May 22, 2009: The Hoffa administration is quietly raising the dues of road drivers without a vote, or any change in the IBT constitution.

We need to say No in a unified voice.

It’s already taken effect in some locals, including Cleveland Local 407, where president Frank Burdell is on Hoffa’s payroll. Road drivers got hit with a $7 per month dues hike two months after taking a wage cut at YRC!

But some locals have just said No to the dues hike. The International is telling certain locals to use the average yearly gross income of road drivers, and base dues on that figure, resulting in a hefty dues hike.

If members take this lying down, you can bet that this sneaky dues hike will spread to tens of thousands of mileage-paid Teamsters, who work under freight, carhaul, UPS, tankhaul, grocery distribution, and various other contracts.

Violates IBT Guidelines

The dues hike violates the International Union’s own guidelines.

On June 12, 2002, the International Union issued guidelines that state: “For those members whose earnings are calculated on the basis of mileage, the equivalent hourly wage rate stated in the contract for work performed shall be used.” Nothing has changed in the IBT Constitution to warrant this hike.

Hoffa administration officials have given themselves nice raises every year. Now they want more money from drivers who are taking concessions. It comes down to greed. And whether or not members will say No.

Local 604 Says No

St. Louis Local 604 was told to raise the dues of all of its carhaul drivers. Their secretary-treasurer, John Thyer, responded explaining that the local was in compliance with dues guidelines and the constitution.

If your local union tries to raise road drivers’ dues without a membership vote, contact TDU.