Teamsters Local Union No. 988

American media outlets are owned by a handful of major corporations, hedge funds, and billionaires. In 2025, just six massive conglomerates controlled most of the U.S. media landscape. When major news outlets are controlled by many of the billionaires who spend tens of millions to union bust in their own companies, it without a doubt shapes coverage: https://justcauseteamsters.substack.com/p/the-wake-of-labor-journalism

Companies like UPS benefit from underreporting and misrepresenting their injury rates. By doing so, they avoid higher insurance costs. They promote a false image of their business to the public. And they are fined less by the government for causing serious harm to their workers. Whether they work at UPS, Waste Management, or any other employer, Teamsters everywhere are fighting to fix this rigged system: https://justcauseteamsters.substack.com/p/turning-up-the-heat-on-corporate

NEARLY 800 REPUBLIC AIRWAYS WORKERS JOIN TEAMSTERS

Airline Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) with Republic Airways have voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters, resulting in nearly 800 new members. They now join Republic Airways pilots and flight attendants who are already represented by the Teamsters Union.

The 777 newly organized AMTs are preparing to begin negotiations on a first contract that delivers industry-leading wages, strong benefits, and improved workplace protections that raise the standards at Republic Airways.

“Republic Airways AMTs are tired of being overlooked and are ready to stand together for the pay, protections, and respect they’ve earned,” said Dave Saucedo, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “These workers do critical, highly skilled work every single day to keep planes operating safely. By joining the Teamsters, they now have the power to hold Republic accountable and fight for a better future.”

I am honored to receive the endorsement of Teamsters Local Union No. 988. Having the backing of thousands of hardworking transportation, logistics, and warehouse workers across the Houston area means the world to this campaign. I am dedicated to fighting for the economic security and workplace safety our families deserve. I will ensure the voices of our local workforce are always heard.

Join us as we co-host Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity for a Worksite Safety Implementation Workshop on Tuesday, June 2 at 12:00 p.m. Link to RSVP in the comments.

Congratulations to Rep. Christian Menefee and Dexter McCoy on your Primary Runoff victories, and thanks to all the Local 988 Teamsters who got out the vote!

Republic Services is the second biggest waste company in America. Last year, it raked in over $16.5 billion off the backs of its workers.

Over 750 Republic Teamsters have fought back against this corporation’s greed and secured strong new contracts in 2026!

On Friday, Local 988 President Robert Mele, members of the Executive Board, and union stewards fired up the grill at UPS Willowbrook for a Membership Appreciation event. Members enjoyed hamburgers fresh off the grill, snacks, and cold beverages as we came together to show appreciation for the hardworking Teamsters who keep our union strong.

Pope Leo’s choice to issue his first encyclical on the threat of unregulated AI is a testament to the urgency of this issue for working people.

America’s unions have and will continue to answer his call to defend the dignity of working people. https://aflcio.org/press/releases/afl-cio-popes-first-encyclical-ai-echoes-fears-and-realities-working-people