History of Local 995
Teamsters Local 995 was chartered in August of 1968. The first officers were:
- C.A. Christmas, President
- Walter C. Gray, Vice Pres.
- R.S. Thomas, Sec-Tres.
- P.R. Wagner, Rec. Sec.
and Trustees:
- Kenneth E. Yates
- Stanley Andrews
- Robert E. McCormick
Local 995 has a long and respected history of representing working men and women in Las Vegas, Nevada. Officially known as “Professional, Clerical and Miscellaneous Employees, Teamsters Local 995”.
R.S “Dick” Thomas was Local 995’s first Secretary-Treasurer. He started a tradition of membership service that was followed by Joe Leone, Steve Burrus and is continued today by Local 995 Secretary-Treasurer Mike Magnani.
Local 995 was originally located at 301 Wall street near the intersection of Charleston and Main Streets. Local 995 built it’s present building and moved into the current location at 300 Shadow Lane in 1978.
Contracts between the major hotels in Las Vegas and Local 995 reflect the changes associated with the growth of Las Vegas and the Casino industry in general. Please note some of the hourly wages for the following classifications in 1969:
- Valets $2.25
- PBX Operator $3.05
- Gardener $4.25
- Room Reservations $3.05
- Limousine Driver $4.55
- Front Desk Clerk $2.95
- Receivers $4.69
- Information Clerks $2.75
- Golf Course $4.69
- Night Auditor $3.35
In 1969 the employer contribution to the Teamsters pension plan was only five cents per hour. It now exceeds $1.50 per hour or more!
Teamsters Local 995 won national recognition as the first hotel union in the United States to have a contract with a forty hour work week guarantee, dental plan and employer paid pension plan.
From just a few members in the late 1960’s to a membership of over 3,200 today Local 995 continues to lead the way for worker’s rights and benefits in the Las Vegas area.