LAS VEGAS, June 30 — The International Brotherhood of Teamsters opened their 28th International Convention on June 28 with plenty of noise and a new resolve to stand up for the American Dream.
The convention opened in grand style, living up to its theme of “Vision, Solidarity, Action.” Delegates and guests were treated to a raucous tribute to the union that included images and video that were both current and historic. Members celebrated their role in the fight for workers’ rights as drummers, dancers and Harley Davidson motorcycles revved up the opening ceremony.
Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced the Teamsters had organized 135,000 new members in the past five years since their last convention — more than any other labor union in North America. Hours later, he announced that more than 3,000 Republic Airways pilots had just voted to join or remain with the Teamsters by a margin of 2-to-1.
“This is how we fight back —we organize,” Hoffa said.
Teamsters International General Secretary-Treasurer Tom Keegel also set the tone early in the day with a vow: “There’s no way they’re going to bust us or take us down because it ain’t gonna happen.”
BLET National President Dennis Pierce, himself a delegate, is leading the Rail Conference delegation made up of 78 elected representatives from the BLET and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division. As President of the Teamsters Rail Conference, Brother Pierce was seated on stage during the convention’s opening ceremonies with the IBT General Executive Board. Randy Cammack, IBT International Vice President and Temporary Chairperson of the convention, introduced President Pierce to the delegates. “I’d like to introduce at this time a great Teamster, a really great Teamster, the President of the Teamsters Rail Conference, Dennis Pierce,” Cammack said.
President Pierce is also serving on the Teamsters Constitution Committee, co-chaired by President Hoffa and GST Keegel.
“We are here to fully participate in the work of the IBT,” President Pierce said, “and the representatives of the Rail Conference are doing their best to contribute and create a presence for the Conference.”
In a special closed meeting held for Rail Conference attendees, President Pierce gave an update on the current state of the national wage negotiations as did BMWED President Freddie Simpson who is also an IBT Vice President at-large.
Upon the adjournment of the closed meeting, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa addressed the group and told them of his continuing appreciation for the contribution that rail workers make to the Teamsters and the American workforce.
According to the Teamster Constitution, the International Convention, which is held every five years, is the supreme policy-making body of the union with the power and authority to modify the Constitution, establish programs, address fiscal issues and set priorities. This week, delegates will consider a number of constitutional measures and resolutions. Delegates also have the important task of nominating candidates for the International offices of General President, General Secretary-Treasurer, Vice President and Trustees.