Teamsters Local 688 names new vice president

Teamsters Local 688 has promoted Chris Tongay to vice president of its executive board, and appointed Rodney Kalina as a board trustee.

Tongay, a business representative at the local for 14 years, is replacing Roland Lewis who recently retired after serving eight years as vice president. Tongay began his career with the Teamsters nearly 30 years ago as a part-time employee at UPS.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the executive board,” Tongay said. “I plan to use my office to continue educating our members about their rights in the workplace.”

During his tenure as a business representative, Tongay has served as chairman of the Local 688/UPS Local Rider Negotiating Committee, member of the IBT Central Region/UPS Negotiating Committee, member of the IBT/UPS Premium Services Committee, union co-chair of the Teamsters/UPS MO-KAN-NE Grievance Panel,and union co-chair of the Central Region/UPS 9.5 Committee. He also currently serves as a union trustee for the Teamsters Negotiated Pension Plan.

Kalina is a 21-year Teamster who is currently the chief steward at Pepsi. He has served on multiple negotiating committees at his shop and has been a member of the 688 PEC and Budget Committee since 2005. Kalina was also a delegate to the 2006 and 2011 Teamsters’ conventions and is currently recording secretary for the LHN health plan.

“I am honored to serve our members and look forward to making a positive contribution,” Kalina said.

LEWIS

Former Vice President Lewis was a Teamster for 40 years. He began his career at Century Foundry, which later became Federal Mogul, and served as a steward and negotiating committee member before becoming a business representative.
Lewis was appointed vice president in 2008. During that time, also he also served as president of the St Louis chapter of the Teamsters National Black Caucus.

“His leadership in both organizations will be missed,” said Mike Goebel, Local 688 secretary/treasurer. “The executive board and staff at Local 688 wish Roland the best in his retirement.”