What Does a Teamster Union Do?
The Teamsters Union began in the early years of the 20th century by drivers who worked for little money and felt mistreated and abused. They not only were responsible for driving wagons -- then horse-drawn wagons -- but also for the load they carried. According to the Teamsters Union website, the average turn-of-the-century teamster worked 12 to 18 hours a day, seven days a week, for about $2 a day. Since then, the union has grown considerably. It is one of the largest trade unions in America and, despite its infamous historical connections to some high-profile criminal investigations, it remains highly influential across the country.
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Organize
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First and foremost, a Teamsters union is set up as a way for employees to have a mouthpiece -- an organization larger than themselves that can make their particular issues be heard. In order to reach that point, workers have to come together, to unify beneath a single umbrella. That way, many employees can communicate to their employers via a single organization.
Educate
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Teamsters place a high level of importance on ensuring that employees understand their workplace rights. This way, they are not taken advantage of by their employers or by a political system's laws. Teamsters often distribute pamphlets or have meetings with lectures and speakers in order to teach workers of a particular company or trade their rights within the law.
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Involve
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Thirdly, Teamsters try to involve workers into the organization. This can range from lobbying and protesting what they deem to be unfair or illegal practices all the way to social activities, workplace bonding and social services or charity. The Teamsters Union is involved in many industries, from beverage and food distribution to the motion picture and theatrical trades to hauling building materials and construction. In the darker days of the Teamsters, they were accused of forcing employees to become members of the union.
Negotiate
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Lastly, Teamsters negotiate and enforce contracts between employees and employers so to ensure that employees' needs are met and all laws are followed appropriately. Contracts often vary on length and scope, but they carry significantly more weight when an organized union does the negotiating as opposed to a loosely banded group of coworkers.
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