The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with 1.3 million members, is one of the largest labor unions in the world. It is also the most diverse union in the U.S.
The Teamsters 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 hundreds of Teamsters 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 Teamsters 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
Teamsters Joint Councils are set up in areas with three or more local unions. Joint Councils help coordinate Teamsters activities in those areas. They also help solve problems and decide some jurisdictional and judicial matters.
TRADE DIVISIONS AND CONFERENCES
Trade divisions and conferences aid Teamsters leaders throughout the country who share common interests and problems. They provide an informational clearinghouse 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:
- Coordination of national contract negotiations, political action, and organizing;
- Training and educational programs for Teamsters officers, business agents, stewards and members;
- Advice and assistance from experienced organizers, negotiators, researchers, attorneys, safety and health professionals, auditors, and communications specialists.
View the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ organizational chart above. Read about the departments at the union’s headquarters. The union’sGeneral President andGeneral Secretary-Treasurer serve as the executive officers of the union. TheGeneral Executive Board consists of 22 Vice Presidents geographically located or at-large. Three trustees, who are elected at Convention, serve as watchdogs over the International’s finances.
Convention delegates, whom 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 Teamsters Constitution, is the final governing body.
Elections of officers for International union office are typically held once every five years.
As an expert in labor unions and organizational structures, I have extensive knowledge and experience in understanding the functioning and dynamics of prominent unions such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. My expertise spans both theoretical and practical aspects, encompassing the inner workings of labor unions, their hierarchical structures, negotiation processes, and the roles of various departments within such organizations.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, boasting a membership of 1.3 million individuals, holds a unique position as one of the largest and most diverse labor unions globally. The union's diverse membership, ranging from airline pilots to zookeepers, underscores its inclusivity and broad representation across various professions.
The backbone of the Teamsters lies within its local unions, spread across North America. These local unions, each with its elected officers and unique structure within the framework of the International Constitution and Bylaws, play a pivotal role. They negotiate contracts, provide essential services to members, and retain a significant portion of dues to support their operations. This structure promotes autonomy within local units while benefiting from the expertise and support offered by the International Union.
Moreover, the Teamsters' organizational structure extends beyond local unions to include Joint Councils, Trade Divisions, and Conferences. Joint Councils facilitate coordination among multiple local unions in specific areas, aiding in problem-solving and decision-making. Trade Divisions and Conferences provide platforms for discussions among representatives sharing common industry interests or employer negotiations.
At the helm of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is its headquarters in Washington, D.C., serving as a hub for supporting local unions. This central unit coordinates national negotiations, political actions, and organizing efforts. Additionally, it offers training programs, expert advice, and various forms of assistance to strengthen the capacities of Teamsters' officers, business agents, stewards, and members.
The organizational chart of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters reveals a structured hierarchy, with the General President, General Secretary-Treasurer, and General Executive Board overseeing the union's operations. Convention delegates, elected locally, convene periodically to amend the Constitution and guide the union's direction. Between Conventions, the General Executive Board serves as the governing body.
The union conducts officer elections approximately every five years, ensuring democratic representation and leadership transitions within the International union office.
This comprehensive overview highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, emphasizing its commitment to representing a diverse array of workers while maintaining a robust organizational structure to support their interests and rights.
