Teamsters’ Structure

Serving the Members
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with 1.5 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 more than 568 Teamster 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 Teamster 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
Teamster joint councils are set up in areas with three or more local unions. Joint councils help coordinate Teamster activities in those areas. They also help solve problems and decide some jurisdictional and judicial matters.

Trade Divisions and Conferences
Trade divisions and conferences aide Teamster local leaders throughout the country who share common interests and problems. They provide an information clearing-house 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:

The union’s General President and General Secretary-Treasurer serve as the executive officers of the union. The General Executive Board consists of 17 vice presidents, geographically located. Three trustees, who are elected at Convention, serve as watchdogs over the International’s finances.

Authority flows from the International Convention, which serves as the union’s highest governing body. Delegates, which 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 authority.

In 1991, Teamsters members had their first chance in history to elect the officers of the International. Future elections will be held every five years.

Send mail to webmaster@teamsterslocal854.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2000 International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 854
This website was designed and developed by USi Corporation.  www.usicorporation.com