Teamsters Fight for Workers' Rights in America

Hoffa Says Bad Trade Deals Costing Thousands Of Jobs

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said Thursday that bad trade agreements made by this administration are costing thousands of workers their jobs at a time of economic uncertainty in this country.

Hoffa made his remarks at a rally with thousands of Teamsters to highlight the union's fight for workers' rights. The rally was part of the three-day "March From Hollywood to the Docks" that brought together working people from all industries, other unions and activists to the Port of Los Angeles at San Pedro.

"The Teamsters took part in this march because we believe the fight for workers' rights must be a top priority among lawmakers in this country," Hoffa said. "Our most immediate struggle is taking place now, as bad trade deals are taking the jobs of so many Americans in this country."

Hoffa said Americans greatly need a president who will put workers first and end trade deals where U.S. companies shut down their domestic plants and ship the jobs to foreign countries. The Teamsters have endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for president.

Hoffa was joined at the Teamsters rally, and at the march's final event, by workers who recently joined the Teamsters or are seeking union representation.

United Airlines mechanic Rich Petrovsky told the crowd he voted to join the Teamsters because of the union's efforts to battle outsourcing of maintenance work. Last month, a majority of mechanics voted to join the Teamsters, adding more than 9,000 new members to the union.

"Even before we became Teamsters, the union showed us their dedication and determination to keep United from outsourcing our jobs," said Petrovsky, one of the lead mechanics in the organizing effort. "That kind of representation is what workers need in this economy."

Port driver Oswaldo Hernandez said he hoped one day to join the Teamsters. The port drivers have been trying for more than 20 years to gain union representation for better wages and working conditions.

"We need a stronger voice in our workplace to keep our jobs safe," Hernandez said. "We must all stand together in solidarity and fight for workers' rights."

Hoffa said the Teamsters would not rest until the union gained economic justice for all workers. Hoffa remarked on the string of organizing victories the union has racked up this year alone -- at United Airlines, UPS Freight, DHL and with school bus drivers nationwide.

The Teamsters rally was highlighted by hundreds of members driving trucks and motorcycles to lead the union's contingent to the march's final event. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn, other Teamster leaders, United Farm Workers President Arturo Rodriguez, and Unite Here President Bruce Raynor also spoke at the rally.