Members and officers in Chicago Local 786 are challenging Hoffa's takeover of their union. They say Hoffa's authorized trusteeship serves Hoffa power brokers in the Joint Council like Terry Hancock, and the former JC 25 President John Coli who has plead guilty to taking employer payoffs and is headed to jail. This summer, Joint Council offices were raided by FBI agents. An investigation is ongoing. 

The 1300 Teamster members who work for USF Reddaway will receive ballots mailed September 13 to vote on a new tentative agreement. It has been over ten years since the last contract was negotiated; since then the concessionary MOUs have impacted the contract.

Happy Labor Day Weekend, from your brothers and sisters in Teamsters for a Democratic Union.

Jack Cooper Teamsters will vote in each local union, some time between September 6 and 9, at the local union hall or a location near the terminal. Members should contact their local for details of when and where the vote will be held.

UPDATED August 6, 2019. Jack Cooper’s 2200 Teamsters will vote on a contract proposal for a new company, which would take over Cooper’s assets. Wages and health benefits would remain the same: the major change would be a reduction in the new employer’s pension contribution.

Teamsters employed under the national carhaul contract by Jack Cooper Transport are going to face a hard decision next week, as proposed concessions will be unveiled.

Former Chicago Teamster power-broker John Coli pleaded guilty two days ago, and has agreed to cooperate in investigations in exchange for a sentence of less than two years in prison.

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 397 – the Butch Lewis Pension Act. The vote comes following five years of intensive organizing by hundreds of retired and active Teamsters who worked to protect the pensions they earned. This grassroots effort was spearheaded by the National United Committee to Protect Pensions. The committee eventually garnered the support of the IBT, Central States, and a range of elected representatives. TDU helped initiate this effort in 2014.

The concessionary UPS contract that was rejected by UPS Teamsters isn’t doing much for the members, but it is paying off for management. In a flurry of press releases over the last 24 hours, UPS announced that profits are rising and the company will use lower-paid 22.4 drivers to make Sunday deliveries starting in January.

HR 397 – The Butch Lewis Act is expected to be voted on in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, July 24. Teamsters and allies are asked to call their House representative and ask them to vote YES on the bill. Click here for The House switchboard directory. The National United Committee to Protect Pensions will have Teamster activists present in the House Chamber when votes are cast.