The following information is adapted from an article that was originally published in the Steward's Watch newsletter. We thought that this information would be of interest to all members of the new GCC/IBT.

The GCIU's merger with the Teamsters that became effective Jan. 1, 2005, is expected to produce some exciting changes for our union. We look forward to increased strength and solidarity among our local unions and our sister IBT locals as a result of the merger.

As with all change, the merger will undoubtedly raise questions for members. We hope that the following information will help to answer some of those questions.

Q: Who are we now?

Under the merger agreement, the GCIU is now an autonomous conference of the Teamsters. The General Board authorized a name change to reflect our new status. So, we are now officially the Graphic Communications Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (GCC/IBT).

At the same time, by virtue of the merger, we are Teamsters, too. That is why our members are receiving the same publications that the Teamsters international union mails to its members.

Q: How will the merger affect GCC/IBT local unions?

Per the merger agreement, GCC/IBT local unions will retain their autonomy. Local unions will keep their current identification numbers. Day-to-day relationships between local unions and employers and between local unions, local representatives and their membership remain unchanged as a result of the merger.

Q: Do we have to re-negotiate our current contracts because of the merger?

No. All GCIU contracts with employers remain valid and in effect. Collective bargaining is–as always–between the local union and the employer.

If an employer approaches a local or bargaining unit representative to try to force re-opening the contract, local union officers should contact Richard J. Whitworth, executive assistant to the GCC/IBT president. He can be reached by phone at 202-462-1400, by email at rwhitworth@gciu.org, or by fax at 202-721-0600.

As a result of the merger, we now have more resources to help us with contract and organizing campaigns. GCC/IBT local unions are encouraged to contact sister IBT local unions or IBT joint councils in their areas to establish relationships and to strengthen mutual support.

For example, because we are Teamsters, representatives from other IBT locals, IBT joint councils, or the international union would have the right, if asked by your local union, to sit in on contract talks. Contact Richard Whitworth if you need help to establish contact with IBT local unions and IBT joint councils in your area.

Q: Will my health and retirement plans and other benefits change as a result of the merger?

No. Your current benefits are the result of contract negotiations with your employer and your local union's structure. Because contracts with employers and local union structures will not be affected, your benefits will not change from what they are now.

Per the merger agreement, the pension plans of the former GCIU will remain independent, although their names may change to reflect the merger. The Inter-Local Pension Fund, which is funded solely by member contributions, will remain the same. The GCC/IBT's Benevolent Trust Fund remains in effect.

Q: Is my union card still good? What about travel cards?

Your union membership card remains valid. At some point, we will issue new membership cards to reflect the merged identification of our union.

Travel cards can still be obtained by the current method and will still be honored by GCC/IBT local unions.

Q: How can we get the new logo and other materials that reflect our new name and identity?

GCC/IBT headquarters can supply local unions with a digital version of our new logo. Local officers can contact Kim Sousa at 202-462-1400 or email ksousa@gciu.org for the logo in digital format and for questions related to ordering other materials.

GCC/IBT Vice Pres. Robert Lacey suggests that local unions consider asking members who are not required to wear company uniforms to participate in a "solidarity day" in their shops by wearing new shirts and/or buttons that feature the new name and logo.