Teamsters 853
Women's Committee Launched

On May 14, Local 853’s women’s committee was officially launched with a breakfast at Dick’s Restaurant in San Leandro. Members who work at Costco, First Transit, VWR, Rock Transport, the State Building Trades Council and at Local 853 attended the inaugural meeting and agreed that the committee’s goals should include addressing women members’ problems and concerns on the job; providing education and resources to understand how the union works so as to be more effective players; and focusing on organizing to build the union and political action.

At the first meeting, spearheaded by Pam Gaskill from Rock Transport, the group agreed to plan two events: A community service day in July and an educational forum in September. Committee members debated several types of service events and causes, and will inform the full list as soon as a plan is set.

“Some of us work in positions where there are few other women on the job. It’s so important to have the opportunity to connect with other union women,” says committee founder Pam Gaskill. “But more than that, this is our union—and it’s up to us to get involved.”

Secretary-Treasurer Rome Aloise stopped by to wish the founding group well and to encourage them to focus on union building.

If you’d like more information about how to join the Teamsters Local 853 Women’s Committee, contact Pam at pgkjoy@gmail.com.