Record numbers of Teamsters are striking for better contracts. New International Union leadership has been backing members with enhanced strike benefits of $1,000 a week.

But some candidates for Teamster office have proposed slashing International Union funding by as much as 32%—a move that would end enhanced strike benefits, threaten the strike fund, harm Teamster organizing, and weaken contract fights.

In their campaign literature, Richard Hooker and the Fearless Slate claim that slashing the International Union’s dues income by nearly one third is a “modest cut.” Imagine management trying the same argument about a 32 percent wage cut!

The consequences of this plan would be devastating for members.

The International Union’s budget would be slashed by $71.5 million a year. That’s more than the $63.8 million the International Union spent on strike benefits all last year. 

“Having a strong strike fund and $1,000 benefits is not just helping win strikes. It has helped us win strong contracts without having to strike because management knows we are ready to strike if we have to,” said Indiana Local 135 President Dustin Roach.

Diverting Your Dues

Where would the $71.5 million in funding cuts go? Not to the members. 

The proposed plan diverts dues from the International Union to the locals. They call this “decentralizing” dues income. But Teamster dues are already decentralized.

Local unions get nearly 78% of your dues. Only a fraction of members’ dues go to the International Union—just 22 cents out of every dollar. Much of that 22 cents is earmarked for organizing and the strike fund. 

“Increasing my local’s dues income is not going to help my members one bit if it comes at the expense of killing the International’s ability to help us win organizing drives, contract campaigns, and strikes,” said Alano De La Rosa, the principal officer of Des Moines Local 90. “This plan wouldn’t help small locals. It would kill us.”

It’s worth noting that no Teamster dues are used for political contributions. Teamster political action is funded by voluntary contributions by members to DRIVE, the Teamster political action fund. DRIVE stands for Democrat Republican Independent Voter Education.

Teamster Convention Vote

The Fearless Slate has floated different proposals to gut the International Union’s finances ranging from 10% to 32%.

All of them would undermine Teamster power just when we need more organizing, contract campaigns and bargaining leverage—not less.

Any proposed amendment will be voted on by delegates at the Teamster Convention in June.

“We’re in the fight of our lives at UPS and as a labor movement,” said New York Local 804 President Vincent Perone. “Now is not the time to be undercutting our ability to stand up to employers.”

Teamsters Need A Strike Fund

“Having a strong strike fund and $1,000 benefits is not just helping win strikes. It has helped us win strong contracts without having to strike because management knows we are ready to strike if we have to.” Dustin Roach, Indiana Local 135 President

Small Locals Need a Strong International

“Increasing my local’s dues income is not going to help my members one bit if it comes at the expense of killing the International’s ability to help us win organizing drives, contract campaigns, and strikes." Alano De La Rosa, Des Moines Local 90 Principal Officer

Standing Up to Corporate Power

“We’re in the fight of our lives at UPS and as a labor movement. Now is not the time to be undercutting our ability to stand up to employers.” Vincent Perrone, New York Local 804 President