International Brotherhood of Teamsters

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters: A Labor Union’s Turbulent Journey

Imagine a labor union that has been around for over a century, navigating through the tumultuous waters of American history. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) is such an organization, formed in 1903 from the merger of two smaller unions: the Team Drivers International Union and the Teamsters National Union.

The Early Years

Back then, the AFL had already been helping form local unions since 1887. In 1903, a group of teamsters broke away from the AFL-affiliated Team Drivers’ International Union to form the Teamsters National Union, which was more focused on higher wages for its members. This new union merged with TDIU in 1903, forming the IBT.

Tumultuous Beginnings

The early years of the IBT were far from smooth sailing. One of their presidents, Cornelius Shea, faced allegations of embezzlement and was re-elected despite public support collapsing due to these allegations. The union’s decentralized structure often led to conflicts between different factions, making it challenging to maintain unity.

Leadership and Growth

Who could have predicted that the IBT would grow into one of the most powerful unions in the country? Let’s explore how they achieved this feat under the leadership of Daniel J. Tobin.

Tobin, who succeeded Shea as president in 1907, pushed for joint councils and discouraged strikes. He expanded the union’s organizational structure, developing a regional conference system that encouraged membership growth during the Great Depression. By the late 1930s, the IBT had grown significantly, with membership increasing by nearly 65% to over 135,000 members.

Challenges and Controversies

The union faced numerous challenges, including jurisdictional battles with other unions. A notable victory was won in 1933 when the IBT successfully challenged the United Brewery Workers. Despite these successes, corruption began to plague the organization under Tobin’s leadership.

Corruption and Reform

The Teamsters’ history is marked by both triumphs and scandals. Let’s delve into some of the most significant events that shaped the union during this period.

In 1956, Jimmy Hoffa conspired with mobster Johnny Dio to create paper locals to boost his delegate totals, leading to a national scandal and Congressional investigations. The Senate Committee on Government Operations investigated the Teamsters under Dave Beck’s leadership, uncovering corruption that increased after Beck’s retirement.

Beck was indicted for tax evasion in 1957, and support for him evaporated as he faced legal troubles. Hoffa announced his intention to seek the presidency, eventually being elected General President of the union on October 4, 1957.

The AFL-CIO Split

Corruption within the Teamsters led to a significant split with the AFL-CIO. Let’s explore how this played out.

The McClellan Committee’s investigation worsened the dispute between the AFL–CIO and the Teamsters, leading to the expulsion of the union from the federation in 1957. The Teamsters were ejected due to corruption scandals, and a new rule was enacted providing for the removal of vice presidents engaged in corruption as well as the ejection of unions considered corrupt.

Modern Challenges

The Teamsters continue to face challenges today, both internal and external. Let’s take a look at some recent developments.

In 2019, the union decided not to endorse a presidential candidate for the first time since 1996 after a poll showed over 60% supporting Donald Trump. This marked a significant shift in the union’s political stance and reflected changing dynamics within the organization.

Conclusion

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has come a long way from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential labor unions in America. Despite facing numerous challenges, including corruption scandals and internal strife, the IBT continues to play a significant role in shaping labor relations. As it moves forward, the union must address ongoing issues while striving for reform and growth.