September 28, 2010: Teamster members can elect leadership that will fight for us.

Members are organizing now to make it happen in 2011.

Tough times require tough leadership. Our Teamsters Union was once known for its toughness. Today members face the worst benefit cuts and contract concessions in our history.

When he ran for General President, Hoffa told Teamster members, “The Hoffa name means power.” But the only power we’ve seen is the power that has gone to Hoffa’s head.

It’s time for change. The 2011 Teamster election is our chance to make it happen.

“Hoffa’s support is at rock bottom especially with everything that’s been happening in freight, carhaul, and UPS,” said Wes Epperson, a UPS driver in Kansas City Local 41. “I tell people we can elect leadership at the IBT that will fight for us, but if that’s what we want, we’ve got to get involved.”

Candidates will be officially nominated at the Teamster Convention next June.

Members in many locals are holding meetings now to prepare to run for Convention Delegate—nominations will be held in January or February in almost all locals.

Across the country, members are taking steps to build the volunteer army we will need to vote out Hoffa and elect leadership that will fight for the members.

“It will take 175,000 votes to elect the next General President,” said John Youngermann of St Louis Local 688. “We need to reach members with the simple message that their vote gives them the power to win a stronger union.”

Have you had enough of Hoffa? Do you want to attend a meeting in your area to talk about what can be done? Are you willing to volunteer your time to save our union—and elect leaders that will fight for us?

Let’s get together—for a change.