Teamsters Local 728 in Atlanta, Georgia: What It Is and How It Works for Workers

If you work in trucking, freight, warehousing, sanitation, film production, or other transport and logistics jobs in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard of Teamsters Local 728. This local union represents workers in and around Atlanta, Georgia, helping negotiate wages, hours, and workplace protections.

This guide explains what Teamsters Local 728 is, how it operates in the Atlanta area, who it represents, and what you can expect if you’re considering getting involved or just want to understand its role in the city.

What Is Teamsters Local 728?

Teamsters Local 728 is a local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), one of the largest labor unions in the United States. Local 728 is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and primarily serves workers in:

• Freight and trucking
• Package delivery and parcel services
• Warehousing and distribution
• Sanitation and waste hauling
• Movie and TV production transportation
• Other transportation, logistics, and related industries

The local’s main function is to represent workers in collective bargaining with employers and to assist members with workplace issues, such as grievances, contract enforcement, and disciplinary actions.

Where Is Teamsters Local 728 in Atlanta?

Teamsters Local 728 is headquartered in the Atlanta metropolitan area, and it typically serves a broad region across north and central Georgia, with a strong presence in and around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, major freight terminals, and distribution hubs along I-75, I-85, and I-285.

If you need in-person help, most people:

• Call the main office to set an appointment
• Visit for membership questions, contract issues, or meetings
• Attend membership meetings or town halls that are announced by the local

Because locations or office hours can change over time, it’s a good idea to confirm current details by phone before visiting.

Who Does Teamsters Local 728 Represent in Atlanta?

Local 728 represents unionized workers at a variety of employers in and around Atlanta. While exact employers can shift over time, workers often come from:

• Trucking and freight carriers (road drivers, dock workers, city drivers)
• Package and parcel delivery companies (drivers, loaders, sorters)
• Warehouse, fulfillment, and distribution center employees
• Sanitation and waste management workers (residential/commercial routes, landfill support)
• Film and TV transportation workers tied to Atlanta’s growing production scene
• Other transportation-related jobs, such as shuttle drivers and certain airport-adjacent roles

If your workplace has a Teamsters contract, it will typically spell out that you’re represented by Local 728, list covered positions, and outline the rights and obligations for both workers and the employer.

What Does Teamsters Local 728 Do for Workers in Atlanta?

For someone working in Atlanta, Local 728 generally focuses on several key areas.

1. Collective Bargaining and Contracts

Local 728 negotiates collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with employers. These contracts typically cover:

• Wages and pay scales
• Overtime rules
• Health insurance and other benefits
• Pension or retirement plans
• Scheduling, seniority, and bidding procedures
• Vacation, holidays, and leave policies
• Job protections and discipline procedures

For many Atlanta workers, this contract becomes the main rulebook for their job beyond basic state and federal law.

2. Grievances and Workplace Problems

If you’re a member and believe your employer violated the contract, Local 728 can help you:

• File a grievance
• Prepare for and attend meetings with management
• Move a dispute through multi-step grievance processes
• In some cases, proceed to arbitration if the issue isn’t resolved earlier

This is especially relevant in large Atlanta facilities, where policies are formal and disputes can be complex.

3. Representation in Disciplinary Matters

If you’re facing discipline, suspension, or termination, Local 728 representatives can:

• Review whether the company followed the contract
• Assist in disciplinary hearings or investigatory meetings
• Help you understand your options and next steps

Many Atlanta-area members request a union steward or representative before meeting with management about serious matters.

4. Safety and Working Conditions

Given Atlanta’s busy highways, large hubs, and fast-paced logistics environment, Local 728 often pays attention to:

• Driver safety and hours-of-service compliance
• Equipment conditions (trucks, trailers, forklifts, etc.)
• Warehouse safety standards
• Heat, weather, and environmental conditions, especially in outdoor or non-climate-controlled jobs

Workers may bring safety concerns to a steward or business agent, who can raise those issues with management under the contract.

5. Member Support and Resources

Members in Atlanta may have access to:

• Union meetings to discuss contracts, workplace changes, and elections
• Steward training or member workshops
• Information about benefits, such as health coverage or pension plans
• Guidance on how to handle workplace documentation or disputes

Specific offerings can vary by employer and contract, but Local 728 is generally a hub for union-related support.

How Teamsters Local 728 Fits into Atlanta’s Labor Landscape

Atlanta is a major transportation and logistics hub, and Local 728 is part of the city’s broader labor structure.

In a City Built on Transportation

Atlanta’s economy is shaped by:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Major interstates (I‑20, I‑75, I‑85, I‑285)
• Large freight terminals and distribution centers in areas like:
  • South Atlanta and College Park
  • Forest Park and Ellenwood
  • Lithia Springs and the I‑20 corridor
  • Norcross and other north-side logistics zones

Teamsters Local 728 is often present where work involves moving goods, loading and unloading, or supporting transportation operations.

Working Alongside Other Labor Organizations

In Atlanta, Local 728 commonly interacts with:

• Other Teamsters locals (for specialized trades or different territories)
• Building trades unions at big warehouse or industrial projects
• Public agencies like the Georgia Department of Labor, when workers navigate claims or unemployment related to union jobs

Each organization has a different scope, but for logistics and transportation workers, Local 728 is often the primary union contact.

Considering Joining Teamsters Local 728 in Atlanta?

If you’re in Atlanta and thinking about union membership, the process usually depends on where you work.

1. If Your Workplace Is Already Unionized

If your employer already has a Teamsters Local 728 contract:

• You will typically be offered the chance to join the union when you’re hired.
• You may pay dues that support collective bargaining, representation, and union operations.
• You should be provided:
  • A copy of the collective bargaining agreement
  • Contact information for your steward or business agent
  • Information on meetings and benefits

If you’re not sure whether your job is covered, you can:

• Ask your coworkers who have been there longer
• Look at your welcome packet or HR materials
• Contact the local directly and ask if your employer is under a Local 728 contract

2. If Your Workplace Is Not Yet Unionized

If your Atlanta workplace is not currently union, but employees are interested in organizing:

• Workers sometimes talk informally to gauge interest.
• A small group may quietly reach out to Local 728 for guidance.
• If enough workers support the idea, there may be a formal organizing campaign, card signing, and potentially a union election.

This process can be sensitive, and specific steps are usually planned in detail with a union organizer.

What to Expect as a Member of Local 728 in Atlanta

If you become a member of Teamsters Local 728 in Atlanta, your day-to-day experience at work may include:

• Working under a union contract that sets baseline pay and rules
• Having access to a steward or union representative at your facility
• Receiving notices about meetings, ratification votes, or elections
• Participating in contract votes when agreements are renegotiated
• Paying dues, typically monthly, which support union operations

Workers often describe the key benefits as:

• A clearer sense of what’s allowed and what’s not at work
• A defined process to challenge decisions that feel unfair
• Collective leverage when negotiating raises or changes to working conditions

How to Contact or Get Help from Teamsters Local 728 in Atlanta

If you live or work in the Atlanta area and want to connect with Local 728, typical options include:

1. Phone Call

• Call the main office during business hours to:
  • Ask if your employer is covered by Local 728
  • Request contact information for a business agent or steward
  • Confirm meeting dates or any scheduled votes

2. In-Person Visit (By Appointment Recommended)

• Many people contact the office first and then:
  • Set a time to stop by for membership or contract questions
  • Bring documentation (pay stubs, write-ups, or your contract) if you need specific help

3. Through Your Workplace

• If your Atlanta workplace is already union:
  • Look for postings about your steward’s name and contact
  • Ask a coworker who serves as the shop steward or committee member
  • Use any official contact channels the company recognizes for union matters

Because public-facing details can occasionally change, it’s wise to verify current office hours and contact details before making a trip.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Workers

Here’s a quick snapshot of what Teamsters Local 728 means in Atlanta:

For anyone living, working, or doing business in Atlanta, Georgia, understanding Teamsters Local 728 is part of understanding how the city’s transportation and logistics workforce is organized, represented, and supported.