Greetings Teamsters,
Teamsters Local 2010 honors the hard-working women of the University of California, California State University, and throughout the world this International Women’s Day, March 8, 2020. On this day, we pledge to stand together and reaffirm our commitment to equal rights for women.
Standing together in our Union is one of the most powerful ways that we create a just and equal society. United, we build power to win income equality, higher wages and better benefits, and equal treatment in our workplace. Our collective bargaining agreements standardize wages, which means everyone receives equal pay regardless of gender. Our grievance procedure gives us the ability to combat gender discrimination in the workplace.
When we stand together, we not only win fair wages and benefits for all working people, we create a safe workplace free of discrimination.
The word “International” is there deliberately to remind us that, for a good part of the world, women have yet to achieve enough progress toward full equality. Women in many regions of the world face great obstacles in their struggle for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Therefore, when we stand together to celebrate our achievements, our victories of progress in social, economic, cultural, and political awareness, and women’s equality throughout the workplace, let us remember them as well.
We’re proud to note that Local 2010 is one of the largest and fastest growing Teamsters locals in the country, with women comprising a large majority of our membership. Local 2010 provides our members opportunities for continuing education and growth and leadership in both our Local Union and our communities, and we acknowledge and honor the work of all the women who choose to take advantage of these and other opportunities afforded by their Union membership.
This year, the International Women’s Day campaign asks us to “actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements.”
As Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Today we ask ourselves how will we commit to gender equality, what commitment will we make? Standing together in our Union is a great place to start!
In Unity,
Jason Rabinowitz
Secretary-Treasurer
Catherine Cobb
President