Teamsters for a Democratic Union

Organization of rank and file members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America who sought to reform the structures and practices of the union leadership, especially in relation to the handling of union pension funds. The TDU supports candidates for local union offices and also works to prevent sweetheart deals with employers that could be detrimental to the rank and file membership. Originally organized in Cleveland, Ohio, much of the early leadership of the TDU came from Cleveland Local 407.

The Teamsters For A Democratic Union (f. 1976) was organized by rank and file members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Stablemen and Helpers of America, (IBT) who banded together in order to reform the structures and practices of the international leadership, especially in the area of financial accountability of union pension funds. An organizing convention was held at Kent State University, in Kent, Ohio, in September 1976, after the IBT national convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, refused recognition to reform delegates. Members of other dissident Teamster groups, such as Teamsters For A Decent Contract, and the Professional Drivers Council (PROD) joined with Teamsters from forty-four locals in fifteen states to draft a constitution that would enable the group to challenge the entrenched IBT leadership in its handling of union affairs and finances. The Teamsters For A Democratic Union, (TDU) now located in Detroit, Michigan, was first headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and drew much of its early leadership from Cleveland's IBT Local 407. Membership size has been difficult to ascertain as the membership list is confidential. In 1989 the TDU claimed a membership of more than 11,000 men and women in local chapters, working to effect change by running candidates for local union offices. The TDU also works to prevent sweetheart contracts between the IBT and employers that could be detrimental to the rank and file membership, particularly women and minorities. The international office of the Teamsters For A Democratic Union is now located in Detroit, Michigan.

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for the Teamsters Union