LOCAL 618 HOLDS SHOP STEWARD SEMINAR!
Teamsters Local 618 recently held it's first shop steward seminar. All 618 shop stewards were invited to the 1st Local 618 steward seminar. The shop steward covered many topics and discussions. Secretary Treasurer John Guerra reports that the Locals Law firm of Spector & Wolfe gave a very through presentation to the stewards on hand. Bryan Spector (attorney for 618) discussed and answered questions concerning handling grievances to how to conduct yourself in a meeting with your employer. Gary Wolfe (attorney for 618) gave a very detailed presentation on workman's compensation. All stewards in attendance received a beautiful Local 618 notebook to take notes. This is the first of a series of seminars that Local 618 will conduct for there stewards states Secretary Treasurer Guerra. A informed and educated member makes a strong Teamster! Stewards will be notified by mail of the next seminar.

CLINT ZWEIFEL WINS STATE REP. IN 78TH DIST.
Everyone at Teamsters Local 618 would to extend best wishes to Clint Zweifel (D) for his recent election win for State Rep. 78th Dist. in North County .  Clint is a member of Teamsters Local 688 here in St. Louis. Teamsters Local 618 members who live in the district will have a fellow Teamster now as there State Rep. Local 618 Officers and Agents campaigned hard by handbilling , working the polls and contributing to his campaign. Clint was also a guest at a recent Local 618 General membership meeting.  Clint defeated a Republican incumbent who voted against public collective bargaining and attempted to place an amendment on a bill that would protect SCAB workers.

Once again best of luck to Clint Zweifel newly elected State Rep. 78th District .

Joint Council 13 Labor Rally A Huge Success !
Joint Council 13 Labor Rally a huge success! All members and there families were treated to pro-labor candidates discuss the issues upcoming in this falls elections. Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska Conference President Jim Kabell was on hand to lead the event. Guest speakers included Buzz Westfall (county executive) , Claire McCaskill (state auditor) , Clint Zwifel (candidate for 78th dist. state rep) and U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan. Clint Zwifel got the large crowd going with his pro-labor speech. Clint is a fellow Brother Teamster and is a member of Teamster local 688. U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan addressed the crowd with a moving speech that should energize everyone to get out the vote. Many standing ovations were handed out throughout the rally. The Local 618 Executive Board was there to show support for all of the pro-labor candidates along with many 618 rank-file members. Special thanks to George Blackey , Mike Hamm, Rob Boone , Mark Emshoff and Doug Haggett for assisting at the doors and with parking. After the event Senator Carnhan came to the offices of Teamster Local 618 to conduct a radio interview with a local radio station. Secretary Treasurer John Guerra Jr. informed Senator Carnahan that it was a great honor to have her in our Union offices and presented her with a Teamster Local 618 lapel pin and wished her the best of luck in the campaign.

Be sure to vote on NOVEMBER 5TH !!

Day Parade 2002
The Labor Day Parade for 2002 was a huge success. A large turnout of Local 618 members enjoyed the beautiful summer day and were treated to refreshments after the parade. The Local 618 Retirees also turned out in full force. Governor Bob Holden and U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan were also in attendance at the parade. The Officers and Staff of Teamsters Local 618 would like to thank everyone for their participation. Click here to see this year's pictures!

Local 618 and the Dial Corporation Reach Agreement
Secretary Treasurer John Guerra Jr. reports that Teamsters Local 618 has reached agreement with the Dial Corporation in St. Louis . Teamsters Local 618 represents approximately (300) three hundred members who manufacture liquid and dry detergents. Recording Secretary Marvin Kropp who negotiated the Agreement reports the Union made significant improvements in key language areas, retiree medical coverage, funeral leave, 401k benefits, vacations, life insurance and wage increases in the (3) three year Agreement. Recording Secretary, Marvin Kropp would like to extend his appreciation to the time and effort the negotiating team put forth in the month long bargaining sessions and to all 618 members for their patience and support in obtaining a fair Agreement. The Union negotiating team unanimously approved the offer and it was ratified by the membership by a 3 to 1 margin.

Teamsters Local 618 Named "Website of the Month!"
Teamsters Local 618 was informed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters that Local 618 was selected as their "Website of the Month" for the entire month of May . Local 618 was selected from Locals across the country and Canada. This is a great honor since our website has only been up and running since March 2002.

Our website is designed to inform our members of the happenings in the Local and in the International . Now every Teamster member who logs on to the International website can access our website by clicking on "website of the month!" Any member who has information that may be valuable to the membership should contact Recording Secretary Marvin Kropp .

Teamsters Local 618 Retirees Bass Tournament a Huge Success !

Once again Teamsters Local 618 spring 2002 Bass Tournament a huge success The tournament was held at Alhonna Resort at Lake of The Ozarks. The members were received a buffet dinner and refreshments after the tournament. All participants also received an attendance prize. This spring winners are as follows:

1st Place - Jeff Medlock (Bommarito Oldsmobile)
2nd Place - Todd Chonech (Lou Fusz Nissan)
3rd Place - Lowell Chitwood (Sunset Ford)
4th Place - Jim Fogarty (Street Industries)
5th Place - Gordon Johnston (Suntrup Ford)
 

Gordon Johnston also took home the big bass prize of $240.00 .

This fall (October) all 618 Bass fisherman are encouraged to fish in the 1st Annual Teamster Joint Council 13 Bass Tournament. For more info please contact Marvin Kropp or John Guerra Jr. at (314) 533-8945, or download the advertising poster or Registration form today!

Blue Ribbon Commission - International Vice President John Murphy attended Local 618 General Membership meeting on April 18, 2002 to give a detailed presentation on the Blue Ribbons Commission findings on finance .

 Vice President Murphy gave a detailed presentation and slide show for (2) hours with a question and answer following . Members at the meeting asked many good questions and were pleased with the detailed presentation . Delegates from every Teamster Local will be voting on the dues increase at the special convention called by General President Hoffa. The dues increase will provide Teamster members with a strong strike fund. If the resolution passes at the special convention , members will receive (10) times there hourly rate compared to the fifty-five dollars a week they receive now.