Fedex Teamster Chronicles

Fedex Teamster Chronicles Interview with Frank Pineira
Recently Fedex Teamster Chronicles got a chance to sit down with Frank Pineira to talk with about his retirement:
Q: To the best of your knowledge how much will you receive when you retire?
A: When I retire after 33 years of being a proud Teamster I will receive 4100 dollars per month.
Q: Is that 4100 dollars per month include your Teamster Pension, 401k, and social security?
A: No, that 4100 dollars per month is just my Teamsters Pension. If I include my 401k and social security with my pension then I will receive 6100 dollars per month.
Q: How comfortable are you with your retirement?
A: I am tremendously comfortable with my retirement. God Bless the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for making it happen with the benefits they bargained for over the years. I am grateful for my Teamsters Pension you can't live on just social security and a 401k. The 401k goes up and down at the whim of the stock market. Sure the 401k helps, but you can't make future plans on a hope that the stock market will do well and social security doesn't get privatized. I firmly believe that with a Union contract I have secured my future.
Q: What is your opinion on the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and their impact on the American workforce?
A: If it weren't for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters there would be a super Wal-Mart or a group of companies treating their employees terribly like Fedex. At non-union companies like Fedex there is no Union contract which means no grievance procedure which places hard working employees at the mercy of CEOs who change policy at every whim to suit the company's needs.
Q: Are Unions necessary to obtain a decent retirement package?
A: Absolutely. That's what a Union contract is for. You can't deal with a 401k alone for a retirement plan. I have the Western Conference Teamsters Pension and a 401k. With the International Brotherhood of Teamsters I have the total package. They have blessed my life and they have enriched my future. Fedex has put the money that they would've paid their employees in their own pockets at the expense of hard working employees who deserve retiree medical and the best pension out there the Western Conference Teamsters Pension. I am confident with a Teamsters Pension I will be able to retire comfortably with peace.
Q: Are you confident you will not have to return to work once you retire because of financial hardship?
A: Yes, I am confident I will not have to return to work once I retire because there will be no reason for me to return to work. I have more then a substantial amount of income to live the way I am accustomed to right now. I don't have to spend my time worrying about where the money is going to come from because I am guaranteed the money in my Teamsters Pension. Plus I have retiree medical which was negotiated in the contract by the Teamsters who safeguarded my future. When the Teamsters go to the bargaining table they bring the most important voice to the table. The voice of the workers.
Q: What do you think of Joe Nuno and the various organizing committees organizing fedex thoughout Southern California?
A: I think it is fantastic to see the Fedex Teamsters involved and persistent to change the environment in their workplace. The Fedex Teamsters have a great and devoted following. It takes a lot to stand up to the constant harassment from the Fedex management and gain a voice in the workplace forming a union. There's a right way and a wrong way to live life and I am encouraged to see people fighting for their rights. I am honored to stand with you guys. It is also very encouraging to see Joey Nuno with his father, Joe Nuno. It is very touching to see a father bring up his son with a deep passion for other people's rights putting other people's needs above his own. I am pleased to see the bright future joined between the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Fedex.

The Tax on Your Retirement Savings

The Tax on Your Retirement Savings

A special income tax is hidden among the instructions on your Federal form 1040. If you are younger than retirement age, you would have no reason to notice it at all. It is found on line 20 of the long Federal tax form, identified as “Social Security benefits.”

You don’t get Social Security benefits yet? Learn about this tax now, before it hits you - hard. Every dollar you put away into tax-sheltered savings (except Roth IRA contributions) will one day pay this tax. This tax is a classic of political stealth and deception.

Line 20 does not tax Social Security benefits, since these benefits are not taxable. Instead, this special tax falls on other income you receive after you begin receiving Social Security benefits. This tax changes your gross income, and that is what changes your tax rate when you receive money from a retirement account.

The tax increase is not small. It jumps up your marginal tax rate by 50 percent. So if you are in the 15 percent tax bracket, your marginal tax rate becomes 22.5 percent. And if you are already in the 25 percent tax bracket, it can raise your marginal tax rate by 85 percent: instead of paying 25 percent tax to the IRS for what you get from an IRA or 401(k) plan, you will pay 46.25 percent on this money.

Imagine two twins, both with identical jobs and incomes. But let’s say one twin saves lots of money and the second twin spends everything. Assume that each twin receives identical Social Security benefits, but the first also receives distributions from a 401(k) plan he contributed to, and never paid taxes for, his entire life. Taxes will be due when the retirement distributions begin. If the second twin keeps on working, because he has no savings, his marginal tax rate will be perhaps 15 percent. But the retirement distributions from the first twin will have a tax rate of 22.5 percent on every dollar. If the twins were in the 25 percent tax bracket, the frugal, prudent twin would pay 46.25 percent on every dollar.

Only professional income tax preparers, and members of Congress, are aware of how this tax works (only a few Congressional staff understand it). For a chilling look at how it is calculated, check out the instructions and the worksheets that come along with Line 20. You’ll find a masterpiece of confusion.

This tax was first passed in 1983. In those days, Social Security was headed for bankruptcy by 1990, so a tax increase was the solution Senator Bob Dole and Alan Greenspan, not yet chairman of the Federal Reserve, decided to give us. They knew it would be political dynamite to change anything about Social Security, so they crafted this sneaky idea. Social Security would not be touched! Instead, other income you get in retirement would be taxed at a higher rate.

To delay any visible effects of this tax for at least 10 years, a large $25,000 exemption was granted ($32,000 for married couples filing joint tax returns). But the exemption was not indexed for inflation. Congress did that on purpose, so eventually everyone would come under this special tax - but not until the culprit members of Congress had retired. A quarter century has passed and this tax now affects the savings of almost every retired American. In a few years all but the poorest retired people will pay this extra tax.

Last year, Congress passed amendments to the 401(k) law to enroll all American workers automatically, and a special retirement savings credit, form 8880, has been part of the tax code for the past four years. It is as if Congress knows raising taxes directly is unpopular, so they design schemes to collect more revenue indirectly from people’s tax-sheltered retirement savings. Young people who are encouraged to save for retirement are being suckered (only the Roth IRA escapes this tax).

Is your plan for retirement to give the federal tax collector half of what you’ve saved? The only good news in this story is that California state income tax does not have this higher rate feature. The tax systems in Arizona and about 40 other States do include this extra tax, automatically incorporating it in your “adjusted gross income.”

The lesson to be learned from this sneaky tax on retirement savings should be to toss out the entire tax code and replace it with a federal system of simple, flat-rate State taxes (see my book on this site). It is treacherously undemocratic for any tax system to be as incomprehensible as the one in the United States today.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 19th, 2007 at 10:06 am and is filed under Editorial Page. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site

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International Solidarity!

International Solidarity!

with...

Antiguan FedEx Workers
International Outlaw Behavior Earns FedEx
the "Ugly American" Reputation!

"people company"

labeled

"a plantation
with
air conditioning"

A "Wicked Set of People":
South of the Border Union Busting & Massive Tax Evasion?!!

When a spoiled and bratty child doesn't get his way, he pouts and kicks the dirt, picks up his bat and glove from the playground, and cries to Mommy. This is sometimes humorous.

But when a $17 billion worldwide conglomerate throws a temper tantrum, picks up its toys, and runs home to Daddy, it's not the least bit funny. And that is what Federal Express has done on the Caribbean island country of Antigua, where people's jobs have been stolen and a nation's dignity insulted. This conduct by FedEx cannot be ignored, tolerated, or condoned.

Snubbing the country's law governing sick pay, and refusing to abide by the democratic wishes of its unionized employees, Federal Express closed down its Antiguan operation in the middle of the night on August 24. FedEx is attempting to continue business through an "authorized agent," or more accurately, a scab subcontractor.

All hourly employees were given a termination notice dated August 25. This August 25 firing letter, also posted here on UNION PRIDE 2 for the entire world to see, was issued to Antiguan workers by the law firm of Commodore & Associates on behalf of Federal Express. In the letter, management's sarcastic and demeaning attitude is summed up in its rub-it-in "gratitude" to the fired Antiguan workforce: "Our client [FedEx] wishes us to thank each and every one of their employees for the years of service that they have rendered to the company." Seniority among the Antiguan Sisters and Brothers ranged as high as 12 years.

In late 1998 the FedEx workers voted by a margin of 4 to 3 in favor of affiliation with the Antigua Workers Union. Organizing occurred in response to issues such as management's denial of legally mandated sick pay, and favoritism. Federal Express proceeded to utilize the same predictable union-busting ploy it threw in the pilots' faces for years in the United States: continuous delaying tactics! This infamous anti-union tactic is meant to make a well-meaning union look ineffective and useless to members and prospective members, so that their faith in the Union ideal dwindles, essential unity erodes, and bargaining strength further weakens.

Fed up with management's refusal to recognize the Union and engage in good faith bargaining, and angered at the corporation's continued violation of Antiguan sick pay law, FedEx members of the Antigua Workers Union walked out and launched a strike on Friday, August 20. Picketing took place on Monday the 23rd and Tuesday the 24th. It was under the cover of darkness late that night of August 24 that Federal Express removed equipment, prepared to ship vehicles and property out of the country, and hung "closed" signs that referred customers to a company called Parcel Plus. In an obvious see-through shell game, the former station manager and several non-union FedEx'ers now work at Parcel Plus!

Daynor Dow, employee #169503, a 27 year-old customer service agent with seven years' seniority, told UNION PRIDE over the phone: "We [the workers] built up Federal Express... The managers do not care about those that work below them." Daynor continued with a familiar phrase heard often among United States FedEx employees, "There is no such thing as guaranteed fair treatment." With a defiant laugh, she then very emphatically added: "Federal Express is just a plantation with air conditioning... It's all about power." Proud of her co-workers' stand against the huge corporation, Daynor expressed pride and no regrets about the quick outcome. "We feel free, very free. We felt we were off the plantation and free." Dow is the union's chief shop steward, and her assistant steward is Natasha Adams, #234373.

The first battle of "FedEx vs. Union" in Antigua may have ended, but the war is far from over. And sometimes even the "winner" of a war can be made to pay so big a price in respect and goodwill that it ends up being the loser. If its reputation south of the border wasn't already bad enough after its anti-people conduct in Antigua, Argentine government officials announced on September 8 that FedEx is being investigated for possible tax evasion upwards of $100 million! Just what kind of "people company" do we work for?


Solidarity In Progress: Far More Than FedEx Bargained For

Federal Express may have become too brazenly overconfident in their ability to walk all over its workers on Antigua. Or perhaps management arrogantly underestimated the intelligence of the people it was dealing with. Either way doesn't say much for managerial "smarts," because they apparently, and very stupidly, expected the very same striking union to merrily handle FedEx's capital flight out of the country! Not about to be fooled, Antigua Workers Union dockworkers at Deepwater Harbour refused to handle the cargo, and demanded that the FedEx vehicles, equipment, and even paperwork be removed from the port. And it all was!

Meanwhile, the Union and its supporters began a political counterattack. Chester Hughes, AWU Industrial Relations Officer, stated, "As far as we are concerned, this behavior is not in line with our industrial relations practice." Hughes continued, "The employees have been wrongfully dismissed and the union is going all out, including suing for damages." He added, "FedEx has an obligation to the employees and to this country and we will bring their practices to the attention of the Labour Attache of the US Embassy." George De Peana, the general secretary of the Caribbean Congress of Labor, also issued a statement in support of the AWU, saying, ".... if considered necessary [we] will draw it to the attention of our American and other international colleagues."

bugsy said...

Your absolutly right about the tricks, It happen in fedex fontana ctr.And trick # 10 The anti-union commitee was being run by a high ranking mgnt causing hatred,semi violence,and using vulgar expression sign against the unions,creating chaos in workplace,and an employee bragging and being part of an illegal task being conducted by this manager!!

LET US KNOW ...

Let us know what is happening at your terminal or service center.Tell us what anti-union tactics your managers and supervisors have done to you or your fellow employee's.Not just at FedEx Freight,but also at,LTL,GROUND,EXPRESS.There maybe some Federal Laws being broken!

Example:We found out today that the O.M. at the Fontana service center has been interrogating P & D drivers in his office behind closed doors. Asking them about their feelings towards the union.U.S. Labor Laws says it is illegal for employers to engage in this manner!

If your rights are violated,report it to the National Labor Relations Board regional office,your terminal union committee or Teamsters Local in your area.

Stand up for dignity and respect on the job.Report all violations-your employer must respect your rights.

* (when you blog,please no profanity.the administrator can delete comments.)

Posted by irudedog at 5:38 PM

Trick #10: Anti-Union Committee

Trick #10: Anti-Union Committee
Before the Union election, a so-called "Vote No Committee" will mysteriously appear. The Antiunion Committee will do the company's dirty work. They may pass out literature filled with the company's lies about the union, or they may spread rumors and insult coworkers who support the union. The Vote No Committee members may be recruited from friends and relatives of someone in management. Usually, they are promised special treatment or a promotion for their dirty work.

The Truth:
The company knows that if you and your coworkers are united, you can stand up with your rights. The aim of the Antiunion Committee is to divide people and create hatred. The company tries to divide us, but the Union brings us together. Don't let it happen to you.

March 20, 2007 6:03 AM

Anonymous said...

Answers to your Questions:

on the Union Authorization Card--
Q. What is it?
A. As it clearly states, the card authorizes the specified Union to represent you in collective bargaining with management. Under the Railway Labor Act, when at least 35% of the workers nationwide in a given classification [eg., courier, CSA, etc.] sign cards, a mail ballot election for Union representation will be held.
Q. I'm afraid... What if management finds out I signed it?
A. Federal labor law establishes criminal sanctions such as hefty fines and even time in jail for managers who seek out this type of info. Likewise, it is illegal for managers to punish or single out employees who support the Union. The Union will help protect you.
Q. If I sign but change my mind, can I get my card back?
A. Yes. Send your request in writing to both the Union and the governing labor board.
Q. If an election to vote for or against a union is held, does signing the card mean I have already voted "yes, I want the Union?"
A. No! You would still vote your conscience. In fact, if you want the Union, it becomes absolutely essential for you to go out and vote "yes" at election time!



on Union Dues--
Q. Why does a union need to collect dues?
A. Dues money pays the Union's bills, such as staff salaries, organizing expenses, newsletters to keep members informed, etc.
Q. How much are union dues?
A. Dues are typically two hours of your pay per month.
Q. When would I start paying dues?
A. The Union cannot begin collecting dues until the thirty days after FedEx signs a legally binding contract. Dues do not begin when you sign a union authorization card.
Q. Would I as a Union member have any say-so about where my dues money goes?
A. Of Course! Unions typically have voting approval procedures written into national and local constitutions covering items such as dues levels and increases, officer salaries, and other expenses. By contrast, do you as an employee have any voting control over Fred Smith's salary and perks? Do you have any say-so at all about where the revenue of Federal Express goes to? No! And you never will, at least not until the day management signs a legally binding Union contract stipulating what FedEx pays out as your wages and benefits!




call the FedEx Teamster hotline toll-free at 1-888-FEDX-IBT (333-9428)

March 14, 2007 6:53 AM

Organizing Workshop

Organizing Workshop

Our next Organizing Workshop will be held as follows:

Sunday, March 11,2007
8:30am - 11:00am
Teamster Local 952
140 S. Marks Way, Orange Ca.92868

All are invited to attend. FedEx Freight,Ground,Express and LTL and you to Larry

The time to organize is NOW!

Joe Nuno Said...

HEY LARRY ITS NOT ABOUT ME IT'S ABOUT YOU AND THE REST OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO DESERVE A FAIR CONTRACT AND A CHANCE TO BE EDUCATED ON OUR RIGHTS & FAIR PENSION,LIKE UPS HAS, 5 DOLLARS AN HR FOR EVERY HR YOU WORK UP TO 2080 HRS A YEAR.AND NO SEPARATION, YOU ARE PART OF US, AND PLEASE FORGIVE ME BECAUSE I DON'T SAY WHATS UP.I DON'T JUDGE YOU FOR YOUR OPINION AGAINST THE UNION BECAUSE WE ARE STILL A TEAM AND HAVE TO MAKE ENDS MEET. AND THE TEAMSTERS DIDN'T BUY ME MY CADILLAC IT WAS A GIFT FROM MY WIFE FOR MY BIRTHDAY A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO.AND THE PIECE OF CRAP TRUCK I USE TO DRIVE AND STILL HAVE WAS ALSO A GIFT FROM MY FATHER IN-LAW,WHO I LOVE VERY MUCH,AND A RETIRED UNION WORKER.HE OFFERED IT TO ME,BECAUSE I WAS GOING TO BUY ME A NEW TRUCK FOR ONLY HOME DEPOT RUNS,AND THANKS TO HIM,I WAS JUST GOING TO SPENDED MORE MONEY AND LET THE TRUCK SIT.SO PLEASE LARRY DON'T JUDGE ME I DON'T KNOW YOU,AND YOU DON'T KNOW ME EITHER,BECAUSE I AM COMPASSIONATE AND THOUGHTFUL FOR MY FELLOW MATES,AND THAT'S YOU TOO.

March 5, 2007 9:23 PM

Fdx Frt. Loses Labor Appeal at U.S. Appeals Court

FedEx bought American Freightways in 2001 and integrated AF into FedEx Freight. Teamsters Local 710 were in an organizing drive at the AF facility in Summit at the time FedEx management took over. Union supporter Tommy Glass faced retaliation and intimidation as part of the anti-union campaign run by management at that time. Glass filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board and the NLRB sided with Glass. FedEx took the unusually stubborn step and appealed the NLRB ruling to the Court of Appeals Seventh Circuit. The Court of Appeals decided in favor Glass for his reinstatement in December 2005.

Read More at FedExWatch.com

Anonymous said..

I have worked for fedex a long time and it seems to me as if fedex management puts hourly employees out there trying to represent the management's point of view. Trying to intimidate employees or control the non union point of view only. It is sad to see other employees follow along this reckless and uncaring path. I hope employees start looking between the lines and realize HR is just there so that you won't sue the company, the vpep is just a scam to pacify employees so that employees will be happy making less money per hour, and so are the barbeques. Larry I wish you'd join us and realize that a binding union contract is a hell of a lot better than an empty company promise. The company promises a revamped pension plan but the reality is that I will make less or about the same with this new pension plan when I retire. As far as I'm concerned the new pension plan and the 401k retirement scam is just a band aid over a broken arm in fedex's weak attempt to control employees. Other issues which need to be fixed are part time dockworkers need affordable decent medical coverage fot themselves and their families, retiree medical benefits, better hourly pay for all employees, and no more favortism for job advancement. The employees of fedex are banding together. The employees are the union we are in this together in a redistribution of power which will help working families not corporate domination. We are not bringing in outsiders we are the union and so are you Larry. Think about it. Organize for your rights.
March 3, 2007 1:32 PM