Allied Shareholders Charge Racketeering
May 2, 2007: A major shareholder in Allied Automotive Group has filed a class-action suit charging that Yucaipa and the Hoffa administration entered into a secret conspiracy in May of 2006. The shareholders allege that the IBT concealed the Teamster concessions until after the November 2006 IBT election. The suit was filed on April 23 under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. It is highly doubtful that the suit, which seeks at least...
Wall Street Journal: Allied—Controversy, by the Truckload
May 2, 2007: Los Angeles billionaire Ron Burkle has stirred up controversy with his effort to take control of a big chunk of the nation's car-hauling business, with some help from former President Clinton. Click here to read the full story in the Wall Street Journal.
Forbes: DOT Delays Mexican Truck Program
The Transportation Department bowed to congressional pressure Monday and said it would allow more public scrutiny of a proposed demonstration project that would permit Mexican-based trucking companies to operate throughout the United States. Read the full story in Forbes.
New York Times: Report Assails Wal-Mart Over Unions
In its first study of how an American company treats its workers, Human Rights Watch asserted yesterday that Wal-Mart’s aggressive efforts to keep out labor unions often violated federal law and infringed on its workers’ rights. Read Steven Greenhouse's full story in the New York Times.
Labor Notes: Nichele Fulmore—Standing Up for Women Leaders in Our Unions
May 1, 2007: Nichele Fulmore has been a package car driver at UPS in Lumberton, North Carolina for over 12 years. She is a member of Teamsters Local 391 and has been a full-time steward for two years. She began organizing to reform the Teamsters when she realized that “things weren’t right, especially when members are kept in the dark.” As part of our ongoing “Women Leaders in Our Unions” series, read more about how...
LA Times: Allied Investors Sue Yucaipa, IBT
April 28, 2007: Shareholders of Allied Holdings Inc. claim that billionaire Ron Burkle's Yucaipa Cos. improperly conspired with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union to gain control of Allied in Bankruptcy Court. Read the complete story in the LA Times.
Looking for Your Officers? Check the Poker Tables
April 27, 2007: If you're having trouble finding your local officers this week, here's where they might be: Hoffa's Unity Conference, Inaugural Celebration, Golf Tournament, and Poker Tournament, all happening this week in Las Vegas. The whole gala is paid for by your dues. The Unity Conference starts on Sunday, April 29, and runs through Thursday, May 3. According to the IBT website, from Tuesday through Thursday meetings are only scheduled from 9:00 am to...
Public Citizen Sues To Stop Mexican Truck Pilot Program
April 24, 2007: Public Citizen joined environmental and labor groups late Monday in suing the federal government to challenge an illegal pilot program that will authorize up to 100 trucking companies based in Mexico to perform long-haul operations within the United States. The groups contend that the project violates federal requirements that the public receive notice and time to comment, and that it would have significant environmental and public safety repercussions. Click here to read...
Courier-Journal: Strike Against Kroger Ends
April 20, 2007: Teamsters Local 89 workers are back on the job at a Louisville warehouse and trucking operation that supplies groceries to Kroger stores across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Click here to read the full story at the Louisville Courier-Journal.
Justice Prevails: Hoffa Must Pay
April 20: Justice was slow but Hoffa and his slate have finally been forced to pay over $100,000 that they failed to pay employers during the 2006 election campaign. The Election Supervisor on March 28 ordered the Hoffa campaign to pay in full, with interest (ESD 2007 407). Hoffa had tried to convert the debt to employer contributions, but TDU attorney Barbara Harvey successfully argued that it would be illegal. Hoffa’s attorney (and son), David...
