Teamasters 703 & 710. Talk contracts, strikes, and everything in between.
Garage Mind: 703 and 710 Strike Stories, Unity, and First-Contract Lessons Tony is joined by Brian and Johnny Scianna, a business agent with 703, to break down a six-week strike that was really a year and a half in the making. They cover what it takes to win a first contract, why unity matters, and how communication, education, and member involvement shape every step of a labor fight.In this episode: Johnny Sienna shares how he came up through 703 from warehouse and produce work into a full-time business agent role The group explains why the open kitchens fight was really a long first-contract campaign, not just a six-week strike They dig into the importance of unity on the line, especially when an employer is waiting for people to break Brian and Johnny compare first-contract fights with mature contracts, especially how employers use delay tactics They discuss why language matters as much as wages, including job protection, seniority, strike language, and health and pension protections The conversation covers bannering, customer outreach, and how public education changed the pressure on the employer Johnny explains how scabs, damaged equipment, and unsafe driving on refrigerated meal routes changed the stakes They talk about the challenge of supporting members without letting emotions override strategy The guys reflect on how strike lines create stronger bonds between co-workers and often turn them into real friends They close on networking across locals, sharing tactics, and building solidarity beyond one hall Unity first - a strike only works when the membership stays together Education every day - members, temp workers, and even employers need context Language matters - protections outlast a temporary wage bump Homework before bargaining - know the history, the issues, and the leverage points Action plus communication - banners, outreach, and public messaging increase pressure Different styles, same goal - stewards, BAs, and rank-and-file all bring something different Notable Quotes: “Unity is key.” “Language is what keeps you earning that money.” “When we fight we win.”
