Teamsters

Who are the Teamsters?

Before participating in an NLRB election, employees should take time to become informed about the union they are being asked to support. The outcome can affect wages, benefits, work rules, scheduling, communication with management, and other workplace issues for years to come.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has a long history dating back to 1903, but that history also includes decades of corruption scandals, federal investigations, organized crime influence, internal power struggles, and costly strikes that impacted workers and businesses alike. While the union promotes promises of stronger representation, employees should understand that unions are businesses themselves, funded by member dues and governed by their own constitutions, rules, and leadership. In many cases, workers have experienced years of negotiations, uncertainty, workplace division, and no guarantees that pay, benefits, or working conditions will improve through collective bargaining. To learn more about the Teamsters' entrenched history involving organized crime and corruption, check out the latest highlights from from InfluenceWatch.org.

• Peak membership in 1974 (2.4 million) – dropped by nearly half by 2025 (1.25 million) – long term decline shows possible inability to grow and maintain influence, according to the annual report.
• Teamsters Local 637 (Zanesville, OH) has seen a 47% decrease in membership in the last 5 years, according to the annual report.

The Teamsters Constitution and Bylaws are important documents that outline the guidelines for how a union operates. The Teamsters Constitution is 225 pages. Pay particular attention to Article XIX on Teamsters Trials, Fines and Appeals. Teamsters Local 637 Bylaws demonstrate another 38 pages of rules and regulation for its union members.

Take the time to research the union’s financial condition, priorities, leadership, and track record to help you make a more informed decision before casting a secret ballot vote. Review the Teamsters Int'l Financial Report, and IBT Local 637 Financial Report to explore how much they collect and how they spend hard-earned dues to the union.

It is important for employees to fully understand the union’s track record, and how it can impact you directly. Teamsters are no stranger to strikes. Since 2000, IBT has called 983 Work Stoppages, ordering 157,221 members to walk out the door. The average Teamsters strike last for 67 days out. How long could you afford to be on a Teamsters strike?

Since 2000, Teamsters Local 637 has been involved with 19 Elections, of which IBT 637 only won the right to represent workers on 8. Teamsters Local 637 has failed to win representation on 72% of the petitions filed with the NLRB. And 4 of 8 RD petitions filed by employees were successful to kick out and decertify IBT 637 as their exclusive representative.

Formal Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against the IBT have come from their own members for things such as the union:

• Refusing to process grievances of provide union representation when required.
• Threatening employees for filing ULP charges.
• Refusing to negotiate in good faith.
• Failing to represent employees in a fair and timely manner.

Since 2000, The Teamsters have had more than 35,000 charges filed against them. IBT Local 637 has been named in 43 alone.