After having to cancel the annual seminar last year because of COVID, Local 812 Stewards, members, officers and staff were pleased to be together once 
again to share knowledge, hone their skills and discuss the Local’s challenges and opportunities over the coming year.
Several special guests and allies addressed the group, including Teamster Joint Council 73 (New Jersey) President Al Rispoli, who welcomed us to Atlantic City. Teamster General President Hoffa sent a video greeting, thanking Local 812 essential workers for their perseverance and sacrifice during the pandemic. He also spoke about advancing critical federal legislation
Local 812 President Joe Vitta opened the seminar, telling attendees, “You kept going in the bleakest of times, supporting one another. I applaud each of you for your bravery and courage.”
Core Union Duties and Functions
Local 812 Officers and Business Agents led discussions around core union functions on the job. Local 812 Secretary-Treasurer John Visconti reviewed the duties of stewards and key members, the “backbone and public face of the union.”
Local 812 Vice President James Surdi led a detailed exchange on identifying and investigating grievances, followed by Local 812 Recording Secretary Angel Martinez’s session on the rules and best practices for preparing for a successful arbitration. He stressed the importance of resolving problems at the shop level and the importance of honesty.
Local 812 Business Agent and Trustee Jeff Knatz covered the handling of disciplinary interviews. During the course of the seminar, participants brought up emerging technological issues, including the use of electronic devices for recording. Knatz counseled that a phone is no substitute for good notes and written documentation. Union Attorney Barry Levy advised members to “always assume you are being recorded.”
State Legalization of Marijuana
Local 812 Business Agent and Trustee Mark Pooler tackled the topics of the legalization of marijuana in New York and as well as updates on issues impacting CDL Drivers. Because legalization is new to the state, and the rules and regulations are still being developed and not all questions can be answered at this time.
President Vitta recommended that until the new rules are finalized, non-CDL members treat marijuana like alcohol – it is legal, but not on the clock. More detailed state regulations are expected this fall.
President Vitta, as well as Union Attorneys James Green and Barry Levy weighed in throughout the seminar.
Retirement Security
The second day was devoted to in depth discussions of the Local 812 Pension Fund and retirement security.
President Vitta provided the context for the retirement security session, outlining the recently ratified Liberty Coca-Cola contract and the impact on upcoming negotiations. Brother Vitta explained that the top priority of the Local 812 Board was the long-term preservation and protection of the pension benefits earned by members and the creation of a 401(K)-type plan that is administered by union and company Trustees.
Local 812 Pension Fund auditor Vincent Lai gave an overview of how the Retirement Fund is audited every year to ensure that the Fund administered properly.
The investment consultant, Mark Lotruglio, reviewed the investment decisions taken over the past few years to maximize investment returns and reduce risk. Returns exceeded the goals set for fiscal year 2020-21
Local 812 Pension Fund attorney Walter Kane and actuaries Alan Sofge and Jake Pine presented a comprehensive pension fund review and update.
They first discussed the recently enacted pension relief law, the “Butch Lewis Act”. The financing from this law is not available to the Local 812 Fund. It is only available to insolvent pension funds or those expected to go insolvent in the near future.
Mr. Kane went over the details of the proposed financing of the Retirement Fund. The details of the proposal had been hammered out after many months of negotiations. The deal would require a large upfront payment to the Retirement Fund by most of the employers. In addition, employers would remain in the Retirement Fund and be obligated to address any anticipated shortfall that might arise over the next twenty years. Detailed charts were presented which showed the impact of the deal on the Retirement Fund. Liberty Coke has already agreed to the terms of the deal. If the deal goes through, the assets of the Retirement Fund will exceed its liabilities, and the pensions earned through 2021 will be secure. After 2021, members will be covered by a defined contribution plan to which employers will contribute for each member $4,000 per year.
Brother Vitta and the pension professionals took questions from stewards and key members and provided answers. President Vitta informed participants that a Frequently Asked Questions sheet (FAQs) will be created for the membership and that another information session such as the one held at the seminar will be scheduled for all members to attend.
pdf A meeting has been scheduled for August 9th. (629 KB)
Additionally, representatives from Local 812 healthcare providers, including Magna Care, Sele-dent Dental, OptumRx, Davis Vision, Vision Screening, Teamster Center Services and Amplifon Hearing Health Care were on hand to answer any questions regarding health and supplemental benefits. Local 812 health advocates John “Artie” Bowen and Joe Geremina also attended.
