How Teamsters Local 481 Rose to the Challenge in San Diego
Building Strength in San Diego: The Legacy of Teamsters Local 481
From humble beginnings to a powerhouse presence in San Diego’s labor landscape, the Teamsters have always stood for worker dignity, fairness, and progress. Let’s take a quick journey—from national roots, to California, to the proud achievements of Local 481 right here in San Diego.
A Union of Workers, Nationwide
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters began in 1903, rising as a force for freight drivers, warehouse workers, and countless other trades. Through waves of organizing, the Teamsters expanded into nearly every sector of work imaginable—defending workers’ rights across professions. International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Planting Local Roots: Teamsters in San Diego
Local unions spread across the state, and in San Diego, Teamsters Local 481 took hold. According to public records, Local 481 is now over 3,000 members strong, representing workers in automotive, parking, rentals, maintenance, warehouse, the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, and more. In fact, Zoo workers in San Diego are represented under Local 481—everything from animal care to admissions, grounds, maintenance, merchandising, and more. teamsters481.org
Big Wins & Union Momentum
Under the leadership of Secretary-Treasurer Victor Torres including members of the Unity Slate a contract for zoo employees was negotiated and ratified by 80%— one that included meaningful improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions. Leadership worked at the bargaining table and managed the complex negotiations with zoo management to secure the agreement. Endorsements of Unity Slate feature zoo workers that praise these improvements and the gains achieved. teamsterslocal481unityslate.com/voices-of-481
“The question is, do we want to re-elect a slate of proven winners with years of experience, or do we want to elect a slate of people who think they can do better, but have zero experience in union negotiations?” — MARY-ELLEN JORDAN
This is about effective representation. This significant win shows that leadership, when aligned and anchored in experienced negotiations, delivers results — combining members’ voices, unity, and strategic work to produce contracts that reflect union strength.
Spotlight: Victor Torres & the Unity Slate in Local 481
At the helm of Local 481 is Secretary-Treasurer Victor Torres, a longtime union leader whose tenure has been recognized in local labor circles. In 2021, Torres was honored with the Labor Leader of the Year award at the John S. Lyons Memorial Banquet. Teamsters
Under the banner of the Unity Slate, Local 481 emphasizes stability, experience, and pragmatic growth. Torres is the “strategic mind behind Local 481’s financial stability” and highlight endorsements from multiple union workers—including those at the Zoo. Voices of 481: teamsterslocal481unityslate.com
In internal statements and campaign material, supporters urge members to examine the “many contracts … at the San Diego Zoo … and see the progressions and improvements that have been captured … to better explain the value of what Victor Torres and team has done.” teamsterslocal481unityslate.com
Victor Torres named JOHNS Labor Leader of the Year 2021, a first for a Local 481 Leader
Being named the John S. Lyons Labor Leader of the Year is not just an honor — it’s a recognition of decades of lifelong dedication to labor and community. For Victor Torres, the roots run deep: from his father’s life as an ILWU longshoreman, to generations of family serving on San Diego’s docks, his path has always been intertwined with the struggle and pride of working people. This award isn’t a title — it’s a legacy.
Why This Matters for You
Every step of Local 481’s journey shows how organizing builds power: negotiating stronger contracts, winning institutional recognition, amplifying member voices, and defending gains. The Zoo contract fights highlight that the Local is more than paperwork—it’s your collective strength in action. With Unity Slate leadership, the emphasis is on carrying forward proven results and making sure members always see how far we’ve come.
