TDU members take pride in our role in helping create the most democratic election rules in the labor movement, with supervision by an independent Election Supervisor.

In fact, TDU won the Right to Vote for International Union officers. In 1987, the U.S. Justice Department tried to put the union under a government trusteeship.

TDU launched a campaign under the slogan: "No Government Control, No Mob Control, Give Teamsters the Right to Vote." In 1989, we won!

For over 30 years, TDU proposed a number of key rules, including giving members the right to campaign in employee parking lots at any Teamster employer and the debate between candidates for General President.

TDU has gone to court to improve the rules and to protect members’ rights.

TDU has met with every Election Supervisor, including the current one, Judge Timothy S. Hillman (retired).

TDU has helped countless members with election protests and won many key cases.

Click here to read the proposed 2025-2026 Rules and an election timeline.

If you have questions about the election rules or process, contact TDU – we’re the experts!