This Local Union has been hard at work on the Casino in hopes of helping pass the referendum question on November 4th and secure a neutrality agreement with the Tribes to organize the Casino employees. A neutrality agreement allows a Union accesses to the employers for the purpose of encouraging them to sign a representation card authorizing the Union to represent them for purposes of negotiating wages, hours and working conditions.

We are happy to report to you that the objective has been accomplished so that we will have a neutrality agreement with this employer which will allow us unprecedented access to the employees. In addition, the employer agrees not to campaign against the Union so long as the terms and conditions of the neutrality agreement are adhered to. In other words, if the referendum question passes, it is a very high likelihood that this Local Union will have four thousand new members in Sanford Maine.

Many of you may have read in the papers that the Casino will be built with Union labor under a project labor agreement. This means between two thousand and twenty five hundred good paying construction jobs for a two year period. This represents the 2nd largest construction project in the history of the State, built with Union labor.

At the moment the polls look very good. Our Local, in conjunction with the State AFL-CIO is in the process of implementing our member to member campaign strategy that was so effective in the fall campaigns.

I feel confident, having been involved in this project for over a year, that the Casino is right for Maine, right for the people, right for the Tribes and right for the Union. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs is the theme, good paying Union jobs with benefits and security, the kind of jobs that will not fly away to China next week. Take a look at the economy, the State budget, federal budget, income taxes, property taxes, plant closings, the schools and the drain of young talent from our State. Times are changing, we need to be about reinventing Maine. The textiles, the shoes, the paper are all going, or gone. The future is elsewhere, the Casino is just a start.

From the desk of Terry Hanlon, Secretary-Treasurer

Hours of Service Regulations

The new Hours of Service are effective as of June 27, 2003. All companies must comply with the old hours of service rules until the compliance date of January 4, 2004. The old rules are 10 hours driving time, no driving after 15 hours on duty, 8 hours off duty.

As of January 4, 2004 all companies must comply with the new hours of service rules. The new rules are 11 hours of driving time, no driving after 14 hours, 10 hours off duty. There is no transition period.

Proposed Changes of the Comp Time Rule

The issues of comp time changes are a threat to many of our members. The changes would allow the employer to decide when and who to offer comp time. They could deny time off. Employers could cash out comp time at the regular pay rates not overtime rates. You could work overtime and not get paid at time and one half for it.

Proposed Changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act that could cut overtime for workers

The proposal would allow a reclassification of workers as "White Collar" employees ineligible for overtime. Some job classes that could lose their overtime eligibility are: Mid Level Office Worker, Low Level Supervisor, Licensed Practical Nurses, Route Sales Drivers, Police Officers. EMT's, Paramedics, Secretaries, Health Technicians, and Administrative Support Personnel.

THE TEAMSTERS UNION IS WORKING TO RESCIND THESE CHANGES AND NEEDS YOUR HELP. CALL YOUR MAINE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES AND TELL THEM TO OPPOSE THESE CHANGES.

Teamsters Union Local 340, chartered in 1937, wants to thank all past, present, and future Teamsters for the successful Labor movement in the State of Maine.

UPDATES

Michaud forms House Labor and Working Families Caucus

Washington, DC - Congressman Michael H. Michaud announced the House Administration Committee has approved the formation of the House Labor and Working Families Caucus. Rep. Michaud is an original co-founder of the caucus, along with two other card carrying union members, Reps. Linda Sanchez and Stephen Lynch. This caucus is dedicated to strengthening the support for a pro-labor legislative agenda. As a 30-year worker at Great Northern Paper Company in East Millinocket, Rep. Michaud is a member of the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers (PACE) International Union.

D.R.I.V.E.
Democrat Republican Independent Voter Education

Contact your shop steward or call Local 340 to get your enrollment card to make voluntary contributions for political purposes, including contributions to support candidates for local, state and federal offices.

Teamster Target 5000

As you know the Teamsters Union can have no better friend holding an elected office than a fellow Teamster. The IBT Government Affairs Department is committed to electing as many Teamster members as possible. If you know of any Teamsters who are elected or interested in running for a public office please contact the Local.

Kittery Stewards
2003 State Snow Plow Champions

On June 5, 2003 Kittery Public Works Shop Stewards, Fred Dixon and James Nightingale participated in and WON the A.P.W.A State Snow Plow Rodeo Competition held in Skowhegan. Teams from all over the State competed for the opportunity to represent the State of Maine in the National Snow Plow Rodeo to be held in Colorado this September. Jim also won 1st place for the best overall driving skills.

In 1993 and 1994 Fred and a former employee participated in the Snow Plow Rodeo and took 1st place both years. Fred and Jim demonstrated their skills and ability to do the task at hand and do it well.

Fred and Jim's excellent performance on and off the job site is a source of pride to their families and fellow Teamsters. Once again Teamsters' Stewards lead the way.

On behalf of the membership, the Officers, Agents and Staff of Teamsters Local 340 salute Fred and Jim for a job well done. Good luck in September.

NNEBT

By Robert L. Piccone
President Emeritus Teamsters Union Local #340

RETIREE'S CORNER

Stay connected; reminisce with your Teamster brothers and sisters.

June 26th, July 31st, and August 28th

Picnic time starts at 11:00 a.m. just after the regular meeting. Regular meetings take place on the last Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Local 340 Union Hall. If you are interested in joining, please attend a meeting. Annual dues are $12.00.

Retiree Vision Vouchers: To be eligible you simply need to be a Teamster Retiree. The vouchers are available through Local 340 at a cost of $100.00 per voucher, as needed. Simply send your check along with your name, address, social security number, and date of birth and your voucher will be sent to you.

Retiring Teamsters: Steward, Marcia Elton, was instrumental in forming the Teamsters Clerical Unit in the Town of Berwick in 1995. Marcia has served as steward since 1998, her leadership and dedication to duty resulted in the Berwick employees receiving collective bargaining agreements that protected and improved their benefits, wages and working conditions. She has served the citizens of Berwick since 1977 and at a young age of 73 she has decided to retire and spend more time riding her motorcycle. Marcia, it has been a good ride. On behalf of the membership; the Officers, Agents and Staff wish to thank Marcia for her faithful service to her Union.

BUSINESS AGENT and TRUSTEE REPORTS

By Jim Gorham, Vice President & Business Agent
I hope you are all having a great summer. I wish to thank all the Officers, Agents and Staff at Local 340 and my Teamster Brothers and Sisters who have personally shown their concern and care throughout my recovery. I'm still working a short week and Bill Turkewitz has been filling in for me and doing a great job as usual. Freight is doing better with the warm weather upon us and Lane Construction is busy. Alan Churchill has been helping with IBC and Sylvia Hebert and I have been dealing with York County Corrections grievances. Negotiations are ongoing for the York County Captains and at Redlon & Johnson.

By Terrence Hanlon, Secretary-Treasurer
This year is our Union's 100th Birthday. We all should take time to remember those who came before us. They did so much with so little to better our lives. We could not possibly thank or reward them for all their work on behalf of their fellow Teamsters. We need to look into the future and continue that work for those who are and those who will become Teamsters. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEAMSTERS.

This summer has been busy. Sylvia and I have settled a number of contracts and grievances. With 16 Collective Bargaining Agreements in negotiations Sylvia is learning the business and had proven herself to be a force to reckon with.

UPS' daily problems and grievances continue. Ken Leary has been working with me on UPS and has settled many issues. Ken can still "Slay a Dragon" — Thanks Ken

By Ken Eaton, Recording Secretary & Business Agent
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer with family and friends. I, like the rest of the agents, have been really busy throughout the summer. Representing our members keeps all of us very busy. Since the last newsletter I have been able to settle many labor contracts with the help of the effective shop stewards we have in each unit. Among those units recently settled are Franklin County Sheriff's Department, Lincoln PD, Fairfield Fire and PD, Bucksport Fire, PW and PD, Waterville Fire, and PW, Winslow Custodians and Madison PD. All of the agreements preserved members' rights and benefits and further inroads were made into improving those benefits where possible. I would like to thank the Executive Board for recently appointing me to the position of Recording Secretary. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve this local in this new capacity and will strive to meet the needs and expectations of our members and of the executive board in this new position. Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you in the fall at the general membership meetings.

By Dennis Sisti, Trustee
Summer has a way of passing by very quickly, this one is no different. Make the most of vacationland. Remember that when Labor Day and September come Union meetings start again. I encourage more members to participate in our monthly meetings. If you are already attending then make an effort to bring a co-worker or two with you. Consider that your contract is not something your employer just gives to you but rather something that is negotiated over long and hard by your union.

By Carl Guignard, Trustee & Business Agent
This has been a very active time for the units that I am assigned. Twenty-two collective bargaining agreements were negotiated and ratified since June of 2002. We recently reached an agreement with the University of Maine that took over a year to put together. With the help of the State Mediator, Sheila Mayberry, we were able to develop a package that the members ratified. Offering state workers no increase for the next two years, this should be looked at as a positive for our members. At Philips Elmet the down turn in the economy has cost our members many jobs through layoffs. I find that the most difficult part of this job is dealing with issues for members who lose their jobs with having done nothing wrong. If the economic picture improves as the stock market rebounds, I believe that by the end of the year Philips will be recalling employees. I have had several cases with the Maine Labor Relations Board over this past year; fact-finding in Jay, prohibitive practice complaints in Mexico and Dixfield and arbitration's in Oxford County, Cumberland County and the University of Maine. At Biddeford Police and Rockland Police contracts were settled with a change in their Maine State Retirement System to a 2/3 benefit.

By Mickey Maynard, Trustee & Business Agent
Dear members, I hope you and your families are enjoying a great summer. Unfortunately labor issues do not subside during warm summer months. I am currently preparing for a number of arbitration cases and daily I deal with many issues that have not reached the arbitration level. We have settled the Aroostook County Sheriffs Department contracts after 20 months of negotiations. I would like to thank the members who work for the Aroostook County Sheriffs Dept for their patience and help during this long bargaining process. We have also settled the Calais School contract and have finalized the Calais PD, PW, Water and Fire contracts. We are currently very close to an agreement with the City of Caribou for the Fire and PD bargaining agreements. Soon we'll start negotiations with Hodgdon School for the Bus drivers. Remember times are tough for working people in this country and we are fortunate that our jobs are protected by a union contract. Keep us strong, support your Union.

By Alan Churchill, Business Agent
2003 is the year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. We have inherited such a proud tradition as leaders in the labor movement. No matter what the cost we must stand in solidarity protecting what those before us won with their sweat and blood. This great union has done so much for all of us. We must never forget where we came from and how our many rights and benefits were won. One big thank you to this great union.

By Sylvia Hebert, Business Agent
I would like to take this opportunity to thank President Carson and the Executive Board for having the confidence in me to provide me this opportunity to serve the membership of Local 340 as their new business agent. In return I pledge to you that I will strive to achieve the level of excellence that Teamsters Local 340 is known for. I have been a Teamster for 14 years and was employed at Philips Elmet where I had the pleasure to serve the members at Philips as their Steward and Chief Steward. The knowledge and experience gained at Philips has helped me enormously in my current endeavors. Since my appointment as a Business Agent I have attended the Teamster Leadership Academy in Washington DC and participated in the Public Sector Conference. The knowledge gained through those experiences will be very valuable in serving the membership. I've been working with Secretary-Treasurer Terry Hanlon for the last 5 months. We have settled 6 contracts and are in negotiations with 16 other units. During this time I have met many members and have enjoyed working with them and look forward to working with them in the future. Besides negotiations we have settled many grievances and have had suspensions reduced for our members. Jim Gorham and I are negotiating a new contract for the Captains in York County. We are actively involved with several issues in York County. Bill Turkewitz has been a tremendous source of information and extremely helpful in our dealing with the York County Commissioner. I am looking forward to working with all of members of the units I will be serving. I would like to thank Robert Piccone, President Emeritus, President Carson, and the rest of the Business Agents with a special thanks to Secretary-Treasurer Terry Hanlon for their help and support. This is a great group of individuals and I am proud to be part of such a dynamic team.

Visit Local 340 Website

• Pension Fund

• Credit Union

• Northern New England Benefit Trust (NNEBT)

• Union Executive Board
• Retiree's
• Organizing News and Updates

• Library w/ FMLA, ADA info.
• Workers Compensation in Maine

• many other choices.

Scholarship Funds
Winners for 2002-2003

James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Awards $300,000 for 2002-2003. Each year, 75 scholarships are awarded. Applicants compete in one of the five geographic regions where the Teamster parent's local union is located. Twenty-five of the awards total $10,000 each and fifty of the awards are one-time grants of $1,000. The scholarships are disbursed to the college or university at the beginning of the recipients freshman year. An impartial committee of university admissions and financial aid directors choose recipients based on academic achievement, SAT/ACT scores, character, potential, and financial need. The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship quadruples the amount of money given by the Teamster National Scholarship, the previous award. While money from the past scholarship came from the Teamsters General Fund, the James R. Hoffa Scholarship is self-sustaining. Although this scholarship was established three years ago it is already a tremendous success. Information on how to support the scholarship can be found on the Internet at www.teamster.org. Due to the great number of applicants and because the program is extremely competitive, all applicants must comply with eligibility and application criteria. Please contact our office for an application.

Congratulations to J. Derek Benavides, son of member John Benavides from Interstate Brands as the 2002-2003 winner the Joint Council 10 New England Scholarship. Joint Council 10 offers 25 $1000 scholarships to the children of Teamster members. A scholarship is awarded to each Local Union in the jurisdiction of Teamsters Joint Council 10 New England. Eligibility requirements are that the Local Union members must be in "good standing" and the payment of dues is current. The scholarships are available only for the year that the student is graduating from high school and for those who plan to attend an accredited college or university. Applications may be obtained from the parent member's local union and will be available in January 2004 for students graduating May/June 2004.

Congratulations to Jamie Slaney and Matthew Davis as winners of the 2002-2003 Albert H. Page Scholarship. Jamie is the daughter of Scott Slaney with Yellow Freight and Matthew is the son of John Davis with Interstate Brands. The fund provides two (2) scholarships per year, one (1) for a son and one (1) for a daughter of Local 340 Teamster members, for use in pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university of the recipient's choice. Each scholarship award shall be for one year only and shall be in the amount of $500.00 for each winner.

Get a Withdrawal Card When
You Leave Your Job

Be sure you request a withdrawal card when being laid-off, going on leave of absence, lengthy medical leave, or terminating your employment. There is no charge for a withdrawal card but all initiation fees and back dues must be paid before the withdrawal is issued. Stop by the office, or complete the form and mail it to our office.

It is your responsibility to obtain a Withdrawal Card so please take care of it as soon as possible after leaving the company, so that you will not be obligated to pay extra dues. Failure to request a Withdrawal card may cause you to pay back dues.

In accordance with article CVIII, Section 6(i) of the IBT Constitution, "It shall be compulsory for any active member on withdrawal card to deposit his withdrawal card immediately upon return to employment at the craft."

Withdrawal Card Request

Name_____________________________________________

Social Security # __________-______-__________

Home Phone No. __________-_______-__________

Address______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

My Last Day of Work _______/_______/__________

Name of Employer___________________________________

Reason for Leaving__________________________________

(Quit, Laid Off, Terminated, etc.)

__________________________________________
Signature

If You're Moving…

Use this same form to report your new or corrected address, and mail to the address below.

Mail to:

Teamsters Local 340
144 Thadeus Street
PO Box 2290
South Portland, ME 04106

For Your Information…

Phone Numbers:

Northern New England Benefit Trust
1-800-258-9732

N.E. Teamsters and Baking Industry Health Insurance Benefit Fund
1-800-637-9096

Teamsters Pension Fund
1-800-447-7709

Davis Vision Care
1-800-999-5431

Teamstar
1-800-808-3239

Teamster Care Pharmacy
1-800-235-0760

Planning for Retirement?

Larry Fleury with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund comes to Local 340 once a month to discuss your pension benefits. Contact Local 340 for scheduled times or to make an appointment.

Teamsters Clothing for Sale

How to Read a Receipt

1. This is the date that your payment was posted.
2. This is the code, as defined on the reverse side of receipt.
3. This is the rate your payment is being applied to.
4. This is the amount that is being applied.
5. This is your paid thru date.

Effective July 1, 2002 there is an assessment to each member depending on your dues rate. This is posted prior and separate from your dues.

Additionally, now that we have the new Titan IV system, it enables us to use more than 8 characters to spell a persons name. So please do not hesitate to inform us of your correct name spelling either by using the "Moving Form" in this Sentinel or faxing us a note.

New Shop Stewards as of January 1, 2003

William Perkins Kennebunkport

Michael Pike Livermore Falls Police

Kevin Parent University of Maine

Darren Wing Dexter School

Scott Taylor Augusta Dispatch

Rebecca Nolette Kennebunk Clerical

Dale Witman United Parcel Service

Michael Goding Philips Elmet

Steven Gorton Biddeford Police

Philip Greenwood Biddeford Police

Brian Mills Biddeford Police

Jeff Lavoie Auburn Public Works

James Doorly University of Maine

Timmy Twombley University of Maine

Frank Gardner Washington County

Brian Hughes Lincoln Police

Venetia Warren Bangor Support

Mike Connor Bucksport Fire

Merdith Clark Kittery Clerical

Christopher Croft United Parcel Service

Leslie Connell MSAD 5 Food Service

Everette Parker Biddeford Police

George Brown Jay Public Works

William Brown Eastport Memorial

Marlene Gurney Fairfield Clerical

Gary Frechette Biddeford Public Works

Ray Nadeau Biddeford Public Works

Alvertie Patten Bucksport Police

Robert Findlay Bucksport Police

Dana Dillingham Oxford County

Fred Landen Hodgdon School

Kelvin Mote Ellsworth Police

Chris Boulos American Red Cross

Mike Baker York County

Michael Rankins Augusta Dispatch

Cindy Butler Westbrook General

Rick Gouzie Westbrook General

Andrea Perrone Old Orchard Beach

Robert Angelo Bangor Police Dept.

James Buckley Bangor Police Dept.

George Nye Jr. Atkinson Freight

Everette Horrocks Kennebunk Sewer

Eric Small Berwick Police Dept.

Christopher Wiesman Town of Berwick

Dearly Departed Brothers & Sisters

Ivan A. Carter APA/Sanborns

Michael A. Rutigliano Sanborns

Robert R. Fortier Fox Ginn Inc.

Mervin C. Meader Maislin Transport

Robert W. Leighton A & P Tea Co.

Elbridge M. Hewey Coles Express

Maynard Q. Shaw Coles Express

John A. Oddi Pallotta Oil Co.

Bertrand A. Cote APA/Sanborns

Ronald R. Hopkins St. Johnsbury Trucking

Henry H. Gagnon M & M Transportation

Ralph J. McGarvey A & P Tea Co.

Robert J. Donovan Roadway Express

Fernand Martin Coles Express

Ronald B. Martin ABF

Boylan T. Hanley Associated Grocers

Dorothy J. Pandiscio Local 340

Dwayne Scanlin Fairfield Fire

Ronald Warren Carolina Freight

Edward A. Pendleton St. Johnsbury Trucking

Bernard Dumbrocuo Spectra

Linwood Jones Sanborns Motor Express

Lucien V. Langlois Sanborns Motor Express

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
2003

We encourage that you make every effort to attend a meeting in your area. Most decisions are voted on by the membership and your vote does count. If you've never been to meeting see your shop steward about attending together.

The Sentinel, Maine Teamster News is an official publication of The Teamsters Local 340, South Portland, Maine. Photograph courtesy of The Museum at Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Photographer, Bob Petras.

Teamsters Local 340 wants to welcome home all those who were called to Military Service. The following verse, written by Gayle H. for Sheryl M. and her son Bryan, is dedicated to all men and women of the armed forces now and forevermore and published on SGT MOM'S, an Internet site for Military families.

Thank You In Advance

Thank you for all that you've done and will do, let us all give three cheers for you.

Thank you for sacrificing and taking the time, to stand up for our freedoms and being ready at the drop of a dime.

Thank you for missing Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, for there were those that missed you, wife, children, brother, and sister.

May family and friends comfort them while your away, for as long and as far as you have to stay.

Thank you for risking your lives to secure our future, and may not one of you need even a suture.

Thank you for doing what we don't have to do, thank you from friends and family too.

It's O.K. to be frightened and scared, for there's only so much a human can bare.

And let no man or woman remain, for you all are cherished just the same.

Some came from the North, South, East, and West, you were all trained to be the best.

May that training keep you alive and well, and in God's comfort may you dwell.

It's amazing that you may do these things for strangers, knowing all the incredible dangers.

So I hope that everyone here knows, that YOU are the REAL heroes.

You will be the one's who will be in it all, the ones who stood up and took the call.

I thank God for that day, and that's all I need to say.