WASHINGTON, May 16 Teamsters-&-New-Era
Workers Calling For Better Wages And Working Conditions
WASHINGTON, May 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New Era Cap workers in Jackson, Alabama voted overwhelmingly today 209-77 to join the Teamsters, citing the need for better wages and working conditions in the plant that makes high quality headwear for major professional and college sports teams.
"We are pleased to welcome the New Era Cap workers to the Teamsters and we will work hard to represent them," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "The Teamsters reached an agreement with New Era Cap earlier this year with its Mobile, Alabama workers that helped lead to today's victory."
In February, the Teamsters, New Era Cap and the NAACP jointly announced a tentative three-year labor agreement between New Era Cap and Teamsters Local 991 for employees in New Era's Mobile, Alabama distribution center.
As part of the agreement, New Era and the Teamsters mutually agreed to neutrality, which permitted the union to begin organizing efforts of New Era employees in its Jackson facility. Today's victory will add 326 workers to the bargaining unit at Local 991.
"I was confident we would win this election and extremely pleased with the overwhelming vote in favor to join the Teamsters," said Jim Gookins, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 991. "This victory shows the determination of these workers to gain representation from a strong union to give them a voice in the workplace."
The workers are seeking better wages, improved working conditions and better benefits.
"I was not surprised at the size of the victory because all the workers know we need a change in how we are treated and I tip my hat to the Teamsters for coming in here and helping us," said Nancy Phelon, a three-year worker who works in Stitching. "I know the Teamsters will be behind us from now on."
New Era has been producing headwear for over 87 years, and is the exclusive supplier of Major League Baseball's on-field caps. The company produces more than 35 million caps per year.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
