The Future of Local 481: A Legacy of Leadership and Unity with Victor Torres
Greetings, Sisters and Brothers of Teamsters Local 481. As a third-generation union member with over 45 years of dedication to our Local, my experience is more than just a list of roles—it is a proven track record of fighting for and securing the future of our membership. My career has been built on a foundation of service, from walking the picket line in 1971 to becoming a Chief Shop Steward, President, and now your Secretary-Treasurer. This hands-on experience, including negotiations as chief spokesperson and handling hundreds of grievances, has prepared me to effectively advocate for our collective interests. I am leading the Unity Slate on the principle that my dedication and accomplishments will continue to be used to secure better wages, stronger benefits, and safer working conditions for every member of Local 481.
My record is built on more than just words. It is grounded in decades of hands-on experience and a relentless focus on securing tangible wins for our members. From the picket lines to the negotiation table, my work has been about one thing: serving our membership. The following section outlines my extensive education, the key roles, successful negotiations, and critical milestones that define my career and prove my ability to continue to deliver for Local 481.
Family History
I am a 3rd generation Union member. My Father and Grandfather were members of the Longshore Worker’s Union (ILWU) with over 80 years of total membership. This is a way of life for the Torres’ as many members of my family were and still are ILWU members. My Union activity began when I walked the picket line in the historic West Coast strike of 1971.
Education:
B.A. degree in Psychology/Minor Mexican-American Studies SDSU.
Post Grad work includes Pre-Law SDSU (COES), honor student Labor Studies SDCCD covering all aspects of Labor (worker’s comp, history, grievance handling, contract negotiations, etc.).
Continuing Education at Labor Law and Benefit Conferences.
My Commitment to Local 481
The timeline and list of accomplishments that follows is not just a summary of my career, but a testament to my lifelong dedication to you and the future of our union.
Local 481 membership
My 45 year membership at Local 481 began with my employment in the B&G department at the San Diego Zoo in 1980. I then transferred to the Public Service Warehouse from 1983-1999 as a Warehouse Worker/Delivery Driver.
Local 481 Leadership
I became a Steward (1992) and Chief Shop Steward (1997).
As an Officer, I became a Trustee (1994), President (1995-2007) and Secretary-Treasurer (2007-present).
I have been a Local 481 Field Representative/Organizer (1996-present).
Delegate to the Teamsters JC 42 (1994-present), Advisory Committee Board Member to the JC (2022-present), IBT Delegate 1996(alt), 2001, 2002, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021.
Delegate (1995-present), E-bd member (2010-present) and VP (2017-present) to the San Diego Labor Council.
Trustee (1997-present)/Chair (2019-present) of the San Diego County Teamsters-Employers Insurance Trust Fund.
Member and Officer of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA, formerly IRRA) (1994).
Local 481 Track Record
I have participated in over 300 contract negotiations in various capacities including Chief Spokesperson for the Union. I have handled hundreds of grievances covering an array of discipline and interpretation issues in my career including presenting cases at Board of Adjustment, JALM, NLRB and CA/Fed Mediation/Arbitration. I have also filed petitions with the NLRB to organize new units.
I participated in the successful battle in 1999 to restore overtime pay in CA. Activities included letter writing, testifying to Boards and providing interviews on CBS national/KPBS radio, KGTV and KFMB-TV. To know that our Local played a significant role in restoring OT pay to all CA workers is one of my proudest moments. Starting the first ever Local 481 website Teamsters481.org also stands out.
I want all of you to know that I pledge to run a positive campaign. I will not run a campaign based on who can sling the most mud. I trust that you will consider my qualifications, education, experience, abilities and accomplishments and I will run my campaign along with my fellow Local 481 Sisters and Brothers on the Teamsters Local 481 Unity Slate based on that track record.
That being said, I offer myself as the most qualified and dedicated candidate on the ballot. I have been fortunate in my labor experiences. I have discussed labor issues with the Secretary of Labor, NLRB Chairman and been mentored by some of the most distinguished labor officials in the United States.
Closer to home, I also hold the all-time Local 481 meeting attendance records with perfect GM attendance since 1992 (356 meetings in a row) and Executive Board attendance since 1994 (361 meetings in a row).
This election is about you and your future
Your choice in this election is crucial, and it’s about more than promises—it’s about a track record of service. I have been honored to stand with you, and I am ready to continue our work together. I am asking for your vote so that I can keep serving Teamsters Local 481 and building a better tomorrow for all of us.
VICTOR TORRES
Secretary-Treasurer
