Teamsters Local 2010 In Solidarity with the January 30th Day of Action

Statement of Secretary-Treasurer Jason Rabinowitz

Teamsters Local 2010 mourns the killing of our Union brother Alex Pretti, member of AFGE Local 3669, who was shot by Federal agents 10 times in the back while lying face down on the ground, protesting ICE actions in Minnesota. We call for a full, transparent, independent investigation of this horrific incident, and other killings by Federal agents in Minnesota and other states.

We support the Constitutional right of Americans to engage in peaceful protest without fear or intimidation. As Union members, we are often called upon to rally, protest and picket to win strong contracts and fair treatment, so protection of our fundamental rights to free speech and assembly is central to our ability to build power as a Union and protect our rights at work. We have recently seen our right to protest and picket at University of California and California State University threatened by the Federal Government, and our Union has filed successful legal actions to protect our rights.

We reject the demonization and terrorizing of immigrants. Our Union is comprised of workers from all walks of life – including immigrants and non-immigrants (most of whom are the descendants of immigrants). Since our unity is the basis of our strength and all we achieve as a Union, we will not allow hatred or discrimination to divide us. Since we recognize the core labor principle that an injury to one is an injury to all, we stand against mistreatment of our immigrant brothers and sisters, wherever it may occur.

Of course, our immigration laws must be enforced. As a Union that represents many law enforcement workers, we recognize and appreciate the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of workers charged with the difficult task of enforcing our laws. We support their rights to a Union, and to due process when accused of wrongdoing, just as we support these rights for all workers. 

But we also recognize that in America we enforce our laws with respect for the Constitutional rights of all, in accordance with the law and the highest standards of conduct. We reject the seizure of our communities and the terrorizing of innocent people in the name of enforcing the law. This is not the America we know and love.

Today, many have called for a National Day of Action. We encourage our members to support these efforts in any way that you wish – join a protest or community action, call your Congress members, refrain from shopping, or donate to an organization of your choice.

All our Teamsters 2010 Contracts – like virtually all Union Contracts – contain no-strike clauses. Therefore, our Union may not call a strike on this Day of Action — Local 2010 members may not strike today and could face disciplinary action if they do. However, members are free to take approved time off protected by our contracts, such as vacation, compensatory time off and sick leave (if you or a family member is sick). Members are also free to engage in protest activities during non-work time such as meal periods, rest breaks and before or after work. If managers or anyone else try to interfere with your protected rights, please let your Union Representative know immediately. 

In Teamsters Local 2010, we are proud to be a Union that stands up for the rights of all working people, and the rights of all Americans to free speech and assembly – today and every day.