Full Service Representation
Local 214 is a “full-service,” professional labor organization whose sole function is to represent its membership.
Regular bargaining unit meetings are held by our staff representatives. Stewards are elected by the membership. Stewards conferences are conducted both to provide training and update our members on any changes in the law and current arbitration awards.
Our staff representatives are responsible for their individual bargaining units in terms of negotiating their contracts and the processing of all grievances. We have an internal Grievance Panel/Arbitration program in place. All grievances that are not resolved are forwarded to the Grievance Panel for further review and determination prior to arbitration. This panel has been extremely successful in resolving numerous grievance issues.
We negotiate your demands. Although you have the financial and political support of the entire Local Union membership, your contract is ratified only by members of your individual bargaining unit.
There is no initiation fee in newly organized bargaining units. Dues will not be implemented until the month after you ratify your agreement.
Unlike private sector unions, we do not replace any of your present benefits with any other pensions or health care programs, although we have a variety of competitive Teamster programs available should members wish to explore them. Any change in benefits must come through the demands of the membership and is subject to ratification by the membership.
Local 214 has a stellar reputation in this state as an aggressive, creative, responsible, and professional labor Local Union. We take very seriously the job that we do.
Under Joseph Valenti’s direction, Local 214 was the first public employee Local Union in the state to develop and negotiate a separate pension plan for a segment of the Local’s membership, as well as a comprehensive dental plan. Today, we are still the only public employee Local Union having such benefits.
Teamsters Local 214 was specifically chartered in 1966 to represent only public employees in the state of Michigan. This exclusivity has enabled us to gain considerable knowledge and experience in matters affecting public employees and the services we provide.