The Teamsters Union belongs to the members. The more active the members, the stronger the union.
You and your coworkers have the right to:
You also have the right to elect the leaders of the International Union, which includes all Teamster local unions in the U.S. and Canada.
The International Union supports locals with:
In 1991, Teamster members in the US and Canada had their first chance in history to elect the General President of the International Union and the other members of the General Executive Board. Future elections will be held every five years.
Every five years, the members of each local in the US and Canada also elect delegates to the International Convention. The convention sets overall policy about the programs, goals, and finances of the Teamsters Union.
The International Union has a number of Trade Divisions that provide special help for locals with members in particular industries or kinds of work. These include:
There are also three trade conferences: Bakery and Laundry Conference, Brewery and Soft Drink Workers Conference, and Dairy Conference.
Local unions in a particular city or region make up a Joint Council. In some cases, Joint Councils have formed state or multi-state conferences.
Your dues money pays for the Teamster programs and activities described on this page.
Dues are divided between the Local Union, Joint Council, and International Union, with most of the money used directly by the Local Union.
Each level of the union prepares annual financial reports. As a Teamster member, you have a right to obtain information about how your dues money is being spent.