Why Do They Hate TDU So Much?
February 11, 2010: Dear Teamster Troublemaker: I just found the TDU website. It’s got a lot of information! But my BA goes ballistic over TDU. He told me that TDU stands for “Too Dumb to Understand.” Why do they hate you guys?
— Not Sure in L.A.
Dear Not Sure,
I’ve heard it all. TDU stands for “Tearing Down Unions” or “Too Dumb to Understand.”
It’s no surprise that Hoffa and International officials don’t like us. Without TDU, no one would run for International office against them.
But why do so many local officials give the same Hoffa line?
Money. Hundreds of officials get an extra salary from the Hoffa administration. Hundreds of others hope to. Each one of them has tens of thousands of reasons to kiss Hoffa’s butt and bad-rap TDU.
Fear. Officials are told get in line or they may be punished—at grievance panels for example.
Intimidation. I was at the last Teamster Convention. Some officials were wearing buttons saying “TDU Sucks.” They shouted down everyone who disagreed with them. In that kind of atmosphere, many good officers are afraid to speak out publicly. They go along to get along.
Disinformation. The International Union and some locals run by International officials spend millions of dues dollars spreading lies about TDU and anyone else who questions them. That’s why you’ll hear Hoffa’s anti-TDU line repeated not just by some local officials—but even some stewards and Teamster members.
TDU’s job is to give members information and education so that Teamsters can enforce our contracts. TDU works to protect good union pensions and healthcare. We’re not afraid to oppose concessions or blow the whistle when Teamster officials are going along with management.
That doesn’t always make us popular with the powers that be. So be it. TDU is about bringing Teamsters together to build a stronger union that puts members first.
Check us out. Hear from both sides. Decide for yourself.
Have a Question?
If you have a question for the Teamster Troublemaker, call TDU at (313) 842-2600 or email us at info@tdu.org
( categories: Teamster Troublemaker | Teamster Voice 263 January 2010 )
First is your BA appointed or elected? Any teamster that takes time to check into the backgroud of your BA will find a college education is not in his resume...A further check will show that as a rank & file teamster they never filed nor won a grievance...Sadly, many can't spell word if put on spot...Try it next time you see your BA...That brings me a final point...A educated,informed,active membership means your BA and local teamster leaders will have to do the job...
In San Diego local 542, the "leadership" claims that TDU use to be a good thing and that now TDU does more harm than good. This couldn't be farther from the truth!
TDU is for what a Union should be all about, RANK and FILE POWER!
Meanwhile we have a so called leadership that acts more like they have to protect the interest of the bosses rather than that of the members.
This is why a group of members have started organizing at a grassroots level, because ultimately it's going to be up to us the membership to turn things around not the leadership that have invested interest in maintaining the status quo.
I'm not sure where you are mistaken with the leadership at 542, but I'm sure you are mistaken. I have been very involved within the last couple of years and I have NEVER had anything hidden from me that I wanted to know about. In fact, the way I heard about the TDU is from the locals officials. They said nothing of the sort about the TDU being a "bad thing"! They actually educated me on where to find this site and told me that I may be able to find some good information. I am feeling like you may have personal issues with an officer and really "twisted" the truth about what they really said about th TDU. The local leadership has been the most translucent, upfront, and candid leadership we have had in Years!