Jobs, Economy and Trade Focus of Teamsters' Convoy For Change

Hoffa Meets With Workers in Eastern Pennsylvania

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa kicked off the union's three-day "Working Class Convoy For Change" by meeting with workers in Eastern Pennsylvania to discuss how to keep good jobs in the state and why the Teamsters are against free trade agreements that hurt the U.S. economy.

Hoffa also spoke on other issues affecting America's working families, including how the policies of Sen. Barack Obama could greatly benefit workers. The Teamsters have endorsed Obama, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for president.

Hoffa said he was greatly concerned that just last month, nearly 3,000 people lost their jobs in Pennsylvania, more than any other state, according to the Economic Policy Institute. And since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect, companies in Pennsylvania had shut down 1,583 plants, offices and warehouses.

"The current administration has sat by while company after company shut down business in Pennsylvania, taking the jobs of so many workers out of the country," Hoffa said. "We need a president who will put U.S. workers first and keep jobs here. That will boost not only the economy, but the morale of workers and all Americans."

Hoffa met with UPS workers in Scranton and Bethlehem. He also met with workers at Ocean Logistics in Scranton. He was slated to meet with ShopRite workers in Breinigsville. Hoffa will meet with workers in Hershey, Reading and Pittsburgh on Wednesday and Thursday.

Workers spoke to Hoffa about their top priorities for this election.

"My number one issue is the economy and the war -- we need to bring those boys back home," said Grace Fadarishan, who has worked at Ocean Logistics for 31 years and has been a Teamster since 1976. "But we need jobs too. We need jobs in America. They should not be shipped overseas."

UPS driver Michael Kovaleski in Scranton said his top issues this election are security.

"My security, my family's security. Financial security, job security, physical security," Kovaleski said. "I have two young boys and the most important thing is their futures and the way things are going -- the economy, what's going on in the world -- we need a change."