WORCESTER—In a decisive move, 21 employees of Worcester-based Pacific Rail Services have joined Teamsters Local 170, it announced last week. The organized workforce, comprising jockeys, crane operators, and programmers, plays a crucial role in Pacific Rail Services’ daily operations, keeping the CSX railyard functioning smoothly.
“It was clear this group had the toughness and tenacity to be Teamsters from the day we started organizing,” Shannon George, secretary-treasurer of Local 170, said in a press release. “We can’t wait to get them the better pay and benefits that come with being part of our union.”
Pacific Rail Services acknowledged Teamsters Local 170 as the official bargaining representative for these workers after an overwhelming number of employees submitted union authorization cards. The new union members seek robust representation in areas such as health and retirement benefits, areas where they believe union advocacy will provide long-term gains.
For Joe Bembenek, a programmer at Pacific Rail Services with 26 years of industry experience, joining the Teamsters is a return to a trusted support system. “If you want a fair contract and good representation on the job, you should join the Teamsters,” said Bembenek in a statement. “I was a Teamster years ago, and I’m excited to be one again so my co-workers and I can make our voices heard.”
Local 170 represents diverse workers across multiple industries in the Worcester area, including transportation, grocery, construction, and public service, working to negotiate equitable pay, benefits, and safe working conditions for members.
With these Pacific Rail Services employees now among their ranks, Teamsters Local 170 will focus on securing improved working terms tailored to the unique needs of the railyard workforce, they said.
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