Teamster

Teamster is a term used in the United States and Canada to refer to a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a labor union. The term originally referred to a person who drove a team of draft animals, usually a wagon drawn by oxen, horses, or mules. This historical usage is now obsolete, but the term teamster remains in use within the North American trade union movement.

History

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 through the merger of several local and regional haulers' unions. The union's original members were largely team drivers, who were in high demand in the early 20th century due to the need for transport of goods and materials. Over time, the union expanded to include a wide range of professions related to transportation and logistics.

Role and Responsibilities

A teamster in the modern sense is a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union. The union represents a wide range of professions, including truck drivers, warehouse workers, nurses, construction workers, and more. Teamsters are involved in collective bargaining, advocating for better wages, safer working conditions, and fair treatment in the workplace.

Influence

The Teamsters Union is one of the largest and most powerful labor unions in North America, with over 1.4 million members in the United States and Canada. The union has played a significant role in labor history and politics, particularly in the mid-20th century. The Teamsters have been influential in shaping labor laws, promoting workers' rights, and influencing political discourse on labor issues.

Controversies

The Teamsters Union has faced several controversies throughout its history, including allegations of corruption and organized crime involvement. The most notable of these was the conviction of former Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa on charges of jury tampering, attempted bribery, and fraud in 1964.

See Also

• Labor unions in the United States
• History of labor law in the United States
• Jimmy Hoffa