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Teamsters’ Structure
Serving the Members
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with 1.4
million members, is one of the largest labor unions in
the world. It is also the most diverse union in the U.S.
Today, it would be hard to identify a Teamster on the
streets because we are everywhere. The union represents
everyone from A to Z - from airline pilots to
zookeepers. One out of every ten union members is a
Teamster.
Local Unions
There are 521 Teamsters local unions across North
America. The local unions and their members are the
heart and backbone of the union.
Unlike other labor unions, the Teamsters Union is
structured to promote strong local unions, and strong
local leaders. Since the locals negotiate most Teamsters
contracts and provide most of the services to the
members, they keep most of the dues money. Locals retain
their own expert labor lawyers, certified public
accountants, full-time business agents, organizers, and
clerical staff.
The members of each local elect their own officers,
devise their own structure, and vote on their own
bylaws, compatible with the International Constitution
and Bylaws. While enjoying their independence, the
locals benefit from the expertise and assistance of the
International Union, and of the various conferences and
councils in the union’s structure.
Joint Councils
Teamsters Joint Councils are set up in areas with
three or more local unions. Joint Councils help
coordinate Teamsters activities in those areas. They
also help solve problems and decide some jurisdictional
and judicial matters.
Trade Divisions and Conferences
Trade divisions and conferences aid Teamsters
leaders throughout the country who share common
interests and problems. They provide an informational
clearinghouse for locals that negotiate in the same
industry or bargain with the same employer.
Local representatives discuss common problems and
concerns at regular trade division and conference
meetings.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
At the union’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., the
International Brotherhood of Teamsters supports local
unions with:
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Coordination of national contract negotiations,
political action, and organizing;
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Training and educational programs for Teamsters
officers, Business Agents, stewards and members;
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Advice and assistance from experienced organizers,
negotiators, researchers, attorneys, safety and
health professionals, auditors, and communications
specialists.
The union’s General President and General
Secretary-Treasurer serve as the executive officers of
the union. The General Executive Board consists of 22
Vice Presidents geographically located or at-large.
Three trustees, who are elected at Convention, serve as
watchdogs over the International’s finances.
Convention delegates, whom are elected locally, meet
once every five years to amend the Constitution and
adopt measures lending direction to the union. Between
Conventions, the General Executive Board, guided by the
Teamster Constitution, is the final governing body.
Elections of officers for International union office are
typically held once every five years. The next Teamsters
Convention will be held in 2006 and the national
election is scheduled for Fall 2006.
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