August 12, 2008: TDU members and supporters have raised over $15,000 for the Teamster reform movement this year at house parties and get-togethers in Boston, New York, and Chicago.

More events are being planned now.

The fundraising events bring together Teamster members with other unionists, labor educators, community activists and other supporters of the Teamster reform movement.

“Our meeting was positive, upbeat—and a real success. We got together in a bar, ate good food, and shared our vision for the labor movement with other Teamsters, friends from other unions, labor lawyers, and teachers,” said Gary Brooks, a member of the TDU Steering Committee and Chicago Local 705, who helped organize the July 10 Chicago event. “We were building support and crossing boundaries with people who believe in the cause—fighting for working men and women.

“It was great to see how inspiring the work of TDU is to members in other parts of the labor movement.”

The Chicago event, our most recent fundraiser, took in over $4,000. Invitations to attend were signed by author Studs Terkel.

Funds from the events help support the Teamster Rank and File Education and Legal Defense Foundation (TRF), the educational and legal arm of the Teamster reform movement.

TDU members and friends are planning more local fundraisers in the coming months, starting with a California Bay Area get-together in September. If you’re interested in setting up an event in your area, call (313) 842-2600 or email info [at] tdu.org.