The Teamsters are a large labor organization with 1.4 million members in the US across various industries. They were founded in 1903 and are a craft union with specific divisions. They have a central office in Washington, DC, and numerous local offices. The Teamsters are not just for truckers but also include workers in the airline, dairy, public service, food processing, dock, railroad, zoo, and theater industries. They are known for supporting other unions during strikes.
The Teamsters are members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the largest labor organizations in the world. In the United States alone, the Teamsters boast 1.4 million members across a diverse range of businesses that include trucking, publishing, and the theater trade. The union has gained considerable influence in the United States, where it negotiates for its members with a number of entities. The Teamsters union also contributes to political campaigns and is one of the largest political contributors in the United States; an endorsement from the Teamsters is a coveted political achievement.
The Union was founded in 1903 as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America. “Teamster,” incidentally, was a common term for someone who drove a chariot pulled by a team of animals such as horses, mules, or oxen; two working animals appear today on the union logo. The union established itself as a craft union, meaning that members were separated into divisions that focused on specific trades. This division continues to this day; a Teamster must be a member of a specific division, such as Parcel and Small Package Division for teamsters working for United Parcel Service.
The Teamsters have a central office in Washington, DC, which services numerous local offices throughout North America. When someone joins the Teamsters, they interact with the local union office. Locals are empowered to set their own policies and maintain qualified staff on their own. When locals need assistance, they can turn to the central office for help.
While some people think of the Teamsters as a union of truckers, the Teamsters are in a number of trades. Airline staff, dairy workers, people in public service, food processors, dock workers, railroad workers, zoo keepers and warehouse staff can all be Teamsters. The Teamsters also work extensively in the film and theater industries. Individual Teamster divisions often support each other during union negotiations and strikes. They also meet at annual conferences and other events that promote cooperation between all Teamster members.
Members of the Teamsters are well known for supporting the strike action of other unions. Many Teamsters refuse to picket cross and will picket with members of other unions as they hold strikes. Given the size and weight of the Teamsters, their support can be invaluable to smaller unions.
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