Today the IBT Convention delegates voted overwhelmingly to eliminate the hated “two thirds rule” that Hoffa used to impose UPS contract givebacks in 2018 after a majority of members voted no.

The Hoffa-backed Vairma Slate opposed an OZ-Teamsters United amendment to improve strike benefits. Now they are trying to take credit for it. 

TDU members have organized for decades to completely end the Two-Thirds Rule and increase rank-and-file power in contract negotiations. This week, those changes will become a reality, thanks to united action by the O’Brien-Zuckerman Teamsters United coalition.  

The Constitution Committee voted today to recommend that the IBT Convention vote to eliminate the Two-Thirds Rule, require rank-and-file members on all contract negotiating committees, and ban the International from imposing contract supplements and riders that are rejected by the members.

The IBT Convention starts this coming Tuesday, June 22, and the fight is on to win major changes to our Teamster Constitution.

Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of the Union Army's proclamation of freedom for slaves in Texas, making a reality of the Emancipation Proclamation signed two and half years earlier. New legislation now makes Juneteenth a federal holiday. The struggle to win freedom from discrimination and economic exploitation is every day. United, we'll get there!

The Teamster Convention will be held June 22, 23, 24, online. If you want to observe the IBT Convention, and see the work of the 1,600 elected delegates, here’s what you need to know. 

Congratulations to 600 Teamsters at Washington Gas who defeated givebacks and won a new contract that includes 14% wage increases, a $1,000 lump sum payment, new disciplinary protections, and rock-solid job security.

Inflation rose 5.0% from May 2020 to May 2021, due to a large bump in May, so some UPS Teamsters will get a 33c per hour cost of living (COLA) raise on August 1, in addition to the contract wage increase of 90c. This is per Article 33 of the contract, which provides for a COLA raise to Teamster employees “who have completed their appropriate wage progression schedule.”

The IBT Convention will be held June 22, 23, and 24, online.  Around 1600 delegates elected from Local Unions will vote on amending the IBT Constitution, and will vote on who to nominate for IBT President, Secretary Treasurer and General Executive Board.

Do you want to observe the Convention online?  Here is what you need to know.

Reddaway Teamsters will decide on a tentative agreement with voting at local union halls on June 10 and 17. Overall results will be announced on June 18.