I want to give my full support to Victor Torres.After more than 30 years of knowing him, he has…
I would advise all of you to look through the many contracts that have been passed at the San Diego Zoo as well as other companies as far back as you can, and then start looking through the progressions and improvements that have been captured throughout the years to better explain the value of what Victor Torres and Team has done for our Union.
“I am proud of the leader Victor has been for this local. I fear that other potential leaders, with a less steady hand and a more uncompromising, sometimes confrontational tone, may endanger the very benefits we have all worked so hard to protect.”
— Jennifer Tibbott, Lead Wildlife Care Specialist, Safari Park.
As Secretary-Treasurer, Victor Torres is the strategic mind behind Local 481’s financial stability and a relentless advocate at the bargaining table. His leadership is focused on securing a better future for every member.
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
Our Vision
Our Vision for the Future: Building on a Foundation of Strength
As your elected leadership team, we’ve always believed that the future of Teamsters Local 481 isn’t a distant destination—it’s something we build together, every single day. You’ve seen what we’ve accomplished over the past few years: stronger contracts, a solvent union, and a leadership team that consistently shows up to fight for you. We’ve laid a solid foundation, and now it’s time to look ahead.
Our vision for the future is not about promising a fresh start; it’s about delivering on the momentum we’ve already created. We are a proven and experienced slate, and we know that real progress comes from consistency, trust, and a unified plan.
FACT SHEET The Teamsters Local 481 Unity Slate’s Track Record
The Battle for Fair Pay: Securing Daily Overtime
A cornerstone of a fair day’s work is fair pay. When a previous California Governor took action to take overtime pay away from the working people in our state, the members of Local 481 took a stand, challenging the powerful business interests who were pursuing this massive take away. Local 481 along with the entire labor movement, successfully enshrined the right to overtime for any hours worked beyond a standard eight-hour day. This pivotal moment set a new standard for worker compensation and solidified the union’s commitment to its members’ financial well-being.
Organizing the Unorganized: The Penske Story
For decades, there was only one unionized Penske shop in San Diego County. Beginning in the early 2000’s, Local 481 began a successful organizing effort that resulted in what we have today, a fully organized Penske bargaining unit throughout the region that now includes the El Centro shop in the Imperial Valley. This successful project has strengthened our regional contract throughout the Western states providing greater leverage for all our Penske members when we go back to the bargaining table for a successor agreement.
Experience Matters
A Unified Team with Years of Dedication
Victor Torres
45+ Years
Mark Dodson
44+ Years
Ian House
18+ Years
Gail Panzarini
38+ Years
Elaine Baker
25+ Years
Julian Castellanos
28+ Years
Tana Emerson
39+ Years
For Collective Power, Vote Unity Slate: 0+ Years Serving Local 481.
