TEAMSTERS LOCAL 618 FLU SHOTS !

As in previous years , Teamsters Local 618 will be providing free flu shots for all Local 618 Health & Welfare participants and their families. All other Local 618 members who do not participate in the Local 618 Health & Welfare Fund still can come and receive a flu shot at a discounted price of $16.00. The date will be Saturday , November 1, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Teamsters Local 618 is located at 9040 Lackland Rd. In Overland ,Missouri. Please be sure to mark your calendars to remind you of this service. If you should have any questions feel free to call the Local 618 Health & Welfare Fund office at 314-426-5909. This service that has been provided in the past has been a huge success and it grows every year.

Local 618 Members at Chrysler PDC Wins Award !

Local 618 members who are employed at the Chrysler PDC in Hazelwood were ranked #1 in the First Quintile for productivity. Out of the (36) thirty-six distribution centers , the Hazelwood facility was recognized as the third most improved facility. The operations director of Mopar visited the facility to congratulate the employees and Local 618 members. They were presented with a trophy and a banner welcoming them to the First Quintile. The Hazelwood facility is also meeting and exceeding all of Mopar's key performance indicator's , making it one of the most productive and safest of Mopar's North American facilities. Local 618 Vice President Mike Foster who negotiated the newest agreement , commented that during negotiations both sides reached a agreement that included changes and challenges for both parties. We needed changes that would protect our member's future here in the St. Louis market , and I believe we accomplished that. The entire Teamsters Local 618 Executive would like to congratulate all of our Teamster members employed at the Hazelwood Chrysler PDC for their accomplishments.

Dear Local 618 Members ,

This November will all need to vote for change in the White House. For the past eight long years we've put up with attacks against working people, a sagging economy and the skyrocketing cost of health care. Now is the time to vote for change, and that change will come with your vote for Barack Obama.

As our General President Jim Hoffa said recently, " Barack Obama understands the challenges, working people face every day. He is the candidate in the best position to lead our movement to restore the American dream for working people in this Country.

We don't need four more years of another politician who is in the same league as George W. Bush. We need a fresh start and a President who has a understanding of working class values, values that made this Country strong.

Barack Obama has promised to renegotiate NAFTA and other deals that gave big business a reason to run out of our Country and hire workers who will work for pennies. I urge you to vote for Barack Obama on November 4, 2008. By electing Obama we will take back the White House so that it will serve the working people again. Barack Obama is change we can believe in.
 

Huge Rally for AB Teamsters a Success !

Hundreds of Teamsters from across the Country and Canada came to St. Louis on August 16, 2008 for the contract kick-off between the Teamsters and AB/InBev. All of the brewery's in the United States that AB owns had Teamster members there to show there support. IBT General Secretary Treasurer C. Thomas Keegel was there to anchor the rally. We want InBev to keep there promises that they have made since there purchase of AB shouted Keegle! The huge crowd shouted back Keep Your Promises! Teamsters Local 618 members and Officers were there to show there support for the AB Teamsters represented by Local 6 here in St. Louis. Also guest speakers included a variety of Labor leaders from across the world including Brazil ,Belgium and Canada. All who have already had dealings with InBev. They told the crowd of Teamsters gathered that everything you have heard about InBev is true. IBT Vice President Jack Cipriani who is head of the Teamsters Brewery & Soft Drink Workers said that InBev will be held to there promises and that the Teamsters has always had a great working relationship with AB and wants to continue that with InBev but it will be up to them to keep there end of the bargain. Local 618 represents members at Grey Eagle Dist. are watching closely of any fall out that may trickle down to the beer distributors here in St. Louis. Local 618 President Marvin Kropp who represents Grey Eagle stated that the members employed there and the Company are keeping a eye on things to see if InBev tries to make any changes to the way that the beer is delivered. We as the Union are monitoring the situation closely stated Local 618 President Kropp , we will be following the negotiations for the master agreement to see if InBev has come in to be the tyrant or if they keep the promises they made to the workers and the St. Louis community as a whole!

Dear Members,

On July 30th I met with staff from the IBT Brewery Conference to help set up a rally for the Teamster members employed at Anheuser-Busch to begin there contract kick-off campaign. As you know InBev has purchased Anheuser-Busch and the Teamsters want to make sure that Carlos Brito understands that the Teamsters employed at AB want and expect a fair contract. The Teamsters will begin bargaining a new agreement on August 18, 2008 with the new ownership.

The International wanted to hold a rally here in St. Louis the home of Anheuser-Busch. I feel there is no better place than right here at the heart of the Brewery. All Teamster Locals and other Labor Unions across the country have been notified of this event. We expect a large turnout from our Local 618 members. Anheuser-Busch has been a icon in the St. Louis area since the 1860's and the growth of this company has been made by the hardworking members of the Teamsters Union. The Teamsters Union represents thousands of workers at all of the plants owned by AB and we look forward to continue a good working relationship with InBev but they must keep their promises made to the Teamsters and the community of St. Louis. Look for more information in upcoming Local 618 e-news.

We must unite at the rally to be held on Saturday August 16, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. The rally will be held downtown at Kiener Plaza on the corner of Market Street and North Broadway.

Please download the attachment and post in your shop for everyone to see.

As always if you should have any questions please don't hesitate to call me at the office at 314-426-4618.

In Unity,                  
Marvin Kropp                  
Teamsters Local 618 President                  

Dial Corp. & Local 618 Reach New 5yr. Agreement
Recently Teamsters Local 618 and Dial Corp. Reached a new 5yr. Agreement. Local 618 President Marvin Kropp and Vice President Mike Foster who negotiate the agreement , stated the contract came with wage increases , pension increases and vacation improvements among other items. Local 618 President Kropp felt that while we didn’t obtain everything we asked for , we did obtain more job security for the next five years at the St. Louis Plant. Manufacturing in the United States is definitely under attack. We are watching more good jobs leave this country at a rapid pace and this trend has to be stopped..

New language was put into the contract to try and bring more new products into the St. Louis Plant. It was something that had to be done to protect our members and there families futures. The company had proposed to out source all warehouse work at the plant , but that proposal was rejected and after days of bargaining the company finally withdrew there proposal. President Kropp explained to the company , that was not going to happen and that no new agreement would be reached if it was in the company’s final offer. Our members had to be protected ! Dial operates four plants in the U.S. with two of them to be closed or possibly sold by the end of the year. The St. Louis Plant has ensured their viability here.
The St. Louis plant is one of the most productive Plants that Dial has. That has come from the hard work of our members. Local 618 President Kropp would like to thank the entire 2008 Rank-N-File bargaining committee for these tough negotiations. Pictured is our Dial committee.

Local 618 Member Marine of The Year

All of the membership of Teamsters Local 618 would like to congratulate Local 618 Shop Steward , Marc Emshoff , for being awarded "Marine of The Year" by the Marine Corps League. Brother Emshoff is employed at Yale Forklift as a road driver and has been a member for over 25 years. Pictured above is Brother Emshoff and Local 618 Secretary Treasurer Rod Joggerst , who is also a Viet-Nam Veteran from 1965-1969 with the United States Air Force. Secretary Treasurer Joggerst extended his gratitude to Brother Emshoff for his accomplishment. The entire Executive Board of Teamsters Local 618 would like to thank all of the Teamsters in Local 618 and Teamsters Jt.Council 13 for there services for this great Country.

Benefit Held For Local 618 Strikers

Teamsters Local 618 and Machinists Union 777 joined together to to raise funds for the striking workers at Valley Ford. The event was a great success ! Monies were raised by a indoor washer tournament and additional raffles. The weather was great and many members rode there motorcycles and enjoyed a great day. Everyone who came enjoyed chili ,hot dogs and refreshments. All food was donated. One of the Machinists Union members supplied his D.J. service while others brought attendance prizes for raffles. Mattlingly's Bar and Restaurant donated gift certificates and also Syberg's Bar and Restaurant. The Local 618 Executive Board and the striking workers at Valley Ford would like to thank everyone who came and participated. If you or anyone in your shop would like to make a donation to the strikers please call the Local 618 Business Office at 314-426-4618.

Local 618 Holds Rally For Striking Workers at Valley Ford

A huge turnout of supporters were on hand for the rally for striking workers at Valley Ford in Hazelwood, Missouri. Labor Unions united behind the ridiculous demands the company is making. Teamsters Local 618 and Machinists Union 777 have been on strike since November 1,2007 and no relief is in site. The company is asking our members to take huge concessions up to $6.00 per hour pay cuts, remove them from there pension plan and pay contributory health & welfare payments up to $500.00 per month stated Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp. This is totally absurd , every dealership in the St. Louis area signed a area agreement but Valley Ford. Labor Unions from around the area came to the rally to show there support. Teamsters, Machinists, CWA, United Food and Commercial Workers, U.A.W. ,and local politicians were on hand. The Christmas Grinch was there to show just how greedy Valley Ford is. Local 618 Secretary Treasurer Rod Joggerst stated we will not go away and we will continue to hold rallies of this size until we get a fair contract.

Local 618 and Travel Center of America Reach Agreement

Vice President Marin Kropp who negotiated the agreement said the new (3) three year agreement came with fully funded Local 618 Health and Welfare paid by the employer, wage increases, job assignment and shift assignment language to benefit the members. This was the second contract for the members at Travel Center since Vice President Kropp organized the shop (3) three years ago. We knew it would be difficult since there are only two Unionized Travel Centers of America in the country. This was the first to go Union when it was organized by Local 618 stated Kropp, since then one other has been organized in Illinois. This is the only location in Local 618's jurisdiction and hopefully other Locals can organize these facilities across the country. I guarantee our members are far above what other Travel Centers employees are receiving in benefits and pay. I applaud what our members stood up for and by showing "Unity" they got what they wanted ,stated Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp. Our members are highly skilled diesel mechanics and they deserved no less.

General President Hoffa in St. Louis to endorse Jay Nixon for Governor

On November 7, 2007 General President Hoffa was in town for the Teamsters endorsement of Jay Nixon for Missouri Governor. A large crowd was on hand to welcome General President Hoffa and to hear current State Attorney General Jay Nixon speak. The event was held at Local 600 union hall. Teamster Local's from around the state of Missouri was there to show there support for Jay Nixon. General President Hoffa stated Jay Nixon has been a great friend of labor ! "Working families in Missouri will not survive unless they have dedicated ,strong leaders like Jay who will fight for their issues and turn this state around.

State Attorney General Nixon stated throughout my career , I've stood up to the special interests on behalf of working Missourians and I'll continue to do so as our next Missouri Governor. "Missouri's working families deserve a Governor who will fight for them, not against them. I'm proud to have the support of the Teamsters Union !

Special thanks to International Central Region Vice President Gordon Sweeton who took the time after the rally to go and visit and walk the picket line with our fellow Teamster brothers who are on strike at Valley Ford. Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp asked Vice President Sweeton if he could stop by the picket line while in town. Without hesitation Vice President Sweeton replied "lets go". Local 618 Vice President Kropp said it was a big lift for our strikers to see that there own International Vice President took the time to stop by and walk picket himself. All of our striking members at Valley Ford was at the rally and had photos taken with General President Hoffa and he told the strikers to hang tough in these trying times.
 

 

Local 618's 2007 Health Fair & Flu Shots a Great Success !

For the past several years Teamsters Local 618 Health & Welfare has offered flu shots to all members of Local 618 and their families. If you are a participant of the fund of the fund there is no charge for a member and there dependents, if you are not there is a nominal fee. Local 618 Health & Welfare Administrator Judie Maurath stated the event grows each year and our objective is to beat last years participation. So far it has been working and the members always tell the Local Union how appreciative they are, stated Ms. Maurath. This year the members were also treated to a bar-b-que and refreshments prepared by the Local 618 Retiree's Club. Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp stated when we need help with activities the Local 618 Retiree's Club is second to none ,they are always there when we need them ! If you missed this years be sure to make next years Local 618 Health Fair and flu shots and stay healthy over the winter months to come

Valley Ford On STRIKE !

Local 618 Business Agent Tom Cole and Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp set up the pickets at the opening of business on November 1st. Along with the Teamsters at Valley Ford, the Machinists Union 777 mechanics also struck. Business Agent Cole who had been bargaining the Agreement with Valley Ford stated the company was being unfair to the Local 618 members at Valley Ford by offering them pay cuts, large contributions to health & welfare, unreasonable working condition changes and to take the members out of there pension plan. Almost 95% of area dealerships had already reached agreement with the Teamsters and the Machinists Union in early September. Valley Ford seems at this time not to want to abide by the area agreement that was the standard set for area dealerships in the City and County of St. Louis replied ,Business Agent Cole. This could be a long strike considering the absurd demands the company has made at the bargaining table stated Vice President Kropp. Secretary Treasurer Rod Joggerst stated the Local Union will do everything in it's power to see that our members at Valley Ford are treated with same respect and dignity that our other members in area dealerships have. We will take no less stated Joggerst. Future rallies are expected to begin at Valley Ford to show support for our fellow Union brothers. If you are in need of sales or service ,please support one of the other area Union dealerships.

Local 618 Organizes American Radiator

Local 618 is proud to welcome to the Local, newly organized American Radiator. American Auto Radiator was founded by Joe Marino. When Joe Marino arrived to the U.S. over 50 yrs ago from his native Italy , he arrived as most immigrants with no job and very little money. After learning the language and business ways he founded American Auto Radiator Inc., proudly naming it for his new country and utilizing "Uncle Sam" as the company's first symbol.

American Radiator (the name has changed to reflect the expansion of the company into the industrial field) now serves the area from a 15,000 sq. ft. three story building at 7236 St. Charles Rock Road. It has one of the largest testing tank in the city. The new facility enables the company to provide complete radiator service for autos, trucks and all types of industrial equipment, such as quarries, mining, marine, agricultural and military equipment. All service and repair work is guaranteed with one year warranty on recores and rebuilt units.

Business Agent Gerald Kappauff who organized and negotiated the first agreement stated the Company is a first run business and will be even better since now they are part of the Teamsters. Agent Kappauff also noted the new members will also enjoy the benefits of the Local 618 health & welfare fund in which was negotiated into the first agreement. All Teamsters and there shops are encouraged to use this newly organized Local 618 shop. You can contact American Radiator at (314) 725-3357 or visit there web site at www.americanradiatorstl.com .

Retiree Ken Listenberger Passes Away .

Retiree Ken Listenberger passed away earlier this month. Brother Listenberger had been a 30 year plus active Teamster Local 618 member, and when he retired that didn't stop him from still helping Local 618 when needed. Ken joined the Local 618 Retiree's Club after his retirement and continued helping the Teamsters in a variety of ways while being elected as Treasurer of the Teamsters Local 618 Retiree's Club by his fellow retiree's. Brother Listenberger was always there to assist in the Local 618 Health Fair, Retiree's Bass Tournament and he any other function that he was needed. Ken will be missed by all who knew him in the Local stated Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp. We knew we could always count on Ken to assist in any capacity that would benefit the Local or the Retiree Club. The entire Local 618 Executive Board extends it's deepest sympathy to the entire Listenberger family.

The 2007 Labor Day Parade, and 618!

The 2007 Labor Day parade was held in downtown St. Louis. The weather was great, there was not even one cloud in the sky! Once again the Local 618 members came out in full force. Many members brought everything from there spouses and children to to their pets. A special thanks to all of our Local 618 members who drove their companies vehicles in the parade . Labor Day is a day to reflect on all of our accomplishments our past retirees sacrificed over the years to obtain some of the best Teamster contracts in St. Louis. Local 618 has a rich history in participating in the annual parade and looks forward to many more to come . If you missed this years parade be sure to come next year! Enjoy the photos taken at the parade by clicking them below!
 

Local 618 Members LOCKED OUT at Allied Aviation

Local 618 members who are employed at Allied Aviation were locked out by there employer at midnight Friday, August 31, 2007. Allied members are employed by the company to fuel aircraft at St. Louis International Airport. Business Agent Jerry Kappahuff who negotiated the Agreement stated the contract offer was rejected by the membership on Friday evening. Upon rejection the Business Agent Kappahuff contacted the employer and notified them the offer was turned down and that the Union was ready to continue bargaining to try and resolve issues that needed to be addressed to reach a agreement .

Kappahuff explained to the employer that evening that the members had rejected the offer and it would be in both parties interest to get back to the table to resolve the differences. Allied Aviation said no and that they would lockout it's employees at midnight! Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 618 Rod Joggerst stated "a Federal Mediator would be contacted to try and get the parties back together to reach a agreement quickly." Our members are highly skilled and take great pride in there job at Allied. We had a meeting Saturday with our Locals Union attorney who is also looking at filing Labor Board charges against Allied replied Joggerst . "At this point we are not sure who is fueling the aircraft while our members are locked out stated Teamsters Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp." Teamsters Local 618 represents 89 fuelers and mechanics at Allied Aviation at the airport .

Teamsters Team-Up with KMOX to Support the Troops!

On Tuesday July 31,2007, KMOX radio along with Teamsters Joint Council 13 teamed up to support the troops. Teamsters Local 618 was there to lend there hand. The event was held at Grandview Plaza in Florissant, MO. Each day, these men and women stationed overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan put there lives on the line. So in a show of support and to receive a care package from home, Teamsters joined KMOX to package load and send items to our troops overseas. Many individuals donated non-perishable items such as deodorant , toothpaste, cookies, shaving cream, razors, tissues, mouthwash, sunscreen and many other items . The support from the community was amazing. The Mayor of Florissant Robert Lowery was also there there to assist in the event along with other Florissant City Council persons.

Pictured is Local 618 Officers President Dan Heumann, Vice President Marvin Kropp, Recording Secretary Mike Foster and Business Agent Tom Cole at the rally. Secretary Treasurer Rod Joggerst was interviewed earlier by News Channel 4 and explained to them how important it was to let our troops know they are not forgotten. Secretary Treasurer Joggerst and President Heumann are both Vietnam veterans.

Local 618 Announces Historic First Agreement with GoJet Pilots!

This photo was taken shortly after the pilots of GoJet Airlines ratified a first Agreement on July 19, 2007. The pilot group was organized in April of 2005. Negotiations began immediately. Don Treichler (I.B.T. Airline Director) and Mark Luthi ( I.B.T. Airline Rep) , spearheaded the negotiations . Local 618 President Dan Heumann states , " There are many people to thank for there participation during the two and one -half years, including Baptiste and Wilder Law firm, Dave Tzouanakis, Eric Oberst, Scott Place and Local 618 Recording Secretary Mike Foster, who participated in negotiations throughout the process, each playing a key role". In addition to substantial wage increases, the new (5) five and one-half year Agreement has 100% line guarantee with a 98% completion factor, commuter policy, absolute minimum days off of (10) ten, 74 hour line guarantee , grievance procedure and many great benefits thanks to the Union. The contract was ratified by an eight to one margin .

Pictured above, left to right is: Captain Nathan Duntsch, Local 618 President Dan Heumann, Captain Chad Flolo, Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp, Local 618 Recording Secretary Mike Foster, Local 618 Secretary Treasurer Rod Joggerst and Local 618 Business Agent Tom Cole. (Captain Chuck Daniels is not Pictured)

Leo Fabing Retires from Behlman GMC, Pontiac, Buick

Leo Fabing retired from Behlman GMC,  Pontiac, Buick on June 29,2007. Leo has worked in the parts industry for over 30 years and has been employed by Behlman for over the past twenty. The entire Local 618 Executive Board wishes Brother Leo the very best upon his retirement.

Leo has been a active Local 618 member ever since his initiation into the Union. Leo was also shop steward for the Local 618 members employed by Behlman. Pictured above center is Brother Leo Fabing along with Business Agent Tom Cole,Vice President Marvin Kropp and fellow Local 618 members employed at Behlman.

Tire Mart Ratifies New Agreement

Teamsters Local 618 and Tire Mart has ratified a new (5) five year agreement. Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp who negotiated the contract reports a new agreement has been reached covering five years. The agreement contains wage increases in each of the years, fully funded Local 618 Health & Welfare and pension increases each year of the agreement.

Tire Mart has been represented by Teamsters Local 618 since 1973.

Tucker Tire Ratifies New Four Year Agreement

Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp reports that Tucker Tire Service recently ratified a new (4) four year agreement with Teamsters Local 618 . Vice President Kropp who negotiated the new agreement stated the new agreement came with wage increases, pension increases and fully funded Local 618 Health & Welfare.

Tucker Tire Service was started in 1946 by Calvin Tucker and his son Edwin , who had just returned home from World War II. They started out repairing and re-grooving truck tires. Tucker Tire began re-treading tires in 1956.

Currently, Mike & Pat Tucker, Edwin's oldest sons, are the owners of Tucker Tire Service Inc. Altogether there are four of Edwin's son's, one daughter and two grandsons working full-time . All of the son's and grandson's have been or are now members of Teamsters Local 618 . If you are in need of tire service work or re-treading, please visit Tucker Tire Service. Pictured above is Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp and Local 618 members of Tucker Tire Service.

Teamsters Local 618 & Trans States Airlines Negotiations Underway

Local 618 President Dan Heumann reports that Local 618 has begun negotiations with Trans States Airlines. Local 618 represents over 200 flight attendants employed by Trans States. "Negotiations have been underway , and hopefully a new agreement will be reached soon", stated Local 618 President Dan Heumann.

Assisting in the negotiations with President Heumann is Local 618 Recording Secretary Mike Foster. Also participating in the negotiations is Victoria Gray , who is an I.B.T. Airline Division Representative . Pictured above is Local 618 Secretary Treasurer Rod Joggerst, I.B.T. Airline Representative Victoria Gray , Flight Attendant Sally Ray , Flight Attendant Rose Wilson, Flight Attendant Keisha Simmons, Local 618 President Dan Heumann, Flight Attendant Jennifer Beets and Local 618 Recording Secretary Mike Foster.

Boemler Chevrolet Strike Ongoing !

On November 11, 2007 the Machinists Union 777 went on strike against Boemler Chevrolet. The main issue at hand has been Health Care. Our Local 618 members have been honoring the picket line since that date. As in all labor disputes it is very important that all Unions stick together. The Machinists Union has contacted the St. Louis Labor Council for help from the "$5ive for the Fight Program" in which the Labor Council has done and also has approved the benefits for our own Local 618 members. The program helps Union members in hardship cases such as pay utility bills , house payments to stop foreclosures while the strike is ongoing. Some of our Local 618 members used this program during our car dealer strike in 2004 . If you would like to help by making a contribution please make checks payable to $5.00 for the Fight and mail it to :

St. Louis Labor Council
3301 Hollenberg Drive
Bridgeton , Missouri 63044

For more information you can call the Labor Council at 314-291-8666 or you can call the Teamsters Local 618 Business Office and speak with Business Agent Tom Cole at 314-426-4618.

Central Auto Radiator Celebrates 55 years in Service!

Central Auto Radiator has been family owned since Al Rich established it in 1952. The business has been based on honesty , fair pricing , friendly service and quality work. Consistent with those values Central Auto Radiator uses the highest grade of products with professional technicians. Central Auto Radiator specializes in repairs , rebuilding , re-coring , new replacements , cleaning flashing , welding , (steel and aluminum) on radiators , charging air coolers , fuel tanks and a/c condensers. They focus on all heavy duty equipment including trucking , construction , forklifts , earthmoving , mining , drilling and generators.

The professional technicians of Central Auto Radiator have enjoyed representation by Teamsters Local 618 for over 30 years and Central Auto Radiator is the only full Union radiator shop in the St. Louis area. There Unionized repairmen , laborers , truck drivers and salesman look forward to serving your radiator needs. You will appreciate there Union skill and ability.
 

Ed Betzer Retires from Dial !

After 36 years of employment with the Dial Corporation , Ed Betzer has retired. Brother Betzer was a shipping and receiving clerk in the warehouse operations with Dial Corp. Ed's fellow co-workers gave Ed a nice send off on his last day of work. A nice buffet lunch was served and many of his co-workers and former retirees from Dial was also there to wish him the best upon his retirement. Ed had been a loyal Teamster Local 618 member through his tenure with Dial. The entire Local 618 Executive Board wishes Ed and his family the very best upon his retirement. Pictured above is Local 618 President Dan Heumann, Ed Betzer , Vice President Marvin Kropp and Recording Secretary Mike Foster.

General President Hoffa Re-Elected

The Office of the Election Supervisor announced the unofficial results of the 2006 Teamsters election and General President Hoffa and his slate of Regional Vice Presidents , Vice Presidents at large and Trustees won all I.B.T. positions. Ballots were counted from members of 713 Local Unions in the United States and Canada.

Local 618 Dedicates New Building!

On Saturday November 4,2006 the new Union Hall was dedicated to the members. The event was open to all members, retirees and their families. Leading the event was a ceremonial flag raising by the American Legion Post from Brentwood, MO. After that Secretary Treasurer Rod Joggerst and the entire Local 618 Executive Board cut the ribbon to dedicate the new building. Secretary Treasurer Joggerst stated to those in attendance that this building is to all past, present and future members of Teamsters Local 618. A large applause followed. Inside the members received a tour of the new facility and they really liked what they saw. The Local 618 Health & Welfare staff was on hand to issue out the annual flu shots to members also.

Over 200 hundred shots were given to members, retirees and there families. Although there was not a exact count of members who was there ,the lot was full and the building jammed. A steady flow of members came and went throughout the open house. Many members commented to members of the Executive Board on how nice the facility was and what a great job the Executive Board did at finding Local 618 a new home. A plaque will be displayed in the new lobby commemorating the day forever. The Teamsters Local 618 Executive Board and staff would like to thank everyone who made the day a great beginning!

New Local 618 Union Hall Almost Completed !

The new Teamsters Local 618 Union Hall is almost complete. After months of construction, permits and inspections the initial move should began on October 23, 2006. The health & welfare department is scheduled for the first move then followed by the Local 618 business office. Secretary Treasurer Rod Joggerst stated he will be glad to get all of this behind us and move on. The purchase of a new building and move is very time consuming replied Joggerst. Our members will be very proud of there new hall and I'm looking forward for everyone to stop by and take a look. Local 618 Vice President Marvin Kropp stated this building is for all of our hard working brothers & sisters who are members of Teamsters Local 618 and for our retirees. A open house is planned for Saturday November 4, 2006. The open house will be from 9:00a.m to 11:30p.m. with a continental breakfast provided. A ceremonial flag raising will also be done. A flyer will be sent to all members of the new address change and also the business office numbers and the new health & welfare numbers. The new address is 9040 Lackland Rd. Overland, MO.

Labor Day Parade 2006 !

Once again Teamsters Local 618 showed there force at the annual Labor Day parade in downtown St. Louis, Mo. Many members were on hand to march in the parade. The Teamsters Local 618 retirees Club was also there to show there support for there hard working brothers and sisters! All participants in the parade received a complimentary Local 618 t-shirt and beverages after the parade. After that all members and families were invited to the Local 688 Teamster camp in Peveley, Mo. There they were given use of the entire facility along with a bar-b-que , refreshments. One of the Local 618 members Jerry Grey stated to Vice President Marvin Kropp that his family waits the entire year to participate and enjoy the events at the parade. Remember to come and show your support for your Local and organized Labor next year at the 2007 annual Labor Parade! 

Click below to see a larger image

Don Miller Retires from Weber Chevrolet !

After 36 years as a member of Teamsters Local 618 and employed by Weber Chevrolet as a parts driver, Don Miller has decided to retire. The entire Executive Board of Teamsters Local 618 would like to wish the very best for Don upon his retirement. Brother Don is pictured to the right of Local 618 Secretary Treasurer Rod Joggerst .

Moore Oil Company & Trailer Sales Has New Facility !

Moore Oil Company has been in Business since 1932 and have been members of Teamsters Local 618 since 1973. Local 618 Business Agent Jerry Kappahuff reports that Moore Oil Company has recently moved to a new facility. Moore Oil Company can handle all of your on site fuel and lube needs. They also have recently started trailer sales at there new facility. They have a huge selection of utility and cargo trailers manufactured by Doo Little, and Trailerman trailers. These trailers are built right here in Missouri and be customized to order. The new facility is located at 3075 North Hwy. 94 in St. Charles, Missouri. You can reach them at (636)-724-6115.

Teamsters Local 618 Welcomes Affton Radiator & A/C Service !

Local 618 welcomes newly organized Affton Radiator & Service. Affton Radiator & A/C service is a 2nd generation business owned and operated by Bill & Rhonda Rickermann since 1977. The service they provide is a wide variety of repairs on A/C systems , radiators ,heaters, fuel tanks and hoses including motorcycle radiators. Local Business Agent Jerry Kappahuff would like to thank (29) year Local 618 member Wayne Delargy for assisting in the organizing. If any Teamster member is in need of these services we ask you patronize this Union shop located at 7872 Watson Rd. or telephone them at (314)-962-8292. Welcome to the Teamsters and good luck!

Jack Campbell Retires after 30 Years Service!

After (30) thirty years of membership with Teamsters Local 618 , Jack Campbell retired on May 31, 2006. Brother Campbell worked at Costello Ford for (7) seven years and for the last (23) twenty-three at Broadway Ford Truck Sales as a counterman. The entire Executive Board of Teamsters Local 618 would like to wish Jack the very best upon his retirement! Pictured above is Recording Secretary Mike Foster congratulating Brother Campbell on his retirement.

After 40 Years of Membership in Local 618 , Ken Lingle Retires !

After 40 years of Teamster Local 618 membership Ken Lingle has decided to retire. Brother Ken started his Local 618 membership at Missouri Auto Parts , where he was employed there as a counterman for 22 years. After Missouri Auto Parts closed there doors the Local helped him get on at Fabick Power Systems. Brother Ken was employed there for 18 years. His last day of work was May 18 , 2006. The entire Executive Board of Local 618 wishes Ken the very best upon his retirement. Pictured above is Local 618 Recording Secretary Mike Foster congratulating Ken on his retirement!

LOCAL 618 PURCHASES NEW BUILDING !

As most of the members have known for sometime the building that houses a variety of Teamster Locals located at 300 South Grand has been sold! The Local 618 Executive Board has been searching for sometime to purchase a building which could house the Local 618 Business offices and the Local 618 Health & Welfare Fund. Secretary Treasurer Rod Joggerst stated after the building was sold the Executive Board met and decided that instead of renting Local 618 needed a building of it's own! We felt that our members deserved a building of there own. After renting for 68 years it was time to make a purchase stated Secretary Treasurer Joggerst. A lot of time and effort was put into this, replied Joggerst. Purchasing a new facility was a lot of hard work but the return will be great! Secretary Treasurer Joggerst closed on the new building May 15, 2006. The new Union Offices will be located at 9040 Lackland Rd. in Overland, Missouri.

Currently The Paralyzed Veterans are in the building and will be moving shortly. Renovations will began after there move. Local 618 is hoping to be in the new building sometime in August. The building was originally the old Overland Post Office. The Executive Board of Local 618 looked at many facilities and felt the location and the set-up of the building was perfect for our use. The new building will house the Local 618 Business Offices the Local 618 Health & Welfare Fund and also will have a Union Hall to accommodate 200-250 members for a meeting. If a bigger hall is needed for our larger shops to have a meeting , a space will be rented to accommodate our members, replied Joggerst. After the renovations are complete a Open house will be held for the members to come and see there new Union Hall. This was quite a stepping stone for the Local and the entire Executive Board of Local 618 is very proud to make this announcement!

Local 618, Percy L. May Retirees Bass Tournament Results!

The annual Local 618 Percy L. May Retirees Bass tournament was held on April 22, 2006 at Lake of the Ozarks. The weather was great and the fish were biting! Mike Foster bass tournament chairman and Local 618 Recording Secretary stated that everyone had a great time. With the good weather and the fish biting ,what more could you ask for. All the fisherman received a attendance prize and a meal with refreshments after the tournament weigh-in. It takes a lot of time to prepare for the tournament but the results are worth it stated Foster. First place honors went to the team of Rich Zahn and Daniel Smith with 17.17 lbs. , second place went to the team of Bob Schoenbeck and Doug East with 14.23 lbs. , third place went to the team of Tony Fleshman and Kirk Greer with 7.42 lbs. and fourth place went to Ken Linkeman and Bob Stephens with 6.47 lbs. Big bass honors also went to Rich Zahn. The tournament also raised $240.00 for the Local 618 Retirees club. All 618 members are encouraged to fish in the annual fall tournament held by Teamsters Joint Council 13.