Colorado Spartans Join Teamsters for Enhanced Player Benefits and Job Security

Colorado Spartans Arena Football Team Joins Teamsters

In a significant move for professional athletes in the National Arena League, the Colorado Spartans have officially aligned with Teamsters Local 455. This decision, made by a majority vote among players and coaches, marks a pivotal moment in their quest for improved working conditions and benefits.

Commitment to Betterment

The members of the Colorado Spartans have united to enhance their health care options, secure better retirement benefits, and establish stronger job protections during the offseason. Dean Modecker, the Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 455, expressed excitement about this new partnership, stating, "Whether it's archaeologists, warehouse workers, truckers, or professional football players, Teamsters represent them all. We are looking forward to getting these men the Teamsters contract they deserve and supporting them on the field at the Denver Coliseum!"

This sentiment is shared across the team, as players and coaches recognize the potential for significant enhancements to their professional lives. For instance, Head Coach Fred Shaw emphasized that joining the union is a strategic move that empowers both his team and themselves as individuals: "As a coach, I put myself in a position to win, and that's why I joined the Teamsters. With the Teamsters backing us, we can hit the ground running with elite health care, a 401(k), and solid offseason jobs. The union isn't just about work; it's about building futures, on and off the field."

Opportunities and Access

By becoming members of Teamsters Local 455, the Spartans gain access to offseason employment opportunities at numerous companies within the union’s extensive network. There are currently 65 employers linked through collective bargaining agreements, allowing players a pathway to financial stability even when the football season is over. This aspect of union membership is indispensable, especially for athletes navigating the fluctuations of their careers.

Teamsters Local 455, based in Denver, boasts a robust membership of over 10,000 individuals across the Rocky Mountain region. Their support and resources are pivotal for the Spartans, who will benefit from the collective strength of the union as they approach the demands of their sport and personal lives. By joining together, they not only aim to improve their playing conditions but also secure a better future for themselves and their families.

Moreover, with the visibility of unions in sports on a rising trend, this decision by the Spartans could serve as a catalyst for other teams in both arena football and beyond. The push for improved conditions, fair compensation, and comprehensive benefits resonates well with a broader audience in today’s labor landscape.

As the Spartans embark on this new chapter, fans and supporters will undoubtedly rally behind their commitment to not just excel on the field but to advocate for their rights and necessities as professional athletes. In a sport often celebrated for its physicality and resilience, the collaboration with Teamsters marks a more profound recognition of the support structure all players deserve.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Colorado Spartans work with Teamsters Local 455 towards a prosperous and secure future.