Explain How The Teamsters Have Played A Part In Your Family's Life

During the summer of my freshman year in college, I worked for a small private landscaping company planting shrubs, seeding new lawns, cutting grass, and tending flower gardens. The company was located in my hometown of Seaview, N.J., which is a rural community on the coast about 80 miles from Philadelphia. The company was owned and run by Joe Brewster, a 45-year-old man who had lived in Seaview all his life. He had started the company some years ago and not only handled the paperwork (payroll, bills, estimates, and so on), but also worked along with the crew six days a week.

With a waiting line for a full-time job so long that it will be another five years before Cortez would achieve full-time status. Teamster 's union strategists and the UPS bargaining committee took a look at the problem of part-timers like Cortez. Knowing that his future was up in the air, Cortez and others sharing his interests would unite and keep the union members on the picket line as long as necessary (http://www.igc.org/dbacon/Strikes/07ups.htm).

Another issue in negotiations was full-time versus part-time positions. UPS employees argued that too many workers were working 35-45 hours a week, often at two different jobs, for part-time pay. Having about two-thirds of all teamsters being part-time this was a central issue. They wanted these part-time positions to be converted into full-time positions. UPS claimed that it did not want to guarantee full-time positions because of fluctuations in work and wants flexibility for competitive reasons (UPS vs Teamsters). Along with full-time positions and the pension arguments, strikers wanted limits on giving work to subcontractors, and health and safety improvements.

Over the years, my father, has benefited significantly from being part of two unions. Primarily, he is a member of IAFF, a fire department union that has provided him with many perks and advantages that have allowed us to survive in the “anti-middle-class” society that we have lived in. For example, a significant portion of his income is generated from overtime, which has been made possible as a result of the union. In addition, my father has earned a sizeable pension that will allow him to retire easier in the future and still earn a decent weekly income. Finally, he is eligible for health, vision and dental insurance through the fire department, as well as workers’ compensation in case of injury. This is particularly important in the fire

The purpose of this paper is to explain how the administration and membership of the Teamsters Union are organized. The Teamsters was started in 1903 as a merger of the two driving associations. Teamsters are organized with Local Unions, Joint Councils, Trade Divisions and Conferences and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBOT).

Between 1875 and 1900, with the growth of industrial factories that pushed the American economy to the top. Big business owners, such as Carnegie and Pullman left workers in horrid conditions and with low wages they could barely survive on. There was growing tension between the organized workers and the management of the factories. The workers went on strike and rioted, but this did little to help the horrid conditions they were living in. Organized labor was not successful in greatly improving the position and living of workers. During this time workers were not seen as individuals, but as part of a machine to get a job done. The strikes that occurred were often violent and fatal for both sides. Lastly, society saw the labor unions as evil

Joining this union meant a greater weekly income (than that of an un-unionized worker) that allows my father to fully support my family and me. It also meant better benefits as well, like health insurance that includes my brother

Coming from a family that relies on unions has greatly influenced my outlook on life. I was raised believing that being in a union was the best option, and this is what I truly think. My father and step father are both union stewards. My dad works for AT&T and has belonged to IBEW Local 21 for almost 21 years now. My step dad has been a part of Laborers Local 477 for 11 years. About three years ago, he became a correctional officer where he joined FOP and AFSCME in addition to the Laborer’s. Growing up around these two men has empowered me to fight for what I believe in both in work, school, and in life.

During the Progressive Era of the Gilded Age, many laborers were being mistreated by the companies that they worked for. Because of this, workers started forming labor unions or organized association of workers, formed to protect and further their rights and interests. Many of these labor unions failed, while few of them achieved their goals and still exist today. Many factors contributed to the failure of these labor unions. The labor unions were given a bad image, the reason for this was the media, and they did this by publishing articles depicting the unions as violent, communist groups. The government supported big business during this time, since the government had a lot of power; this was a huge setback in the labor unions’ battles.

The Teamsters Union derived from a group of people who fought for the freedoms most Americans do not appreciate today. They stood together to develop the American Dream to start union and labor movement. This advancement helped the working and living standards for the people of America, gaining privileges and rights within their communities and families. Teamsters has the most strength and diverse labor union in North America. The group began by connecting two leading team driver associations in 1903. Team Driver’s International was the original name, then becoming the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and years later going by The Teamsters Union. They were the sturdiness of economic growth in America, but needed to come together to seize their participation with corporations tending to be more self-concerned. The Teamsters Union still has the same goals and tactics today. They are striving for change on global labor and trade, state and living wages, the United States Labor alone, and social justice.

However, the power of employees has grown considerably since the early 1990s. Even though UPS was a manager owned private firm, the employees went on strike in 1997 and successfully obtained wage rises and other benefits. Federal Express handed out $20 Million worth of bonuses at the same time to thank their employees as well as make sure that they did not consider similar actions. This shows that employee power has increased in recent times leading to lower industry attractiveness.

The labor union movement over the years has shaped the way individuals work and live for both the nicest and unpleasant. Some would think the unions influence has created a power struggle between management and union leaders. In today’s time, some citizens insist the existence of unions are a must to aid in employee freedom, while others view the labor unions as just another problem in the line of progress. The purpose of labor unions was for employed workers to come together and collectively agree on fundamental workplace objectives. The rise of the union came about after the Civil War- responding to the industrial economy. Surprisingly at the least unions became popular within the 1930-50’s and began to slowly decrease,

The rise of capitalism as the dominant economic system in the United States made the rise of unions inevitable; given the natural division between those with capital that control the means of production, and labor, who is treated simply as another factor of production (Hodson & Sullivan, 2008). While labor unions have made significant improvements to the working environment, with the regulation of safety, environment, labor and wage; labor unions have also contributed to the decline of U.S. dominance in industries like steel, automotive, education and airlines. In today’s global economy, can labor unions continue to be a force for good in the United States, or have they become harmful institutions?

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers has had an immense impact on my life. My father has been part of this union for over twenty years and it has been very important for my family. This union has not only helped my family, but it has also made my childhood very enjoyable with all of the events that are hosted for the families of union members. The union has hosted an annual Christmas party that was welcome for my family to attend, it has picnics in the summer for all to enjoy, and most importantly, the union has helped my family financially.

Labor Unions have had an effect of American history as well as world-wide history from the time they became popular. Following WWII Americans were predominantly pro-labor, however, as time went on union’s credibility fell short of perfect. Union strikes proved to be bothersome to both the general public and company. Unions were also suppressing to employees through fraud and lack of worker rights (in earlier years, before Acts were passed). Although Union labor had its shortcomings, this type of labor is noted to be the most productive and economically beneficial. With both sides shown, I feel Unions will again thrive in the future with a few key adjustments made.