The Californer - Teamsters Local 986 Mourns the Passing of Trailblazing Labor Leader Arlene Mordasini

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COVINA, Calif. - Californer -- Teamsters Local 986 announces with deep regret the passing of Arlene Mordasini, a pioneering leader in the Teamsters Union and longtime principal officer of Teamsters Local 911. She passed away on May 3, 2026, at the age of 93.

Sister Mordasini was a trailblazer who rose from her position as a school bus driver with the Capistrano Unified School District to become the first woman to serve as principal officer of a Teamsters Local Union. Elected Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of Teamsters Local 911 in January 1983, she served with distinction until December 1993. Under her leadership, Local 911 strengthened its membership through successful organizing campaigns and steadfast advocacy for working families.

Her Teamsters journey began in 1966 as a school bus driver. Facing low wages and challenging working conditions, and drawing from her own Teamster family background, she organized her coworkers and secured union representation. In 1972, she became a proud member of Teamsters Local 986. She later held numerous leadership positions within Local 911, including Organizer, Business Representative, Trustee, Recording Secretary, and President.

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A founding member and the first President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Women's Caucus (elected in 1991), Arlene Mordasini dedicated her career to advancing equity and leadership opportunities for women in the labor movement. Her lifelong commitment to workers' rights began with the successful organizing drive and first contract she secured for her fellow bus drivers in 1972.

"Arlene Mordasini's legacy inspires every generation of Teamsters who fight for dignity on the job," said Ray Whitmer, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 986. "From the bargaining table to breaking barriers for women in leadership, she exemplified determined, principled unionism."

She is survived by her family and a wide network of friends throughout the Teamsters brotherhood and sisterhood.

Teamsters Local 986 extends its deepest condolences to the Mordasini family and to all whose lives she touched.

About Teamsters Local 986
Teamsters Local 986 represents thousands of workers across the Western United States, Hawaii, and Guam in public service, hospitality, logistics, and other industries. For more than 75 years, Local 986 has fought for strong contracts, safe workplaces, and economic justice for working people.