The Proud History of the Teamsters
Since 1903, the Teamsters Union has helped millions of workers achieve the American Dream. Now, as North America’s strongest and most diverse labor union, the continued success is a testament to those who came before us and to those who stood up together to form a labor union. Teamsters workers have fought for the rights and privileges that today most Americans take for granted.
The best way to celebrate and appreciate the contributions that Teamsters have made to labor and American history is to learn about the struggles and victories through events that improved working and living standards for American families and communities. Click the links below to read more about the history of the Teamsters.
The best way to celebrate and appreciate the contributions that Teamsters have made to labor and American history is to learn about the struggles and victories through events that improved working and living standards for American families and communities. Click the links below to read more about the history of the Teamsters.
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EARLY YEARS
From colonial times to the turn of the last century, the men who drove horse-drawn wagons formed the backbone of North America’s wealth and prosperity. Despite their essential role as guardians of trade –the lifeblood of the economy – they remained unorganized and exploited. Read More CONTINENTAL DELIVERY Teamsters were involved in the first transcontinental delivery of goods by motor truck. As a result of that event and other similar and other similar experiences, the union became a staunch advocate for improved roads and driver safety training. Read More THE GREAT WAR The start of World War I in 1914 eventually led to an industrial boom in the U.S. that helped to drive the relentless organizing efforts of General President Tobin. Teamsters played a crucial role in the war effort. Union members helped secure military success by swiftly moving troops and supplies from ports to battle lines and providing expert knowledge in the maintenance and repair of vehicles. Read More |
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1934 MINNESOTA STRIKE
In 1934 Minneapolis was one of the major hauling centers in the United States, and the major distribution center in the Upper Midwest. Thousands of truck drivers were employed in the city's trucking industry, but many were unorganized. On May 16th, workers struck to demand union recognition, wage increases, shorter hours and the right to represent workers employed inside distribution centers. Read More |
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WORLD WAR II
In times of war, Teamsters have always answered the call to service at home and abroad. During the war, Teamsters enlisted in the armed forces and helped the military move from cavalry to motorized units. Teamsters not only were skilled drivers, but also were among the few trained to fix motor vehicles of any kind. Read More FREIGHT AGREEMENT
January 15, 1964 became a monumental day in Teamsters history when the first National Master Fright Agreement was signed in Chicago. This contract would provide solid, standardized protection and benefits to more than 450,000 over-the-road and local cartage drivers across the country Read More |
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CIVIL RIGHTS
Dignity in the workplace does not only come from good contracts. It comes from equality — something the Teamsters Union has fought for from its beginning. Women’s rights, civil rights, the rights of migrant workers, protections for minor, senior and disabled workers are just a few of the causes The Teamsters have taken up in the name of fairness. Read More |
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D.R.I.V.E
In 1959, The Teamsters recognized the need to develop comprehensive legislative and political programs within the union following the passage of the Landrum-Griffin bill and other anti-labor legislation. In November of that year, James R Hoffa called for the Teamsters to develop a political action program with member support. D.R.I.V.E (Democratic, Republican, Independent Voter Education) was born. Read More |
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