Should the Teamsters Union be run democratically? Or by one man and his hired staffers?

The events in Charlottesville have aroused the conscience of our country and the world. TDU condemns the racism and violence of white supremacists, neo-Nazis and the KKK, today and everyday. We stand in solidarity with the victims of the violence and their families. We are more determined than ever to fight racism by uniting all Teamsters for social and economic justice. Solidarity trumps hate.

Teamster members elected a full General Executive Board last November. Now Hoffa refuses to hold regular meetings claiming that “past practice” dictates that he’s not required to hold GEB meetings. This is in direct violation of the Teamster Constitution, which specifically requires that the Board meet once in every quarter.

John Coli is already under indictment for allegedly trading labor peace for employer payoffs of $25,000 per quarter. Now, he has been charged by the Independent Investigations Officer (IIO) for stonewalling corruption investigators.

Following an investigation of sexual harassment charges brought by a Local 20 employee, Joint Council 41 ruled against BA Martin Jay, President Richard “Chuck” Collinson, and union attorney, Dawn Christian.

The Teamster Election Supervisor ruled today that the Hoffa administration did not violate the Election Rules when it stonewalled corruption investigations. Teamsters who are demanding a rerun of the 2016 International Union election will now take their case to Judge Kathleen Roberts.

More than 100 retirees gathered outside two UPS terminals Thursday to protest a company plan to cut their pensions by 20 percent. Many are calling it the latest attack on the Central States Teamster Pension Plan.

Hoffa and Teamster local officials wined and dined UPS management at a hospitality suite held at the Central Region grievance panel last week. That’s a strange way to prepare for tough contract negotiations.

The first quarter 2017 Financial and Analytical Report of the Central States Pension Fund shows that it has treaded water over the past 12 months, due to a booming stock market. But that situation cannot last.

The UPS contract expires exactly one year from today. In the last two UPS contracts, the Hoffa-Hall crew has settled early and they have settled short. The contract expiration date gives us bargaining leverage. It’s time to use it to win the contract members deserve.