Long-time Local 853
Trustees Furtado and Belunza Retiring

  

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to represent you for more than 30 years,” said Mike Furtado at the June union meeting, upon announcing his retirement from Berkeley Farms and the Teamsters. Mike had been elected trustee at Local 302 and, after the merger, has been an elected trustee for four terms in Local 853. “It’s a tough world out there—but it’s much better with these guys working for you.”

Trustee Jeff Belunza, who worked at Gillig for 30 years and served as Chief Shop Steward, is also retiring in July. Jeff has also served as a Trustee of Local 853 for many years and now serves as an advisory member of the Executive Board. Jeff served on 6 negotiations, pushing to get the best deal available for the members in an industry where Gillig is the only remaining American bus builder.

“I’ve known both of these guys for about as long as I’ve been a Teamster,” says Secretary-Treasurer Rome Aloise. “They always stood up for what is right. I’m pleased that they can retire with a decent pension, because they certainly deserve it. We’ll miss their leadership, but we wish them both a great and healthy retirement.”

 

Contract Ratified

A group of Gillig employees, after ratifying their new contract in January.

 

Local 853 Donates to School Event

Megan Mullarkey, daughter of Steve Mullarkey who works at Bode Gravel, received a donation of $200 from Local 853 for her school event.

 

Strelo Receives "Steve Zucker Award"

Vice President John Becker gives Business Rep Bob Strelo the “Steve Zucker” award for having sold the most raffle tickets for the annual TAP fundraiser.

 

Teamsters at Work

Juan Perez, a Teamster since 1978, has worked for Andreini Brothers for the last 13 years. Here, he’s seen towing a decommissioned Nike Hercules Missile to the Dream Machine show in Half Moon Bay in May. As Business Agent Stu Helfer says, “If you want it transferred safely, call a Teamster!”