Connecticut Teamsters Urge Lawmakers for Warehouse Worker Protections and Support for Striking Employees

A group of Teamsters recently took the initiative to lead a labor delegation at the Connecticut state capitol, demanding that state lawmakers enact crucial legislation focused on improving warehouse safety and providing a safety net for striking workers. Prominent figures from the Teamsters union expressed their commitment to advocating for these legislative measures that they believe are vital for protecting the rights and welfare of workers in Connecticut.

Rocco Calo, Junior Vice President of Teamsters Local 1150 and the Teamsters International Vice President for the Eastern Region, addressed the importance of the proposed bills. He stated, "These bills are essential for protecting Connecticut workers, and our elected officials can send a strong message to working families that they are on their side by enacting them into law." Calo reminded that state lawmakers have previously shown their ability to champion workers’ rights, pointing out their achievement in making Connecticut the first state to prohibit mandatory attendance at anti-union propaganda sessions.

The Teamsters presented two significant pieces of legislation aimed at supporting workers: House Bill 6907 and House Bill 6904. House Bill 6907 will allow striking workers to access unemployment insurance after two weeks of being on strike, while House Bill 6904 is designed to enhance safety for warehouse employees, particularly by limiting production quotas, thereby preventing stress-related injuries. The companion legislation, Senate Bill 8, encompasses both of these critical points.

Tony Lepore, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 671, emphasized the necessity of such bills by stating, "This bill would send a message to abusive employers across the state that they cannot continue to exploit their workforce or stall contract negotiations illegally." Lepore argued that a comprehensive set of protections for workers could significantly mitigate the occurrence of workplace injuries and reduce the number of strikes.

Supporting the legislation, warehouse workers Lawrence Sanchez and Justin Donahue shared personal testimonies of their experiences in the i-Health warehouse. The two workers had organized to fight against what they described as abusive treatment and unsafe working conditions, resulting in their illegal termination as they protested. Donahue specifically mentioned the excessive overtime pressure and lack of adequate staffing that led to him suffering a shoulder injury, affecting his ability to spend time with his young family.

Sanchez echoed these sentiments, expressing hope that the proposed bills would benefit all warehouse workers, giving them the courage to stand against employers who act in bad faith. He stressed that these legislative measures would be a much-needed safety net, reinforcing that Connecticut could support workers during challenging times, especially when facing large corporations.

The push for such legislative changes is not isolated to Connecticut; states like California, New York, Oregon, and Washington have already established laws protecting warehouse workers from unreasonable production quotas. Simultaneously, New York and New Jersey offer unemployment insurance to workers compelled to strike. These precedents highlight a growing recognition of the need for worker protections in the ever-evolving workplace landscape.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents a diverse group of approximately 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. As they continue to advocate for labor rights and protections, they urge community support to amplify their message and ensure lawmakers understand the gravity of these issues facing workers today. For ongoing updates and information about their efforts, you can visit the Teamsters' official website or connect with them on social media platforms.