Teamsters and Membership
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) formed by a merger of two driver associations in 1903. The Teamsters Union is typically colleagued with the trucking industry, but they have increasingly ventured out to other occupations in a number of industries to increase membership numbers and dues revenue.
One topic that often comes to mind when discussing the Teamsters Union is corruption. This union has an infamous past with almost legendary stories of influence by organized crime, abuse by officials and disregard for its members.
The big question is: is the Teamsters Union any different today? According to union news headlines and articles, the answer is a resounding NO.
Membership
In the 1970s, the Teamsters Union claimed to have 2.2 million members. Fast forward to today and the Union has lost almost a million members.
Fewer members mean less dues money, so in recent years the Teamsters Union has been trying to recruit everyone - parking attendants, blood collection workers - to increase membership.
Teamsters Union Membership
Source: Department of Labor
Representation
The Teamsters Union filed 3,730 representation petitions for election with the NLRB in the last 10 years. However, the Union wound up winning just about 47.6% of the time.
It's hard to grow a union much less stay even when the majority of employees turn you down time after time.
Teamsters Union Petitions for Representation
Source: Bloomberg BNA
Decertification
And rather than adding new members, despite the difficult nature of getting the union out, the Teamsters Union has been involved in 681 decertification petitions since 2015, where union members petitioned to end the union representation. The Union was only able to win 17% of the decertification petitions filed, again not a good sign for a struggling union.
Teamsters Union Petitions for Decertification
Source: Bloomberg BNA
Our Sysco Allentown
This website is designed as a resource for our colleagues and their families as they consider their options regarding unionization in today's workplace. The decision of whether or not to be represented by a union is an important one, for many reasons. More ››
Do You Have Questions?
If you have any questions, please ask here; or, reach out to any of your managers or supervisors and we will be happy to answer any of the questions that you may have.
Please Vote
Casting your vote is extremely important. Don't let other people decide your future without having a say. The election outcome will be determined by the majority of the colleagues who vote. More ››
Independent Resources
Sysco Allentown is committed to answering your questions and to providing you important facts to consider before you decide if you want to entrust your job and your future to the Teamsters. Some independent resources you may want to contact and research:
Center for Independent Employees (Free Legal Advice)
National Right to Work Foundation (Free Legal Advice and Information)
Additional Resources
To learn more about unions, check out these resources:
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