2nd day of Teamsters convention
I need to make two corrections to my day 1 report.
The merger between Sysco (not Cisco) and US foods was halted as a result of the IBT’s opposition.
Also, the monetary fines issued some nations exceeded their GDP, not annual economic revenue, as I stated.
Now on to Day 2.
The focus of the day was Organizing in North America and Solidarity with our Union allies worldwide.
The convention was addressed by five guest speakers.
Len McCluskey General Secretary of Britain’s largest union, Unite, was the first. Unite has 4.1 million members. “Teamsters are the most iconic trade union in the world and you should be proud,” McCluskey said.
The National Secretary of Australia’s Transport Workers Union, Tony Sheldon, stated, “Teamsters are one of the strongest, most successful forces for economic justice.” Sheldon went on to say the Teamsters have always stood with us in fierce battles, and we stand with the Teamsters.
Ed Smith of ULLICO, President and CEO addressed the delegation. ULLICO is a Union owned and operated insurance and investment company. “Every union in the world knows the Teamsters,” Smith said.
UFC Heavy Weight Champion Stipe Miocic addressed the convention. Miocic is a Teamster by from Cleveland.
Others guests were Leslie Marshall, a syndicated radio program host that features Labor topics. The Swon Brothers, who are sons of a Teamster and were contestants on the TV show The Voice performed.
Teamster General Secretary-Treasurer gave a financial report. Finances are stronger than ever in the history of the IBT. The financial standing of the union provides the means to represent its members and take on key fights to make the union stronger.
The following resolutions were passed, executive pay/capital strategies; freight organizing; warehouse organizing; and port organizing.
Nominations for At Large Vice Presidents and Trustees took place. As always, this is a sight to see. There are two slates seeking election. The Hoffa/Hall slate is well organized and heavily out-numbers the other slate. Hoffa/Hall supporters show their support by wearing Red vests with Hoffa/Hall printed on them. The BLET is supporting the Hoffa/Hall slate.
The nominations are conducted from the floor of the delegation and it gets very loud. Not what we are accustomed to at our National conventions.
The voting for the nominations of At Large Vice Presidents and Trustees took place after 17:00 when the convention recessed for Day 2. For a nominee to be eligible, they must receive 5% of the elected delegate votes accepted.
I have attached the Convention News from Day One to this email.
In Solidarity
Steve Wells
GCA 900 – Delegate