Turning Concessions into Positive Change

December 7, 2009: Fed up with concessions and declining union power, many Teamsters are looking for a new direction.

Join with Teamsters who are fighting concessions and for positive change in our union.

There’s no doubt about it, these have been tough times for working Teamsters.

Hoffa sent Corporate America the message that the concessions stand was open in our union by bargaining givebacks at UPS when the company was making record profits.

When the economy began to tank, that concessions stand became a fire sale—with devastating consequences for working Teamsters in freight, carhaul, DHL, and many local agreements.

Many Teamsters are worried about what is happening to our union. Now some members are turning their anger into action.

As we go to press, more than 7,000 Teamsters have elected new leadership in Local 804—one of the most powerful UPS locals in the country.

By a 68 percent vote, Local 804 members rejected officers who negotiated concessions and elected new leadership and a new direction.

Local 814 members voted by 72 percent for a reform slate of officers in another rebellion against concessions and benefit cuts.

It’s a trend that needs to go national if we want to rebuild Teamster Power.

“Hoffa has given up on freight Teamsters, so freight Teamsters have given up on Hoffa,” said Leroy Olsen.

A YRC driver in Tampa, Olsen joined TDU and the Dump Hoffa campaign.

Teamsters from every industry and local are signing up at DumpHoffa.org and planning a wave of local organizing meetings at the start of the new year.

The economy is supposed to begin to recover in 2010. That’s good news. But if we want to recover from the concessions that have rocked our union it is up to us.

Help make it happen. Join TDU.

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