Local Union Reform

Who Says You Can’t Win Big In a Bad Economy?

TDU — Sat, 29 May 2010 11:28:32 -0500

June 1, 2010: Local 814 members have won a record contract that restores healthcare cuts, saves their pensions, and delivers wage increases to the lowest-paid members.

NYC Movers Take on Years of Givebacks

TDU — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:03:40 -0600

February 26, 2010: Commercial movers in New York are mobilizing to end decades of contract givebacks and save their pensions and healthcare.

Local 82 Members Will Clean Up Their Union

TDU — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:05:50 -0600

February 26, 2010: On trial for assaulting a member. Caught using thugs to dole out jobs under a sham contract. Under grand jury investigation.

Turning Concessions into Positive Change

TDU — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:41:50 -0600

December 7, 2009: Fed up with concessions and declining union power, many Teamsters are looking for a new direction.

Reform Is Back in the Home of Ron Carey: Local 804 Members Elect New Leadership

TDU — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:35:56 -0600

December 7, 2009: UPS Teamsters in New York have elected a reform team to lead Local 804, one of the most powerful Teamster locals in the country.

New York Movers Choose A New Direction for Local 814

TDU — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:49:54 -0600

December 7, 2009: After years of sell-out contracts and benefit cuts, members of New York Local 814 have voted for a new direction and a reform slate in their local union election.

Teamsters in Puerto Rico Unite for Change

TDU — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:24:45 -0500

September 11, 2009: Members are uniting for change in Puerto Rico, as a series of scandals have rocked their local union.

Vermont Bus Drivers Gear Up Early for Contract Talks

TDU — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:17:23 -0500

September 11, 2009: Across the country, bus drivers are organizing with the Teamsters Union to secure a better future and a voice on the job.

Boston Goon Squad Update: Members, Contracts Under Attack in Boston

TDU — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:18:18 -0500

July 21, 2009: Hoffa’s Trade Show Director John Perry heads to court on charges of assaulting a Teamster member for filing a grievance.

Running to Rebuild Local 804 Power

TDU — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:06:40 -0500

July 21, 2009: The Local 804 Members United Slate is running to restore the pride and power in New York Teamsters Local 804 the home of Ron Carey and one of the largest and most powerful UPS locals in the country.

Information Is Power! Local 804 Members Turn Out For Education Conference

TDU — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:06:40 -0500

April 10, 2009: More than 50 Local 804 members turned out for a day-long educational seminar sponsored by 804 Members United.

Teamster Movers Start Campaign for Strong Contract

TDU — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:24:18 -0600

March 2, 2009: Teamster movers in New York Local 814 work for some of the deepest pockets in the city: Fortune 500 companies, Wall Street banks and the U.N.

Local 896 Merger on Hold

TDU — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:16:16 -0600

March 2, 2009: A proposed merger of California Local 896 that would have threatened that local’s proud history of winning strong contracts is now on hold.

How Local 814 Teamsters Stopped a Decade of Givebacks

TDU — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:57:08 -0500

August 1, 2008: Local 814 Teamsters at Sotheby’s Auction House work for a company that makes mega-profits selling priceless art to the super rich.

Local 804 Members Still Looking for Straight Talk on Benefits

TDU — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:25:11 -0500

August 5, 2008: Months after New York UPSers approved new bylaws for their local, members are still having trouble getting straight information about their benefits.

Massive Losses in Local 804 Health Fund

TDU — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:30:43 -0500

June 20, 2008: A report by Local 804 members reveals that the union’s health fund lost nearly $18 million from 2003 to 2007. During that time, the fund lost 55 percent of its assets.

Hoffa Targets Local 624 for Trusteeship

TDU — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:58:04 -0500

June 20, 2008: The Hoffa administration has targeted Santa Rosa, Calif. Local 624 for a potential trusteeship. A trusteeship hearing was held on June 3 on charges of financial misconduct.

Local 804 Members United

TDU — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:30:27 -0500

May 1, 2008: Local 804 has a proud history as one of the most powerful locals in our union.

After Defeating Pension Cuts, Local 804 Teamsters Organize for Pension Info

TDU — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:50:26 -0600

February 21, 2008: Two times in the last 18 months, UPS has blindsided Teamsters in New York City by demanding pension cuts.

After Third Vote in Chicago Local 726, Members Win Improvements

store — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:16:23 -0500

October 17, 2007: On Oct. 5, Local 726 Teamsters working for the City of Chicago ratified their contract overwhelmingly after pressing hard to get what they deserved.

Chicago Teamsters Say No Again

store — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:04:44 -0500

September 21, 2007: For the second time in three weeks, the 2,100 Teamsters who move the City of Chicago have rejected their contract.

Local 743 President Dumped, Reform Slate Nominated

TDU — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:04:11 -0500

September 11, 2007: Local 743 President Richard Lopez has broken the record for the shortest tenure by any Teamster official.

Chicago Teamsters Reject Contract

TDU — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:27:03 -0500

On August 29, the 2000 Teamsters who move the city of Chicago rejected a ten-year contract that would have put their future at risk.

Name That Lucky Local!

TDU — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:11:43 -0500

July 12, 2007: General President Hoffa is the sugar daddy to many, but when it comes to multiple salaries Local 63 officials have a special place in Hoffa’s heart.

What Official Takes Home an Extra $54,500 as a Health Care Consultant?

TDU — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:07:57 -0500

June 8, 2007: In 2006, International Vice President Carroll Haynes was paid $54,500 as a “consultant” by the Health Insurance Plans (HIP) of Greater New York.

Members Denied Vote on Local 82 Merger

TDU — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:46:15 -0600

January 5, 2012: Hoffa has denied Boston Teamsters their Right to Vote and forcibly merged them into Local 25.

Teamsters Local 879 rocked by insider allegations

TDU — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:59:33 -0500

October 3, 2011: The secretary-treasurer of a Hamilton based Teamsters local is alleging corruption and misuse of nearly $250,000 in union dues in a bombshell letter to members.

Local 82 Members Score Win for Justice

TDU — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:22:31 -0500

June 10, 2011: In another blow to Hoffa’s cover-up of corruption in Local 82, the Independent Review Board has rejected the findings of an IBT panel for being too soft on schemers who rigged contract votes and embezzled union funds.

IRB Reports Embezzlement at Local 630

TDU — Fri, 20 May 2011 16:14:42 -0500

May 20, 2011: The Independent Review Board (IRB) has completed an extensive investigation into corruption in Los Angeles Local 630 and recommended a trusteeship and charges against three officials.

Boston Teamsters Bounce Hoffa Crook

TDU — Fri, 20 May 2011 13:20:55 -0500

UPDATED MAY 26, 2011: Local 82 members have bounced a top Hoffa appointee and his number one thug from our union.

Corruption Exposed in Big L.A. Local

TDU — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:01:37 -0500

May 19, 2011: The Independent Review Board (IRB) has completed an extensive investigation into corruption in Los Angeles Local 630 and recommended a trusteeship and charges against three officials.

Two Teamsters officials quit under fire

TDU — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:20:36 -0500

April 26, 2011: The top two officials of a Fullerton-based Teamsters Union affiliate quit while under investigation for financial improprieties, The Register has learned.

Management Retaliation Backfires at Bus Company

TDU — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:58:52 -0500

March 25, 2011: Teamster school bus drivers are organizing for change in New York Local 854—including at Outstanding Transport where for years the company has gotten away with paying drivers no overtime pay and paying bus aides less than the minimum wage.

Victory for Teamster Members in Puerto Rico

TDU — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:58:26 -0600

February 18, 2011: Rank and file leaders in Local 901 have won a federal court injunction returning them to full membership and their steward positions.

Public Workers, Community Stand Together in Vermont

TDU — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:58:23 -0600

February 18, 2010: Labor and community supporters are rallying to protect good jobs and quality bus service in Vermont.

Teamsters First Slate Wins in Local 100

TDU — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:44:15 -0600

December 20, 2010: Cincinnati members have voted for a new team to lead their local.

Bus Drivers Unite for a Fair Contract

TDU — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:45:34 -0600

December 20, 2010: Teamster bus drivers in Vermont are reaching out to the riding public to win a contract that improves conditions for both drivers and passengers.

Former Teamsters treasurer pleads guilty to embezzling

TDU — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:10:47 -0600

December 13, 2010: A former secretary-treasurer for a local Teamsters Union has pleaded guilty to embezzling union funds over a three-year period, the U.S. Attorney's office said Friday.

Teamster bus drivers speak out in Vermont

TDU — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:49:35 -0600

December 2, 2010: Bus drivers and mechanics employed by the Chittenden County Transportation Authority or CCTA are working without a new contract that's because the two sides seem to be miles apart.

Bus Drivers & Riders Uniting in Vermont

TDU — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:19:04 -0600

November 12, 2010: Teamster bus drivers in Burlington, Vt. are uniting with the riding public to win a contract that improves the CCTA for drivers and passengers.

Hoffa VP Gives Fodder to Anti-Union Employers

TDU — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:55:16 -0600

November 12, 2010: Anti-union employers say the Teamsters are a bunch of thugs and members have no voice in our union. Why is Hoffa VP Randy Cammack helping union-busters make their case?

Teamsters Win Provokes Management Terror Campaign in Ohio Foundry

TDU — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:57:57 -0600

November 8, 2010: Ohio Teamsters are experiencing a classic case of what happens when a company is ready to break the law to keep a union out.

Ex-Teamster honcho lands gig with subcontractor

TDU — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:54:53 -0600

November 8, 2010: An ousted union boss who used to lord over Teamster workers at Boston’s two convention centers has found himself a plum new job - at one of the Hub’s convention centers.

Boston Massacre Continues

TDU — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 17:16:59 -0500

October 30, 2010: A trusteeship in Boston Local 82 was supposed to clean up corruption in the local run by a top Hoffa appointee. But the massacre of members’ rights continues.

Boston Local 82 in Trusteeship

TDU — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:44:34 -0500

Updated September 30, 2010: The Independent Review Board (IRB) has exposed Hoffa’s Trade Show Director. The IRB's 161-page report on John Perry's web of corruption is available here in three parts: part 1, part 2 and part 3.

Done Riding in the Back of the Bus

TDU — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:06:53 -0500

September 28, 2010: These Teamster bus workers make less than the minimum wage!

Movers Win Big in Strike

TDU — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:07:23 -0500

September 28, 2010: They used to make $8 to $10 an hour with no benefits. Now after a five-week strike, they’re celebrating big raises and union benefits.

NY Daily News: These Teamsters Make $3.90 an Hour

TDU — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:29:51 -0500

UPDATED September 24, 2010: The New York Daily News continues to follow the story of bus workers organizing with TDU against a sub-minimum wage contract.

Teamster leaders accused of unfair practices

TDU — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:17:57 -0500

August 18, 2010: In an unexpected role reversal, the leaders of Teamsters Local 377 are facing accusations of unfair- labor practices from the local union hall’s two employees.

TDU Member Wins $140,000 Victory

TDU — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:37:20 -0500

August 11, 2010: Standing up is paying off for Juan Carlos Rodriguez and other school bus drivers.

Bus Drivers Unite for a Fair Contract

TDU — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:33:44 -0500

August 11, 2010: Teamster school bus drivers in New York City demand an end to a substandard union contract.

On Strike for Equality

TDU — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:24:05 -0500

August 11, 2010: They work side-by-side with Teamster movers who make a living wage and get decent benefits. But some workers at ATM Enterprises are making $8 an hour with no healthcare.

Puerto Rico Local 901 Teamsters Take Legal Action for Justice

TDU — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:00:14 -0500

August 11, 2010: Local 901 strikers and reformers are fighting for their rights—and they’ve won each legal battle.

Local 533 union treasurer charged with stealing from 2,000 fellow members

TDU — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:21:41 -0500

July 28, 2010: The former treasurer of Local 533 Teamster's Union is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from his fellow members.

Philly Teamsters Get Rolled

TDU — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:35:51 -0500

July 9, 2010: Teamsters who work the movies, commercials, TV and other productions in the Philly area, that includes Atlantic City work, are getting rolled by the IBT and their own local leadership led by International Vice President Bill Hamilton.

Chicago Local 743: Power Grab Won’t Stop Contract Campaign

TDU — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:03:36 -0500

July 15, 2010: Teamsters at the University of Chicago are united and mobilized for a decent contract.

Philadelphia Inquirer: Philly Teamsters picket meeting on shifting film work

TDU — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:20:22 -0500

June 28, 2010: Disgruntled members of Philadelphia Teamsters Local 107 briefly picketed a union meeting Saturday morning to protest a plan that would shift highly lucrative work in the movie indust

Members Beat Coke in Puerto Rico

TDU — Sat, 29 May 2010 11:12:06 -0500

June 1, 2010: Teamster solidarity and legal action by TDU take on Coca-Cola and corrupt Teamster officials—and win.

Local 743 Members Say "We Won't Go Back"

TDU — Sat, 29 May 2010 10:58:27 -0500

June 1, 2010: “We ran for office on a platform of making our union work for the members. But now we’ve been run out of office by staff who thought change was just a campaign slogan.

Chicago Public Radio: Hoffa Allies Oust 2 Chicagoans from Teamsters

TDU — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:34:33 -0500

May 18, 2010: The international Teamsters board has ousted two of its critics from the helm of a large local in Chicago.

Teamsters Local 743 represents about 11,000 workers.

BNA Daily Labor Report: IBT Ousts Two Reformer Officers From Chicago Local

TDU — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:42:57 -0500

May 18, 2010: CHICAGO—The General Executive Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters upheld charges of official misconduct by the two top officers of Local 743 in Chicago and imposed p

Local 743 Members Say “We Won’t Go Back”

TDU — Fri, 14 May 2010 11:51:56 -0500

May 14, 2010: Hoffa has signed off on a power grab that ousts reformers Richard Berg and Gina Alvarez from office in Teamsters Local 743. But members continue to fight for their local.

Victory in Puerto Rico

TDU — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:51:37 -0500

April 28, 2010: More than 34 Teamsters in Puerto Rico have won justice after they were illegally fired for striking to defend their union rights at Coca Cola.

Bus Drivers Vote No, Stop Privatization

TDU — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:07:35 -0500

April 5, 2010: Board of Ed administrators told Ann Arbor school bus drivers to take pay cuts or face privatization.

Colorado Local 17 Officials Take Big Raises

TDU — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:58:43 -0500

April 9, 2010: One year ago the officers of Colorado Local 17 announced that they were all taking a 10 percent pay cut, in solidarity with the freight Teamsters who had just taken that cut.

Puerto Rico Teamsters Demand Democracy

TDU — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:41:45 -0500

April 2, 2010: The head of Puerto Rico Local 901 has been banned from the union. Members are demanding a real clean-up and a new election.

Hoffa Ally Caught in a Nepotism Scandal

TDU — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:17:27 -0500

April 2, 2010: Hoffa moves to protect an International Vice President caught in a nepotism scandal.

Teamsters in Puerto Rico Demand Democracy

TDU — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:42:25 -0500

March 19, 2010: Teamster members in Puerto Rico demonstrated outside their union demanding new elections in Local 901.

Still No “Justice” in Philadelphia

TDU — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:53:34 -0500

March 19, 2010: A nepotism scandal has exposed an IBT Vice President. But movie work is still being doled out to Local 107 officials and their relatives including on the TV pilot “Justice.”

Teamsters yell 'cut' on plum movie-set jobs

TDU — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:31:59 -0500

March 15, 2010: It's a chance to rub elbows with Hollywood stars.

Teamster VP at Center of Nepotism Scandal

TDU — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:54:44 -0600

March 11, 2010: The Independent Review Board (IRB) has released a devastating 125-page report detailing a “nepotism and favoritism” scandal in the home local of International Vice President Bill Hamilton.

Union Democracy = Union Power

TDU — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:47:23 -0600

March 5, 2010: Union officers often think of union democracy as a threat to their power. But union democracy is about member power, and member power means union power.

L.A. Local 848 Members Say No to Big Wheels

TDU — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:17:47 -0600

March 3, 2010: For many years, Jim Santangelo ruled Los Angeles Local 848 with an iron hand. Now the members realize their local belongs to them and it's paying off.

Teamsters local probed

TDU — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:36:04 -0600

March 2, 2010: A grand jury is looking at allegations that top Teamster officials working at the city’s convention centers intimidated witnesses in assault cases involving union members, sources say.

School Bus Drivers Coming Together

TDU — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:45:25 -0600

February 26, 2010: For years, Local 854 members in New York City have had substandard wages and working conditions compared to other school bus unions in the city.

Local 896 Teamsters Demand Right to Elect Stewards

TDU — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:10:18 -0600

February 26, 2010: Teamsters at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Los Angeles are demanding a basic union principle: the right to vote for their chief steward.

Local 722 Officials Would Dissolve Local to Avoid Settling with Blacklisted Member

TDU — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:46:02 -0600

February 11, 2010: Can you imagine Teamster officials willing to dissolve their local union rather than settle a case with a member that they blacklisted from working?

“We Won’t Go Back!” Battle for Reform Continues in Local 743

TDU — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:26:40 -0600

January 18, 2010: Teamsters in Chicago Local 743 have been battling to free their 11,000-member local from mob and old guard control for many years.

BLETers Team Up to Save the Right to Vote

TDU — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:18:30 -0600

January 29, 2010: Some rail officials are trying to take away the Right to Vote for BLET officers before members ever get a chance to use it.

No Member Vote: Chicago Locals 714 & 726 Become Local 700

TDU — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:17:40 -0600

February 1, 2010: The Hoffa administration has revoked the charters of Chicago Locals 714 and 726, and created a new Local 700 for Chicagoland public sector Teamsters.

Vermont Bus Drivers Organize for Better Contract

TDU — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:13:31 -0600

January 22, 2010: Teamster bus drivers are taking a new route to a better contract in 2010.

Update: Chicago Local 743 Battle Continues

TDU — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:49:56 -0600

January 14, 2010: On January 13, the elected president and secretary treasurer of Chicago Local 743 won a stay of effectiveness issued by General President Hoffa and will remain in office, after top Chicago officials ruled that they should be removed on trumped up charges.

Shocking Sexual Harassment Cases Shake Up Joint Council 42

TDU — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:37:05 -0600

December 7, 2009: Two Teamster officials are under fire for allegedly sexual harassing their staff and other Teamster members. One has already resigned.

Reform Leaders Elected in Local 804

TDU — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:27:02 -0600

December 3, 2009: UPS Teamsters in New York have elected a reform team to lead Local 804—one of the most powerful Teamster locals in the country. In record turnout, the 804 Members United Slate swept their local union election with 68 percent of the vote.

BLET Bribery Scandal: Rodzwicz Resigns

TDU — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:20:52 -0600

November 20, 2009: Ed Rodzwicz, the President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen of the IBT, stepped down today after he was arrested last month for taking a $20,000 bribe.

Las Vegas: Local President Files Harassment Lawsuit

TDU — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:39:08 -0600

November 17, 2009: Helen Green, the president of Las Vegas Teamster Local 995, has filed suit in federal court, charging that the Local 995 secretary-treasurer demanded that she continue a sexual relationship with him to keep her job as a business agent.

Las Vegas: Local Teamster Prez Charges Sexual Harassment

TDU — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:05:29 -0600

November 16, 2009: The president of a local Teamsters union filed a federal lawsuit Friday that claims her supervisor used his position to coerce her into a sexual relationship with him.

LA Times: Teamsters official resigns amid harassment allegations

TDU — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:21:57 -0600

November 5, 2009: A top West Coast Teamsters official who headed a chapter representing almost 130,000 members has resigned his post amid allegations that he sexually harassed a former union secret

22 Years of Fighting for a Stronger Local 814

TDU — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:29:18 -0600

November 3, 2009: Commercial mover Walter Taylor has been fighting for a stronger Local 814 since 1987. His efforts bore fruit in their 2009 election when Local 814 voted 72% for new leadership.

New York Movers Clean House in Local 814

TDU — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:08:07 -0500

October 30, 2009: After years of sell-out contracts and benefit cuts, members of New York Local 814 voted by 73% to elect Jason Ide and the New Directions Slate.

Members Drive Santangelo Out in Disgrace

TDU — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:54:51 -0500

October 30, 2009: Just days after hundreds of Local 848 members came to the union hall to call for Jim Santangelo to resign, he was driven out of office.

Why Is Jim Santangelo Still in Office?

TDU — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:00:12 -0500

September 17, 2009: A sexual harassment scandal involving an International Vice President has cost our union a half million dollars.

Labor Notes: Chicago Teamsters Strike to Save Health Insurance

TDU — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:27:25 -0500

September 1, 2009: You take your kid to the dentist and go to pay the $20 co-pay.

Ex-Teamsters officials sentenced for rigging union election

TDU — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:27:50 -0500

August 28, 2009: Three former officials of one of the largest Teamsters locals in the country were sentenced to prison Thursday for rigging union elections in Chicago in 2004.

Teamsters Strike SK Hand Tool

TDU — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:28:43 -0500

August 26, 2009: Chicago Teamsters are walking the picket line at SK Hand Tools to win back their health coverage.

Teamsters, U of C hospital continue talks

TDU — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:33:23 -0500

August 24, 2009: "We're prepared to be here all night if we have to."

Chicago Union News: Local 714 Will Be Divided

TDU — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:14:16 -0500

August 20, 2009: Teamsters Local 714 -- long the domain of the powerful Hogan family, and a repeated target of anti-corruption investigators -- soon will cease to exist in its current form.

A Deeper Look at Local 726: Not Pretty

TDU — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:18:49 -0500

August 10, 2009: Take a peek inside the investigative reports on Teamsters Local 726 leaders -- who were stripped of their posts recently amid allegations of financial mismanagement -- and there's pretty stunning material.

I.R.B. Charges Local 726 Officers, Recommends Trusteeship

TDU — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:36:09 -0500

August 3, 2009: The reins of Teamsters Local 726 -- which represents numerous blue-collar workers with Chicago city government -- were seized Monday by the group's parent union, which stripped leaders of their posts amid allegations of financial mismanagement.

Local 743: Members Organize for Respect on the Job

TDU — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:58:22 -0500

June 3, 2009: New leadership is getting the rank-and-file involved to win a strong contract. Members are making their voices heard.

Jury Finds Ex-Officials Guilty of Stealing Elections

TDU — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:55:24 -0500

May 22, 2009: Ex-officials of Chicago Local 743 may go to jail for a scheme to steal local union elections.

A Chicago jury has found former Local 743 President Richard Lopez and two other ex-officials guilty of a scheme to steal Local 743 elections. Three other officials already pled guilty.

BNA Daily Labor Report: Jury Convicts Ex-Chicago Officials of Stolen Elections

TDU — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:42:36 -0500

May 5, 2009: A federal jury May 1 in Chicago handed down guilty verdicts against the former president of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 743 and two former officers charged with labor fraud and theft in connection with a union election rigging scheme (United States v. Lopez, N.D. Ill., No. 07-580, jury verdict 5/1/09).

Jury Finds Ex-Officials Guilty of Stealing Elections

TDU — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:36:51 -0500

May 1, 2009: A Chicago jury has found former Local 743 President Richard Lopez and two other ex-officials guilty of a scheme to steal Local 743 elections.

Chitown Daily News: Chicago Officials Used Wedding Invites for Fraud

TDU — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:30:17 -0500

April 17, 2009: Teamster Mark Jones gave his wedding list to his boss thinking it would be used for fundraising in a local union election.

Getting a Fair Union Election

TDU — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:50:56 -0500

April 10, 2009: Most Teamster local union elections are run honestly—but if you’re running for local union office, you need to police your election to make sure it is fair.

Chicago Officials Stand Trial for Stolen Elections

TDU — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:34:17 -0500

April 10, 2009: On April 6, former Local 743 President Richard Lopez went on trial for his part in a scheme to steal Local 743 elections and defraud the members of their right to vote.

Chicago Election Rigged, Jury Told

TDU — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:51:22 -0500

April 8, 2009: Two former union officers and an organizer for Teamsters Local 743 rigged a union election in 2004 by diverting secret ballots to family members and friends who weren't authorized to vote, a federal prosecutor told a jury today as their trial began.

Chicago Teamster Will Do Time for Stolen Elections

TDU — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:38:01 -0500

March 25, 2009: Former Teamster official Robert Walston is headed to jail for conspiring with other Teamster officials to steal Local 743 elections and defraud the members of their right to vote.

Teamster Movers Petition for a Strong Contract

TDU — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:57:08 -0500

March 11, 2009: More than 80 members packed the house at New York Local 814 on Monday. They were there to discuss proposed changes that would help New York movers win a strong contract.

Teamsters Protest Hospital Layoffs

TDU — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:10:27 -0600

March 2, 2009: Local 743 Teamsters are standing together to fight layoffs at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Former Chicago Teamster Prez Indicted for Cocaine Deals

TDU — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:04:14 -0600

March 2, 2009: At the same time he was the $150,000-a-year president of Chicago Local 743, one of the largest Teamster locals, Robert Walston was involved in a cocaine-trafficking scheme, according

Local 179 President Resigns in Scandal

TDU — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:42:17 -0600

February 19, 2009: Less than six weeks after taking office, the new principal officer of Local 179 has resigned in the wake of a corruption scandal.

Union President Found Guilty of Hiring Bias

TDU — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:57:07 -0600

February 12, 2009: The former president of Pittsburgh Local 249 has been found guilty by the International Union of rewarding friends and punishing enemies in hiring drivers in the movie industry.

Former Chicago Teamster Indicted for Drug Deals

TDU — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:21:17 -0600

February 4, 2009: Robert Walston, former president of Local 743, has been charged with conspiracy and drug dealing in connection with the purchase and distribution of 80 kilograms of cocaine.

Las Vegas and Buffalo Teamsters Vote for Change

TDU — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 11:08:20 -0600

January 10, 2009: Teamsters in Las Vegas and Buffalo have new officers in 2009.

Local 804 Members United

TDU — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0600

Local 804 members beat concessions and pension cuts, won new rights in their local bylaws, and organized to rebuild union power.

New Leadership for Chicago Local 743

TDU — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:14:41 -0600

Local 743 used to be run by officials who cut deals behind closed doors and kept members in the dark.

Vegas Teamsters Expose Sweetheart Deals, Throw Out Officials

TDU — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 16:27:47 -0600

Teamsters in Las Vegas Local 631 will have new leadership next year, thanks to members who voted out officials who were cutting sweetheart deals.

Baltimore Teamsters Build a Force for Change

TDU — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:35:38 -0600

Last spring, Baltimore Teamsters had their pensions cut to zero. Now they are building a force for change.

Win New Rights by Changing Your Local's Bylaws

TDU — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:49:13 -0600

December 16, 2008: Teamster members can win new rights and protections by changing your local’s bylaws.

Las Vegas Sun: Reform Slate Ousts Teamsters Officials Accused of Sweetheart Deals

TDU — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:16:57 -0600

December 15, 2008: A long-troubled Teamsters local has elected a leadership slate of reformers, throwing out incumbents accused of steering nonunion work to preferred companies in exchange for favo

New Officers in Pittsburgh

TDU — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:58:36 -0600

November 20, 2008: On Nov. 19, the 3,500 members of Local 249 voted current President Wayne Shatkoff out of office by a vote of 1,178 to 884.

Using T-Shirts to Launder Union Funds?

TDU — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:20:40 -0500

September 19, 2008: It’s illegal to use union funds to promote a slate for union office. But it happens sometimes, and members have a right to file an election protest when it does.

Local 726 Members Fight For Their Future

TDU — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:55:04 -0500

A large group of Teamsters attended a recent meeting hosted by the Fighting for the Future slate in Local 726.

Who Can Baltimore Teamsters Trust?

TDU — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:57:08 -0500

August 29, 2008: Last October, Local 355 President Denis Taylor told Baltimore UPSers he was “taking care” of their pension problems.

SoCal Picnic Brings Together Sanitation Teamsters

TDU — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:44:12 -0500

August 22, 2008: Last Saturday, over 100 Local 396 sanitation Teamsters came from across Southern California to have a picnic and build solidarity.

Wearing Teamster and TDU Pride

TDU — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:24:35 -0500

August 1, 2008: More than 80 Teamsters wear TDU T-shirts to work every Thursday at the UPS hub in Manhattan.

Payback Time for Rigged Vote

TDU — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:27:25 -0500

July 2, 2008: A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling that a Teamster official who stole a union election must repay his salary and benefits.

BNA Daily Labor Report: Payback Time for Rigged Vote

TDU — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:23:06 -0500

July 2, 2008: The U.S.

Local 804 Members Threaten Lawsuit: Pension Fund Refuses to Turn Over Info

TDU — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:27:29 -0500

June 20, 2008: A pension attorney representing Local 804 members has warned trustees at the Local 804 Pension Fund that they are in violation of federal law for refusing to comply with members’ r

BNA Daily Labor Report: IBT Puts Local 714 under Trusteeship

TDU — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:01:46 -0500

June 17, 2008: International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President James P.

Chicago Tribune: Local 714 in Trusteeship for Sweetheart Deals

TDU — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:37:56 -0500

June 13, 2008: For the second time, Teamsters union officials have taken Local 714 out of the hands of a member of the Hogan family.

Chicago Local 714 in Trusteeship

TDU — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:27:44 -0500

June 12, 2008: On June 9 the International Union finally followed the recommendation of the Independent Review Board (IRB) and placed Chicago Local 714 into trusteeship.

How to Research Your Local’s Finances

TDU — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:12:01 -0500

May 1, 2008: Do you want to find out more about your local union's finances?

Driving for Justice in New York

TDU — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:00:46 -0500

May 21, 2008: School bus drivers in New York City are showing that persistence pays off—literally. Ask Juan Carlos Rodriguez, a Local 854 Teamster and member of Teamsters for a Democratic Union.

Chicago Trade Show Teamsters Transferred

TDU — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:32:45 -0500

May 1, 2008: John Coli, the president of the Chicago Joint Council, has finally gotten his wish: Chicago Trade Show and Movie Teamsters will transfer to his own Local 727.

New York UPS Teamsters Vote for Change

TDU — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:57:18 -0500

April 21, 2008: UPS Teamsters in New York have overwhelmingly voted for changes that will put more pension and contract information in the hands of the members.

Local 804 Teamsters Prepare for Bylaws Vote on Contracts and Pensions

TDU — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:36:43 -0500

March 27, 2008: Teamsters in New York Local 804 will vote this month on bylaws changes that will put more pension and contract information in the hands of the membership.

Members in Chicago Work to Build a Stronger Local 743

TDU — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:29:00 -0500

March 27, 2008: After years of apathy and neglect, members and new officers in Chicago Local 743 are working together to turn their union around.

More Ex-Local 743 Officials Indicted

TDU — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:49:09 -0500

March 10, 2008: A former president of Chicago Local 743, who resigned to try to avoid criminal prosecution, has now been indicted.

Watch the Video: The Battle for Local 743

TDU — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:00:16 -0600

February 27, 2007: This new video details how working Teamsters in Chicago took back Local 743.

A Proud Agitator: Local 804 Member Stirs Up Unionism

TDU — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:23:13 -0600

February 21, 2008: An “agitator” is the device in your washing machine that stirs things up and gets the dirt out.

Local 249 President Found ‘Guilty’ by E-Board and NLRB

TDU — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:19:52 -0600

February 21, 2008: Wayne Shatkoff, president of Pittsburgh Local 249, was suspended from office on Feb.

How to Change Your Bylaws

TDU — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:47:15 -0600

January 10, 2008: Last year, members in Chicago Local 726 voted two times to reject a proposed tentative agreement that didn’t protect their jobs.

Local 726 Members Push for Bylaws Change

TDU — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:39:04 -0600

January 10, 2008: Change continues to be on the agenda in Chicago Local 726 as Members of the Fighting for the Future Team plan to re-introduce bylaws changes they made last January.

Chicago Teamsters Win Gains after Rejecting Deal

TDU — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 21:27:47 -0600

December 21, 2007: With little support from their outgoing officers, Teamsters at the University of Chicago have won some improvements after voting down their tentative agreement twice.

An Interview with Richard Berg: Reformers Chart New Direction for Local 743

TDU — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:50:30 -0600

December 5, 2007: On Jan. 1, the 13,000 members of Chicago Local 743 will get a chance to build a stronger union as Richard Berg and the New Leadership Slate take office.

Report Finds Sham Contracts in Local 714

TDU — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:56:47 -0600

November 20, 2007: The Chicago Tribune reports on sham contracts and nepotism in a new article detailing the corruption in Chicago Local 714.

Investigation Reveals Chicago Local 714 Corruption

TDU — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:20:17 -0500

October 29, 2007: The Independent Review Board (IRB) has recommended that Chicago Local 714 be placed into trusteeship.

Chicago Tribune: Local 743's Road to Reform

TDU — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:02:37 -0500

October 28, 2007: He was out of work. So he took the $7-an-hour janitor's job figuring that something else was sure to come along. This was back in 1988.

Chicago Teamsters Clean House!

TDU — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:30:53 -0500

October 22, 2007: The 12,000 Teamsters in Chicago Local 743 have reason to feel proud, with the victory of the New Leadership Slate in today's election.

Bobby Hogan Charged by IRB

TDU — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:04:16 -0500

September 11, 2007: Bobby Hogan, the secretary treasurer of Chicago Local 714, has been charged by the Independent Review Board (IRB) with bringing reproach upon the union.

Officials Indicted for Stealing Local 743 Election

TDU — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:07:24 -0500

September 7, 2007: Local 743 President Richard Lopez and other officials have been indicted on charges of rigging their local election. Now reformers are preparing to run and win this fall.

Legal Victory for TDU Members

store — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:56:15 -0500

September 6, 2007: The National Labor Relations Board ordered the reinstatement of a fired Teamster reform activist.

IBT VP Must Pay Back $100K Plus

store — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:55:29 -0500

October 9, 2007: Thanks to TDU, International Union Vice President, and former Local 237 president Carroll Haynes is being forced to repay more than $100,000 in improper payments.

Teamsters Reject 10-yr. City Pact

TDU — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:32:52 -0500

Local 743 Race Heats Up

TDU — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:54:13 -0500

August 23, 2007: By Richard Berg: The 11,000 hospital, custodial, clerical, and manufacturing workers of Teamster Local 743 will get something they haven’t had recently: a fair local election.

VP Under Investigation for Payments from HMO

TDU — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:09:00 -0500

July 12, 2007: The International Union and New York Local 237 are investigating International Vice President Carroll Haynes over tens of thousands of dollars in payments he received from an HMO tha

Ex-Houston Local President Gets 6 ½ Years

TDU — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:31:27 -0500

July 12, 2007: On May 26 former Houston Local 988 President Chuck Crawley was sentenced to 6 ½ years in federal prison for embezzling union funds and stealing a union election.

Ballot Fraud: Feds to Run Local 743 Election

TDU — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:29:44 -0500

July 12, 2007: The members of Chicago Local 743 will get a different kind of election this fall thanks to action taken by the 743 New Leadership Slate in proving ballot fraud in the last election.

UofC Teamsters Push for Strong Contract

TDU — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:28:07 -0500

July 12, 2007: By Joe Sexauer, Local 743: After five months without a contract, over 1,000 janitors, clerks, and maintenance Teamsters at the University of Chicago are still fighting hard for bette

Time for Change in Local 726

TDU — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:20:49 -0500

July 12, 2007: By John Dominikovich Local 726, Chicago: It’s time for change in Chicago Local 726, to make this union strong and proud.

TDU Exposes Payoff: Union Investigates Haynes

TDU — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:32:13 -0500

July 3, 2007: The International Union and New York Local 237 claim to be investigating HMO "consultant" payments received by International VP Carroll Haynes.

University of Chicago Teamsters Organize for a Stronger Contract

TDU — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:28:48 -0500

June 8, 2007: University of Chicago Teamsters are organizing a grassroots contract campaign to win better wages and benefits.

Local 743 Officials Are Missing in Action

TDU — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:25:54 -0500

June 8, 2007: Provident Hospital is laying off members of Local 743 in Chicago, but Secretary-Treasurer Richard Lopez is missing in action.

Ex-Teamsters boss gets 6 1/2 years in federal prison

TDU — Tue, 29 May 2007 09:27:35 -0500

May 29, 2007: By Cindy George from the Houston Chronicle--A federal judge today ordered that Chuck Crawley spend six and a half years in federal prison for his schemes to control Houston's larg

To Some, Ex-union Boss' Sentence is Just Deserts

TDU — Tue, 29 May 2007 09:08:54 -0500

May 29, 2007: By Cindy George for the Houston Chronicle--For all the damaging acts blamed on Chuck Crawley, the worst was taking a man's livelihood, says Francis Pradier, who is paying off $50,

Local 848 Members Stand Up for Rights

TDU — Thu, 10 May 2007 12:38:21 -0500

by Bruce Blake, Local 848, Retired

Richard Lopez Abandons Provident Hospital Workers

TDU — Wed, 09 May 2007 09:06:33 -0500

May 9, 2007: Local 743 Secretary Treasurer Richard Lopez has seemingly disappeared while Provident Hospital lays off Local 743 members.

Chicago Teamsters Want to Elect Their Bargaining Committees

TDU — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:28:22 -0500

April 2, 2007: On March 21, it was no normal monthly meeting at Chicago Local 726. The hall was packed with hundreds of members, with many people in the hallway.

Strong Leadership Needed to Win Local Union Election

TDU — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:12:19 -0500

April 2, 2007: In 2004, Richard Berg said some activists had doubts about running for office in Chicago Local 743.

Local 82 Votes to Keep Democratic Rights

TDU — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:36:44 -0500

March 21, 2007: When’s the last time that half of the members of your local union attended a general membership meeting?

Minnesota Teamsters Organize Rank-and-File Contract Campaign

TDU — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 10:55:27 -0600

February 27, 2007: Now is the time to win a strong new contract for the 1,200 Local 320 Teamsters at the University of Minnesota, members say.

University of Chicago Teamsters Organize for Higher Raises

TDU — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 09:51:54 -0600

February 27, 2007: With no support from their local, Teamsters at the University of Chicago are getting ready for a rank-and-file contract campaign.

Members Force Stewards Election

TDU — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 14:45:41 -0600

By Gina Alvarez, Local 743 Steward, CSPF Office, Chicago

Public Sector Teamsters Organize for a Stronger Local

TDU — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 14:39:59 -0600

January 26, 2007: The “Fighting for the Future” slate is getting organized to make positive changes for all 4,300 Local 726 members in metro Chicago.

Winning New Rights in Your Local Through Changing Your Bylaws

TDU — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 10:00:00 -0500

October 18, 2006: "Our last contract was terrible. Can we get the right to elect our bargaining committee?"

Members Fight for Affordable Health Care with Contract Campaign and Solidarity

TDU — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 21:00:00 -0500

Waste industry giants have declared a nationwide war on Teamster health benefits.

Local 82 Teamsters Win Democratic Changes

TDU — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 20:55:00 -0500

Local 82 Teamsters in Boston overwhelmingly voted to approve a series of bylaws amendments to give members a stronger voice in the local.

Running for Local Union Office

admin — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 10:28:43 -0500

Running for local union office is a chance to do more than change the faces at the union hall.

How to Get an Honest Local Union Election

admin — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 09:53:38 -0500

Teamsters will be thinking about more than one election this fall. Apart from the U.S. Presidential election, many Teamster locals will be holding elections to select their local officers.

Teamster Movers Defeat Local 814 Merger Attempt

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 06:45:45 -0600

Commercial movers and art handlers in New York City have defeated an attempt to merge their local union.

Members Prove Chicago Local Rigged Election

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 19:32:30 -0600

January 30, 2006: What Happens When Elections Are Not Supervised!

Tyson TDU Members Win at Supreme Court

admin — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 09:25:05 -0600

December 5, 2005: TDU members who filed a class action lawsuit against Tyson Foods have won a landmark victory at the Supreme Court that will put millions in the hands of more than 800 meatpacking wor

Georgia Teamsters Elect New Leaders

TDU — Sat, 29 Jan 2005 19:00:00 -0600

January 28, 2005:Members in two local unions representing over 10,000 Georgia Teamsters have voted this fall for new leadership. In November Local 728 members elected the Members First Slate.

Reformers Stand Up for Pensions, Sweep Election in Metro New York Local

TDU — Sat, 29 Jan 2005 18:00:00 -0600

January 28, 2005: New York Local 805 members elected the Sandy Pope Leadership Action Team in balloting on Dec. 7.